Best-Rated Movies from 1997

The year 1997 was an incredible time for cinema, offering a diverse slate of films that have since become classics. From epic blockbusters that shattered box office records to quiet, character-driven dramas that touched the hearts of audiences and critics alike, the movies of this year left a lasting impact. Filmmakers were pushing boundaries with storytelling and visual effects, creating experiences that were both groundbreaking and deeply personal. It was a year that truly had something for everyone, and many of the stories told are still celebrated and discussed today.

Looking back, it’s clear that 1997 was a landmark year that helped shape the future of filmmaking. The industry saw the rise of new talent and the solidification of legendary careers. The films on this list represent the best of the best from that time, showcasing a remarkable range of genres and styles. Whether you were captivated by historical romance, mind-bending science fiction, or gritty crime thrillers, these movies delivered unforgettable moments and compelling narratives that continue to resonate with viewers decades later.

‘Life Is Beautiful’ (1997)

This acclaimed Italian film tells the story of Guido Orefice, a Jewish Italian bookshop owner. In the first half of the film, he uses his vibrant imagination and sense of humor to win the heart of a woman named Dora. Their happy life together is established as they build a family and raise their son, Giosuè. The story is full of charm and romance as Guido creates a fairy-tale life for his family in their small town.

The film’s tone shifts dramatically in the second half when Guido and Giosuè are taken to a concentration camp. Determined to protect his son from the horrors of their reality, Guido uses his imagination to convince the boy that the entire experience is an elaborate game. He creates a complex set of rules where the grand prize for winning is a real tank. Roberto Benigni directed and co-wrote the film, in which he also stars as Guido.

‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997)

‘Princess Mononoke’ is a celebrated animated film from Studio Ghibli, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The story is set in the late Muromachi period of Japan and follows a young Emishi prince named Ashitaka. After his village is attacked by a demon, Ashitaka is afflicted with a deadly curse that gives him superhuman strength but will eventually kill him. He journeys to the west to find a cure and understand the origin of the demon.

During his travels, Ashitaka finds himself in the middle of a bitter conflict between the humans of Iron Town and the gods of the surrounding forest. Iron Town, led by the determined Lady Eboshi, prospers by clear-cutting the forest to mine for iron. This enrages the forest spirits and animal gods, including the wolf goddess Moro and her human daughter, San, who is known as Princess Mononoke. Ashitaka tries to find a way for both sides to coexist peacefully.

‘Titanic’ (1997)

‘Titanic’ is an epic romance and disaster film directed, written, co-produced, and co-edited by James Cameron. The movie is a fictionalized account of the sinking of the famous ship, centered on a love story between two passengers from different social classes. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jack Dawson, a poor artist who wins his third-class ticket in a poker game. Kate Winslet portrays Rose DeWitt Bukater, a young woman from a wealthy family who is unhappily engaged to a domineering industrialist, Cal Hockley.

Jack and Rose meet aboard the ship and quickly fall in love, despite the rigid social structures that are meant to keep them apart. Their passionate romance unfolds against the backdrop of the ship’s maiden voyage. The story takes a tragic turn when the supposedly unsinkable vessel strikes an iceberg in the North Atlantic. The film then follows Jack and Rose as they fight for survival amidst the chaos and destruction as the massive ship goes down.

‘L.A. Confidential’ (1997)

‘L.A. Confidential’ is a neo-noir crime film directed by Curtis Hanson, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Brian Helgeland. Based on James Ellroy’s novel, the story is set in 1950s Los Angeles and explores the dark side of Hollywood glamour and police corruption. The plot follows three very different LAPD officers who become entangled in a web of conspiracy and violence following a massacre at a coffee shop.

The main characters are Officer Bud White, an aggressive cop with a soft spot for abused women, Sergeant Ed Exley, a straight-laced and ambitious detective determined to rise through the ranks, and Sergeant Jack Vincennes, a flashy narcotics detective who also serves as a technical advisor for a TV show. The cast includes Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, and Kim Basinger. As the three officers investigate the crime, they uncover a deep-seated corruption that reaches the highest levels of power in the city.

‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997)

‘Good Will Hunting’ tells the story of Will Hunting, a self-taught genius who works as a janitor at MIT. The film was directed by Gus Van Sant and stars Matt Damon, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Ben Affleck. Will can solve complex mathematical problems that stump graduate students, but he struggles with a troubled past and an inability to form meaningful relationships.

After he solves a difficult equation left on a chalkboard, a professor at the university takes an interest in him. As part of a deferred prosecution agreement for assaulting a police officer, Will is required to study mathematics and attend therapy sessions. He connects with a compassionate therapist named Dr. Sean Maguire, played by Robin Williams. Sean helps Will confront his past trauma and figure out what he truly wants from his life and his incredible gifts.

