The Best Films of 2022
Welcome to the end of 2022*, a year that will go down in history as one of the worst for films. No, no I kid, but it is abundantly clear that the cinematic landscape, Hollywood system, and the very notion of what it means to “go to the movies” as a must see is undeniably changed for the worse. Congratulations Disney, you win.
I encourage all of you to go to the movies as often as you can, support films that seem even mildly interesting, or take a page out of my book and go in blind. A lot of these I saw strictly on word of mouth, casual recommendation, or because some dude on twitter said it was great. Sometimes if you want to be wowed at the movies, sitting there knowing little to nothing about a film is just the best.
Here is my complete ranking of films I saw this year, that were released this year.
*(this is a republish from my old website made in December 2022.)
38. Minions: The Rise of Gru
I saw this as the first part of a double feature. I fell asleep in the middle, and woke up right at the climax of the resolution. I didn’t care one bit. Enjoyed the nap more than the film. Not that films made for kids can't be good, this was just outright unfunny. Several parents have confirmed this.
37. Crimes of the Future
A depressing body dysmorphia Cronenberg flick that is way more into itself that I was. Nodded off but limped through to the end and sat there wondering what the point of it all was.
36. Moonfall
Roland Emmerich disaster flick where…somehow…the moon is on a collision course with Earth. Roland Emmerich is known for independance day, The Day After Tomorrow, 2012, etc. Basically anything where large scale disasters run rampant. Add this to his string of misses where sheer stupidity is more frustrating than entertaining.
35. Uncharted
A videogame adaptation that has worse story telling, acting, and set pieces than the videogame this is based off of. If you don’t know the game at all, you’ve seen this film before as it borrows a lot of the globe trotting adventure tropes done to death.
34. Dr. Strange
I literally couldn’t tell you a single thing that happened in this film.
33. Pinocchio
Incredible animation rendered mute because of such an obnoxiously annoying main character. I was getting raged just watching this spoiled brat in the first half of the film. This may be the biggest disappointment on the year for me.
32. Avatar: The Way of Water
I saw the first Avatar film 13 years ago because I told a friend I thought it was going to flop and felt bad for James Cameron. I was wrong. We don’t need more of these films but man was it pretty to look at. It’s a technical marvel for sure but also a narrative chore. Plus the high frame rate really took me out of it.
…I’ll still see the third one when it comes out.
31. Ticket to Paradise
Rom-coms used to be a dime a dozen. A rom-com in 2022 is like a cinematic needle in the haystack. Enjoyable enough where the finding the needle isn’t encumbered by weeding through the hay. Formulaic, predicable, cheese. Yes, yes, and yes. Do Julia Roberts and George Clooney still have it? Yes, yes, and yes. This was comfort food viewing in a fun way. Oh, and I was the youngest person in the theater by about 20 years.
30. Bodies, Bodies, Bodies
Generational satire on a generation begging for it. Blame the “old man yells at cloud” in me on this one but I don’t care. This was both fun to watch, but also a little annoying. The films on this list need to start getting better at some point though.
29. Prey
I’ve seen zero Predator films before this one. But I liked it. It was fun, well done, and balanced the dread of being hunted with gory dangerous sequences perfectly.
28. The Batman
I saw this against my better judgment. How many times are they going force/change/revive a major IP’s character in such a short timeframe. However, Robert Pattinson has never steered me wrong. Anything outside of the Twilight series has always been unique and interesting so to see him in a major franchise was a suprising turn. A little emo/brooding overkill but that’s what the DC crowd wanted I guess. Anyway it was nice to get away from the sterile Zach Snyder sheen and into something more gritty and grounded.
27. 3000 Years of Longing
George Miller spins a hell of a story within a story here and it was great seeing a huge Edris Elba be his charming witty self. Also, when was the last time Tilda Swinton got to play a character that wasn’t covered in prosthetic makeup. This is a slower paced tragic love story that is worth the time if you can watch.
26. The Black Phone
A really cool concept that doesn’t quite stick the landing in the final act. Ethan Hawke does such a great job that it stands out how under utilized he is. Left me wanting to know more. Horror films tend to churn out sequels like clockwork though so…maybe we will.
25. Don't Worry Darling
Another cool concept where at least the third act reveal is at least interesting. Cool time period thriller, with just enough mystery to keep me engaged throughout. Harry Styles bad acting and excessive cunnilingus scenes hold it back.
24. Ambulance
Michel Bay being Michael Bay in a film where characters reference actual Michael Bay films…twice. This was dumb explosive fun and one of the few films I’ve watched more than once this year. As most adrenaline fueled balls to the wall action films it feels exhausting half way through and then keeps going. But man, this is the type of film that feels ripped from the year 2000. More please.
23. The Bob's Burgers Movie
A feature film given to one of the best animated programs on TV. Bob’s Burgers has always found a way to deliver the humor based on good-hearted nature and not cynical hatred. One of the few shows where characters aren’t mean to one another, and you can truly feel the love between them. This does feel a little like three episodes stitched together, but I’ve binged more than that in one sitting before.
