As 2022 came to a close, cinema found its footing once again after the tumult of the global pandemic. With theaters reopening and a resurgence of blockbuster hits, the year proved that film remains a resilient and vital force in storytelling. From compelling dramas to stunning blockbusters, 2022 showcased a diverse range of films that pushed boundaries, explored new narratives, and introduced remarkable performances. With so many exceptional releases, we’ve curated a list of the 20 best films of the year, representing the best in artistic achievement, cultural resonance, and cinematic innovation.

1. Everything Everywhere All at Once

The year’s most mind-bending and emotionally resonant film, Everything Everywhere All at Once defied traditional genres with its kaleidoscopic narrative. Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, this sci-fi adventure mixed absurdity with poignant reflections on identity, family, and purpose. Michelle Yeoh’s remarkable performance as a woman juggling her mundane life with a multiverse of possibilities brought warmth and humor to a wildly imaginative story. The film’s innovative storytelling, combined with its deeply human themes, makes it one of the standout films of 2022.

2. Top Gun: Maverick

Tom Cruise returned to the cockpit in Top Gun: Maverick, proving that sequels don’t always have to diminish the legacy of the original. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, this action-packed spectacle combined jaw-dropping aerial stunts with emotional depth. Cruise’s return as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a seasoned fighter pilot mentoring a new generation of aviators, struck a perfect balance of nostalgia and fresh energy. Top Gun: Maverick soared to new heights at the box office and received critical acclaim, cementing its place as one of 2022’s most thrilling cinematic experiences.

3. The Batman

Directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson as the brooding caped crusader, The Batman offered a grittier and more noir-inspired take on the iconic superhero. With stunning cinematography, a hauntingly atmospheric score by Michael Giacchino, and a stellar supporting cast featuring Zoë Kravitz and Paul Dano, the film provided a darker, more grounded narrative that delved into Batman’s detective skills and his relationship with Gotham. It was a fresh and invigorating spin on the Batman mythos, capturing the essence of the character in a way few films have before.

4. The Fabelmans

Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical drama, The Fabelmans, was a deeply personal and reflective film about his early years and his filmmaking journey. The movie follows young Sammy Fabelman (played by Gabriel LaBelle) as he discovers his love for cinema while navigating family dynamics. With rich performances from Michelle Williams and Paul Dano, Spielberg masterfully blended nostalgia with profound emotional depth. The film stands as a testament to the power of cinema and the people who shape our lives.

5. Tár

Directed by Todd Field, Tár is a psychological drama that takes a deep dive into the life of Lydia Tár, a renowned conductor played by Cate Blanchett. The film explores power, ambition, and the complexities of contemporary fame, with Blanchett delivering a mesmerizing, career-defining performance. Her portrayal of a woman balancing genius and moral corruption is one of the year’s most compelling performances, and the film’s slow-burn tension elevates it into an unforgettable experience.

6. Women Talking

Based on the novel by Miriam Toews, Women Talking is a thought-provoking film about a group of Mennonite women who confront the patriarchy within their isolated community. Directed by Sarah Polley, the film is set in a remote town where women come together to discuss how they should respond to the systemic abuse they’ve endured. With an ensemble cast led by Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, and Jessie Buckley, Women Talking is a stark, emotionally gripping exploration of female agency, solidarity, and resistance.

7. Avatar: The Way of Water

James Cameron’s long-awaited sequel to Avatar broke box office records with its stunning visual effects and immersive underwater world. Avatar: The Way of Water continues the story of Jake Sully and Neytiri on the alien planet Pandora, exploring the delicate balance of nature and humanity. With groundbreaking motion capture technology and a deep focus on environmental themes, the film delivered a cinematic spectacle that captured the magic of its predecessor while expanding world-building to new heights.

8. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

The return of Daniel Craig as the eccentric detective Benoit Blanc in Glass Onion brought a delightful mix of mystery and comedy. Directed by Rian Johnson, this sequel to Knives Out introduces a new ensemble cast, including Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, and Janelle Monáe. The film’s clever script, sharp social commentary, and twist-filled narrative make it a worthy follow-up to its predecessor, with Craig’s performance as Blanc continuing to delight audiences with his wit and charm.

9. Nope

Jordan Peele’s Nope combined the horror and sci-fi genres to create a unique and thrilling cinematic experience. Set on a ranch in rural California, the film follows two siblings who encounter mysterious events tied to UFOs. Peele’s direction is masterful, weaving together suspense, social commentary, and horror in a way that only he can. Nope explores themes of spectacle, exploitation, and the way we consume the unknown, making it one of the most thought-provoking genre films of the year.