‘Boogie Nights’ (1997)

‘Boogie Nights’ is a drama written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film explores the adult film industry in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The story follows a young nightclub dishwasher named Eddie Adams, played by Mark Wahlberg, who is discovered by an adult film director named Jack Horner. Jack believes Eddie has the potential to be a huge star.

Eddie changes his name to Dirk Diggler and quickly rises to fame in the industry, enjoying the lavish and hedonistic lifestyle that comes with it. He becomes part of a makeshift family of actors and filmmakers. However, the film also chronicles the darker side of the industry and the eventual decline of its “Golden Age” with the rise of home video. The story examines themes of family, ambition, and the consequences of excess.

‘As Good as It Gets’ (1997)

‘As Good as It Gets’ is a romantic comedy directed by James L. Brooks, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Melvin Udall, a misanthropic and obsessive-compulsive novelist living in New York City. Melvin is rude to everyone he meets and is stuck in a rigid daily routine. The only person who can tolerate him is a waitress at his usual breakfast spot, a single mother named Carol Connelly, played by Helen Hunt.

Melvin’s life is thrown into disarray when he is forced to care for his gay neighbor Simon’s dog after Simon is brutally assaulted. At the same time, Carol has to leave her job to care for her chronically ill son. To regain some semblance of his routine, Melvin agrees to pay for her son’s medical care so she can return to work. These new responsibilities force Melvin to step outside of his comfort zone and form unexpected connections with Carol and Simon.

‘The Full Monty’ (1997)

‘The Full Monty’ is a British comedy directed by Peter Cattaneo. The film is set in Sheffield, England, during a period of high unemployment after the closure of the local steel mills. The story follows a group of out-of-work friends who are struggling with their financial and personal lives. After seeing the excitement generated by a touring Chippendales dance troupe, one of them, Gaz, gets an idea.

Gaz convinces his friends to form their own male stript*ase act. He promises that their show will be even better because they will go “the full monty,” meaning they will get completely naked. The film follows their hilarious and often touching journey as they learn to dance, overcome their insecurities, and prepare for their one-night-only performance. The group includes actors like Robert Carlyle and Mark Addy.

‘Jackie Brown’ (1997)

‘Jackie Brown’ is a crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, based on the novel ‘Rum Punch’ by Elmore Leonard. The film stars Pam Grier in the title role as a flight attendant who gets caught smuggling money for an arms dealer named Ordell Robbie, played by Samuel L. Jackson. When she is arrested by law enforcement, she is faced with a choice between prison time or helping the authorities catch Ordell.

Instead of choosing a side, Jackie decides to play both sides against each other. She devises a clever and elaborate plan to steal a large sum of Ordell’s money for herself. To pull it off, she enlists the help of a bail bondsman named Max Cherry, portrayed by Robert Forster, who becomes infatuated with her. The film features Tarantino’s signature non-linear storytelling and sharp dialogue as Jackie’s dangerous scheme unfolds.

‘The Sweet Hereafter’ (1997)

‘The Sweet Hereafter’ is a Canadian drama film written and directed by Atom Egoyan. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Russell Banks. It tells the story of a small town in British Columbia that is devastated by a tragic school bus accident that kills most of the town’s children. A big-city lawyer named Mitchell Stephens arrives to represent the grieving families in a class-action lawsuit.

The film’s narrative is presented in a non-linear fashion, weaving together scenes from before, during, and after the accident. It explores the profound grief and anger of the community members as the lawyer tries to find someone to blame for the tragedy. Through his investigation and interviews with the survivors and parents, deep-seated secrets and resentments within the town are brought to the surface, complicating the search for truth and justice.

‘Donnie Brasco’ (1997)

‘Donnie Brasco’ is a crime drama directed by Mike Newell and based on a true story. The film stars Johnny Depp as Joe Pistone, an FBI agent who goes undercover in the 1970s to infiltrate the Bonanno crime family in New York City. He assumes the identity of a jewel thief named Donnie Brasco and manages to gain the trust of a low-level, aging hitman named Benjamin “Lefty” Ruggiero, played by Al Pacino.

As Donnie becomes more deeply embedded in the Mafia, the lines between his real identity and his undercover persona begin to blur. He develops a genuine friendship with Lefty, who vouches for him and treats him like a son. This puts immense strain on his marriage and his own sense of self. The film explores the psychological toll of undercover work and the complex relationships formed within the criminal underworld.

