The Ten Best Movies of 2022

Nathan Swank January 30th, 2023

I rather enjoyed the movies from 2022. I’ve heard some conflicting thoughts to that opinion, but it’s been three years since I’ve liked movies as much as this year. 2021 had only a couple of gems like MASS and NOVICE, which I highly recommend, but no one else seemed to notice. Even my favorite musicals, ENCANTO and CYRANO were overshadowed by a couple of other high profile musicals, which I found quite generic and unappealing. Overall, there were only a few movies that I considered decent and only those first three would even crack this year’s top ten. 2020 was, in a lot of ways, the same, forgettable. I understand some of those issues were delays due to the Pandemic. Thankfully, 2022 delivered about 17 movies that I considered worth mentioning. There were a handful more that had some interesting or touching moments, but ultimately failed to fully connect. So I’m excited to be excited about movies again. Without further ado, here are my favorite movies from 2022.

17. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT
16. THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT
15. MENU
14. ARMAGEDDON TIME
13. KIMI
12. GLASS ONION
11. BONES AND ALL

10. NOPE – I had a difficult time figuring out which of the last eight films would land the ten spot. I guess I could have cut it at nine, but I really wanted to mention these other films. Jordan Peele’s third film reached audiences and myself a bit differently. But the more I sit on it, the more I appreciate it. Peele has a unique vision and I will always rush to the theater for whatever his next project is. Creative and creepy, NOPE presents an old story in a very unusual and clever way. I have a feeling NOPE is going to grow in popularity as time goes by.

9. THE WHALE – An emotional film led by a powerhouse performance from Brendan Frasier. I kept hearing that his performance is the only thing that’s good. But THE WHALE is a riveting story that keeps revealing layers. Adapted from Samuel D. Hunter’s play, the intimacy of keeping the location in a single apartment creates an effective emotional response. Everyone is exceptionally good, but this is definitely Fraser’s film.

8. RRR – This might sound blasphemous to some, but more so than TOP GUN: MAVERICK even, RRR (Rise, Roar, Revolt) is formulaic cheesy fun at the height of cinema potential. I can’t believe how simultaneously ridiculous and incredible this Hindi film truly manages to be. It has no business being as good as it is, but the action, characters, music, dance numbers, and positive outlook on friendship is definitely worth checking out again and again.

7. PREY – The best Predator movie since PREDATOR, PREY tells a compelling story using visuals through exciting action. Director Dan Trachtenberg uses restraint to edit himself to sharing only the essentials. Led by a fantastic physical performance from Amber Midthunder, PREY is not only a solid installment into the Predator franchise, PREY is a shockingly fantastic film of any kind.

6. BARBARIAN – Oh my goodness, this horror film is filled with insanity! Building tension in one manner only to jump to a completely different type of scariness, to then jump again to a wild comedic horror. BARBARIAN crosses many horror genres and proves a wholly different possibility of horror while staying true to the essence of the many ways to be frightened. I loved every minute of it..

5. WOMEN TALKING – Much like my favorite 2021 movie MASS, WOMEN TALKING is mostly confined to conversation in a single space. However, there are moments that break away that better set the place, time, and horrific nature of the conversation. After the women have a tie vote on what to do, a select few discuss what action they should take next: Stay and fight or Leave. A compelling true story about many different ways to have courage as a victim, director Sarah Polley explores the strength of women while constantly being brutally attacked physically, mentally, and emotionally.

4. MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON – Similar to WALL-E, MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON is a non-human character who teaches us the most about what it is to be human. Finding joy in the small things and concern in the things that matter, MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON reminds us not to sweat the small stuff, to be kind, laugh, and to appreciate those who we love. Freely giving humorous and sometimes surprisingly wise life-lessons, while sometimes bumping into furniture rolling around inside his tennis ball, Marcel presents an eye-opening perspective. Hilarious and heart-warming, there is not age that can escape the endearing quality of Marcel.

3. TAR – Cate Blanchett is on fire in this film. She takes control in such a way that proves herself as one of the greatest actresses who ever lived. I can’t turn away as she takes this obsessive, controlling composer who knows exactly what she wants, professionally, personally, romantically, and creatively. Lydia Tar unabashed self destruction from riches to rags in a cancel culture environment is a riveting story told through Todd Field’s exquisite writing and directing. The score, art direction, and cinematography are all on point. But Blanchett’s grand performance is what carries this film to greatness.

2. BANSHEES OF INISHERIN – I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I definitely was not expecting such a moving and funny film that basically asks the question, what if your best friend decided they didn’t like you anymore? Great performances all around combined with Martin McDonagh’s clever screenplay is already a recipe for greatness. But setting the film in a remote town in the beautiful landscape of Ireland pushes BANSHEES to an all-time next level film. Oh and of course we can’t forget about Jenny the Donkey.

1. EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE – Rarely does a movie move me in such a way as this film. I think I may have said it best in my original review: EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE is a breath of fresh air in movie making. All the actors are incredible and seem to be having a blast playing along in the absolute madness of their ridiculous and hilarious characteristics through different universes. Giant rubber hands, a couple of motionless rocks, and a RATATOUILLE themed universe are a few of my personal favorites. It might be a bit too out there for some. But I believe those who embrace the original and creative force are in for one wild ride with a few positive and emotional themes that might even manage to pull a tear or two, or, like this audience member, several.