Not only is 2022 coming to a close with only 9 days left in the year, but this was a banner year for cinema, with Sight & Sound magazine closing out the once-a-decade poll. The results were surprising and not-so surprising. “Vertigo” and “Citizen Kane”—which held the respective two top spots—only moved down one spot to #s 2 and 3 respectfully. However, the big surprise was Chantal Akerman’s “Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du commerce, 1080 Bruxelles,” which jumped 34 spots in the list to take over as the ‘greatest film of all time.’
2022 was also an interesting, if not stellar year, for cinema. We saw the latests installments of several legacy sequels (“Scream,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” and “Avatar: The Way of Water”), as well as award-contending new films. Examples of these are such as Todd Field’s “TÁR” and Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s absurdist fantasy “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” These were followed up by rewarding films of a more indie nature, such as “Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinnochio” and the Colin Farrell/Brendan Gleeson vehicle, “The Banshees of Inisherin.”
With the Golden Globes returning after controversy and dubbing their top films (a full list of nominees can be read here), ‘best of’ lists are bound to rule the Internet.
Our ‘Top 5’ Lists for 2022
With that in mind, we have tasked The Movie Buff staff with submitting their top 5 films and/or TV series of 2022, to celebrate our favorite productions of the past year. While the Oscars are still looming (the 95th Academy Awards are scheduled for Sunday, March 12, 2023)—and may or may not have many surprises among their nominations—we hope our list brings some surprises, variety, and new additions to celebrated films this year.
Our ‘Top 5’ lists are in no particular order. They are complete with reasons why we think these films and/or TV series deserve recognition. Wether you’ve heard of the films—and expect them to be here—or it’s one that you haven’t heard of, we welcome feedback. Feel free to leave comments at the end of the article, or, if you want, your favorite films of the year.
Vidal Dcosta
Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby in HBO Max’s “Our Flag Means Death.” (Photo: HBO Max).
- “Our Flag Means Death” (TV series, Season 1; created by David Jenkins)
- “Aribaba” (Short; directed by Natalia Escobar and Simon Jaikiriuma Paetau)
- “Mahaan” (Directed by Karthik Subbaraj)
- “Leonor Will Never Die” (Directed by Martika Ramirez Escobar)
- “Murderville” (TV series, Season 1; created by Krister Johnson)
TV series and films line the way for excellence this year. Taika Waititi’s “Our Flag Means Death” shaped the way for contemporary, LGBTQIA+ representation in modern culture. Likewise, Tamil actor Vikram returns in “Mahaan,” a hard-hitting suspense thriller with sociopolitical messages to boot. “Aribada” joins the list, premiering at Fortnight Film Festival, a sister festival to Cannes. This is followed up by “Leonor Will Never Die,” a Sundance sweetheart by debutante Filipino filmmaker Martika Ramirez Escobar. It’s an acquired taste, but one for fans of absurd and surreal cinema. And finally, “Murderville,” Season 1, comes off as a ‘Try Not to Laugh’ challenge that is the perfect vehicle for its star, Will Arnett.
Paul Emmanuel-Enicola
Julia Butters and Gabriel LaBelle in a scene from “The Fabelmans.” (Photo: Universal Pictures, 2022).
- “The Fabelmans” (Directed by Steven Spielberg)
- “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (Directed by Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert)
- “Decision to Leave” (Directed by Park Chan-wook)
- “The Banshees of Inisherin” (Directed by Martin McDonagh)
- “TÁR” (Directed by Todd Field)
Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film romance “The Fabelmans” starts off this list. The film is a deeply personal homage to a special chapter in Spielberg’s life, with wonderful acting, directing, and score. Following this up is Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” an absurdist, science fiction film that also includes warmth and a phenomenal turn from Michelle Yeoh. “Decision to Leave,” by Director Park Chan-wook follows this. The film illustrates sexual tension without physical contact, and Park Hae-il and Tang Wei exude great chemistry. “The Banshees of Inisherin,” from Director Martin McDonagh, balances heartbreak and comedy as it explores the broken relationship between its protagonist (Colin Farrell) and his ex-best friend (Brendan Gleeson). And finally, “TÁR” is a film about obsession. Cate Blanchett gives a career-best, and Todd Field directs it to perfection.
