Lord knows what 2022 has in store for us after the ups and downs of 2021. The only thing we know for sure is which movies will be worthwhile to watch in 2022. Some from the comfort of our own homes and others in cinemas.
From “The 355”, an action-packed film starring some of Hollywood’s leading actresses, to “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” a highly anticipated and sure-to-be-emotional return to Wakanda, here are 15 movies to watch in 2022.
15 movies to watch in 2022
“The 355” – Jan. 7
A bunch of all-female spies banding together to acquire a kickass weapon while another queenpin keeps track of their every move? Already, we’ve signed up for this. And it stars Lupita Nyong’o, Penélope Cruz, and Jessica Chastain? Please take our money. If the trailer’s usage of Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Ye’s “Run This Town” is any indicator, “The 355” is set to be one of the most exhilarating rides in theaters next year.
“Scream” – Jan. 14
Even if real life is frightening enough, there is something pleasurable about viewing a slasher film in the dead of winter. That’s why this reboot of a famous franchise comes at the perfect time. A new Ghostface appears, and Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) is tasked with determining who is behind the mask this time.
“Moonfall” – Feb. 4
What if, on their voyage to the moon in 1969, the crew of Apollo 11 discovered something both magnificent and frightening and never told anyone about it? And now there’s a chance that something may wipe out humanity as we know it? That’s what “Moonfall,” a sci-fi thriller starring Halle Berry, suggests as a fresh crew of astronauts attempts to prevent the moon from falling with Earth. This is precisely why the theatrical experience was created.
“Here Before” – Feb. 11
Who knows what lies beneath the surface of Stacey Gregg’s story about a mother (Andrea Riseborough) who experiences visions of a small girl after the death of her daughter some years ago? But one thing is certain: the trailer for “Here Before” lingers in your mind long after you’ve seen it.
“Texas Chainsaw Massacre” – Feb. 18
Two points stand. One, there’s no justification for another installment of the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” franchise, which has passed its course. And two, even if it’s just out of curiosity, fans will undoubtedly tune in. What is going on with Leatherface nearly 50 years after the original picture, when he tormented young victims to death? In this unsettling new film, director David Blue Garcia strives to solve that mystery while also introducing a new one.
The Batman – 4 March
In Matt Reeves’ latest take on the DC comics hero, Robert Pattinson plays the Dark Knight. Paul Dano’s Riddler, Colin Farrell’s Penguin, and Zoe Kravitz’s Catwoman are among the costumed enemies Batman will face.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – 6 May
Benedict Cumberbatch returns for more multiverse mischief in the Sam Raimi directed superhero sequel after his presence in Spider-Man: No way Home. Scarlet Witch, played by Elizabeth Olsen, is also on board this time. It is one of the most awaited movies to watch in 2022.
Top Gun: Maverick – 27 May
For this legacy sequel to his most renowned 1980s success, Tom Cruise has been waiting for a full theatrical release. As Maverick takes to the skies once more, expect another adrenaline rush into the danger zone.
“The Black Phone” – June 24
It’s unusual to see Ethan Hawke as a terrifying villain in a horror film. In films like “The Purge” and “Sinister,” he’s frequently the person being frightened by masked thugs or haunted by a phantom on the other side of a video screen. In “The Black Phone,” on the other hand, he’s the terrifying baddie with the black balloon who kidnaps kids and locks them in a frigid chamber where their imaginations run wild.
“Nope” – July 22
Now we’re not sure what “Nope” is all about. However, we do know that Jordan Peele excels at the social thriller subgenre. Add in Keke Palmer, Daniel Kaluuya, and Steven Yeun (Kaluuya and Peele’s first collaboration since the latter’s game-changing directorial debut “Get Out”), and you’ve got a winning combination. There’s a lot of speculation about what “Nope” could be about, but we’re not going to say no.
“Bros” – Aug. 12
It’s hard to imagine “Bros” will be the first major studio’s gay romantic comedy, yet here we are. Billy Eichner co-writes and stars in a romp about two gay male pals who may fall in love with each other, directed by Nicholas Stoller. Oh, and Luke Macfarlane, Amanda Bearse, Guillermo Diaz, and Bowen Yang star in the film, which has an all-LGBTQ lead cast.
“Mission Impossible 7” – Sept. 30
To be honest, we don’t know much about Tom Cruise’s seventh film in the blockbuster franchise so far, but he’ll undoubtedly scale skyscrapers, jump out of aircraft, and land safely on the ground. Several cast members, including Rebecca Ferguson and Ving Rhames (as the intriguing antihero Ilsa Faust and intelligence operator Luther Stickell, respectively), will return in this never-ending exciting spy/action franchise, which is guaranteed to have our hearts beating in theaters. It will be one of the most exciting movies to watch in 2022.
“Halloween Ends” – Oct. 14
Okay, so last year’s flick, “Halloween Kills,” left a lot to be desired. But, since we’ve come this far in a series with a slew of sequels, we might as well wrap it up, right? Karen Nelson, Laurie Strode’s daughter, has been murdered by Michael Myers. So, in “Halloween Ends,” you just know the ultimate last girl is going to go all medieval on Michael. Whether it’s hell or high water, we will watch it.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” – Nov. 11
Without Chadwick Boseman’s physical presence, it’s difficult to envision what “Black Panther” will be like. Perhaps more than anyone else, he led the charge in tearing down ceilings and boundaries for Black kids, fans, and audiences, allowing them to imagine themselves as superheroes. In 2018, “Black Panther” provided us the kind of strong representation that had been lacking from comic book films, and Chadwick Boseman embodied the lead character with dignity, grace, and strength that has spanned generations. Thankfully, Marvel has decided not to recast T’Challa’s position. Though the sequel is said to follow the comic book’s natural order of events, with Shuri (Letitia Wright) becoming the new Black Panther, we can’t help but feel a little sad. Don’t worry, director Ryan Coogler and the rest of the cast will give Boseman the respect he deserves.
“Creed III” – Nov. 23
Michael B. Jordan returns for the third chapter of the “Creed” series. It is a spin-off of the “Rocky” movie, but he won’t just be in front of the camera this time. Also, Jordan, who plays young fighter Adonis Creed, will be behind it. Jordan makes his directorial debut with “Creed III”. It depicts Adonis’ life in Los Angeles with his wife (Tessa Thompson) and newborn kid. Sylvester Stallone, who plays Rocky Balboa, is reportedly not returning for this sequel. The premise of “Creed III” is unknown. But we can expect intense drama, a lot of sweat, and a lot of thirsts thanks to Jordan’s expected shirtless moments.