1. Top Gun Maverick 

Top Gun Maverick took the world by storm after its release in May of this year. Avid fans had the opportunity to see Tom Cruise play the hotshot fighter pilot, known as Maverick, once again on the big screen 36 years later. In this sequel, Maverick returns to Top Gun, a military school for the best pilots to train and refine their skills. However, he is now an instructor in charge of training a special group of Top Gun pilots for a major mission: to bomb another country’s uranium enrichment plant while avoiding advanced enemy missiles and highly trained pilots. In order to successfully train his students, Maverick and many of the other characters must face their fears and learn to truly trust each other. This film was absolutely phenomenal. Cruise did an exceptional job of illustrating Maverick’s cocky, confident, and charming personality once again as if no time had passed at all. Nevertheless, we also get to see Maverick’s character grow throughout the film, for he finally comes to terms with the death of his best friend, known as Goose. In his attempts to let go of the past, Maverick also works to gain the trust of Goose’s son, whose call sign was Rooster. The film even includes a scene of Rooster singing “Great Balls of Fire,” the song that Maverick and Goose used to sing together in the first movie. This brings a major rush of nostalgia to the viewers, reminding them why they loved the Top Gun movie franchise in the first place. The carefree, jubilant characters in this particular scene also add a more lighthearted tone to the movie. However, it was the cinematography of the flying scenes that was truly impeccable. In an interview with Imagine Games Network (IGN), Cruise revealed that the cast trained in a three month course created by Cruise himself in order to prepare for the movie. Cameras were placed on the outsides of the planes, allowing for more clear and seamless transitions in these scenes. Moreover, the cast was able to truly capture the excitement, fear, and adrenaline rush that is felt when flying a fighter jet, immersing the audience even more into the fighter pilot scenes. The incredible commitment of the actors, plotline writing, and cinematography work made this film the best movie of 2022. Considering that the movie is rated PG-13, I highly recommend this movie to young teens and older.

2. Wakanda Forever

A sequel movie to Black Panther, Wakanda Forever takes place after the events of the previous movie. Directed by Ryan Coogler, Wakanda Forever is about what happens after the unfortunate passing of Chadwick Boseman, or in this case the passing of Black Panther. The role has since been taken over by his tribe member, Shuri, played by Letitia Wright. The production team really hit a home run with Wakanda Forever, and without a doubt, delivered an outstanding experience for fans across the world. Even though the original Black Panther is gone, he is remembered in our hearts. 

3. Elvis 

One of the most authentic biopics out there, Elvis definitely takes the cake. Directed by Baz Lurhmann, Elvis is an exciting film filled with amazing performances from Tom Hanks and Austin Butler. This film is based on Elvis Presley’s life, starting at the peak of his career and finishing a year before his death. Luhrmann directed this film beautifully, from the acting sequences to his modernization of the 1950s. Lurhmann’s modern take on the 1950’s star makes this film really stand out among the other projects released this year. Many scenes including Doja Cat playing in the background and even the visuals of the editing made the film unique without taking the authenticity of Presley’s life away. While this film has a very different take on a biopic, it was also one of the best movies of the year and carries on the legacy of rock and roll star, Elvis Presley. 

4. Batman

Batman ventures into the dark side of Gotham City when a psychotic killer leaves behind clues. As the evidence of the killer’s plans become more clear and easier to see, Batman must develop more relationships and unmask the culprit by bringing justice and peace to the bad use of power and corruption that has plagued the metropolis for a long period of time.

5. The Sea Beast

 The Sea Beast is probably one of the most successful animated films released this year. The movie follows Maisie, a mischievous and curious girl who sneaks onto a monster-hunting ship. Innocent monsters and beasts have been hunted all throughout history and Maisie is determined to make an end to this horrible epidemic. Directed by Chris Williams, this film is pretty high on the list, and for good reason. This movie adds a very fun and lighthearted atmosphere to the screen while also having characters that are great role models for kids. Actor Zaris-Angel Hator does a beautiful job voicing Maisie and adds a certain level of brightness every time her character appears on screen. The Sea Beast does a really good job of showing young children, particularly young girls how to never stop believing in yourself as well as to never give up on your dreams. 

6. Enola Holmes 2

Enola Holmes 2 is where Enola takes her first official case to find a missing girl as a dangerous conspiracy rises as a mystery that requires help from her friends – and Sherlock himself to unravel. It is also an action-packed movie which makes the experience a lot better and it can be funny at some points too.

7. Pinocchio

While The Sea Beast is one of the most successful animations this year, Pinocchio definitely takes a spot as well on this top ten list. Following the original story of Pinocchio, this stop-motion animation film is filled with action-packed adventure and thrilling moments for the whole family to see. While the story follows the story we all know and love, but it does add new and exciting twists. Director Guillermo del Toro uses his very creative sense of self to re-create the classic tale but also make this story completely new in his own way. While Pinocchio is a fun and memorable movie to watch with your children, it also does discuss heavy topics such as grief and the passing of your loved ones. Grief isn’t the entire plot of the movie but it does provide children with a sense of understanding of what death exactly is. Pinocchio was a gorgeous film with beautiful stop-motion designs and an amazing storyline. 

8. The Bad Guys 

This movie is about a group of animals who try to pull off their biggest heist yet, and upon doing so they get caught. To avoid prison they are offered an opportunity to become good guys by following their new mentor Professor Marmalade. The gang heads out to fool the world that they are turning to the good side but things get out of hand when Professor Marmalade is drawn to changing his ways as a new villain has plans of his own by trying to frame the bad guys. One thing about the movie was that it mainly focuses on friendship and respect during their biggest heist by working together and everyone also had their own objective also. It is also filled with good humor which makes some parts really stick out.

9. Doctor Strange 2

The second half of Doctor Strange’s adventure, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness explores the missions of Wanda Maximoff, as well as Doctor Strange himself. Directed by Sam Raimi, the movie takes place after the events of the 2016 movie, and actually pits Wanda as the main villain, which was a big surprise to fans everywhere. Benedict Cumberbatch did an outstanding job as Doctor Strange, and made the character what he is today. 

10. The Adam Project 

Earlier this year, the primary producer of Stranger Things and director of the Night at the Museum film franchise, Shawn Levy, directed another fantastic work: The Adam Project. In this action packed comedy, 12-year-old Adam Reed meets his future self, who has risked everything to travel back in time for a secret mission. Together, they must prevent the evil Maya Sorian, a dystopian leader, from monopolizing time travel and taking over the world in the future. During their voyage, both the younger and older Adam also grapple with their father’s death and learn to appreciate their mother more. Known for his roles in The Proposal and Red Notice, Ryan Reynolds stars as the older Adam while newcomer Walker Scobell plays the younger Adam. Like he does in the majority of his films, many of Reynolds’ jokes were improvised throughout the film. The hilarious disposition he brings to his character keeps viewers laughing all the time while also keeping them engaged in the movie. Nevertheless, Scobell made audiences feel as if they were watching a mini Ryan Reynolds on screen. His snarky and sarcastic personality was exactly like Reynold’s, yet he added the perfect touch of innocence to the younger Adam’s character. Together, Reynold and Scobell’s chemistry kept me laughing throughout, adding a lively and more playful tone to the film. Moreover, Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo’s portrayals as the parents were phenomenal. Similar to their previous performances in the hit movie 13 Going on 30, these two actors’ chemistry was through the roof. It felt as if they were actually married in real life. Overall, The Adam Project is definitely a movie to watch, especially if you love comedies and dystopian movies.