Top 10 Anticipated Movies of 2022

Release Date: December 16, 2022 [U.S.]

We know a lot of you think that the time for an “Avatar” sequel was ten years ago, and you’re not wrong. Every time we underestimate a long-delayed, multi-million dollar James Cameron picture, though, it winds up breaking box office records left and right. While time will only tell if “Avatar 2” meets such heights, we are expecting big things. Although the original blockbuster admittedly loses some of its splendor on a smaller screen, nobody can deny that “Avatar” was an event. Given the state of theaters, the industry could use a cinematic experience that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible, especially if it introduces some game-changing special effects. In that respect, “Avatar 2” has the potential to be a landmark film.

Release Date: July 29, 2022 [U.S.]

Like “Avatar 2,” our high expectations for the currently untitled fifth “Indiana Jones” film aren’t without some reservations. After all, Steven Spielberg isn’t directing, Harrison Ford is getting up there in age, and the last movie was “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” Then again, even Spielberg would probably admit that he’s peaked with this series. Director James Mangold can definitely give it a much-needed whip in the arm. In recent years, Ford has delivered great performances as his two other most iconic characters, Han Solo and Rick Deckard. If “Crystal Skull” was the franchise’s “Rocky V,” then this film has the potential to be its “Rocky Balboa.” With Phoebe Waller-Bridge also Mads Mikkelsen also on board, how can we not be excited for another adventure?

Release Date: September 30, 2022 [U.S.]

When the first “Mission: Impossible” movie hit theaters in 1996, we didn’t think Paramount would still be making sequels over twenty years later. At the very least, you’d think that the franchise would’ve gotten rebooted with a new star taking center stage. Like Tom Cruise, however, the “Mission: Impossible” franchise isn’t showing its age in the slightest. From “Ghost Protocol” onward, the stunts have gotten more ambitious, the performances have developed more layers, and the direction has grown more atmospheric with each passing entry. Even tropes we’ve seen a million times before, such as the obligatory mask reveal, continue to find new ways to catch us off guard. After various delays, we’re eager to see how this seventh installment will keep us on our toes.

Release Date: ​​July 8, 2022 [U.S.]

While Chadwick Boseman appeared in four MCU movies overall, he sadly only got to take center stage once before his unexpected passing in 2020. As such, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will be different from the other MCU sequels we’ve seen so far. The film’s title can be interpreted in a couple of ways. It speaks to the everlasting impact that Boseman and T’Challa have left on cinema and culture. The title also encompasses the unbreakable spirit of Wakanda, even during its darkest hours. The kingdom may be without its king, but there are still more compelling stories to tell. Whatever the future holds, Wakanda will always be a beacon of inspiration with characters who’ll continue to unite us.

Release Date: May 6, 2022 [U.S.]

Here’s another MCU sequel that stands out from others. Where Tony Stark and Steve Rogers got trilogies, Thor is this franchise’s first Avenger to get a fourth solo movie. Since “Ragnarok” was such an improvement over “The Dark World,” Marvel probably figured that Taika Waititi deserved another turn. “Solo” might not be the right word to describe the film either since Natalie Portman’s return as Jane Foster also marks her debut as Mighty Thor. Does that mean Thor and Jane will be a package deal like Ant-Man and Wasp? Or will “Love and Thunder” be a passing of the torch? Plus, is Thor more of an Avenger or a Guardian of the Galaxy now? All of these questions are precisely why we’re so pumped!

Release Date: November 4, 2022 [U.S.]

“The Flash” has gone through so many delays and creative talents that we’d like to see a documentary about its behind-the-scenes history. Of course, we’d gladly settle for finally getting the actual movie. Based on everything we’ve learned so far, “The Flash” is bound to not only shake up the DCEU, but the entire multiverse. In addition to Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne, Michael Keaton is reprising his role from the Time Burton era of Batman. Drawing inspiration from the “Flashpoint” storyline, Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen might cross paths with a wide variety of other familiar faces from alternate universes. “The Flash” could also just be the beginning, paving the way for more crossover events fans thought they’d never get to see.

Release Date: May 27, 2022 [U.S.]

In many respects, the original “John Wick” is like this generation’s “Die Hard,” right down to the fact that neither film ever reached number #1 at the box office. It wouldn’t be long until both solidified their places as action classics, however. Where the “Die Hard” sequels have been all over the map, though, “John Wick” remains one of the most consistently invigorating franchises. Part of that’s because the series hasn’t changed many hands with Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski being driving forces throughout. The filmmakers also know not to bog things down with exposition, keeping motivations simple and the action innovative. After three home runs, we have no reason to believe that “Chapter 4” won’t deliver the goods as well.

Release Date: March 25, 2022 [U.S.]

You think “Spider-Man: No Way Home” looks bonkers? Well, Benedict Cumberbatch says that the next “Doctor Strange” movie is going to be even more ambitious! Granted, Cumberbatch might be a little biased, but “The Multiverse of Madness” could go to places beyond our wildest imaginations. Where “No Way Home” will likely focus on the Spider-Man mythos, the “Doctor Strange” sequel can take any number of directions. We know that Scarlet Witch will play an essential role and Tom Hiddleston will reportedly pop up as Loki. If the film truly embraces its title, however, who knows what strange sights this movie has in store for us? Are we the only ones who want to see the MCU’s Stephen Strange meet Peter Hooten’s version?

Release Date: October 7, 2022 [U.S.]

Between the Flash and Doctor Strange, 2022 may go down as the Year of the Multiverse. This trend arguably started with “Into the Spider-Verse,” at least on a big-budget, cinematic scale. The film shattered all expectations, winning an Oscar and rivaling “Spider-Man 2” as the greatest “Spider-Man” movie ever made. It also proved that a superhero film can juggle multiple villains without feeling overstuffed. We’re not sure which villains might pop up in the sequel, but Issa Rae will be fighting alongside Miles and Gwen as Jessica Drew, aka Spider-Woman. Phil Lord has also suggested that Spider-Man from the 1978 Japanese series could appear. That’s just about the most perfect thing we’ve ever heard. Is there a universe where this movie disappoints? We think not.



Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Scream,” January 14, 2022 [U.S.]
Why Isn’t This Sequel Called “Scream 5?” Probably a Meta Reference to 2018’s “Halloween!”


“Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” April 8, 2022 [U.S.]
Tails & Knuckles Are On the Way, But Will Big the Cat Pop Up?


“Jurassic World: Dominion,” June 10, 2022 [U.S.]
We’d Like More Alan, Ellie, & Ian, But Less Owen & Claire, Please


“The Marvels,” November 11, 2022 [U.S.]
Monica Rambeau Is All Grown Up & Ready to Fight Alongside Carol Danvers


“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” December 16, 2022 [U.S.]
Black Manta Gets Another Round

Release Date: March 4, 2022 [U.S.]

We’ve gotten several live-action incarnations of Batman, some good, some bad, and some Synder. For whatever reason, though, not many have delved deep into the detective angle that defined Batman in the comics. Director Matt Reeves has described his version as “almost-noir driven,” drawing inspiration from one of the best “Batman” mysteries ever written, “The Long Halloween.” While “The Batman” might not have as many villains as that classic limited series, we will be getting Paul Dano as Edward Nashton, Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle, and - seriously, that’s Colin Farrell as Penguin? Just give the makeup crew Oscars now! Oh, and to anyone who doubts Robert Pattinson, if you’ve seen “Good Time,” you know why he has the grit to play the Dark Knight.