The film industry has been through the wringer these last few years. The way we consume media has changed dramatically. Whether you streamed them or watched them in theaters, there’s no denying there have been some great movies this year. Here is a list of some of my favorites.
22. Cha Cha Real Smooth
I had the pleasure of watching this gem of a movie at the start of the year during the Sundance film festival. This movie completely captured my heart. The way it perfectly describes the trials and tribulations of getting older while maintaining a fun and upbeat energy is perfect storytelling. If you haven’t had a chance to watch this yet, it is streaming on Apple TV+.
21. Call Jane
This is another film I watched during Sundance. This movie draws inspiration from the real-life Janes- an underground group of women who provided safe abortions. I do believe this is one of Elizabeth Banks’s best-acted roles. She is so believable on-screen. It is truly an important one to watch and is now available to rent on all streaming platforms.
20. Do Revenge
For some odd reason, I kept putting this film off. I wanted to watch it. I just would always gravitate toward something else. But, in these last days of 2022, I finally hit play, and I was angry that I didn’t watch this one sooner. I think I was afraid of it being over-hyped, but after watching it, I get it. I get why people are obsessed with it. It brings back all the feels from the 90s while also pushing trends from this new generation forward. If you to have been putting this one off, trust me, watch it now on Netflix!
19. Thor: Love and Thunder
Look, was it a perfect Marvel film? No. But it was fun as hell! If you somehow missed it, you can watch the screaming goats in all their glory on Disney Plus.
18. Enola Holmes 2
This sequel is just as fun and entertaining as the first film. The only thing missing was Watson. You can watch the mystery unravel on Netflix.
17. Spirited
This one surprised me. In all honesty, I had my doubts, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well-done this film is. Who knew Ryan Reynolds could sing? The music is catchy, the lighting design is spectacular, and it’s just a fun spin on an old tale. Watch it on Apple TV+.
16. She Said
This is another important film this year. I feel like this one was overlooked because of its release. But the acting is fantastic, and the story of how these two reporters helped raise the voices of abused women is so compelling.
15. NOPE
Keke Palmer. That’s it. That’s all you need.
In all seriousness, The movie is thought-provoking and entertaining. Catch it on Peacock.
14. Crush
This one is just fun. It’s an upbeat, feel-good romantic comedy. What else do you need? If you haven’t watched this one yet, I highly suggest it. Catch it on Hulu.
13. Werewolf by Night
I think this is one of the most groundbreaking projects Marvel has created. It’s a small bite of a movie, but it’s so much fun. It’s the perfect balance of Marvel and old horror. Watch it on Disney Plus.
12. Fresh
This was another one that took me a while to watch, but when I did, I was surprised! On the surface, fresh is a horror story about the woes of dating. But if you dig a little deeper, the meat of the story is actually an allegory to the standards women are held to in today’s society. Director Mimi Cave made a stunning directorial debut. She kept the intrigue and tension growing throughout the film. Her slow camera movements helped to drive the anxiety of what was about to happen. Lauren Kahn has a unique and thought-provoking script. Each scene had subtle nuances to what her true intentions were. If you plan on watching, it’s on Hulu… but maybe stay away from the popcorn on this one.
11. I Wanna Dance With Somebody
I was terrified going into this film. How does one even begin to tell the epic tale of the epic voice that is Whitney Houston? But I am happy to say I enjoyed this movie. I Wanna Dance With Somebody isn’t flashy and doesn’t come with the hype other biopics have received. Instead, it’s more nuanced and grounded. It reminds me of the 90s classic “Selena.” It’s just a story being told by the people who knew her best.
10. Matilda
This one blew me away. Bringing the stage to the screen is hard, but Matilda knocks it out of the park. It’s beautifully choreographed, and the lead is a star in the making. This is a fun one to watch with the family on Netflix.
9. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
ELIZABETH OLSEN! That’s it.
8. The Black Phone
This is one of the best thrillers of the year. It’s clever, well-thought-out, and terrifying. It doesn’t waste any of its runtime. Everything shown is essential and a piece of a puzzle. If you haven’t watched it, do so now! It’s on Prime Video.
7. Top Gun: Maverick
I genuinely believe this sequel is on par with its predecessor. The flight sequences are heart-pounding; there’s a beautiful story and, of course, stunning visuals. There’s intrigue mixed with familiarity, making this film a fun watch from start to finish.
Courtesy of Paramount
6. The Batman
The Batman is creepy, mysterious, and magnificent. You’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time. The only thing running through my mind during the whole film was, “This is perfect.” And it is from the music to the acting, from the directing and the editing. Honestly, this may be one of the best “superhero” films of all time.
5. Till
This is another film based on a tragically true story. It is so important for everyone to see. Danielle Deadwyler’s performance was absolutely stunning!
4. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever overcomes the loss of Chadwick Boseman, but it never forgets his legacy. It is a beautiful tribute that pushes the story in a new direction and passes the torch to a new Wakanda. The storytelling is perfect, the music is gorgeous, the acting is incredible, the scenery is stunning, and you will cry your eyes out for two hours and forty minutes.
3. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Everything about this movie is perfect. The score, the scenery, the lighting design, and the plot. I could watch a hundred of these films and never tire of them. It’s just a fun time. Watch it on Netflix.
2. The Fabelmans
The Fabelmans is able to capture the magic of film. It expertly shows the beauty of art and how it can change a person. But it also tells the story of family. The Spielbergian magic sprinkled throughout this film will play on every emotion, leaving you with a sense of wonder and amazement. Because as I said before, no one tells a story like Steven Spielberg.
1. Everything, Everywhere, All at Once
This movie is a trip from the beginning to the end. It’s odd and beautiful at the same time. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, thought-provoking, absurd, profound, emotional, brilliant, and clever. It’s not just about a “multiverse,” but what it means to live your life to the fullest with the ones you love. It’s about the lengths a mother will go to for her child, and no matter how insignificant we feel… we matter. WATCH THIS NOW!
