Top 10 Movies Of 2022 You Can't Miss

Hey movie buffs! 2022 was an absolutely stacked year for films, and picking just ten felt like a Herculean task. We saw everything from mind-bending sci-fi to heartwarming dramas, gut-busting comedies, and action flicks that had us on the edge of our seats. Whether you're a cinephile looking for your next deep dive or just a casual viewer wanting some top-tier entertainment, this list is for you. We've scoured the releases, read the reviews, and polled the popcorn-loving masses to bring you the absolute cream of the crop. Get ready to update your watchlist, because these are the top 10 movies of 2022 that you absolutely should have seen, and if you missed any, now's the perfect time to catch up!

1. Everything Everywhere All at Once

Seriously, guys, Everything Everywhere All at Once wasn't just a movie; it was an experience. This mind-bending martial arts epic takes multiverse theory and injects it with pure, unadulterated chaos and heart. We follow Evelyn Wang, a laundromat owner drowning in taxes and family drama, who suddenly discovers she must connect with parallel universe versions of herself to prevent a cosmic threat. The sheer creativity on display is off the charts. We're talking hot dog fingers, googly eyes, and philosophical discussions about the meaning of life, all wrapped up in a visually stunning package. Michelle Yeoh gives a career-defining performance, effortlessly shifting between weary mother, kung fu master, and countless other personas. The Daniels (directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) have crafted something truly original, a film that's as emotionally resonant as it is wildly inventive. It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, it’s action-packed, and it's undeniably one of the top 10 movies of 2022. This movie proves that cinema can still surprise us and push boundaries. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and a must-watch for anyone looking for something completely fresh. The way it blends genres is masterful, creating a cinematic tapestry that's both familiar and utterly alien. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll probably need a moment to process it all afterwards. It’s the kind of film that sparks conversations and lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, making it a true standout in a year filled with great releases.

2. Top Gun: Maverick

Talk about a sequel that defied all expectations! Top Gun: Maverick wasn't just a nostalgia trip; it was a masterclass in action filmmaking and storytelling. Thirty-six years after the original, Tom Cruise returns as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, now a test pilot tasked with training a new generation of TOPGUN graduates for a dangerous mission. What makes this film so special? The aerial sequences, folks, are insane. Shot with real fighter jets and practical effects, the dogfights are breathtakingly visceral and incredibly immersive. You feel every G-force, every near-miss. Beyond the jaw-dropping action, the film delivers a surprisingly emotional punch. Maverick grapples with his past, the legacy of Goose, and the responsibility of leading these young pilots. Miles Teller as Rooster, Goose's son, brings a compelling intensity to his role, creating a powerful dynamic with Cruise. This movie understands what made the original great and amplifies it. It’s a perfect blend of high-octane thrills, genuine character development, and a story that hits all the right emotional beats. It's a rare sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but arguably surpasses it. If you love big, bold, cinematic experiences that make you feel something, Top Gun: Maverick is an absolute must-see and easily lands a spot on our top 10 movies of 2022 list. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of practical effects and a reminder of how thrilling a well-crafted blockbuster can be. The pacing is impeccable, building tension masterfully towards a climax that will leave you cheering. It’s pure, unadulterated cinematic magic that reminds us why we love going to the movies.

3. The Banshees of Inisherin

Prepare yourselves for a darkly comedic, profoundly moving tale from the Emerald Isle. The Banshees of Inisherin is a film that stays with you, exploring themes of friendship, loneliness, and the absurdity of stubbornness. Set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland in 1923, the story kicks off when Pádraic (Colin Farrell) is abruptly told by his lifelong friend Colm (Brendan Gleeson) that he no longer wants to be friends with him. This simple, yet devastating, declaration spirals into escalating conflict, with dire consequences for everyone involved. What starts as a peculiar premise quickly becomes a poignant exploration of male relationships and the destructive nature of pride. Colin Farrell delivers a performance that is both hilarious and heartbreaking, perfectly capturing Pádraic's bewilderment and pain. Brendan Gleeson is equally brilliant as the resolute Colm, a man grappling with his own mortality and artistic legacy. Director Martin McDonagh (who brought us In Bruges and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) once again showcases his masterful command of dark humor and poignant drama. The stunning cinematography of the Irish landscape serves as a beautiful, yet melancholic, backdrop to the unfolding tragedy. This film is a masterclass in dialogue, character, and atmosphere, offering a unique blend of laugh-out-loud moments and profound existential dread. It’s a standout film that earns its place among the top 10 movies of 2022 for its sharp writing, unforgettable performances, and its unflinching look at the complexities of human connection. You'll find yourself contemplating the nature of friendship and the choices we make long after the credits roll. It’s a beautifully crafted piece of cinema that resonates deeply.