Hector Gonzalez
Cate Blanchett stars as Lydia Tár in director Todd Field’s “TÁR.” (Photo: Focus Features).
- “TÁR” (Directed by Todd Field)
- “Godland” (Directed by Huynur Pálmason)
- “Pacification” (Directed by Albert Serra)
- “Close” (Directed by Lukas Dhont)
- “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed” (Directed by Laura Poitras)
“TÁR,” Todd Field’s amour propre masterpiece leads this list, featuring both the director and Actress Cate Blanchett at their best. This is followed by “Godland,” directed by Huynur Pálmason. The film’s pacing, according to Hector, is “slow and brutal,” and is the “work of a filmmaker slowly paving the way to create his masterwork.” “Pacification” is another powerful film, a “cinematic experience worth indulging in,” which Hector describes as Albert Serra’s “best work to date,” which is “absolutely brilliant.” “Close,” by Lukas Dhont adds to the list, a film about the disruption in an intense friendship between two 13-year-olds. Not only is it a strong LGBTQIA+ film, it’s a beautiful and striking tear-jerker. And lastly we have “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,” directed by Laura Poitras, the documentary that follows the life of artist Nan Goldin and the rise and fall of the Sackler family. The film, which premiered at TIFF, is a touching film, and one that ties the Opioid crisis (largely influenced by the Sacklers) to the life of Nan Goldin, American photographer and activist.
Kevin Parks
A scene from the movie “EO.” (Photo: Sideshow/Janus Films).
- “EO” (Directed by Jerzy Skolimowski)
- “Showing Up” (Directed by Kelly Reichardt)
- “One Fine Morning” (Directed by Mia Hansen-Løve)
- “Triangle of Sadness” (Directed by Ruben Östlund)
- “Corsage” (Marie Kreutzer)
Poland’s official submission to the 95th Academy Awards, “EO,” starts off this list. The camera and direction lets audiences take the side of the film’s protagonist, an innocent donkey. The film is at times sad, at times, heartbreaking, and others giddy and free. “Showing Up,” by Kelly Reichardt follows this up, Actress Michelle Williams’ fourth collaboration with the director. The film is burning with life, showing us why Reichardt is the commanding presence that she is. “One Fine Morning,” by Mia Hansen-Løve, is equally arresting. It features a great Léa Seydoux, and an under-appreciated performance from Nicole Garcia, in a chatty, mellow drama that could only be Hansen-Løve’s own. Next, Ruben Östlund had a strong showing with “Triangle of Sadness,” winning a Palme d’Or and generating much interest at the Golden Globes. It’s nothing short of an enjoyable ride, despite its list of detractors. Finally, “Corsage” rounds out the list. Vicky Krieps becomes Empress Sisi in Marie Kreutzer’s production in a career-best performance. A fine period drama, especially with Krieps in command as reluctant royalty.
Arpit Nayak
An image from the film “RRR.” (Photo: DVV Entertainment).
- “RRR” (Directed by S.S. Rajamouli)
- “Severance” (TV series; created by Dan Erikson)
- “The Quiet Girl” (Directed by Colm Bairéad)
- “Slow Horses” (TV series, seasons 1 and 2; directed by James Hawes and Jeremy Lovering)
- “The Batman” (Directed by Matt Reeves)
Set in 1920, the Indian film “RRR” starts off this list. The film takes place in India during the period of British rule, and features two different men—who would become great friends—that follows the path to their destiny. It’s hard-hitting, thrilling, and has everything one looks for in a movie. Next is “Severance,” the Apple TV series created by Dan Erikson. The show is a psychological thriller dealing with memories, and the result is an exciting series not to be missed. “The Quiet Girl,” an Irish film set in 1981, directed by Colm Bairéad, follows up next, an official adaptation of the book “Foster” by Claire Keegan. It’s a beautiful story that gives a new perspective on life, now available to watch on MUBI. “Slow Horses” is next, covering seasons 1 and 2 in 2022. It’s one of the most underrated shows of the year; it is packed with suspense, action, and exceptional performances by its cast. It’s now available on Apple TV. Finally we have “The Batman,” Director Matt Reeves’ re-imagining of the Caped Crusader starring Actor Robert Pattinson. Exploring a younger Bruce Wayne/Batman, the film is dark, has exceptional music and cinematography, and Pattinson hits it out of the park.
