List of American films of 1997

List of American films of 1997 – In 1997, a wave of cinematic triumphs and unforgettable moments swept through audiences, with films that became staples of pop culture. Who could forget the sight of a ship breaking in half or the whimsical escape from a bustling alien city? This year marked a high point in both blockbuster hits and independent films. The diverse array of genres and styles reflected the evolving tastes of moviegoers.

This article explores the significant American films released in 1997, highlighting both the box office giants and the indie treasures that shaped the cinematic landscape.

List of American films of 1997

January–March

The Relic
Turbulence
Dead Silence
Albino Alligator
Beverly Hills Ninja
Metro
Hurricane Streets
Fierce Creatures
In Love and War
Prefontaine
Zeus and Roxanne
Gridlock’d
Johns
Meet Wally Sparks
Shadow Conspiracy
Star Wars (Special Edition) (re-release)
Waiting for Guffman
The Beautician and the Beast
Dante’s Peak
The Pest
SubUrbia
Dangerous Ground
Absolute Power
Fools Rush In
That Darn Cat
Touch
Vegas Vacation
Blood and Wine
The Empire Strikes Back (Special Edition) (re-release)
Lost Highway
Rosewood
Miss Evers’ Boys
Leprechaun 4: In Space
Booty Call
Donnie Brasco
Hard Eight
Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love
Smilla’s Sense of Snow
The Daytrippers
Good Luck
Jungle 2 Jungle
Private Parts
City of Industry
Love Jones
Ponette
Return of the Jedi (Special Edition) (re-release)
The Second Civil War
Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves
Crash
Liar Liar
Selena
Cats Don’t Dance
The Devil’s Own
The 6th Man
B*A*P*S
Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie

April–June (List of American films of 1997)

Anna Karenina
Chasing Amy
Double Team
Inventing the Abbotts
The Saint
That Old Feeling
Anaconda
Grosse Pointe Blank
Keys to Tulsa
Paradise Road
Kissed
8 Heads in a Duffel Bag
McHale’s Navy
Murder at 1600
In the Gloaming
A Brother’s Kiss
Female Perversions
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion
Shiloh
Volcano
Children of the Revolution
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
Breakdown
Broken Englis
Commandments
Truth or Consequences, N.M.
Warriors of Virtue
Fathers’ Day
The Fifth Element
Nowhere
Twin Town
Underworld
Sprung
Love! Valour! Compassion!
Night Falls on Manhatta
The Van
Weapons of Mass Distraction
Addicted to Love
The Lost World: Jurassic Park
Gone Fishin’
‘Til There Was You
Trial and Error
Buddy
Con Air
Speed 2: Cruise Control
Temptress Moon
Ulee’s Gold
Wedding Bell Blues
Path to Paradise: The Untold Story of the World Trade Center Bombing
For Roseanna
Batman & Robin
My Best Friend’s Wedding
The Last Time I Committed Suicide
Dream with the Fishes
Head Above Water
Face/Off
Hercules

July–September (List of American films of 1997)

Men in Black
Out to Sea
Wild America
4 Little Girls
Contact
This World, Then the Fireworks
A Simple Wish
George of the Jungle
Kiss Me, Guido
Mrs. Brown
Nothing to Lose
The Swan Princess: Escape from Castle Mountain
Star Maps
Air Force One
Box of Moonlight
Good Burger
Hostile Waters
One Eight Seven
Air Bud
In the Company of Men
Picture Perfect
Spawn
Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin
Def Jam’s How to Be a Player
Career Girls
Conspiracy Theory
Free Willy 3: The Rescue
Traveller
The Full Monty
Cop Land
Event Horizon
Paperback Romance
Steel
12 Angry Men
Subway Stories: Tales from the Underground
G.I. Jane
Leave It to Beaver
Mimic
Money Talks
A Smile Like Yours
Snow White: A Tale of Terror
Hoodlum
Excess Baggage
Kull the Conqueror
She’s So Lovely
Fire Down Below
Julian Po
First Time Felon
Casper: A Spirited Beginning
Two Girls and a Guy
The Disappearance of Garcia Lorca
The End of Violence
The Game
The Myth of Fingerprints
The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars (Canadian theatrical release)
Going All the Way
L.A. Confidential
In & Out
A Thousand Acres
Wishmaster
The Assignment
The Edge
The Ice Storm
The Peacemaker
Soul Food

October–December (List of American films of 1997)

Fast, Cheap & Out of Control
Kiss the Girls
The Locusts
The Matchmaker
U Turn
Gang Related
Boogie Nights
The House of Yes
Most Wanted
RocketMan
Seven Years in Tibet
Washington Square
Telling Lies in America
Bean
Best Men
The Devil’s Advocate
I Know What You Did Last Summer
Playing God
FairyTale: A True Story
Gattaca
A Life Less Ordinary
Red Corner
Switchback
Eve’s Bayou
Mad City
Starship Troopers
The Wings of the Dove
Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
The Jackal’Kiss or Kill
The Little Mermaid (re-release)
The Man Who Knew Too Little
The Tango Lesson
One Night Stand
Don King: Only in America
Anastasia
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Mortal Kombat Annihilation
The Rainmaker
The Sweet Hereafter
Alien Resurrection
Bent
Flubber
Welcome to Sarajevo
Good Will Hunting
Amistad
Deconstructing Harry
For Richer or Poorer
Home Alone 3
Scream 2
Breast Men
The Apostle
Mouse Hunt
Titanic
Tomorrow Never Dies
An American Werewolf in Paris
As Good as It Gets
The Education of Little Tree
Jackie Brown
Kundun
Mr. Magoo
The Postman
Wag the Dog
Afterglow
Young and Dangerous 4
The Boxer
Oscar and Lucinda

