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Glamour - The moviegoing experience has changed so much in the last few years, but two of the best movies of 2022—Top Gun: Maverick and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever—illustrated the power and community of seeing an epic story play out on the big screen. From the visuals to the sound (and okay, the popcorn at the concession stand), they were a reminder that as much we like to stay in pajamas and cozy up on the couch, there's something rewarding about experiencing your local cinema. But that's not to take away from this year’s fantastic movies that were just as enjoyable from the comfort of our own home thanks to streaming services. Good Luck to You, Leo Grande on Hulu and Lady Chatterley's Lover on Netflix are the kind of deeply personal and raw films probably best enjoyed with some privacy. Or there's Do Revenge, which lent itself to getting your best friends together for a night of pizza and wine.
The Glamour team's picks for the best movies of 2022 reflect this array of options, from blockbusters to indies. Most likely you haven't seen all of these films—or maybe even heard of some of them—but they're all worthy depending on what you're in the mood for.
BarbarianThe year’s finest horror movie needs to be seen to be believed. If you haven’t yet treated yourself to this batshit joyride, don’t watch the trailer and don’t read the reviews. Just pop it on and let your brain ooze out of your ears. The many plot twists might be the reason The year’s finest horror movie needs to be seen to be believed. If you haven’t yet treated yourself to this batshit joyride, don’t watch the trailer and don’t read the reviews. Just pop it on and let your brain ooze out of your ears. The many plot twists might be the reason Barbarian became a word-of-mouth hit, but they’re grounded by top-notch performances, genuine empathy, and a willingness to chew on (and then skull-crush) social issues. We’ll be staying in hotels from now on, though. — became a word-of-mouth hit, but they’re grounded by top-notch performances, genuine empathy, and a willingness to chew on (and then skull-crush) social issues. We’ll be staying in hotels from now on, though. —Jake Smith, commerce writer
Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths Absurd times call for equally absurd films; with Absurd times call for equally absurd films; with Bardo, Alejandro Iñárritu (, Alejandro Iñárritu (The Revenant, Birdman) brings a strong dose of absurdity in his artsy and highly personal epic. Indulgent and spectacular, the black comedy-drama follows a Mexican documentary filmmaker as he prepares to win a lifetime achievement award. The film is a feast for the senses and a fascinating meditation on modern identity. — brings a strong dose of absurdity in his artsy and highly personal epic. Indulgent and spectacular, the black comedy-drama follows a Mexican documentary filmmaker as he prepares to win a lifetime achievement award. The film is a feast for the senses and a fascinating meditation on modern identity. —Anastasia Sanger, social video producer/editor
Beavis and Butthead Do the UniverseI grew up watching reruns of Mike Judge’s irreverent adult animation, so it was a delight to see Beavis and Butthead back for another movie after 25 years. Through a series of idiotic events, the equally idiotic ’90s duo find themselves transported to 2022. Judge’s signature dumb but smart humor holds up in a modern setting: In a particularly funny scene they stumble into a gender studies class and mislearn white privilege to mean they can legally get away with anything they want. This movie does indeed score. —I grew up watching reruns of Mike Judge’s irreverent adult animation, so it was a delight to see Beavis and Butthead back for another movie after 25 years. Through a series of idiotic events, the equally idiotic ’90s duo find themselves transported to 2022. Judge’s signature dumb but smart humor holds up in a modern setting: In a particularly funny scene they stumble into a gender studies class and mislearn white privilege to mean they can legally get away with anything they want. This movie does indeed score. —A.S.
Black Panther: Wakanda ForeverThis film had high expectations since the original This film had high expectations since the original Black Panther was such a cultural phenomenon. Plus, how would was such a cultural phenomenon. Plus, how would Wakanda Forever deal with deal with Chadwick Boseman's death? The movie did a great job of honoring his character while continuing Wakanda's story. I loved the introduction of a new world, justifying the film's three-hour run time. —? The movie did a great job of honoring his character while continuing Wakanda's story. I loved the introduction of a new world, justifying the film's three-hour run time. —Monique Wilson, editorial assistant
Bodies, Bodies, BodiesThere’s a certain queasy catharsis in watching all of the worst people you know be picked off one by one. (Don’t worry! It’s just a movie.) There’s a certain queasy catharsis in watching all of the worst people you know be picked off one by one. (Don’t worry! It’s just a movie.) Bodies Bodies Bodies doesn’t let any of its (admittedly awful) characters off the hook, resulting in a mean-spirited neo-slasher that’s just as funny as it is savage. If nothing else, at least this doesn’t let any of its (admittedly awful) characters off the hook, resulting in a mean-spirited neo-slasher that’s just as funny as it is savage. If nothing else, at least this 95-minute advertisement for cleavage gave us the best line reading of 2022: gave us the best line reading of 2022: “Your parents are upper. middle. class.” — —J.S.
