History's Best Selling Products of 2017

Make way for the hits of 2017! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the turn-of-the-millennium pop explosion and the march of first-rate items. Crowd-pleasers such as Resident Evil 7: Biohazard shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers I Decided. and Get Out. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Capcom and Big Sean, these trailblazing products dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

   Released in 2017 by Capcom

   On January 24, 2017, the world of survival horror was fundamentally revitalized with the global release of Capcom's *Resident Evil 7: Biohazard*. This date marks the game's official launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows, representing a bold and critically acclaimed new direction for the iconic franchise. After previous installments veered heavily into action, *Resident Evil 7* was a deliberate return to the series' terrifying roots, trading global zombie outbreaks for intimate, claustrophobic dread. Its release on this day was a pivotal moment, introducing a new protagonist, a terrifying new family of antagonists, and a groundbreaking shift to a first-person perspective that would redefine horror gaming for a new generation.

2. I Decided.

   Released in 2017 by Big Sean, GOOD Music, Def Jam Recordings

   On February 3, 2017, the modern music landscape was dominated by the release of Detroit rapper Big Sean's fourth studio album, *I Decided.* This date marks the project's official worldwide debut, a moment that saw the artist achieve his second consecutive number-one album on the Billboard 200 chart. The release was not just another album drop; it was the arrival of a carefully constructed concept album that explored themes of rebirth and second chances, solidifying Big Sean's position as a thoughtful and commercially powerful force in contemporary hip-hop.

3. Get Out

   Released in 2017 by Jordan Peele, Blumhouse Productions, Universal Pictures

   On February 24, 2017, audiences were invited into the "Sunken Place" as Jordan Peele's directorial debut, *Get Out*, premiered in theaters across the United States. What was marketed as a standard horror film quickly revealed itself to be a razor-sharp, satirical critique of race relations in modern America. This date marks the beginning of a cultural phenomenon, a film that not only became a massive box office smash against a tiny budget but also sparked countless conversations, academic analyses, and forever changed the landscape of the horror genre.

4. Horizon Zero Dawn

   Released in 2017 by Guerrilla Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment

   When Horizon Zero Dawn launched in February 2017, it immediately captured the gaming world's attention, becoming a cultural phenomenon and one of the year's undisputed bestsellers. Developed by Guerrilla Games, previously known for the linear shooter series Killzone, this ambitious new intellectual property marked a significant pivot for the studio. Its release was met with widespread critical acclaim and immense player enthusiasm, quickly establishing itself as a flagship title for the PlayStation 4 and a testament to the power of original storytelling and world-building in the modern gaming landscape. Its unique blend of futuristic primalism resonated deeply, making it an instant classic.

5. Logan

   Released in 2017 by James Mangold, 20th Century Fox

   On March 3, 2017, audiences witnessed the end of an era with the U.S. theatrical premiere of "Logan." The film served as the tenth installment in the X-Men film series and the final, poignant chapter for Hugh Jackman's seventeen-year tenure as the iconic character Wolverine. Directed by James Mangold, "Logan" arrived not as a typical comic-book blockbuster, but as a gritty, R-rated neo-western that stripped away the genre's familiar spectacle. Its release on this date marked a pivotal moment, offering a dark, character-driven, and emotionally resonant conclusion that challenged the conventions of superhero storytelling and earned widespread critical acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for its screenplay.

