Many times it can feel as if the cinematic year gives us only two kinds of films: "blockbusters" and "Oscar bait." While the truth lies somewhere in the middle, one thing is certain, many of the unique, surprising, and impactful movies don't get the attention they deserve. Fear not, The Screeners are here to give you 11 of the best movies you didn't see last year and answer the question "What should we watch tonight?"

Brigsby Bear:
This endlessly charming movie is an ode to loving cinema. Kyle Mooney's performance is weird and endearing. Brigsby Bear is strange, sweet, and refreshingly heartfelt. Oh, and it's hilarious too. -Daniel

Only the Brave

I confess I didn't know or remember the real story at the heart of Only the Brave, and as a result, this was the most emotional experience I had in the theatre in 2017. The ensemble cast is superb, and the movie wisely sidesteps traditional biopic moments to focus on the esprit de corps shared by these men. It's devastating and effective, and a worthy tribute to the Granite Mountain Hotshots. -Chad

War Machine

War Machine may not be a perfect movie, but its critical reception has done the story a disservice. Based on the real-life exposé that took down Stanley McChrystal, it features a hilariously stiff Brad Pitt and a fairly deep cast of body men, politicians, and the journalist watching it all in horror. It's a peek behind the curtain of modern warfare that'd be absurd if it weren't such a depressing reality, and it's worth a watch. -Josh

Stronger

I still have no earthly idea why Stronger isn't a real contender at the Oscars this year. Jake Gyllenhaal's performance is one of the best of the year in this movie about a man forced into heroism. It's tragic and moving, and one of the best of the year. -Daniel

Good Time

Don’t let his turn as a teen vampire scare you away - Robert Pattinson is out for blood with his show-stopping performance in Good Time. Good Time is a crime drama that is anything but the typical bank heist film, complete with excellent performances, a compelling plot and a highly stylized (and successful) directorial effort from co-directors Benny and Josh Safdie. -Britain

Columbus

Columbus may be the most aesthetically precise film of 2017. The exquisitely composed work of first-time director Kogonada is breathtaking. The romanticizing of architecture and order stands in contrast to the messiness of new relationships and feelings of parental distance and disappointment. While some may call Columbus cold, I found it to be a poignant examination of familial responsibility and personal calling. John Cho and Haley Lu Richardson are terrific, as is Columbus, Indiana as a backdrop for their chance encounter that turns out to be so much more. -Chad

Ingrid Goes West:

Though The Post may be the timeliest movie of the year, Ingrid Goes West is a close second. Perfectly capturing and mocking Instagram culture, this film is hilarious and super cringey. Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen nail their characters. -Daniel

It Comes at Night

Mismarketed as a horror film, It Comes at Night was praised by critics and derided by general audiences. Trey Edward Shults isn't interested in gimmicks or jump scares, instead focusing his attention on creating a palpable sense of dread that only intensifies the longer we spend with two families in a post-apocalyptic world where death is always close. I loved how the movie gave no easy answers; even more how I had to wrestle with my thoughts and emotions several days after my first viewing. If you are looking for a taut and smart film, It Comes at Night is unbearable in all the best ways. -Chad

Colossal:

A truly unique take on the monster movie genre works as a perfect allegory for alcoholism. It's a weird mashup that's just funny enough to work, and it might just move you too. - Daniel

Brad's Status:

It's slow and steady, but Brad's Status had a truly profound effect on me. It gets inside the head of someone who's felt like they haven't lived up to their potential. It's very specific but hit me right where I needed it. -Daniel

Bad Genius

If I told you one of the most gripping films of 2017 was based around a group of Thai high-school students attempting to cheat on an exam, you wouldn't believe me. You would be wrong. Bad Genius is a heist film where the "score" is taking tests. It will put a smile on your face and knots in your stomach as you watch Lynn (expertly played by Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying) take her scheme to an international level. With themes of teen social dynamics and class inequality just under the surface, Bad Genius has a lot to say, and you will have a great time if you'll just listen. -Chad