‘The Fifth Element’ (1997)

‘The Fifth Element’ is a science fiction action film directed and co-written by Luc Besson. Set in the 23rd century, the story centers on Korben Dallas, a former special forces major who now works as a taxi driver in a futuristic New York City. His ordinary life is turned upside down when a mysterious young woman named Leeloo falls through the roof of his cab.

Leeloo is the physical embodiment of the fifth element, a divine being who is the key to saving Earth from a great evil that appears every 5,000 years. Korben finds himself tasked with protecting her and helping her unite the other four elements of earth, air, fire, and water to stop the impending destruction. The film is known for its unique visual style, imaginative world-building, and blend of action, comedy, and romance. Bruce Willis stars as Korben, and Milla Jovovich plays Leeloo.

‘Men in Black’ (1997)

‘Men in Black’ is a science fiction action comedy directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. The film stars Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith as two agents of a secret organization that monitors and polices alien activity on Earth. Agent K is a seasoned veteran of the Men in Black, while Agent J is a former NYPD officer who is recruited into the agency after a memorable encounter with an extraterrestrial.

The plot follows the new partners as they uncover an intergalactic plot by a giant alien bug who has come to Earth to assassinate two ambassadors from opposing galaxies. The agents must stop the creature before it can steal a powerful energy source and trigger an interstellar war that would result in the destruction of the planet. The film is known for its witty dialogue, creative alien designs, and the chemistry between its two leads.

‘Gattaca’ (1997)

‘Gattaca’ is a science fiction drama written and directed by Andrew Niccol. The film is set in a future society driven by eugenics, where individuals are defined by their DNA. People are either “valids,” who are conceived through genetic selection, or “in-valids,” who are conceived naturally and are considered genetically inferior. The story follows Vincent Freeman, an in-valid who dreams of traveling to space.

To achieve his goal, Vincent assumes the identity of a valid man named Jerome Morrow, who was paralyzed in an accident. He uses Jerome’s superior genetic samples to trick the system at the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation. As he gets closer to his dream of joining a mission to one of Saturn’s moons, a murder investigation at the company threatens to expose his true identity. The film stars Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law.

‘Face/Off’ (1997)

‘Face/Off’ is an action film directed by John Woo. The story revolves around a relentless FBI agent named Sean Archer, played by John Travolta, who is obsessed with capturing a sadistic freelance terrorist named Castor Troy, played by Nicolas Cage. Years after Troy was responsible for the death of Archer’s son, Archer finally corners him, but Troy is left in a coma before revealing the location of a bomb set to detonate in Los Angeles.

In a desperate attempt to find the bomb, Archer undergoes a radical experimental surgery to have Troy’s face transplanted onto his own. He then goes undercover in the prison where Troy’s brother is being held to get the information. The plan goes horribly wrong when the real Castor Troy wakes up from his coma and forces the surgeon to give him Archer’s face. The two men are then locked in a high-stakes battle, each living as the other.

‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’ (1997)

‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’ is a spy comedy film directed by Jay Roach and written by Mike Myers, who also stars in the lead role. Myers plays two characters, the swinging 1960s secret agent Austin Powers and his arch-nemesis, Dr. Evil. The story begins in 1967 when Dr. Evil cryogenically freezes himself to escape capture by Austin. Austin volunteers to be frozen as well, in case Dr. Evil ever returns.

Thirty years later, Dr. Evil is thawed out and returns with a new plan for world domination. Austin Powers is subsequently thawed to stop him, but he finds himself to be a cultural relic in the very different world of the 1990s. He is partnered with a modern agent named Vanessa Kensington, the daughter of his original 1960s partner. Together, they must adapt to the new era while trying to thwart Dr. Evil’s absurd schemes.

‘The Game’ (1997)

‘The Game’ is a thriller film directed by David Fincher. The movie stars Michael Douglas as Nicholas Van Orton, a wealthy and emotionally distant investment banker. For his 48th birthday, his estranged younger brother Conrad, played by Sean Penn, gives him an unusual gift, a voucher for a company called Consumer Recreation Services that provides a live-action, real-life game.

Nicholas reluctantly agrees to participate, and his orderly life is quickly turned upside down. The line between the game and reality becomes increasingly blurred as a series of strange and dangerous events begin to happen to him. He loses control of his finances, his reputation is ruined, and he finds himself in life-threatening situations. He must figure out who is behind the game and what its true purpose is before it’s too late.

‘Starship Troopers’ (1997)

‘Starship Troopers’ is a military science fiction action film directed by Paul Verhoeven. The film is set in the 23rd century, where Earth is governed by a militaristic global government. The story follows a young man named Johnny Rico and his friends as they graduate from high school and enlist in the military to become citizens and fight in an interstellar war against a species of giant insect-like aliens known as the “Arachnids.”