6. Nintendo Switch

   Released in 2017 by Nintendo

   On March 3, 2017, the gaming world witnessed a pivotal moment as Nintendo launched the Switch simultaneously across major global markets. This date marked not just the release of a new console, but a bold new direction for the company following the commercial disappointment of the Wii U. The Switch arrived as a 'hybrid' console, a novel concept that promised to seamlessly merge the power of a home console with the portability of a handheld device. Anticipation was immense, fueled by a desire to see if Nintendo could reclaim its innovative edge. The launch was a statement of intent, promising a unified gaming ecosystem where players could enjoy epic adventures both on their living room TV and on the go.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

   Released in 2017 by Nintendo EPD, Nintendo

   March 3, 2017, marks a pivotal moment in Nintendo's history, as it was the worldwide launch date for both the Nintendo Switch console and its flagship title, 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'. After the commercial struggles of the Wii U, Nintendo's future in the home console market hinged on the Switch's success. 'Breath of the Wild' was positioned as the system's 'killer app,' a monumental, generation-defining experience designed to showcase the new hardware's capabilities and convince players to invest in the new ecosystem. The game's simultaneous release on this date provided an undeniable reason to purchase a Switch on day one, inextricably linking the game's identity with the birth of a new, wildly successful era for Nintendo.

8. Kong: Skull Island

   Released in 2017 by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Legendary Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures

   On March 10, 2017, audiences were transported to a world of myth and monsters with the theatrical release of "Kong: Skull Island." Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, the film served as a reboot of the King Kong franchise and the second installment in Legendary's MonsterVerse, following 2014's "Godzilla." Set in 1973, immediately after the end of the Vietnam War, the film's release date positioned it as a major early-spring blockbuster. It promised a fresh, action-packed take on the classic tale, moving away from the "Beauty and the Beast" narrative to establish Kong as a mythic god-like figure in a vibrant, dangerous, and previously unexplored ecosystem. Its debut was a high-stakes moment for the burgeoning cinematic universe.

9. Beauty and the Beast

   Released in 2017 by Bill Condon, Walt Disney Pictures, Mandeville Films

   On March 17, 2017, Disney's live-action adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast" premiered in theaters worldwide, becoming an instant global phenomenon. This release date marked a major milestone in Disney's strategy of reimagining its animated classics for a new generation. Arriving with immense anticipation, the film capitalized on the nostalgia of the 1991 animated original while promising a visually spectacular and updated retelling. The premiere was not just a movie opening; it was a major cultural event, tapping into a deep-seated affection for the classic fairy tale and demonstrating the sheer box office power of Disney's intellectual property in the 21st century.

10. PUBG: Battlegrounds

    Released in 2017 by PUBG Studios, Krafton

    On March 23, 2017, the gaming landscape was irrevocably altered with the Steam Early Access release of PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS. While the concept of a last-player-standing deathmatch existed in mods, PUBG was the first standalone title to package it into a tense, high-fidelity, and accessible experience. Its launch didn't just introduce a new game; it ignited the battle royale genre craze. At a time when multiplayer gaming was dominated by arena shooters and MOBAs, PUBG offered a fresh, high-stakes survival simulation that captivated millions almost overnight, laying the groundwork for a new generation of competitive online games and establishing a pop culture phenomenon.

11. Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+

    Released in 2017 by Samsung

    On March 29, 2017, the tech world held its breath as Samsung took the stage in New York City for its first major Unpacked event since the disastrous Galaxy Note 7 recall. The company's reputation was on the line, and it needed more than just an iterative update; it needed a statement. This was the day Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S8 and S8+, a pair of devices designed to 'unbox your phone' and redefine smartphone aesthetics. The launch was a carefully orchestrated comeback, showcasing a bold new design language centered around the 'Infinity Display.' It was a pivotal moment for Samsung, aiming to wash away the memory of the previous year's crisis with a product so futuristic and compelling that it would not only win back consumer trust but also set a new standard for the entire mobile industry.

12. The Fate of the Furious

    Released in 2017 by F. Gary Gray, Universal Pictures

    April 14, 2017, marked the wide theatrical release of 'The Fate of the Furious,' the eighth installment in the wildly popular Fast & Furious franchise. This launch was a monumental cinematic event, not just for fans of high-octane action but for the global box office. It shattered records, notably achieving the biggest worldwide opening weekend of all time, signaling the enduring appeal and massive global reach of the series. The film's debut confirmed its status as a commercial juggernaut, cementing its place in popular culture as a cornerstone of adrenaline-fueled storytelling and demonstrating the franchise's ability to thrive even after significant changes in its cast.

