Some may say the third day of a new year is a little early to make grand predictions, but I disagree. Isn’t it more fun to cast your predictions when you truly have no idea of how the year will play out? Yes, it is early, but a new year means new movies, so I think now is the prime time to make our wild guesses for which will be the best of 2022. I’m keeping my list to a tight Top 5, even though I could easily make it a Top 30, and ordering the films based on their release date. Let’s see how your favorites stack up.
My first film, The Northman, is sure to be another modern horror favorite. Directed by Robert Eggers, who also directed The Witch and The Lighthouse, the film tells the story of a Nordic prince who goes on an epic journey seeking revenge for the death of his father. Releasing April 22nd, The Northman will most certainly be another eerie, unsettling production from Eggers.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent also premieres April 22nd and stars Nicolas Cage (as himself) and Pedro Pascal. Cage’s roles in years past have been varying degrees of hit or miss, but are always so entertaining. The thought of seeing Cage play himself and revisit some of his iconic characters alone earns this movie a spot on this list, whether it’s award-worthy or not.
One film I think everyone is awaiting with barely-contained anticipation comes from Jordan Peele, and it’s called Nope. Peele has an ability to captivate audiences with suspense reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock, and the way he incorporates social issues within horror has implored critics to treat the genre with the respect it deserves. I’m positive Nope will do the same while thrilling us all again on July 22nd.
Olivia Wilde’s second take at directing, Don’t Worry Darling, stars Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, and Chris Pine. The story follows a 1950s housewife and her ever-growing distrust of her husband and their community. I loved Wilde’s directorial debut, Booksmart, so much, and even though her next film is vastly different, I’m still excited to see what she does next. The film will be out September 23rd.
Lastly, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One) releases in theaters October 7th. Nothing has been said about the actual plot thus far, but concept art and a teaser have been released, and that is all I need to know this film will be another exceptional addition to the Spider-Man lore.
Even though I said I’d keep my list to five movies, I do feel the need to mention some that didn’t make the cut. Therefore, here are my honorable mentions: Scream, The Flash (only because of Michael Keaton’s return as Batman), The Batman, Halloween Ends, Thor: Love & Thunder, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
