The Top 10 Must-See Movies of 2022: Unforgettable Performances and Stories

    The year 2022 brought us a diverse array of excellent films, from powerful dramas to lighthearted comedies. The films on this list have been selected for their captivating storytelling, superb acting performances, and exceptional cinematography. Some have already earned critical acclaim, while others are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a cinephile or a casual moviegoer, these films are sure to leave a lasting impression. so let's dive in, here are the top 10 best movies of 2022.

10. Women Talking

    The movie Women Talking, starring Frances McDormand, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, and Rooney Mara, is generating awards buzz as it is one of the ten nominees for Best Picture at the 2023 Oscars. The story is based on an actual event in the ultra-conservative Mennonite Community in Manitoba Colony, Bolivia, where women, girls, and boys were sexually assaulted for more than four years by Mennonite men. The incidents were called “ghost rapes” due to their mysterious nature, and most of the victims did not report it because of the deeply religious and patriarchal nature of their community.

    The movie is based on a novel by Canadian author Miriam Toews, who drew inspiration from the Manitoba Colony event. Toews was raised in a Mennonite community in Steinbach, Canada. She wrote Women Talking as an imagined response to real events, dedicating it to women in such communities, hoping that patriarchy and misogyny inherent in the fundamentalism that conservative Mennonites preach will one day change.

    The movie tells the story of women in the fictional Mennonite community who discuss whether they should stay and support the men who have been sexually abusing them or leave. The film highlights the courage of these women and the misogyny and injustice they faced. Women Talking is an extraordinary and powerful film that sheds light on a real-life event that happened in a conservative Mennonite community, where women’s voices were silenced and justice was not served.

9. Elvis

    "Elvis," a biopic directed by Baz Luhrmann, depicts the journey of the legendary singer from his humble beginnings in a poor neighborhood in the South, where he discovered his love for gospel and soul music, to his meteoric rise to fame, followed by his tragic fall and untimely death. The film provides an intimate look into Elvis Presley's life, highlighting his influences, including his visits to Beale Street, and his persistence in pursuing his passion for music despite disapproval from the leading forces of the 1950s.

  

    Although the film offers some enjoyable moments, particularly in the early parts that explore Elvis's musical roots, The movie is narrated from the perspective of Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis's controversial manager played by Tom Hanks, who tries to set the record straight about his relationship with the singer. The film's soundtrack adds to the overall glamour.
The film has been nominated for eight Academy Awards, thanks in part to Austin Butler's captivating portrayal of Presley and Tom Hanks' masterful performance as Parker. The film's central theme revolves around the complicated relationship between Presley and his manager, who turned the singer into a circus-like attraction. Although Presley tried to break free from Parker's control, he ultimately couldn't. Overall, "Elvis" ranks ninth on our top 10 movie list.

8. Triangle of Sadness

    Ruben Östlund's "Triangle of Sadness" is a black comedy film. The story follows Carl and Yaya, a couple of social media influencers, as they board a luxury cruise ship full of rich passengers. The film's best scenes occur in Part 2: The Yacht, where the captain's dinner sequence is particularly memorable, involving shocking bodily fluids, Karl Marx, Ronald Reagan, and loads of laughter.

    The film presents a criticism very strongly of the wealthy and beautiful, using biting humor and intelligent scenes. The film also provides a timely commentary on the arbitrary distribution of power and wealth, with the characters eventually marooned on a desert island, where they are forced to confront the reality that the things they value most, such as wealth and beauty, are worthless in this new context. The film critiques capitalism and the volatility of beauty, which is portrayed as a form of currency. The cast includes Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean Kriek, Woody Harrelson, who steals the show in his minor role as the captain, Dolly De Leon, Vicki Berlin, and Zlatko Buric.

7. Tár

    "Tár", written and directed by Todd Field, follows the story of Lydia Tár, a virtuoso pianist, ethnomusicologist, and orchestra conductor. Cate Blanchett gives a commanding performance as Tár, a selfish and manipulative character whose personal life and professional career blur together. The film explores Tár's past betrayals, paranoia, and intense reaction to Elgar's Cello Concerto, which resonates with her and the audience.

    Throughout the movie, Field plants hints of trouble and paranoia, creating an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. The movie's cinematic approach evokes the psychological intensity of filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick. The suspense builds to a climax as Tár's past actions catch up with her, and she is forced to face the consequences of her actions in a world that is similar but slightly different from our own.

    The film is a rare exploration of power structures and their dismantling, as well as an absorbing portrait of an artist whose mastery over time ends with her counting down the seconds to her own implosion. "Tár" is an elegantly cruel and captivating film that keeps the audience on the edge.

6. The Fabelmans

    "The Fabelmans" is a coming-of-age film directed by Steven Spielberg that draws on his own childhood experiences in 20th-century America. It tells the story of Sammy Fabelman, a young man who dreams of becoming a filmmaker and documents his family's adventures through amateur film productions. Sammy's artistic mother, played by Michelle Williams, encourages his passion, while his father views it as a mere hobby. As the family moves west, they discover a heartbreaking truth about Sammy's mother that changes their relationships and the course of their future. The film explores themes of love, artistic ambition, sacrifice, and self-discovery, as well as the relationship between parents and children.

    This deeply personal film is a departure from Spielberg's usual approach, as it is a thinly veiled look at his personal life and the events and experiences that helped shape his love for filmmaking. The film boasts a great cast, including Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, and Judd Hirsch, but Gabriel LaBelle shines as the teenage version of Sammy Fabelman.