13. The Handmaid's Tale

    Released in 2017 by Bruce Miller, Hulu

    On April 26, 2017, the streaming service Hulu released the first three episodes of "The Handmaid's Tale," a series that would rapidly become a cultural touchstone. The debut arrived in a politically charged climate, particularly in the United States, following the 2016 presidential election. The show's themes of misogyny, religious extremism, and the erosion of civil liberties felt unnervingly resonant to many viewers. Based on Margaret Atwood's 1985 dystopian novel, the premiere was not just a television event but the start of a phenomenon, with its imagery of red-cloaked Handmaids quickly becoming a powerful symbol for women's rights protests worldwide, marking a pivotal moment for Hulu as a creator of prestige television.

14. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

    Released in 2017 by Guy Ritchie, Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures

    On May 12, 2017, Warner Bros. Pictures released "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword," a highly stylized, high-octane fantasy adventure directed by Guy Ritchie. Intended to be the first installment in a six-film cinematic universe based on Arthurian legend, the film's premiere was a major event in the early summer movie season. With a blockbuster budget estimated around $175 million and a cast led by Charlie Hunnam and Jude Law, the film aimed to reinvent the classic tale for a modern audience with Ritchie's signature kinetic editing and gritty tone. This date marks the moment audiences got their first look at this ambitious, albeit ultimately ill-fated, attempt to launch a new fantasy franchise.

15. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

    Released in 2017 by Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg, Jerry Bruckheimer, Walt Disney Pictures

    On May 26, 2017, fourteen years after the franchise first set sail, audiences returned to the high seas with the worldwide theatrical release of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" (released as "Salazar's Revenge" in some territories). The fifth installment in the massively popular Disney franchise, the film arrived amidst high expectations to recapture the magic of the original trilogy. Timed for the lucrative Memorial Day weekend in the United States, its release was a major global cinema event. It sought to both continue the sprawling saga of Captain Jack Sparrow and introduce a new generation of characters, while also bringing back beloved figures like Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, tying the narrative back to its roots.

16. Wonder Woman

    Released in 2017 by Patty Jenkins, Warner Bros. Pictures

    June 2, 2017, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history with the North American theatrical release of 'Wonder Woman'. This date wasn't just another Friday for moviegoers; it signaled the arrival of a highly anticipated, female-led superhero film that would shatter box office expectations and redefine the superhero genre. As the fourth installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), 'Wonder Woman' quickly became a critical and commercial phenomenon, raking in an impressive worldwide gross and earning widespread acclaim. Its launch date is special because it cemented the character's mainstream appeal and proved the immense appetite for diverse representation in blockbuster cinema, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.

17. Camino Island

    Released in 2017 by John Grisham, Doubleday

    John Grisham's 'Camino Island' made a significant splash upon its release in June 2017, quickly asserting itself as a must-read summer thriller. Deviating slightly from his signature legal thrillers, this novel offered readers a captivating blend of literary mystery, crime, and a dash of charming deceit, set against the idyllic backdrop of a Florida island. Its launch was met with eager anticipation from Grisham's loyal fanbase and new readers alike, securing its place as a dominant force on bestseller lists and proving that Grisham's storytelling prowess extended well beyond the courtroom. The book swiftly became a cultural phenomenon, a perfect escape read discussed widely among book clubs and vacationers.

18. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

    Released in 2017 by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Atria Books

    In 2017, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid transcended its 2017 debut to become a bona fide cultural phenomenon, captivating millions and dominating bestseller lists. This mesmerizing novel about a reclusive Old Hollywood icon revealing her life's truths saw an unprecedented resurgence, largely fueled by its viral popularity on TikTok's "BookTok" community. Its compelling narrative, brimming with glamour, secrets, and profound emotional depth, struck a chord with a new generation of readers, cementing its status as a must-read sensation and a testament to the power of word-of-mouth recommendations in the digital age. It was truly a defining literary moment of the year.

