Words by Sam Robinson
The first spin-off of a much-loved franchise (that is, if you don’t count the dearly-detested Star Wars Holiday Special), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story revealed the events that led to the original Star Wars episode of 1977. Directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla), the film retained enough space opera to be worthy of the Star Wars canon, although bravely edged toward a different direction. Protagonist Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) and her rebel spies work to retrieve the plans to the Death Star, and the action makes Rogue One more of a war film than any other Star Wars film before it (read our 3.5 star review here).
After tallying many votes from around the world, you have voted Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as your favourite film of 2017. Even though it was released in December 2016, it was eligible for votes in this poll, continuing the trend begun when Star Wars: The Force Awakens won your votes in 2016.
See below the list of your ten favourite movies of 2017, along with what you said about why you loved these films so much.
Reel Gospel Readers’ Top Ten Films of 2017*
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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
It actually expanded the expanded universe but still retained that essence of Star Wars that makes it so familiar.
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Thor: Ragnarok
It mixed humour and action, making it one of the best Marvel films to date.
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Dunkirk
Christopher Nolan’s ability to tell a story with continual mounting suspense and minimal dialogue really captivated me. Favourite film ever.
Dunkirk was gripping and visceral.
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
It was a great sequel to the first movie.
I actually felt for the characters and the film was very mature in its portrayal of family and sacrifice.
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Baby Driver
The music, the action, the stunts. Amazing.
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Moana
Moana. Fun and clean, but quite quirky. Also love seeing good strong female leads.
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La La Land
It may have missed out on the Oscar (just) but there’s so much to love about this movie.
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Lion
Lion was my favourite movie of 2017. An emotional roller coaster with amazing locations.
It wasn’t exactly what I was expecting and that made it all the better.
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Logan
It was funny, emotional and humanised. Logan: a really solid finish to the Wolverine series.
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Get Out
Get Out was amazing, so much subplot storytelling and symbolism.
Get Out was my favourite for its impeccable filmmaking and social commentary.
Get Out. It was the perfect film for the current time. Well made, well acted, just amazing. I’ve seen it four times already.
Thanks to everyone who voted, and congratulations to Disney for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the 2017 Reel Gospel Readers’ Film of the Year. Tomorrow we will announce what you voted as your favourite album of 2017.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is available now on home media. Click here to read our review. Keep an eye out in the coming days as we reveal what you voted as your favourite album of 2017; and then we will reveal our team’s picks, as we announce the Reel Gospel Film and Album of the Year.
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*Only films released in Australia between December 1st 2016 to November 30th 2017 were eligible for votes in the 2017 Reel Gospel Readers’ Poll.
Reel Gospel 
Oh man, I really wasn’t a big fan of Rogue One – I’m surprised! I thought it was visually stunning, but the acting, especially by Felicity Jones, took me right out of it. I thought the writing definitely could’ve been better, but I think it’s one of the best looking Star Wars films to date. I agree – Get Out was my favourite movie of 2017!
The people have spoken! But appreciate your comments. They’re all very valid points!