Call JaneElizabeth Banks shines in Elizabeth Banks shines in Call Jane, about a married woman who needs a medical abortion—which was illegal at the time the movie takes place—and takes matters in her own hands. While many movies that focus on abortion can seem like history lessons, this one really gets to the heart of the matter and conveys the message to anyone who doesn't understand why abortion is health care. , about a married woman who needs a medical abortion—which was illegal at the time the movie takes place—and takes matters in her own hands. While many movies that focus on abortion can seem like history lessons, this one really gets to the heart of the matter and conveys the message to anyone who doesn't understand why abortion is health care. —Jessica Radloff, senior West Coast editor
Catherine Called Birdy Based on the popular 1994 novel of the same name, Based on the popular 1994 novel of the same name, Catherine Called Birdy follows a 14-year-old living in medieval times who does everything within her means to avoid being married off by her financially troubled father. Despite taking place centuries ago, the coming-of-age comedy will feel so familiar to anyone who's felt restricted by the society around them. — follows a 14-year-old living in medieval times who does everything within her means to avoid being married off by her financially troubled father. Despite taking place centuries ago, the coming-of-age comedy will feel so familiar to anyone who's felt restricted by the society around them. —Anna Moeslein, deputy editor
Crimes of the Future Released over 20 years after his last sci-fi film, David Cronenberg’s Released over 20 years after his last sci-fi film, David Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future is more than just a return to goopy form; it’s a reinvention. The director has now turned his attention to the climate crisis, pondering how humanity will (and must) adapt as our environment changes from natural to artificial. While this one is dank enough to please fans of is more than just a return to goopy form; it’s a reinvention. The director has now turned his attention to the climate crisis, pondering how humanity will (and must) adapt as our environment changes from natural to artificial. While this one is dank enough to please fans of Videodrome, it’s actually optimistic about the way the world is headed. If Cronenberg can find hope at the advent of the Anthropocene, so can we. —, it’s actually optimistic about the way the world is headed. If Cronenberg can find hope at the advent of the Anthropocene, so can we. —J.S.
Decision to LeaveAbout a detective who becomes obsessed with the woman he's investigating, About a detective who becomes obsessed with the woman he's investigating, Decision to Leave is a sexy mystery à la is a sexy mystery à la Basic Instinct that twists and turns right up until the very end. — that twists and turns right up until the very end. —A.M.
Do Revenge Quick, smart, laugh-out-loud funny, and somehow, despite heavily leaning into film tropes, full of genuine surprises, Quick, smart, laugh-out-loud funny, and somehow, despite heavily leaning into film tropes, full of genuine surprises, Do Revenge is this generation’s classic teen movie— is this generation’s classic teen movie—Clueless, Mean Girls, Cruel Intentions, or or Heathers for Gen Z. And while it does pay homage to its predecessors with subtle onscreen references (keep an eye out!), it stands completely on its own as an instant classic. Highly recommend! — for Gen Z. And while it does pay homage to its predecessors with subtle onscreen references (keep an eye out!), it stands completely on its own as an instant classic. Highly recommend! —Danielle Sinay, associate beauty editor
Elvis Elvis delivers the extravagance we’ve come to know from Baz Luhrmann, served with an outstanding (and dreamy) delivers the extravagance we’ve come to know from Baz Luhrmann, served with an outstanding (and dreamy) performance by Austin Butler. Although Luhrmann’s maximalism may not be for everyone, the film races through decades of Elvis’s life, as well as America’s midcentury cultural upheaval, with relentless spectacle. —. Although Luhrmann’s maximalism may not be for everyone, the film races through decades of Elvis’s life, as well as America’s midcentury cultural upheaval, with relentless spectacle. —A.S.