    It is a playful and personal conversation with the audience about Spielberg's life and shows how personal experiences can influence one's creative process. With its stunning cinematography by Janusz Kaminski and music by John Williams, this film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the art of filmmaking and the power of storytelling.

5. The Banshees of Inisherin

    "The Banshees of Inisherin" is a highly acclaimed tragicomic movie that pairs comedy and tragedy perfectly, much like Martin McDonagh's previous films. Set on the fictional island of Inisherin in 1923, the story follows the end-of-friendship breakup between two best friends, Pádraic and Colm, against the backdrop of the Irish Civil War. Colm, a thinker who composes music, is at risk of experiencing bouts of existential despair and becomes exasperated by Pádraic's "aimless chatting." He makes the decision to break off his friendship with Pádraic and cut him out of his life. Whenever Pádraic talks to him, Colm will cut off one of his fingers.

    The film expertly balances moments of humor, horror, and sadness, exploring the relationships people have with themselves. the audience can relate to the characters' pain, grief, and terror of being forgotten when they die, which is thought to be the reason for Colm's self-harm. The movie has gained popularity from memes and cool conversations, and its success can be attributed to McDonagh's well-crafted script and Ben Davis's cinematography, which adds to the film's rhythm and punch. "The Banshees of Inisherin" is a must-watch for fans of McDonagh's work and anyone interested in a film that explores the complexities of human relationships.

4. Avatar: The Way of Water

    "Avatar: The Way of Water" is a visually stunning science fiction epic that takes the audience on a journey to a new world of imagination. Directed by James Cameron, this movie is the second installment in the "Avatar" franchise and is set many years after the events of the first film. The movie follows the lives of Jake Sully and Neytiri as they raise their family and face new threats from the "sky people," humans who want to colonize Pandora.

    The majority of the film takes place in the underwater world of the Metkayina tribe, where Cameron's world-building is on full display. The ecosystem is even more dreamlike than the forests in the first movie, and the action sequences are breathtaking. The movie's technological innovation and world-building imagination are praised, especially in terms of its visually stunning scenes. The movie's powerful message about uniting with nature is delivered with sincerity and commitment. The film challenges traditional Hollywood narratives by showing the US military as greedy and callous and highlighting the importance of smaller stories.

    The film's commitment to its message, warm ambiance, and powerful imagery make it a sincere contender for the best picture. The movie has also been a box office success, and its popularity could help save the cinema industry in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Related: Avatar: The Way of Water Makes History as Third Highest-Grossing Film of All Time

3. All Quiet on the Western Front

    "All Quiet on the Western Front" is an anti-war movie, based on  Erich Maria Remarque's famous novel. This film delves into the harsh realities of World War I. The movie was directed by Edward Berger, a German filmmaker. The movie's narrative follows the story of Paul Bäumer, a young German soldier who joins the army with his friends, expecting to become heroes defending their nation against France. However, the reality of war turns out to be a terrifying experience. The film does an excellent job of depicting the horrors of war, showcasing the carnage and senseless violence that soldiers face on the front lines.

    It is technical wizardry and immersive storytelling make it a must-see film for anyone interested in war movies or movies that explore the human experience. The film won multiple Oscars, including Best International Feature Film, Production Design, Original Score, and Cinematography.

2. Top Gun: Maverick

    "Top Gun: Maverick" is a sequel to the 1986 classic, "Top Gun," that brings back Tom Cruise as the iconic Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. In this film, Maverick is now a test pilot who is summoned to teach a new generation of Top Gun graduates how to defeat a potential enemy. The movie offers a perfect blend of humor, drama, and patriotism, and the human element of the film is emphasized, including Maverick's complicated relationship with his former love interest, Penny, and his protective instincts towards his former partner's son, Rooster.

    The movie's effective use of aerial stunts and cinematography, along with the performances of the cast, particularly Tom Cruise, received high praise from reviewers. the impressive action sequences, and the film's homage to the original "Top Gun," kept the story fresh and exciting. While "Top Gun: Maverick" doesn't break new ground for blockbusters, it offers a perfect balance of nostalgia and a modern twist, which will entertain audiences.

    The ending of "Top Gun: Maverick" is an exhilarating experience that showcases Maverick's exceptional fighter pilot skills, solidifying his position as one of the US Navy's best. The resolution of the major character's stories and Maverick's mission's success offer a fitting end to the movie, with Maverick and Rooster surviving against all odds. The movie ends with Maverick performing his trademark fly-by.

1. Everything Everywhere All at Once

    "Everything Everywhere All At Once" is a Sci-fi comedy-drama movie. The film's protagonist, Evelyn Wang, is a stressed laundromat owner who is thrown into the multiverse to fight an evil version of her daughter, Joy. The movie is full of humor, action sequences, and emotional revelations about mental health. It depicts the complexity of relationships and how meaningful human connections can help alleviate emotional pain and feelings of isolation. The film ultimately posits that love and compassion can reverse generational trauma and chaos and that we should cherish moments of love and camaraderie.

Related: Sci-Fi Comedy 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' Dominates with Seven Oscars at the 95th Academy Awards

    Michelle Yeoh's performance as Evelyn is particularly noteworthy, while Stephanie Hsu's performance as Joy is a true breakout. The movie is nominated for 11 Oscars and won 7 Oscars (Best Picture, Best Actress,  Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Fim Editing). "Everything Everywhere All At Once" Takes the top spot on our list of the best movies of all time.

Related: The World's Best Top 10 Movies of All Time