2022 was finally the year in movies where we could actually go see a movie at least once a month. 2022 was also the year that many hyped movies that were supposed to be released earlier were finally landing. I watched approximately 23 movies this year. From this batch, I selected my top 5 best movies of 2022 and the top 5 disappointing movies of 2022. I was surprised that there weren’t more to add to my lists as it seemed like I watched more movies. But hopefully 2023 will have even more movies that’ll make me want to buy a ticket to or stream immediately!
Top 5 Movies of 2022
#1 Everything Everywhere All At Once
The little movie that could is stuffed with every movie universe, every movie genre, and every feeling across the cinematic spectrum. It’s a comedy, it’s a drama, it’s an action film, it’s indescribable in one sentence. To top it off, the film underscores the icon status of Asian superstar, Michelle Yeoh and re-introduces audiences to the acting prowess of former child star, Ke Huy Quan. This likely Oscar contender is also a reminder to immigrant children and especially the adults that their stories matter and they are seen and heard.
#2 Top Gun: Maverick
This was one of the movies I had been waiting years to see thanks to the pandemic. I couldn’t remember the last time I saw a Tom Cruise movie at the theatre and I’ve been a fan since Interview with a Vampire and the first Mission Impossible. Top Gun: Maverick is like a blast to the glory days past of big summer blockbusters starring the biggest star in Hollywood. But it also has a very subtle but important message about old versus new and grappling with technology versus the human mind. Don’t be fooled that Top Gun: Maverick is a summer popcorn movie that has no depth to it. This isn’t Independence Day or like most comic book movies. There’s been some fuss about Top Gun: Maverick being buzzed about for Oscar nominations, but it definitely is worthy of Best Picture and Best Actor for Tom Cruise. Read my review of Top Gun: Maverick.
#3 Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers
Another movie that was released to streaming (Disney+) that should have been on the big screen. Like most streaming subscribers, whenever I see a new movie or show pop up, I click on the icon to see what it’s all about as it’s already paid for anyway. But I find most of the new offerings, I don’t really make it past 15 minutes. When I saw that Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers was a weird live action or cartoon mixed with real world feature, I had very low expectations. But wow was I totally proven wrong. The movie is a very brief (in today’s standards) 97 minutes, but it’s chalk full of Easter eggs, gags, and inside jokes that you didn’t see coming. The “Ugly Sonic” cameo is just one of the many inside jokes that you can’t believe you’re seeing. One of the best movies of 2022 that was criminally sidelined to streaming. Read my review of Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers.
#4 Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Idris Elba is the magic bullet for many ensemble films. The introduction of the red hedgehog, Knuckles to face off against Sonic took the franchise to a different level. And who else didn’t love it when Knuckles joined forces with Sonic and Tails to defeat Dr. Robotnik? I’m so excited for Sonic the Hedgehog 3! Read my review of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
#5 Minions 2: The Rise of Gru
I watched Minions three times in the theatres. So I was dying to see Minions 2 especially since they kept delaying it due to the pandemic. The movie features many well-known voices ranging from Michelle Yeoh to Jean-Claude Van Damme. It’s a lot of fun and the Minions are so cute and funny. There’s a reason why Minions 2: The Rise of Gru has made almost $1 billion at the box office. Read my review of Minions 2: The Rise of Gru.
Top 5 Disappointing Movies of 2022
#1 Amsterdam
You can’t have a movie with Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, Mike Myers, Zoe Saldana, Chris Rock, and freaking Taylor Swift and have it be a snoozefest. I don’t even recall what the point of Amsterdam was. It was like a Knives Out spinoff that wanted to have some social commentary and be cool and hip with all of its stars, but it just fell flat. A huge disappointment. Read my review of Amsterdam.
#2 Bullet Train
Another big ensemble cast that misfired. The movie has two of the final remaining box office Gods of Hollywood, Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock, so why aren’t they treated like that in the movie? The commercials and imagery had me thinking it was going to be like a serious action thriller in the same vein like Pitt’s The Devil’s Own. If we’re talking about hitmen and a moving train, I’m expecting some sort of crime action thriller with slick action sequences and smooth criminals. Instead, we got a goofy guy who’s checked out and a bunch of Clue-like suspects who don’t have any intensity or gravitas. And Sandra Bullock is barely in the movie. Redo this movie because we deserve a real Brad Pitt/Sandra Bullock movie! Read my review of Bullet Train.
#3 Nope
Another movie whose trailer is 100 times better than the actual film. I really wanted to like Nope. But the alien invasion and the creepy weird town were not scary at all. Nope starts off very promising. The build up to what was going on is great storytelling. But once we find out about the spaceship that eats its prey, it’s all downhill from there. Read my review of Nope.
#4 Halloween Ends
Does anyone remember the movie Enough with Jennifer Lopez? She stars as an abused woman who leaves her sadistic husband. The best part is she turns the tables on him by training and preparing to beat his ass up. That’s what I was waiting for in Halloween Ends. Like many Halloween fans, I waited years for the finale of the modern day Halloween trilogy. The movie should have written itself: It’s should be about Laurie Strode versus Michael Myers. But did we see much of either Laurie or Michael in the film? No. Was there a final fight? Not really. The movie was simply blasphemous. They did Laurie and Michael wrong by pushing them aside for a reset with a creepy incel-like character named Corey. Corey inexplicably becomes involved with Laurie’s granddaughter which that in itself goes against the entire Halloween theme of strong female characters. And as if Corey could have beat up Michael Myers. That was the final straw for me with Halloween Ends. Read my review of Halloween Ends.
#5 The Banshees of Inisherin
I know, I know. You’re all wondering this is a mistake. This movie has a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score. Everyone is saying it’s a lock for many Oscar categories. And it’s on a lot of Top 10 lists of 2022. How can this movie be a disappointment? But that’s exactly why. I was hearing so much lavish praise on this little Irish film with the hard to pronounce title. Plus, it has Colin Farrell. As soon as I saw it was available on Disney+, I immediately hit play. I’ve watched this movie three times now to try to understand what excellence and amazingness I have missed. I still don’t why this movie would be ranked higher than Everything Everywhere All At Once. Banshees is one of those small films with a small story that relies heavily on its actors’ performances. And that’s the best thing of Banshees. Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, and Kerry Condon are amazing. They breathe life and nuance into the very boring script and ultimately very boring movie. But the cutting off of fingers and the committing of arson just don’t do it for me.
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