The Box Office Titans of ’97

The Reign of Titanic

James Cameron’s Titanic took the world by storm in 1997. With its star-crossed lovers, epic storytelling, and breathtaking visuals, it redefined what a blockbuster could be. The film grossed over $2 billion globally, setting records that stood for years. Critics praised its artistic merit, and it won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Titanic’s legacy still resonates, giving rise to discussions about the importance of storytelling in film.

Men in Black: Sci-Fi Comedy Dominance

Men in Black brought together action, humor, and science fiction in a fun, engaging way. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $580 million worldwide. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones created a dynamic duo that captured audiences’ hearts. Its imaginative premise and clever writing left a lasting impact, leading to sequels and an animated series that continued the franchise’s legacy.

The Lost World: Jurassic Park’s Sequel

The Lost World: Jurassic Park, directed by Steven Spielberg, attempted to build on the success of its predecessor. While it performed well at the box office, earning over $618 million, critics had mixed feelings. The sequel featured thrilling dinosaur encounters but didn’t quite match the groundbreaking quality of the original. Nonetheless, it solidified Jurassic Park as a beloved franchise.

Indie Darlings and Critical Acclaim

Good Will Hunting: A Star is Born

Good Will Hunting showcased the writing talents of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, earning them an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The film, which follows a troubled genius, resonated with audiences and critics alike. Its powerful performances, especially by Robin Williams, contributed to its acclaim and popularity. Good Will Hunting not only secured its place in cinematic history but also launched the careers of its young stars.

L.A. Confidential: Neo-Noir Excellence

L.A. Confidential, a neo-noir thriller, captivated audiences with its intricate plot and compelling characters. The film received critical acclaim, praised for its screenplay and performances. Its exploration of corruption and morality in 1950s Los Angeles earned it two Oscars and a dedicated fanbase. This film breathed new life into the noir genre, influencing filmmakers for years to come.

The Sweet Hereafter: Atom Egoyan’s Masterpiece

The Sweet Hereafter presented a haunting narrative that examined grief and community in the wake of tragedy. Directed by Atom Egoyan, this film received accolades for its unique storytelling and emotional depth. It raised important questions about loss and the human experience, solidifying its status as one of the essential indie films of the year.

Genre Highlights: Action, Comedy, and Horror

Air Force One: Action Thriller

Air Force One delivered pulse-pounding excitement as President Harrison Ford confronted hijackers in a high-stakes thriller. The film was a box office success, grossing over $315 million. Its political undertones added depth, and Ford’s portrayal of a strong leader resonated with viewers. The gripping plot kept audiences on the edge of their seats.

As Good as It Gets: Romantic Comedy

In the romantic comedy As Good as It Gets, Jack Nicholson delivered a standout performance. The film’s unique premise, featuring a curmudgeonly author learning to love, captured audiences’ hearts. It received critical praise and garnered multiple Oscars, showcasing witty writing and strong performances by its cast, including Helen Hunt. This blend of humor and humanity made it a classic in the genre.

Anaconda: Campy Horror

Anaconda brought a mix of adventure, horror, and campiness to the big screen. While not universally acclaimed, its thrilling premise and giant snake were memorable for fans of the genre. The film grossed over $136 million, intriguing audiences with its blend of tension and a bit of silliness. Anaconda epitomized the fun, if over-the-top, nature of late ’90s horror films.

The Animated World of 1997

Hercules: Disney’s Take on Mythology

Disney’s Hercules offered a whimsical and humorous rendition of Greek mythology. With vibrant animation and catchy musical numbers, the film won over families everywhere. Its unique style and memorable characters made it a favorite, sparking merchandise and theme park attractions. Hercules solidified Disney’s ability to blend entertainment with timeless stories.

Anastasia: A New Animated Princess

Anastasia was another beloved animated feature of 1997, distinguishing itself from Disney films. Its captivating music, intriguing story, and strong female lead struck a chord with many. The film grossed over $139 million and received acclaim for its artistic quality. Anastasia paved the way for independent animated films to find significant success.

Conclusion

The films of 1997 showcased a vibrant mix of blockbuster hits, profound indie gems, and animated treasures. From the grandiosity of Titanic to the heartfelt performances in Good Will Hunting, 1997 left an indelible mark on cinema. The diversity of genres and unique storytelling shaped the cultural landscape and resonated with audiences in profound ways. As we reflect on this remarkable year, it’s clear that the legacy of these films continues to influence filmmakers and entertain audiences today.

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