19. Enchantimals

    Released in 2017 by Mattel

    The year 2017 marked the enchanting arrival of Enchantimals, a captivating new doll franchise from toy giant Mattel. Launching amidst a competitive market, Enchantimals quickly carved out a niche with its whimsical concept: characters who are half-human, half-animal, each with a special bond to a beloved animal companion. This unique premise, coupled with Mattel's extensive marketing efforts, propelled Enchantimals into the hearts of children worldwide. It wasn't just another doll line; it was an invitation to a magical world where friendship, empathy, and a love for nature reigned supreme, establishing it as a delightful cultural phenomenon for its target demographic.

20. Wolf Warrior 2

    Released in 2017 by Wu Jing, China Film Group Corporation

    The cinematic landscape was irrevocably altered on July 27, 2017, with the premiere of 'Wolf Warrior 2' in China. This date marks not just the release of an action film, but the launch of a cultural phenomenon that would shatter domestic box office records and make an unprecedented global impact for a non-Hollywood production. Its debut instantly captured the imagination of millions, setting the stage for a staggering financial performance that few could have predicted. This specific date is special because it signifies the moment a Chinese film transcended regional success, demonstrating the immense power of its storytelling and production values on the world stage, becoming a symbol of national pride and cinematic ambition.

21. Samsung Galaxy Note 8

    Released in 2017 by Samsung

    On August 23, 2017, the tech world held its breath as Samsung took the stage in New York City for its Galaxy Unpacked event. This wasn't just another product launch; it was a high-stakes moment of redemption. Following the disastrous global recall of the Galaxy Note 7 a year prior due to battery failures, the future of the entire Note line was in question. The reveal of the Galaxy Note 8 was Samsung's definitive answer. The event was meticulously orchestrated to rebuild consumer trust, emphasizing a new 8-Point Battery Safety Check and showcasing a device that was not only safe but also packed with cutting-edge innovation, aiming to win back the loyalty of power users and prove the Note brand was here to stay.

22. Super NES Classic Edition

    Released in 2017 by Nintendo

    On September 29, 2017, Nintendo capitalized on a massive wave of 90s nostalgia with the release of the Super NES Classic Edition. Following the runaway success and scarcity of its predecessor, the NES Classic, the launch of the SNES mini was a major event for gamers and collectors. Demand was astronomical, with pre-orders vanishing in minutes and fans lining up for hours at retail stores. The release was not just about replaying old favorites; it made history by including the official, first-ever release of Star Fox 2, a game completed in the 1990s but canceled before it ever hit store shelves. This launch day cemented the 'classic mini' console as a powerful market force for Nintendo.

23. Origin

    Released in 2017 by Dan Brown, Doubleday

    When Dan Brown's 'Origin' burst onto the literary scene in October 2017, it immediately reignited the global fascination with his signature blend of art history, secret societies, and scientific puzzles. Following the phenomenal success of its predecessors featuring symbologist Robert Langdon, this fifth installment arrived with immense anticipation, cementing its status as a major cultural event. Readers worldwide were eager to delve into another high-stakes adventure that promised to tackle humanity's most enduring questions, positioning 'Origin' not just as a book launch, but as a continuation of a literary phenomenon that consistently topped bestseller lists and sparked widespread discussion across diverse demographics.

24. Huawei Mate 10 and Mate 10 Pro

    Released in 2017 by Huawei

    On October 16, 2017, Huawei took the stage in Munich, Germany, to unveil the Mate 10 and Mate 10 Pro, positioning them as the world's first truly AI-powered smartphones. This date marked a pivotal moment for the company, as it directly challenged the flagship offerings from Apple and Samsung not just on hardware specifications, but on a new frontier: on-device artificial intelligence. The launch event centered heavily on the capabilities of its new, in-house Kirin 970 processor, which featured a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This wasn't just another product release; it was Huawei's bold declaration of its ambition to lead the mobile industry in intelligent computing, shifting the focus from connected devices to intelligent ones.