Everything Everywhere All at Once I don’t think I don’t think Everything Everywhere All at Once is one of the best films of the year—I think it’s one of the best of all time. It’s emotional and poignant yet simultaneously silly and is one of the best films of the year—I think it’s one of the best of all time. It’s emotional and poignant yet simultaneously silly and hilarious, and every cast member delivers an Oscar-worthy performance. I simply can’t imagine anyone not loving this movie. — and every cast member delivers an Oscar-worthy performance. I simply can’t imagine anyone not loving this movie. —D.S.
Good Luck to You, Leo Grande If you haven’t seen If you haven’t seen Good Luck to You, Leo Grande with with Emma Thompson and newcomer Daryl McCormack ( and newcomer Daryl McCormack (Bad Sisters), do it now. The film is ), do it now. The film is streaming on Hulu, and I personally volunteer to run Thompson’s Oscar campaign because she gives such a vulnerable, hilarious, complex performance of a woman struggling to embrace her sexual side and experience an orgasm for the first time. Plus, McCormack's got charisma and sex appeal a million times over. , and I personally volunteer to run Thompson’s Oscar campaign because she gives such a vulnerable, hilarious, complex performance of a woman struggling to embrace her sexual side and experience an orgasm for the first time. Plus, McCormack's got charisma and sex appeal a million times over. —J.R.
FallLet’s be clear: Survival thriller Let’s be clear: Survival thriller Fall isn’t the smartest, tightest, or most coherent movie of 2022. But it’s certainly the most giddily entertaining. The premise is simple—two climbers get stuck at the tippity-top of a 2,000-foot tower, chaos ensues—and makes for some of the most dizzying shots ever put on film. Add a bonkers sense of humor and some hilariously janky CGI and you’ve got the ideal B-movie. Watch it with a crowd, preferably with a drink in hand. — isn’t the smartest, tightest, or most coherent movie of 2022. But it’s certainly the most giddily entertaining. The premise is simple—two climbers get stuck at the tippity-top of a 2,000-foot tower, chaos ensues—and makes for some of the most dizzying shots ever put on film. Add a bonkers sense of humor and some hilariously janky CGI and you’ve got the ideal B-movie. Watch it with a crowd, preferably with a drink in hand. —J.S.
Fire Island Pride and Prejudice, reimagined as a chosen family of gay friends on vacation in Fire Island. Written by and starring Joel Kim Booster, the movie more than delivers on both the rom and the com. — reimagined as a chosen family of gay friends on vacation in Fire Island. Written by and starring Joel Kim Booster, the movie more than delivers on both the rom and the com. —A.M.
Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. follows a disgraced megachurch pastor and his first lady as they prepare to welcome back their congregation in the wake of a scandal. Half of it is shot as a silly mockumentary, while the other half is an emotional drama, and while the tonal shifts don’t always work, stars Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown make it all compulsively entertaining. (Exhibit A: Brown whimpering, “I need to save souls,” as an ambulance rushes by in the background.) — follows a disgraced megachurch pastor and his first lady as they prepare to welcome back their congregation in the wake of a scandal. Half of it is shot as a silly mockumentary, while the other half is an emotional drama, and while the tonal shifts don’t always work, stars Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown make it all compulsively entertaining. (Exhibit A: Brown whimpering, “I need to save souls,” as an ambulance rushes by in the background.) —J.S.
HustleAdam Sandler is hilarious in every movie, but Adam Sandler is hilarious in every movie, but Hustle depicts a loving father and husband who passionately works to achieve his goals. — depicts a loving father and husband who passionately works to achieve his goals. —M.W.
Lady Chatterley’s LoverI could spend my time here talking about why I could spend my time here talking about why Lady Chatterley's Lover is one of the best is one of the best book-to-movie adaptations ever made, but I know my audience: Yes, it's raunchy. ever made, but I know my audience: Yes, it's raunchy. Even raunchier thanBridgerton! — —A.M.
Marcel the Shell With Shoes OnExpanding from the original three-minute short into a feature film, Expanding from the original three-minute short into a feature film, Marcel the Shell With Shoes On doesn’t overstay its welcome; all the cutesy poignancy only gets better with more room to breathe. The joy (of the titular guy rolling around in a tennis ball and watching doesn’t overstay its welcome; all the cutesy poignancy only gets better with more room to breathe. The joy (of the titular guy rolling around in a tennis ball and watching 60 Minutes with his grandmother) and the grief (of divorces, of aging, of loved ones gone too soon) fit together perfectly. — with his grandmother) and the grief (of divorces, of aging, of loved ones gone too soon) fit together perfectly. —J.S.
