Top 10 Best Disney Moments of 2022

Marvel's "Thor: Love and Thunder" was a roller coaster of laughs, thrills, and action-packed awesomeness. But at the center of the film was a heartwarming moment that will forever change the Asgardian god's path. Before Gorr the God Butcher dies, he wishes for the Realm of Eternity to revive his young daughter, Love. After he passes away, the resurrected Love is left parentless, and Thor steps in and vows to adopt her as per Gorr's wishes. Although it’s stated near the end of the credits that the Avenger will return, a fifth installment of the franchise has yet to be confirmed. Here's hoping we see this Father/Daughter take on the world together in the future.

“Strange World” harkens back to epic adventures like “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” or “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” but also has a current story at its heart - not the heart they save in the film’s climax. Jaeger, Searcher, and Ethan attempt to forge their own legacies, but it’s only near the end of “Strange World” that the 3 generations accept that that may look different for each of them. Whether they explore the land, cultivate it, or live with it, each Clade is going to forge their own path. While they may not see eye-to-eye on what they’ll do with their lives, Ethan’s being openly LGBTQ+ - a first for Disney - is loved unconditionally. Though the world has fantastical creatures like the lovable Splat, “Strange World” shows us what our world should look like.

The highly anticipated Marvel miniseries, "Ms. Marvel," introduced fans to the universe's latest addition, Kamala Khan. Played by a rising star, Iman Vellani, Khan made her comic book debut in 2013 before conquering the screen in 2022. The limited series follows her as she goes from Avenger superfan to superhero. Over the season, bits and pieces of her suit are slowly unveiled, leading to a sweet and sentimental reveal. Much like Layla’s costume reveal in “Moon Knight”, this is an epic scene. Everything from her mask to her logo either comes from things given to her or inspired by the people who matter the most to her. Built by her friends and family, the suit is a collage of support and heart that makes this moment so very special.

The witches are back! After nearly 30 years, Salem's most wicked trio, The Sanderson Sisters, returned to the screen with new songs and new tricks. "Hocus Pocus 2" fleshed out a backstory and offered a sympathetic POV for the otherwise evil trinity. Towards the end of the film, Winifred performs a spell which she believes will give her, Sarah and Mary all mighty powers. But whoever casts the spell must sacrifice the thing they love the most. Thus, Sarah and Mary disappear into the ether, leaving Winifred alone. Realizing that she cannot live without them, she requests the teens she has been battling to perform a spell so she may join her beloved siblings. It's a bittersweet moment that brings some humanity to one of Disney's most ruthless villains.

"She-Hulk: Attorney at Law" was one of Disney+'s most talked about new series from 2022. From the hilarious characters like Madisynn to that incredibly meta finale, the show gave viewers something to talk about week after week. However, in episode eight, the show really excited fans when Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, made his highly anticipated appearance. Murdock and Jen Walters' strong chemistry lead them to a one-night stand. It's also a surprisingly fun moment that leaves us eager to see if these two will rekindle their spark if "She-Hulk" returns for a second season.

The ever-expanding "Star Wars" universe grew slightly bigger when the prequel series "Andor" arrived on Disney+ in 2022. Following the action-packed adventures of Rebel Spy Cassian Andor, the show featured some truly heart-pounding moments. In episode 10, Andor and Kino Loy, who are trapped in the Imperial Prison Complex on Narkina 5, start an uprising, resulting in a thrilling prison escape. Everything from the set design to the fantastic cinematography immerses viewers in this exciting sequence. Between this and the "Obi-Wan Kenobi" Darth Vader battle, 2022 has brought fans so many thrilling moments.

Amy Adams returned to her iconic role as Giselle in the long-awaited sequel to 2007's "Enchanted" entitled "Disenchanted." The flick found the almost princess leaving New York City to find her happily ever after in suburbia. After a magical wish goes awry, Giselle transforms into an evil stepmother and goes head to head with the film's villain, Malvina Monroe. In true Disney fairy tale style, the two hash out their beef through a song called "Badder." It's a fun and wickedly delicious duet that not only shows off Adams and Maya Rudolph's vocals but also their comedic timing. Between this and Idina Menzel's solo "Love Power," "Disenchanted," is the fairy tale musical fans have been dreaming of.

"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" lives up to its name by being one of Marvel's most trippy films to date. Between all the portals and the time traveling, fans' brains need to work overtime to keep up with the mind-bending plot. That being said, one moment, in particular, got fans talking. The film follows Strange as he tries to defend dimension-jumping teen America Chavez against Wanda Maximoff. In the process, she battles the Illuminati in a scene that can only be described as a bloodbath. Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch, takes the group down in a bloody and gory battle that sees them all annihilated, save for Mordo. It's a wild and jaw-dropping scene that proves that Maximoff is not to be messed with.

In a flick that brought us twerking pandas, Mom-zillas and some truly mouth-watering animated food, Pixar's "Turning Red" has so many memorable moments. Near the movie's end, there's one particularly heartwarming scene. Protagonist Mei spends most of the story trying to undo a family curse that turns her into a panda. Things turn south when she attends the concert of her favorite boy band, 4*Town. But luckily, her family, friends and 4*Town all come together to sing to rid Mei of the jinx. It's a sweet moment that helps bring so many of the characters together through the power of music.

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

“Exceptional Zed”, “Zombies 3” (2022)
A Fun & Dance-Worthy Bop That Proves “Zombies” Is Totally Underrated

Sox the Cat, “Lightyear” (2022)
The Robotic Cat Truly Stole the Show in This “Toy Story” Spin-off

“Frozen” Performance, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” (2019-)
This Show-Stopping Performance of a Disney Classic Gave Us Chills

Ugly Sonic, “Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers” (2022)
A Fantastic & Hilarious Appearance That No One Saw Coming

Not only was "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" expected to become one of the biggest blockbusters of 2022, but it was also expected to be one of the most emotional. Following the untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman, the "Panther" cast and crew faced the harrowing and heartbreaking weight of carrying on with the story. The film depicts a funeral for Boseman's character and king of Wakanda, T'Challa. It's a poignant moment that respectfully honors the actor, the character and their contributions to the groundbreaking and iconic film series. While it's too early to tell what the third installment will hold, we're sure they'll continue to pay tribute to the beloved performer.