Matt DeCristo
Evan Peters as Jeffery Dahmer in “Dahmer—Monster: The Jeffery Dahmer Story.” (Photo: Netflix).
- “Dahmer—Monster: The Jeffery Dahmer Story” (Netflix limited series; created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan)
- “The Outfit” (Directed by Graham Moore)
- “Falling for Christmas” (Directed by Janeen Damian)
- “Outer Range” (TV series; created by Brian Watkins)
- The Changing Room (Short; directed by Sam Evenson)
First up, “Dahmer—Monster: The Jeffery Dahmer Story,” which premiered on Netflix, had a great run on the streaming giant, and featured a layer Dahmer through the lens of Actor Evan Peters. It ruffled some feathers, but its decision to tell the story from Dahmer’s oddities, and not his murders, made it a stellar turn. Next, “The Outfit”—featuring a great Mark Rylance—dazzled with its dark cinematography, noir-type story, and throwback to 1956 Chicago that left us wanting more. “Falling for Christmas” is the next choice, an unlikely gem of a holiday film starring Lindsay Lohan and directed by Janeen Damian. The film was a fun holiday film helmed by Netflix. The plot isn’t overly complex, but it does what it intends to do—make us warm and fuzzy for two hours. Next is “Outer Range,” an Amazon Studios production featuring fan-favorite Josh Brolin. The TV series is a successful mix of Sci Fi and Western, and has great rewatchability when you reach the end. Finally, we have the short film “The Changing Room” by Director Sam Evenson. It’s a horror short, covered as part of our ’31 Days of Halloween,’ and a true practitioner of ‘less is more.’ The film is available on YouTube, and features a great atmosphere, acting by Jamie Taylor Ballesta, and a chilling aura.
Mark Ziobro
Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan in a scene from “She Said.” (Photo: Universal Pictures).
- “She Said” (Directed by Maria Schrader)
- “Top Gun: Maverick” (Directed by Joseph Kosinski)
- “1982” (Directed by Oualid Mouaness)
- “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (Directed by Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert)
- “Don’t Worry Darling” (Directed by Olivia Wilde)
“She Said” starts off the list, a powerful journalism story with all the bite and urgency of 2015’s “Spotlight.” Starring a great Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan and an excellent, investigatory nature, it excels as a journalism film. However, it also hammers home what women-targeted sexism feels like—no easy task. Following that up is “Top Gun: Maverick,” which surprised and awed. Tom Cruise and cast are great, and Director Joseph Kosinski adds heart to a film previously about male bravado. Also: the effects and stunts are stellar. “1982” follows this up, a Lebanese film by Oualid Mouaness about the ’80s Israeli invasion, war, danger, and love. It’s centered on a boy who wishes to tell a classmate that he loves her, and their innocence makes the picture relatable across cultures. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is next. As mentioned, the fantasy/drama/comedy is a must-see. It blends humor, choreography, and absurdity with a beating heart about family, love, and regrets that makes it one of the best of the year. Finally, “Don’t Worry Darling”—which tanked, undeservedly, with critics—was a surprise. It featured a great Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, and a thriller that hides its secrets under paradise and sun. Olivia Wilde directs, and we hope to see more from her.
That’s it for this year. If you agree (or disagree), let us know. Shoot us your Top 5s too—either here, or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Thanks for reading, and see you again next year!