22. Jackass 4 Ever
I didn’t think I’d ever get emotional or feel a sense of nostalgia for a group of dudes who put their bodies on the line for entertainment, but, here we are. There are some good gags, but this feels mainly like you’re hanging out with friends (and their genitalia) you haven’t seen in over two decades. Also, Johnny Knoxville’s laugh and smile is just contagious.
21. Clerks
Speaking of choking up over characters you haven’t seen in decades Kevin Smith completes the obnoxious foul-mouthed trilogy on a more serious note than even I expected. The first Clerks film was considered a sacred idol when I was in film school, so seeing this felt like looking in the mirror. Much like the characters who are older and looking back at their life choices here I sit watching them saying “I get it”. Also, this was shot in my backyard so, double cool to see spots around town.
20. Elvis
Baz Lurhmann and Elvis. A match made in heaven. The film gets less and less Lurhmann-esque as it goes on, and at times feels like this is more about Tom Hanks character than Elvis himself, but still a fun, well acted biopic.
19. See How They Run
A wonderful surprise of a film with a fantastic performance by Sam Rockwell. Seriously, does that guy ever miss? Saoirse Ronan is the hella-charming adorable partner to this 1950 English odd couple “who done it” mystery.
18. Cyrano
Another period piece where the lead actor kills it. Classic story stays in-tact with some musical numbers and simple choreography. Joe Wright’s directorial hand feels incredibly precise matched with some gorgeous sets and beautiful cinematography. A classic tragic story of love updated perfectly for 2022. Renders all other versions mute.
17. The Worst Person In the World
Word of mouth got me here, and afterwards I wasn’t sure why. Then the next day I was still trying to figure out why. Then I was telling people at work the day after that about this film. My brother and I had a conversation about why this film was supposed to be a big deal. Then I realized I had been thinking about this for 4 days. A very grounded and real look at love, loss, a decision making as an adult. If I connect anymore to this I may think I am the worst person in the world. Then again, I think we can all connect to it. The hyperbolic teen of all us tends to speak in extremes so maybe what we think makes us the worst person in the world is mundane bullshit to someone else.
16. X
A gritty, pornographic horror film set in the 70’s. The opening scenes were reminiscent of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre both in narration as well as look and feel. It finds its own unique footing later on. Nice to see some modern horror that feels smart and thought out while acknowledging its horror filmmaking roots. Note: There is a sequel/companion film called Pearl that also came out this year I have yet to see.
15. Men
A cool thriller/horror film from Alex Garland, somebody who has a unique style, but hasn’t had a film similar to a previous one he’s made. Most of the film is creepy and unsettling but it’s the last 15 minutes of this film had me curled up in shock/disgust. Not his best work (I think Ex Machina and even Annihilation were better) but a worthy addition to his filmography.
14. The Northman
Just like the film Men, (and several others from here on the list on up) you’ll get me to watch on the pedigree of the director alone. Here Robert Eggers delivers a graphic, borderline disgusting, and trippy look at Viking mythology. A period piece without the flash and glamor of the typical Hollwood period pieces. There are more characters covered in mud and blood than powdered wigs and fancy clothes. This film is a journey that can get ugly at times but is damn good filmmaking.
13. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
I could watch Daniel Craig play Benoit Blanc all day. Liked the first one better but this is some great storytelling here with a cast that just looks like they are having fun in every shot. Make Rian Johnson the first ever Netflix resident and give him a blank check to make these films every two years. Great mystery where even when you know a twist or reveal is coming you play along. The film is set up like a game with all the pieces, and you get to play detective along with a charming lead.
12. The Menu
Thriller. Dark Comedy. Satire. Ralph Fiennes. This films flips between chilling and funny so aptly, it constantly put a smile on my face. Then made me tense up. Then made me hungry. The kind of movie you wouldn’t expect to be enhanced in the theater with a large crowd, but the nervous energy of the room made the film all the more fun. Great film.
11. Bullet Train
The sad thing about this film is that it could be even better. It’s a great silly action film that never takes itself too seriously while taking the silliness super seriously. This is the kind of film I wish Guy Richie made 20 years ago. Reminiscent of 'Lock Stock' and 'Snatch', Bullet train has lots of energy, a big stupid cast having fun, and slick polished fight scenes. Even though it was missing some level of edge (that I feel Mr. Richie would have delivered) this is one of those films that if I came across on television I’d be watching til the end. Side note, Brad Pitt is hitting some stride in his late 50’s that is just so damn enjoyable to watch.
10. Barbarian
I am happy there were so many memorable horror films this year and Barbarian is no doubt the best of the best. An interesting set up that is creepy and uncomfortable without any of the traditional “horror” elements starting up yet. Not to mention a bizarre mid-story flip of the script (a big gamble if you ask me that paid off so well) cemented this as not only a great film but a great discussion piece around the water cooler. Overhearing somebody talk about this couldn’t not get you excited to share in the same reactions and moments of the story all the while hyping it up to the person in the room who hasn’t seen it while speaking in generalities to avoid spoilers. It's fun to have a film generate buzz for extended stretches of time, especially in a stream it/forget it society.
