It wouldn’t be a successful relaunch without doing a Top 10 list!
Admittedly, there are probably quite a lot of films that I haven’t seen this year that could well have made the list, and perhaps I will revise this as and when I eventually see them. But, without further ado, here is my personal Top 10!
First, here are some special mentions for films that didn’t quite make the cut, but very nearly did!
Special Mention: Prima Facie
Although technically not a film, I did see this in a cinema, and I had to just put a mention out there as this National Theatre Production showcased quite possibly the finest performance I have ever seen from Jodie Comer, who delivers a near 90 minute monologue to perfection. Very heavy subject matter, but also relevant and powerful. If you ever get a chance to see it, make sure you do!
Special Mention: Prey
This was so close to making the Top 10. Prey is by far the best film in the Predator franchise since the original. It takes everything back to it’s roots and is a very simple but exciting film that doesn’t get bogged down in anything and just focuses on what it does best. Should have had a cinema release! You can watch this on Disney +.
Special Mention: Jackass Forever
I had to mention Jackass Forever for the sheer fact it brought me so much laughter and joy when it came out. Sometimes you need a film like this!
10. Elvis
I didn’t expect Elvis to make my Top 10 list, as I wasn’t typically that big on the music biopics that seem to be flooding our screens these days. However, this was easily the best I’ve seen, with a masterclass performance from Austin Butler being the icing on the cake.
9. Boiling Point
Available on Netflix, this film focusing on a busy kitchen is shot in one entire take. It’s an incredibly impressive feat of film-making and the acting is so raw and real, it felt like I was in a real kitchen! Well worth a watch.
8. Avatar: The Way of Water
James Cameron’s return to Pandora was a triumphant one, delivering one of the best cinematic experiences of all-time. You can check out my full review here.
7. The Banshees of Inisherin
Martin McDonagh’s latest effort is a tragic tale, but it’s made so well. Not one to watch if you’re looking for some joy, but definitely a film that needs to be seen. Just expect to have an existential crisis and cry… Full review here.
6. The Woman King
The Woman King is a historical epic that is a thrilling, action packed adventure in the same vein as Braveheart or Gladiator. I had a blast watching this and can’t wait to see it again. Worthy of it’s Top 10 status!
5. Glass Onion
Rian Johnson’s latest murder mystery was the most recent film I’ve seen in 2022, and shoots straight in to the Top 5. A clever, well-crafted film that will keep you guessing throughout. Full review here!
4. The Menu
The Menu was a film I didn’t expect to love as much as I did, but it really was brilliant. This original horror is funny, tense and thanks to the brilliant Ralph Fiennes, terrifying. It’s coming to Disney + in the New Year, and I implore you to watch it when it’s available, you won’t regret it!
3. The Batman
In a year where superhero films from both sides were incredibly disappointing, The Batman stepped. Matt Reeves’ version of the Caped Crusader is one yet to be realised on screen, focusing on the detective side of things and taking its time to develop the story. It’s gritty, grounded in reality and thrilling. Pattinson’s Batman is fantastic and the supporting cast are solid, with a terrifying display from Paul Dano’s Riddler to top things off. I had high hopes for The Batman and it delivered on every single level. I can’t wait to see the next instalment!
2. Everything, Everywhere, All at Once
This film was absolutely bonkers, a story about the multiverse concept that Doctor Strange should have taken notes on. It’s an onslaught on all the senses and you’ll need a couple of viewings to fully digest exactly what you have witnessed, but as you unpack everything you realise that this is a multi-layered, powerful story. It’s the most original film I’ve seen this year, and would recommend it to anyone. Just prepare to have your mind utterly frazzled!
1. Top Gun Maverick
As soon as I saw Top Gun Maverick, I knew it would be the top of my 2022 list. This was a reminder about how important cinema is, a thrilling experience from start to finish that was utterly exhilarating. It’s a feel-good adventure that pulls out all the stops to wow it’s audience and it succeeds on every level, surpassing the original in every way. Nobody does cinema like Tom Cruise, and he continues to push the boundaries on what is possible. It’s now available to watch on Paramount +, but this is a film that should be watched on the biggest possible screen at every opportunity. In a world where streaming is becoming more prominent, we need more films like this to get bums on seats at the cinemas, because it just can’t be beaten.
What’s your Top 10 for 2022? Let me know!
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