Nope Jordan Peele is Jordan Peele is a master of visual storytelling, and he’s never been more in control than in , and he’s never been more in control than in Nope, his swing at the idea of spectacle. His images of “bad miracles”—an unmoving cloud, a house bathed in blood, a shoe standing on its head—are unforgettable and eerie. Yes, there’s a lot going on in this horror-sci-fi-Western blockbuster (starring , his swing at the idea of spectacle. His images of “bad miracles”—an unmoving cloud, a house bathed in blood, a shoe standing on its head—are unforgettable and eerie. Yes, there’s a lot going on in this horror-sci-fi-Western blockbuster (starring Keke Palmer) that tackles Black representation in Hollywood, turning trauma into entertainment, and animal welfare. We wouldn’t have it any other way. —) that tackles Black representation in Hollywood, turning trauma into entertainment, and animal welfare. We wouldn’t have it any other way. —J.S.
Prey It’s a shame that so many movies just rehash existing IP, but It’s a shame that so many movies just rehash existing IP, but Prey makes a compelling case for letting new voices reimagine well-worn stories. It’s yet another makes a compelling case for letting new voices reimagine well-worn stories. It’s yet another Predator movie, but this time the protagonist is a female Comanche warrior, not a commando. It’s packed with set pieces of the highest order, especially one set in a smoke-filled forest, and Amber Midthunder makes one of the best action leads in recent memory. — movie, but this time the protagonist is a female Comanche warrior, not a commando. It’s packed with set pieces of the highest order, especially one set in a smoke-filled forest, and Amber Midthunder makes one of the best action leads in recent memory. —J.S.
RRR (Rise, Roar, Revolt) There’s a reason everyone on the internet was talking about There’s a reason everyone on the internet was talking about RRR—the Tollywood megahit is an over-the-top feast of action, dance, and pure entertainment. Epic battles involving literally thousands of extras interweave with spectacular musical sequences to create an anticolonial blockbuster worth its three-hour run time. Rightfully so, —the Tollywood megahit is an over-the-top feast of action, dance, and pure entertainment. Epic battles involving literally thousands of extras interweave with spectacular musical sequences to create an anticolonial blockbuster worth its three-hour run time. Rightfully so, RRR has finally given S.S. Rajamouli (who also directed the equally grandiose has finally given S.S. Rajamouli (who also directed the equally grandiose Bahuubali franchise) the international recognition he deserves. — franchise) the international recognition he deserves. —A.S.
Spoiler Alert One of my absolute favorite films of the year. Jim Parsons plays TV journalist Michael Ausiello, who meets the love of his life, only to be faced with one of the most complicated, emotional journeys anyone should ever have to endure. It's endearing, devastating, funny, One of my absolute favorite films of the year. Jim Parsons plays TV journalist Michael Ausiello, who meets the love of his life, only to be faced with one of the most complicated, emotional journeys anyone should ever have to endure. It's endearing, devastating, funny, and hopeful. hopeful. Sally Field, Bill Irwin, and Ben Aldridge also star; by the end, you'll be wishing you could spend more time with these people. , Bill Irwin, and Ben Aldridge also star; by the end, you'll be wishing you could spend more time with these people. —J.R.
The African Desperate In artist Martine Syms’s feature debut, the final 24 hours of college are a gauntlet, not a celebration. MFA student Palace (played brilliantly by artist and poet Diamond Stingily) must endure a vortex of self-obsessed professors, clingy classmates, and basically every party drug imaginable if she’s going to make it out of there. Syms loads each scene with pulsing music, overlaid memes, and spoken-word text exchanges—it’s overwhelming but in a good way. — In artist Martine Syms’s feature debut, the final 24 hours of college are a gauntlet, not a celebration. MFA student Palace (played brilliantly by artist and poet Diamond Stingily) must endure a vortex of self-obsessed professors, clingy classmates, and basically every party drug imaginable if she’s going to make it out of there. Syms loads each scene with pulsing music, overlaid memes, and spoken-word text exchanges—it’s overwhelming but in a good way. —J.S.