10. Elvis

Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis is a vibrant, larger-than-life musical biopic about the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, played by Austin Butler in an electrifying performance. The film charts Presley’s rise to fame, his complicated relationship with manager Colonel Parker, and his enduring legacy. Luhrmann’s signature visual flair and dynamic storytelling add a fresh dimension to Presley’s story, and Butler’s performance earned him widespread acclaim, cementing Elvis as one of the year’s most exciting and visually stunning films.

11. RRR

S.S. Rajamouli’s RRR took the world by storm with its epic tale of friendship, revolution, and heroism set in 1920s British-occupied India. The film’s larger-than-life action sequences, colorful storytelling, and emotional depth captured audiences’ hearts worldwide. Combining historical fiction with mythological grandeur, RRR showcased the power of Indian cinema on a global stage, earning widespread acclaim and becoming a cultural phenomenon.

12. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

The sequel to 2018’s Black Panther arrived with a heavy heart following the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman. Directed by Ryan Coogler, Wakanda Forever honors Boseman’s legacy while exploring themes of grief, leadership, and cultural heritage. With standout performances from Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, and Tenoch Huerta, the film continues the story of Wakanda’s fight to protect its nation in the face of external threats. Wakanda Forever is a poignant tribute to both Boseman and the spirit of Wakanda.

13. Aftersun

Charlotte Wells’ debut feature Aftersun is a quiet, emotionally complex film about a father-daughter relationship during a summer vacation. With extraordinary performances from Paul Mescal and newcomer Frankie Corio, the film captures fleeting moments of joy, sadness, and growing up. Wells’ delicate direction and the film’s understated storytelling create a profound and deeply personal exploration of family, memory, and the passage of time.

14. The Menu

Mark Mylod’s The Menu is a darkly comedic and satirical thriller that takes place at an exclusive, high-end restaurant. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult, the film follows a group of wealthy diners who are invited to a remote island for an extravagant meal, only to discover that the evening has sinister intentions. The film’s biting commentary on class, privilege, and the food industry, combined with its sharp performances, makes The Menu one of the year’s most intriguing films.

15. Turning Red

Pixar’s Turning Red is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that blends humor and emotional depth. Directed by Domee Shi, the film follows 13-year-old Mei, who transforms into a giant red panda whenever she experiences strong emotions. The film is an exploration of adolescence, family dynamics, and the complex relationship between mothers and daughters. With its vibrant animation, relatable themes, and heartwarming story, Turning Red is a standout in the realm of animated films.

16. The Banshees of Inisherin

Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin is a darkly comedic exploration of friendship and isolation. Set on a remote Irish island, the film follows the breakdown of a long-standing friendship between two men, played by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. With sharp dialogue, poignant performances, and stunning cinematography, McDonagh crafts a tale of existential crisis and human connection that resonates deeply with audiences and critics alike.

17. Bones and All

Luca Guadagnino’s Bones and All is a haunting and poetic coming-of-age film about two young cannibals, played by Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet. The film blends romance, horror, and drama in a way that is both unsettling and beautiful. Guadagnino’s direction, coupled with strong performances from the cast, makes Bones and All an unforgettable and unique cinematic experience.

18. **S

Issy**

The Menu may have been a dark satire on class and food, but Sissy, a horror-comedy, explored the complexities of female friendship and trauma in a completely different way. Directed by Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes, this genre-blending film mixes horror, dark comedy, and psychological drama to create a surprising and original story. The film’s twisted take on relationships is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

19. Decision to Leave

Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave is a stylish and cerebral crime thriller that centers around a detective’s obsession with a widow who becomes the prime suspect in her husband’s death. The film is a slow-burn exploration of love, guilt, and obsession, with impeccable performances and a visually stunning aesthetic. With its intricate plot and nuanced characters, Decision to Leave exemplifies the director’s mastery of cinematic storytelling.

20. Nope

Jordan Peele’s Nope merges science fiction, horror, and social commentary with eerie precision. The film revolves around a brother and sister who attempt to capture footage of a mysterious phenomenon in the skies. Peele’s exploration of spectacle, race, and exploitation in Hollywood is rich and thought-provoking, ensuring Nope remains a standout film of 2022.

From thrilling blockbusters to intimate dramas, 2022 has given us a wide range of films that reflect the creativity, diversity, and resilience of the cinematic world. These 20 films represent the very best of the year, offering an array of experiences that continue to push the boundaries of storytelling and filmmaking. As we look ahead, it’s clear that cinema’s ability to entertain, provoke thought, and move audiences remains as strong as ever.