25. The Rooster Bar

    Released in 2017 by John Grisham, Doubleday

    John Grisham's annual release is an event, and 'The Rooster Bar' in 2017 was no exception, immediately hitting bestseller lists and drawing readers into a timely legal thriller. Its popularity stemmed from Grisham's established brand as a master of the genre, combined with a plot that tapped into contemporary societal anxieties. As a cultural phenomenon, it continued Grisham's tradition of blending compelling narratives with relevant social issues, solidifying its place as a must-read novel of its release year. The book's immediate success underscored the public's ongoing appetite for Grisham's unique blend of legal suspense and social commentary.

26. Super Mario Odyssey

    Released in 2017 by Nintendo EPD, Nintendo

    On October 27, 2017, the gaming world was electrified by the global release of 'Super Mario Odyssey' for the Nintendo Switch. Launched in the console's crucial first year, the game was not just a new entry in a beloved series but a monumental event. It represented Mario's grand return to the open-ended, sandbox-style 3D platforming that had defined classics like 'Super Mario 64.' Arriving just months after 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,' 'Odyssey' cemented the Switch's status as a must-have console, proving Nintendo could deliver two system-defining masterpieces in a single year. This date marked the beginning of a new adventure for millions, offering a journey filled with pure joy, creativity, and boundless discovery.

27. Thor: Ragnarok

    Released in 2017 by Taika Waititi, Marvel Studios

    On November 3, 2017, Marvel Studios unleashed 'Thor: Ragnarok' upon American audiences, forever changing the trajectory of one of its founding Avengers. The third film in the Thor series arrived at a time when the character was often considered one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's less compelling heroes. Director Taika Waititi's vibrant, hilarious, and action-packed vision acted as a soft reboot, injecting a much-needed dose of personality and fun. The film's premiere on this date marked the moment Thor went from a stoic god of thunder to a charismatic and funny cosmic adventurer, a transformation that was both a massive box office success and a creative triumph.

28. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway

    Released in 2017 by Jeff Kinney, Amulet Books

    Released on October 24, 2017, 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway' swiftly became a literary sensation, cementing its place as one of the year's undisputed bestsellers. As the twelfth installment in Jeff Kinney's globally beloved series, its arrival was met with immense anticipation from young readers and their parents alike. This particular volume captured the imaginations of millions, providing a much-needed dose of humor and relatability as protagonist Greg Heffley navigates the chaotic realities of a family vacation gone hilariously wrong. Its immense popularity underscored the enduring cultural phenomenon that the 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' franchise had become, proving that the relatable trials and tribulations of middle school life, presented through Kinney's unique blend of text and cartoons, continued to resonate deeply with a vast audience.

29. Songs Of Experience

    Released in 2017 by U2, Interscope Records, Universal Music Group

    On December 1, 2017, legendary Irish rock band U2 released their fourteenth studio album, 'Songs Of Experience.' The release was a major event in the music world, serving as a companion piece to their 2014 album 'Songs of Innocence.' Arriving in a dramatically different global political climate than its predecessor, the album's themes of mortality, love, and the state of the world felt urgent and timely. The date marked the culmination of years of work, rewrites, and refinement, presenting fans with a collection of personal and politically charged anthems that aimed to make sense of a turbulent era, all filtered through the experienced lens of one of rock's most enduring bands.

30. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

    Released in 2017 by Rian Johnson, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

    December 15, 2017, marked a monumental day for fans worldwide as 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' made its highly anticipated North American theatrical debut. Following the immense success and critical acclaim of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens', expectations were sky-high for the eighth installment of the Skywalker Saga. This release date was not just another movie premiere; it was a cultural event, drawing millions to cinemas and igniting fervent discussions among critics and fans alike. 'The Last Jedi' plunged audiences deeper into a galaxy far, far away, promising to challenge existing notions of heroism and destiny within the beloved franchise, all while aiming for, and largely achieving, impressive box office records globally. This date solidified its place as a significant chapter in cinematic history and a pivotal moment for the Star Wars narrative.

31. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

    Released in 2017 by Jake Kasdan, Columbia Pictures

    The release of "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" on December 20, 2017, marked a pivotal moment for a beloved franchise, transforming it from a classic 1995 film into a dynamic, modern blockbuster. This date initiated the film's impressive theatrical run, which saw it defy expectations by becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year, ultimately raking in over $962 million worldwide. Launching just days before Christmas, this strategic release positioned it perfectly for holiday audiences, leveraging strong word-of-mouth against formidable competition. The film’s success solidified its place as a triumphant standalone sequel, reinvigorating the Jumanji universe for a new generation while paying homage to its roots.

32. Djungelskog

    Released in 2017 by IKEA

    Djungelskog, IKEA's beloved brown bear plush, might not have had a grand launch, but it certainly took the world by storm through an unexpected route: the internet. Introduced as part of IKEA's diverse soft toy collection, this unassuming stuffed animal quietly found its way into homes before exploding into a global cultural phenomenon around 2018-2019. Its rise to fame wasn't orchestrated by traditional marketing campaigns but rather through organic social media virality, transforming it from a simple children's toy into an iconic, meme-worthy companion cherished by people of all ages. Djungelskog quickly transcended its role, becoming a symbol of comfort, humor, and an unexpected internet sensation.

33. Gloomhaven

    Released in 2017 by Cephalofair Games, Isaac Childres

    Gloomhaven exploded onto the board game scene in 2017, quickly becoming a titan in the industry and redefining what players expected from a cooperative dungeon-crawler. Born from a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign, it wasn't just a game; it was an event. Its sheer ambition, massive scope, and innovative mechanics immediately captured the imagination of gamers worldwide. Within months of its retail release, Gloomhaven soared to the top of critical rankings, praised for its immersive world, strategic depth, and the unparalleled feeling of embarking on an epic, evolving campaign. It wasn't merely a commercial success; it became a cultural phenomenon, setting new benchmarks for player engagement and narrative complexity in board gaming.

34. The Destruction of Hillary Clinton

    Released in 2017 by Susan Bordo, University of California Press

    Susan Bordo's "The Destruction of Hillary Clinton" emerged in 2017 as a vital contribution to understanding the tumultuous 2016 US presidential election and its unexpected outcome. Published in the immediate aftermath of Donald Trump's victory, the book offered a meticulous, feminist-informed autopsy of Hillary Clinton's campaign, focusing on the systemic forces that Bordo argued contributed to her downfall. Its historical significance lies in its incisive analysis of how deeply ingrained gender biases, amplified by an increasingly fractured and partisan media landscape, shaped public perception and political discourse. The book served as a critical lens for those grappling with the election's results, pushing readers to consider the profound cultural and political currents that made Clinton's path to the presidency uniquely challenging and ultimately unsuccessful.

35. The 'Triple S' Dad Sneaker

    Released in 2017 by Balenciaga, Demna Gvasalia

    The 'Triple S' Dad Sneaker exploded onto the fashion scene with Balenciaga's Fall 2017 menswear collection, instantly becoming a phenomenon that redefined luxury footwear. Its unconventional, oversized silhouette and deliberate "ugly-chic" aesthetic defied traditional notions of high fashion, yet paradoxically, it sold out within minutes of its initial release. This immediate and overwhelming success signaled a major shift in consumer preferences, cementing the sneaker's status as not just a shoe, but a cultural statement. It quickly became the must-have item for celebrities, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts worldwide, launching a global obsession with chunky, deconstructed footwear and establishing Balenciaga at the forefront of the streetwear revolution. Its audacious design became an instant conversation starter and a symbol of fashion's new direction.