The Batman I’ll admit, as a lifelong Batman nerd and a middle-school I’ll admit, as a lifelong Batman nerd and a middle-school Twilight fanatic (#TeamEdward), this film was definitely targeted at me. This iteration of the caped crusader doesn't necessarily break the mold on the ultra-noir Batman established by fanatic (#TeamEdward), this film was definitely targeted at me. This iteration of the caped crusader doesn't necessarily break the mold on the ultra-noir Batman established by The Dark Knight, but provides a more grounded look at Bruce Wayne’s younger years previously unseen in movies. Hearkening back to the character’s pulp detective origins, Robert Pattinson’s young Batman is nuanced and intriguing, and pairs well with Zoë Kravitz’s badass and seductive Catwoman, Colin Farrell’s impressive transformation into The Penguin, and Paul Dano’s chillingly relevant Riddler. —, but provides a more grounded look at Bruce Wayne’s younger years previously unseen in movies. Hearkening back to the character’s pulp detective origins, Robert Pattinson’s young Batman is nuanced and intriguing, and pairs well with Zoë Kravitz’s badass and seductive Catwoman, Colin Farrell’s impressive transformation into The Penguin, and Paul Dano’s chillingly relevant Riddler. —A.S.
The Lost City People like to complain that Hollywood doesn't make good romantic comedies anymore. Those people clearly haven't seen People like to complain that Hollywood doesn't make good romantic comedies anymore. Those people clearly haven't seen The Lost City. Channing Tatum and Sandra Bullock have never been more charming, and the surprising cameos from Brad Pitt and Daniel Radcliffe add extra star factor. — Channing Tatum and Sandra Bullock have never been more charming, and the surprising cameos from Brad Pitt and Daniel Radcliffe add extra star factor. —A.M.
Thor: Love and ThunderComing off the Oscar-nominated Coming off the Oscar-nominated Jojo Rabbit, Taika Waititi was starting to be seen as a serious director, which may have made critics harder on , Taika Waititi was starting to be seen as a serious director, which may have made critics harder on Thor, but don’t believe the negative reviews—this movie is a delight. Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth continue to have excellent chemistry, while Christian Bale really goes all out as a god-killing villain. Featuring screaming space goats, gay rock aliens, and yes, Hemsworth’s bare butt, but don’t believe the negative reviews—this movie is a delight. Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth continue to have excellent chemistry, while Christian Bale really goes all out as a god-killing villain. Featuring screaming space goats, gay rock aliens, and yes, Hemsworth’s bare butt, Love and Thunder delivers a strong, goofy sequel to delivers a strong, goofy sequel to Thor: Ragnorok. —. —A.S.
Top Gun: MaverickThe highest grossing film of 2022, The highest grossing film of 2022, Top Gun: Maverick was so popular with, well, everyone that Paramount kept it in theaters for an extended run. — was so popular with, well, everyone that Paramount kept it in theaters for an extended run. —A.M.
Turning RedA metaphor for puberty, 13-year-old Mei Lee literally turns into a giant red panda anytime she experiences a strong emotion. Sweet and moving, A metaphor for puberty, 13-year-old Mei Lee literally turns into a giant red panda anytime she experiences a strong emotion. Sweet and moving, Turning Red also has the distinction of being the first Pixar film directed solely by a woman. — also has the distinction of being the first Pixar film directed solely by a woman. —A.M.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story Casting Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al was already a premise ripe for comedic gold, but the “not-at-all exaggerated” biopic delivered that and so much more. Like the parodist the film is loosely based on, Casting Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al was already a premise ripe for comedic gold, but the “not-at-all exaggerated” biopic delivered that and so much more. Like the parodist the film is loosely based on, Weird spoofs the rock-and-roll biopic genre with absurd, laugh-out-loud humor. It’s a bold claim, but I’ll say it—this is the spoofs the rock-and-roll biopic genre with absurd, laugh-out-loud humor. It’s a bold claim, but I’ll say it—this is the Spinal Tap of the modern era. — of the modern era. —A.S.
X/Pearl Two Mia Goths for the price of one! In Two Mia Goths for the price of one! In X, she is utterly captivating as a ’70s aspiring porn star who finds herself fighting for her life when the cast and crew around her start getting killed slasher-movie style. In she is utterly captivating as a ’70s aspiring porn star who finds herself fighting for her life when the cast and crew around her start getting killed slasher-movie style. In Pearl, which was released a few months later, Goth turns the story on its head by playing—spoiler—the killer from which was released a few months later, Goth turns the story on its head by playing—spoiler—the killer from X as a younger woman in the most delightfully unhinged performance of the year. — as a younger woman in the most delightfully unhinged performance of the year. —A.M.
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