Everything Everywhere All at Once
Everything Everywhere All at Once is the surprising hit film no one was expecting this year. Michelle Yeoh plays a laundromat owner who has a lot to dream about but very little time to daydream. She makes a surprising equal to Jobu Tapacki, a dark force that has learned to harness the power of the multiverse. What follows is a blend of absurd comedy, sci-fi and action which all pull together to make a jam packed film that is not shy at touching on issues such as cultural and LGBTQ+ identity. It’s hard to define the magic of Everything Everywhere All at Once because there is just so much that happens which is why we’d recommend streaming it now on Amazon Prime.
Hustle
When it comes to Adam Sandler’s performances we’ve come to expect a certain acting style and film based upon his repertoire of previous movies. This year, he surprised critics for his portrayal as an NBA scout in Hustle who discovers rare basketball talent and tries to get him ready for the NBA draft. It’s one of the best films on Netflix this year, and it’s a must-see if you enjoy compelling dramas.
Fresh
At the start of 2022, Fresh premiered as one of the best Sundance films of 2022. Later in the year, it was surprisingly picked up by Disney+ for streaming and has had lots of positive reactions from viewers. Starring Daisy Edgar Jones and Sebastian Stan, Fresh follows a young woman who dives deep into online dating and feels disgruntled with it until she bumps into Steve who later drugs her and kidnaps her. What follows is a disturbing and dark comedy about cannibalism. Many critics and viewers alike agreed that it takes a fresh approach to the horror genre while highlighting themes of feminism.
Don’t Worry Darling
In the 1950s, Alice and Jack live in the perfect community paradise. While the men go to work, the women get to enjoy their lives and luxury but all is not what it seems. Don’t Worry Darling follows Alice, played by the remarkable Florence Pugh, as she tries to uncover what is going on in the picturesque neighbourhood. The unravelling and disturbing layers beneath the perfection that follows are mind-bending.
CODA
Technically, you might consider this one of the best films of 2021, however, we’ve included CODA in our list because it won big at the Oscars this year and had a big sweep at the Sundance Film Festival. CODA follows Ruby, played by Emilia Jones who is the only hearing member in her family. Her family all have hearing loss, including her brother Leo played by Daniel Durant who also appeared in Netflix’s You. Emilia tries to keep her family’s fishing business going by working extra shifts before school but in her school hours she finds a passion for singing and the school choir.
It has been praised for its remarkable portrayal of deafness, capturing the intimate experiences of the family. It won Best Picture at the Oscars and was one of the best films at the Oscars in 2022 in terms of winning other awards, becoming the first streamed movie to win an Oscar. You can currently stream CODA on Apple TV.
Top Gun: Maverick
Everyone was excited to hear that Tom Cruise would be reprising his role in Top Gun: Maverick. Originally released in the 80’s, Top Gun follows Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell, who is a young aviator. At the time, Top Gun was universally recognised for its soundtrack and visual effects. In the sequel, Maverick is training new graduates for a special assignment after more than 30 years of service as one of the top naval officers and during this mission he must confront his past. The film hosts an impressive soundtrack including songs from Lady GaGa and stars Miles Teller, John Hamm, Jennifer Connelly. Furthermore, it’s one of the best sequels released in 2022.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
The long awaited sequel to the smash hit, Black Panther, came to theatres towards the end of 2022. Many of the previous stars came back for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, including new exciting cast members such as Michaela Coel, as the Wakandas encountered a new race of beings, the Atlantians, led by Narmor (played by Tenoch Huerta). It’s an action packed sequel, building upon the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well as paying sentimental homage to the previous lead actor, Chadwick Boseman. Only just released in theatres in November, Black Panther is sure to come to Disney+ at some point next year.
Nope
Jordan Peel’s films include the pioneering Get Out and Us, but this year he surprised viewers with a shift towards sci-fi. Nope follows siblings Haywood Jr. (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald (Keke Palmer) on their fathers horse rearing ranch. They encounter strange beings and go on a mission to reveal them but they aren’t exactly the usual alien beings you might expect in a sci-fi film. Nope also incorporates elements of horror and family drama to draw distinct racial prejudice parallels.
Elvis
Following the life and times of Elvis Prestley, Elvis was one of the biggest and best films of 2022 for many people. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, the biographical drama stars Austin Butler and explores his complicated relationship with his manager, played by Tom Hanks. It’s fast paced exploring 20 years of his rise to fame and how the star highlighted racism in America.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Where the Crawdads Sing, released in July this year, was one of 2022’s most exciting book to movie adaptations. Based on the best selling novel, which tells the story of Kya who is abandoned and raises herself in the harsh marshlands of North Carolina. What follows is a murder plot and riveting drama, and it’s now available on Amazon Prime where Taylor Swift features on the movie soundtrack.
The Batman
Batman movies have always been hits because of their fast paced action, but this new iteration transformed the franchise by building upon gothic themes and gorgeous cinematography. It’s unique for a superhero film and includes a star studded cast, including Robert Pattinson as The Batman.
Find the best films of 2022 with Ready Steady Cut
Looking for new film recommendations, including what’s new on Netflix UK? Remember to head to Ready Steady Cut for the latest on new releases, including Netflix Film reviews, Amazon Prime TV Show reviews and a wide selection of movie recommendations.
If you’re unsure what to watch, you can always use our Discovery Tool to find films on your favourite streaming service and get Christmas film recommendations.
Additional reading
Upcoming Marvel Shows and Movies in 2023 and beyond