9. Cha Cha Real Smooth
I’ve never seen any of the 50 Shades of Gray films, but I’ve seen plenty of trailers for those films (and some interesting discourse about the books) but I’d wager that Dakota Johnson is more sexy and seductive here than in any of those movies combined. A story about a guy discovering his life’s path while working as a bar-mitzvah party host hits a little close to home, while the relationship dynamic is both real and a lie. Throw in some really heartwarming and heartbreaking scenes with parents, siblings, and love, this is the kind of film/story that I feel would be something I would make. Maybe I love it so much because of that.
8. Banshees of Inisherin
A black comedy about what happens if your best friend woke up one day and decided that they just didn’t want to be your friend any more. A simple set up if there ever was one, but between the gorgeous scenery and killer performance of Colin Farrell this quiet film was engrossing from start to finish. There is a great scene where Colin Farrell’s character argues with another that it should be enough to be remembered after he is gone as just being nice. I wish more people thought that way.
7. Babylon
A three hour orgy of an epic centered around Hollywood in the early 20’s. Yes. I am a sucker for films about filmmaking so this was right up my ally despite the fact that it bombed at the box-office. The leads are fantastic, and Damien Chazelle has etched his name on my list of directors that become must sees no matter what.
6. The Fablemans
Steven Spielberg is one of my idols. I don’t need to say more, but this auto-biographical journey is classic Spielberg. His style and feel permeate in every shot and scene. If feels familiar but it's all new. I can't explain it, but I know it when I see it. The story lingers too long at times, and the actor playing the mother I found kind of annoying, but seeing Paul Dano tell his son about how film works at 24 frames per second and having young Steven’s eyes fill up with wonder made me cry tears of happiness.
5. Nope
Horror. Comedy. Just fucking awesome. Jordan Peel, you have made a name for yourself telling interesting stories in an interesting way and please, for the love of god, don’t stop. Already waiting your next one. Oh, and that reference to Akira, ::chefs kiss::
4. Tar
The first scene of this film is literally a 20 minute New York Times interview that has as much tone setting as it does pompousness. I didn’t understand all of it, but I got the gist, along with the notion that I was with intellectuals on a subject well above my knowledge base. If you want to feel like the stupidest person in the room, watch this scene. However, it does an amazing job of establishing the pedigree of our main character so by the time we get to see her teach her music class we could nod along and agree with her even if she belittles a student down to the size of a grain of rice. Cate Blanchette should win an Oscar for her performance on these two scenes alone but they only welcome us into her world, one that slowly spirals out of her control. You don’t feel bad for her by the end of the movie, you feel foolish for falling into her persona and betrayed be her prestige.
3. Marcel the Shell With Shoes On
A stop motion hybrid film about a little shell just wanting to find his family. I was bawling blubber by the end of this. A film that actually makes you feel good about the world and all the wonders it has. Who knew a super positive little shell could give you the feels. Watch this if you want a sense of hope in your life.
2. The Whale
A dark but smaller experience from Darren Aronofsky, a Director who's films have been very hit or miss with critics and audiences but have always found their way to being some of the best films I’ve ever seen. Give Brandon Fraser the Oscar no doubt, but credit writer Samuel Hunter for throwing us relatable allegories that make us feel a range of emotions, almost none of them positive…until they are. I cringed and laughed at the humanity. I felt pain and suffering. I cried at an overweight man who wanted nothing but to find the honest truth in people, after being ashamed of seeing it in himself. I didn’t shed a tear at the end of the film, I BAWLED uncontrollably. And then I cried again on the way home. It’s tragic, and disgusting, and honest, and hopeful, and so many things a film wishes it could aspire to make anybody feel even just one of those emotions. I felt them all. This film is excellent.
1. Everything Everywhere All At Once
How many alternate versions of your life do you need to see to understand that right where you are is the absolute right place to be? I love this film because it made me think of my life as a series of vignettes. Not every moment, but the big ones, small ones, random ones. The should of, could of, would of moments. The ones where you think “if I had only done this instead”. You know the ones. Well, this film kind of makes you realizes that those moments of despair are bullshit. What makes life meaningful isn’t in infusing meaning to things that could have happened, or even the stuff that is currently happening. Because all moments are the same, if you are present in them. Not longing for a moment passed, or a moment to come. But there, aware, with yourself and/or others. That connection is important. The directors (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, known as “The Daniels”) dowsed that notion of nihilism with absurdism, featuring the likes of hot dog fingers, everything bagels, and Ratatouille knock-offs. That amongst the chaos you can balance with calm and stillness. That amongst the craziness of the world and your life, sometimes it’s best to just be a rock.