4. Avatar: The Way of Water

James Cameron did it again, guys! Avatar: The Way of Water finally arrived over a decade after the original, and boy, was it worth the wait. This visually stunning sequel takes us back to Pandora, but this time, we dive deep into the oceans and explore new, breathtaking underwater worlds. The story picks up more than a decade after the events of the first film, following Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) as they build a family and fight to protect their home from a returning human threat. The technological advancements in visual effects are simply astounding. The underwater environments are rendered with such incredible detail and realism that you feel like you're swimming alongside the Na'vi. The creature designs are imaginative, and the action sequences are epic in scale. While the plot might feel familiar to some, the sheer spectacle and emotional core of the film are undeniable. It's a story about family, environmentalism, and the struggle against oppression. Cameron's commitment to pushing the boundaries of cinematic technology is evident in every frame. It’s an immersive, awe-inspiring experience that truly transports you to another world. For its groundbreaking visuals, ambitious storytelling, and powerful message, Avatar: The Way of Water absolutely deserves a spot on our top 10 movies of 2022 list. It’s a testament to the power of big-screen cinema and a reminder of why Cameron is a master of the craft. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer scale and beauty of Pandora's oceans.

5. The Batman

Forget everything you thought you knew about the Caped Crusader. Matt Reeves' The Batman offers a gritty, noir-infused take on Gotham's Dark Knight, and it is phenomenal. Robert Pattinson steps into the cowl as a younger, more brutal Batman in his second year of crime-fighting. This isn't a polished hero; this is a detective haunted by vengeance, wrestling with his own demons as he hunts down the Riddler (Paul Dano), a serial killer targeting Gotham's elite. The film leans heavily into its detective roots, presenting a compelling mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. The atmosphere is thick with dread and corruption, aided by Michael Giacchino's haunting score and Greig Fraser's stunning cinematography. Pattinson embodies a raw, intense Batman, and Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman brings a captivating allure and complexity to her role. The supporting cast, including Jeffrey Wright as a weary Commissioner Gordon and Colin Farrell as an unrecognizable Penguin, is equally superb. The Batman feels like a true crime thriller set within the iconic DC universe. It's a dark, brooding, and masterfully crafted film that revitalizes the character and proves there are still fresh, compelling stories to tell with Batman. Its dark aesthetic and intricate plot make it a standout, solidifying its place as one of the top 10 movies of 2022. It's a powerful example of how a familiar character can be reimagined for a new generation, offering a more grounded and psychologically complex portrayal. The film’s deliberate pacing allows the tension to build organically, making the eventual bursts of action all the more impactful.

6. Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio

Prepare for a different kind of Pinocchio, guys. Guillermo del Toro's stop-motion animated masterpiece is a dark, beautiful, and profoundly moving reimagining of the classic tale. Set in Fascist Italy during the rise of Mussolini, this Pinocchio is not a wooden boy seeking to become real, but a deeply flawed, mischievous creature grappling with grief, loss, and the true meaning of humanity. Del Toro brings his signature gothic sensibility to the story, creating a visually stunning world that is both whimsical and melancholic. The animation is breathtaking, with incredibly detailed character designs and fluid movement that bring the story to life. Ewan McGregor as Jiminy Cricket and David Bradley as Geppetto deliver heartfelt performances that anchor the emotional core of the film. What makes this Pinocchio so special is its maturity and its willingness to explore complex themes. It’s a story about love, disobedience, and the choices that define us. It’s not afraid to be sad, to be scary, or to be incredibly profound. This is a film that will resonate with adults as much as children, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless story. For its artistic brilliance, emotional depth, and unique vision, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio is a must-see and a definite contender for the top 10 movies of 2022. It's a gorgeous, thought-provoking film that reminds us of the power of animation to tell stories with profound emotional weight. The craftsmanship involved in every frame is evident, making it a true work of art.

7. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Calling all sleuths! Rian Johnson returns with Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, and it’s just as sharp, witty, and twisty as the original. Daniel Craig is back as the flamboyant detective Benoit Blanc, this time summoned to the private island of a tech billionaire (Edward Norton) for a murder mystery party that quickly turns into a real-life whodunit. The ensemble cast is absolutely stacked with talent, including Janelle Monáe, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, and Kathryn Hahn, all delivering fantastic performances. Johnson crafts another intricate puzzle box of a film, filled with red herrings, hilarious dialogue, and plenty of surprises. The film is a delightful satire of the ultra-rich and their elaborate games. The production design is lavish, the costumes are fabulous, and the pacing is perfect for a fun, engaging mystery. Blanc's eccentric deductions and Southern charm are as delightful as ever. It’s a film that revels in its own cleverness, offering pure entertainment from start to finish. If you're looking for a smart, funny, and supremely entertaining mystery, Glass Onion is your go-to. It’s a joy to watch unfold and easily earns its place among the top 10 movies of 2022. This sequel proves that the Knives Out universe is a force to be reckoned with, offering a fresh and exciting take on the classic murder mystery genre. It’s a movie that’s best enjoyed with friends, debating theories and laughing at Blanc's perfectly delivered lines.

8. The Fabelmans

Steven Spielberg doing what he does best: telling deeply personal stories. The Fabelmans is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story inspired by Spielberg's own childhood and adolescence. The film follows Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle), a young boy who falls in love with movies after seeing The Greatest Show on Earth and becomes determined to make films himself. We witness his journey of discovering the power of cinema, dealing with his family's complexities, and finding his voice as an artist. Michelle Williams and Paul Dano deliver incredible performances as Sammy's parents, capturing the nuances of their strained but loving relationship. The film is a beautiful ode to the magic of filmmaking, the power of storytelling, and the importance of art in processing life's challenges. It’s filled with Spielberg's signature warmth, humor, and visual splendor. While it's a personal story, it resonates universally, exploring themes of family, love, loss, and the creative spirit. It’s a heartfelt and intimate look at the man behind the legendary films we all know and love, making it a significant entry in the top 10 movies of 2022. It's a film that will inspire aspiring filmmakers and anyone who has ever found solace or escape in the magic of movies. The way Spielberg captures the wonder of childhood and the struggles of adolescence is truly masterful.

9. Tár

Prepare for a masterclass in acting and filmmaking with Tár. Cate Blanchett delivers a tour-de-force performance as Lydia Tár, a world-renowned composer and conductor at the height of her career. The film, written and directed by Todd Field, offers an intimate, complex, and often unsettling portrait of genius, power, and downfall. Set in the world of classical music, Tár is a study in ambition, ego, and the corrosive effects of unchecked power. Blanchett is simply mesmerizing, inhabiting the role with an intensity and nuance that is captivating. The film doesn't shy away from ambiguity, allowing the audience to grapple with Tár's character and the ethical questions she raises. The meticulous detail in the world-building, from the concert halls to the quiet moments of Tár's life, is exceptional. It's a challenging film, but an incredibly rewarding one, offering a deep dive into the psychology of a complex figure. For its superb direction, stunning central performance, and thought-provoking exploration of relevant themes, Tár is a standout and deserves its place among the top 10 movies of 2022. It’s a film that demands attention and rewards viewers with its artistic integrity and intellectual depth. Blanchett's performance alone is worth the price of admission, a portrayal that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

10. Nope

Jordan Peele strikes again with Nope, a sci-fi horror film that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. Set in a remote California desert, the story follows siblings OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald Haywood (Keke Palmer), who run a horse ranch and discover a mysterious, unidentified flying object lurking in the skies above. What begins as a quest to capture photographic evidence of this phenomenon escalates into a terrifying struggle for survival. Peele masterfully blends elements of Western, sci-fi, and horror, creating a unique and unsettling atmosphere. Kaluuya and Palmer deliver fantastic performances, bringing charisma and depth to their characters. The film explores themes of spectacle, exploitation, and the human desire to tame the untamable. The visuals are stunning, particularly the depiction of the mysterious aerial entity, which is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Nope is a film that stays with you, prompting discussions about our relationship with nature, technology, and the things we choose to observe. It’s a testament to Peele’s unique vision and his ability to craft intelligent, genre-bending cinema. For its originality, suspense, and thematic richness, Nope is a fantastic conclusion to our top 10 movies of 2022 list. It's a film that challenges conventions and offers a fresh perspective on alien encounter narratives, leaving audiences with plenty to ponder.