The film chronicles Rico’s journey through the brutal training of the Mobile Infantry and his experiences in the brutal war against the bugs. The movie is a satirical take on fascism, militarism, and propaganda, presented as a straightforward action film. It features graphic violence and is known for its special effects and large-scale battle scenes. Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, and Neil Patrick Harris are among the cast members.

‘Contact’ (1997)

‘Contact’ is a science fiction drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis, based on the novel by Carl Sagan. The movie stars Jodie Foster as Dr. Ellie Arroway, a brilliant and dedicated scientist who works for the SETI program, searching for extraterrestrial intelligence. After years of searching, she and her team detect a mysterious and complex signal originating from the star system Vega.

The signal is deciphered and found to contain the blueprints for a sophisticated machine. It is believed that the machine is a form of transport, designed to carry a single passenger. An international effort is launched to build the machine, and Ellie fights for the right to be the one to go on the historic journey. The film explores themes of science, faith, and humanity’s place in the universe as the world reacts to the confirmation of intelligent life beyond Earth.

‘The Devil’s Advocate’ (1997)

‘The Devil’s Advocate’ is a supernatural horror film directed by Taylor Hackford. The film stars Keanu Reeves as Kevin Lomax, a gifted and ambitious young defense attorney from Florida who has never lost a case. He is recruited by a prestigious and powerful New York City law firm run by the charismatic and enigmatic John Milton, played by Al Pacino.

Kevin and his wife Mary Ann, portrayed by Charlize Theron, move to New York and are seduced by the life of wealth and luxury that Milton provides. However, as Kevin takes on morally ambiguous cases and becomes more deeply involved with the firm, his life begins to unravel. Mary Ann is plagued by terrifying visions, and Kevin starts to realize that his new boss may be far more sinister than he appears, with a diabolical plan in mind.

‘Air Force One’ (1997)

‘Air Force One’ is an action thriller directed by Wolfgang Petersen. The film stars Harrison Ford as James Marshall, the President of the United States. While flying back from a diplomatic trip to Moscow aboard the presidential aircraft, Air Force One, the plane is hijacked by a group of Russian ultranationalists led by Ivan Korshunov, played by Gary Oldman.

The hijackers threaten to execute a hostage every half hour unless their demands are met, which include the release of a captured dictator. Believed to have escaped in an escape pod, President Marshall, a former Air Force pilot and Medal of Honor recipient, remains hidden on the plane. He must use his skills and courage to fight back against the terrorists and save his family, his staff, and everyone else on board.

‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ (1997)

‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ is a romantic comedy directed by P. J. Hogan. The film stars Julia Roberts as Julianne Potter, a 27-year-old food critic who made a pact with her longtime best friend, Michael O’Neal, that if neither of them were married by the time they turned 28, they would marry each other. Just weeks before her 28th birthday, Michael calls to announce he is getting married in four days.

Julianne realizes she is in love with Michael and flies to Chicago with the intention of sabotaging his wedding to a sweet and wealthy college student named Kimberly Wallace, played by Cameron Diaz. With the help of her gay friend and editor George, Julianne employs a series of schemes to try and break up the happy couple. The film follows her increasingly desperate and comical attempts to win Michael back before he says “I do.”

‘Liar Liar’ (1997)

‘Liar Liar’ is a fantasy comedy film directed by Tom Shadyac. Jim Carrey stars as Fletcher Reede, a fast-talking and morally flexible lawyer who has built his career on telling lies. His constant dishonesty has caused a rift with his ex-wife Audrey and his young son Max. After Fletcher misses his son’s birthday party because of a lie, a heartbroken Max makes a birthday wish that for one whole day, his dad can’t tell a lie.

The wish magically comes true, and Fletcher finds himself physically incapable of saying anything that is not true. This happens on the same day he is set to represent a client in a high-stakes divorce case that could make or break his career, a case that relies heavily on his ability to bend the truth. Fletcher must navigate a full day of personal and professional chaos while being forced to be completely honest.

‘The Lost World: Jurassic Park’ (1997)

‘The Lost World: Jurassic Park’ is a science fiction adventure film and the sequel to ‘Jurassic Park’, directed by Steven Spielberg. The story takes place four years after the events of the first film. John Hammond, the creator of the original park, reveals that there was a second island, Isla Sorna, which was used as a breeding ground for the dinosaurs. The animals have been living and thriving there in the wild.

