As the year reaches its close, it is time for the annual rankings. In a year full of acting masterclasses, here are the best film performances of 2017 – let us know if you agree in the comments!

It says something about the quality of these performances that there are so many greats who did not make the list.

10. Barry Keoghan (The Killing of a Sacred Deer)

To scene steal from Farrell and Kidman is quite something and Keoghan did it. Terrific and ethereal. Read our review here.

9. James Franco (The Disaster Artist)

Portraying Wiseau could so easily have been a cruel pantomime act, but in Franco’s hands it was far more complex. Hilarious too, of course. Read our review here.

8. Emma Stone (Battle of the Sexes)

A note perfect Emma Stone was Billie Jean King in Battle of the Sexes. Carell too was excellent. Read our review here.

7. Natalie Portman (Jackie)

A career best turn from Portman easily places her in the top ten for us. Read our review here.

6. Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea)

Channelling power in understatement, Affleck was heartbreaking in 2017. Read our review here.

5. Viola Davis (Fences)

Davis’ Oscar was as well deserved as it was overdue.

4. Bill Skarsgård (It)

Genuinely frighting, childlike yet animalistic, Skarsgård gave an instantly icon turn as It. Quite something following Tim Curry. Read our review here.

3. Florence Pugh (Lady Macbeth)

The most assured new talent of the year, Pugh’s was a breakthrough performance. Read our review here.

2. Isabelle Huppert (Elle)

Technically a Paul Verhoeven film, Elle was Huppert’s through and through. Exceptionelle! Read our review here.

1. Jake Gyllenhaal (Stronger)

Not solely a performance of words, Gyllenhaal’s turn in Stronger was outstanding in its physicality. Read our review here.

 

Check out our Top 10 Film Posters Of 2017!

And find out our Top 10 Film Quotes here!