Hammond assembles a team, including mathematician Ian Malcolm, played by Jeff Goldblum, to travel to Isla Sorna to document the dinosaurs in their natural habitat and promote the idea of preserving the island as a nature reserve. However, a separate team sent by Hammond’s nephew, who has taken over the InGen corporation, arrives with the intention of capturing the dinosaurs and bringing them to a new park in San Diego. The two opposing groups clash on the island, all while trying to survive the dangerous prehistoric creatures.

‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ (1997)

‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ is the eighteenth film in the James Bond series. Pierce Brosnan stars as the iconic British secret agent, James Bond. The plot centers on a corrupt and powerful media mogul named Elliot Carver. Carver plans to instigate a war between the United Kingdom and China in order to boost ratings for his global media empire and secure exclusive broadcasting rights in China for the next century.

Bond is sent to investigate Carver after a British warship is sunk in the South China Sea. He teams up with a Chinese spy named Wai Lin to uncover Carver’s plot. Their mission takes them through a series of exotic locations and high-stakes action sequences as they try to stop the media baron from using a stolen encoder to provoke a conflict that could lead to World War III.

‘Grosse Pointe Blank’ (1997)

‘Grosse Pointe Blank’ is a black comedy film directed by George Armitage. John Cusack stars as Martin Blank, a professional hitman who is becoming disillusioned with his line of work. He is struggling with an existential crisis and is encouraged by his therapist to attend his ten-year high school reunion in his hometown of Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

Martin decides to combine the trip with a contract to carry out a hit in the Detroit area. Back in his hometown, he reconnects with his old friends and his high school sweetheart, Debi Newberry, a radio DJ he abandoned on prom night. As Martin tries to rekindle his relationship with Debi and navigate the awkwardness of the reunion, he must also deal with rival assassins who are trying to kill him.

‘Chasing Amy’ (1997)

‘Chasing Amy’ is a romantic comedy-drama written and directed by Kevin Smith. The film is the third installment in his View Askewniverse series. It stars Ben Affleck as Holden McNeil, a comic book artist who, along with his best friend Banky Edwards, created a popular comic called ‘Bluntman and Chronic’. Holden’s life is changed when he meets a fellow comic book artist named Alyssa Jones, played by Joey Lauren Adams.

Holden quickly falls in love with Alyssa, but he is shocked to discover that she is a lesbian. Despite this, he pursues a friendship with her, which eventually blossoms into a complicated romantic relationship. The film explores themes of love, friendship, sexuality, and insecurity as Holden’s relationship with Alyssa puts a strain on his lifelong friendship with Banky, who is uncomfortable with the situation.

‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1997)

‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ is a slasher film directed by Jim Gillespie and written by Kevin Williamson. The story follows four friends a year after they covered up a tragic car accident where they believe they killed a man. The group includes Julie, Helen, Barry, and Ray, played by Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Freddie Prinze Jr. respectively.

The friends have drifted apart since that fateful night, but they are brought back together when they start receiving threatening notes from someone who claims to know their secret. Soon after, they find themselves being stalked and hunted by a mysterious figure wielding a large fish hook. The four must fight for their lives as they try to figure out the identity of their tormentor, who seems intent on making them pay for their past actions.

‘Anastasia’ (1997)

‘Anastasia’ is an animated musical historical fantasy film produced by Fox Animation Studios. The movie tells a fictionalized story about the legend of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia. The film follows an eighteen-year-old amnesiac orphan named Anya who is hoping to find some trace of her family. She bears a striking resemblance to the lost princess, who is rumored to have survived the execution of the royal family.

Anya joins forces with two con men, Dimitri and Vladimir, who are looking for a girl to pass off as Anastasia to claim a reward from the Dowager Empress Marie. As they travel from Russia to Paris, Anya begins to have fragmented memories of her past, leading them all to wonder if she could be the real Anastasia. The group is pursued by the villainous Rasputin, who wants to destroy the last of the Romanovs.

‘Cop Land’ (1997)

‘Cop Land’ is a neo-noir crime drama written and directed by James Mangold. The film features a large ensemble cast led by Sylvester Stallone. He plays Freddy Heflin, the sheriff of a small, seemingly peaceful town in New Jersey called Garrison. The town is a haven for corrupt New York City police officers who have taken advantage of its proximity to the city.

Freddy, who is partially deaf in one ear from a past heroic act, has long admired the NYPD officers but has largely turned a blind eye to their corruption. His loyalties are tested when a young officer is involved in a controversial shooting, and an Internal Affairs investigator, played by Robert De Niro, begins to investigate the widespread corruption in Garrison. Freddy must decide whether to uphold the law or protect the community he serves.

Let us know which 1997 movie is your favorite in the comments below.