These Are The Best Movies Of 2022, Halfway Through The Year

CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR RANKINGS AND WHERE TO STREAM OVER 5,500 MOVIES ON MOVIERANKINGS.NET

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With the first half of 2022 gone and over 100 movies released, it's time we take a look at the TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2022, SO FAR (according to my opinion, so please don't shit yourself if I don't agree with you!). Make sure you drop your Top 10 in the comments below or tweet them at me over at the ole @JeffDLowe Twitter account.

For the full 2022 rankings, make sure to visit MovieRankings.net.

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10. ELVIS (84/100) (1090th Overall)

We reviewed this movie, and Dave called it a perfect review…

This was the main point in my review: "While it may be exhausting at times, the chaos that is a Baz Luhrmann movie works quite well thanks in large part to a show-stopping performance by Austin Butler as the titular character in 'Elvis'. Unfortunately, the movie can't quite reach a level of greatness due to a bizarre, and at times revolting, performance from Tom Hanks in a supporting role."

I've actually bumped up my score of this movie a little bit, simply because I love Austin Butler's breathtaking performance that much. When it's all said and done, I think we are going to look back on this movie at the end of the year and realize that Tom Hanks stopped it from being the year's best.

09. HUSTLE (86/100) (921st Overall)

I absolutely love the idea that when Adam Sandler wants to make a good, quality movie, he can do it at the snap of his fingers. As a huge defender of 'Uncut Gems', I will keep beating the drum that Sandler is due to an Oscars nomination, and quite possibly a win. While 'Hustle' doesn't quite match the energy and explosion of the Safdie Brothers movie, Sandler's latest Netflix release is pretty fantastic. Unorthodox sports movies are typically the ones that end up at the top of "best," lists, and 'Hustle', the story of a grizzled NBA scout and raw-but-talented European prospect fits that bill perfectly. The movie doesn't do anything out of the ordinary, or unconventional, but it tells a really good dramatic story, with some great performances, and the perfect amount of sports movie heart & charm.

08. THE OUTFIT (87/100) (808th Overall)

Easily the most unique movie on this list, 'The Outfit' sort of arrived and went away without anyone noticing. That's a pretty big shame because it's a damn good movie. Backed by stellar performances, including Oscar-winner Mark Rylance, the entire movie is a mystery that takes place in essentially one location throughout. You're watching a stage play on-screen with this movie, and it is close to masterfully done. This movie is actually the directing debut for Graham Moore, who won an Oscar a few years ago for his script for the movie 'The Imitation Game' with Benedict Cumberbatch.

7. X (88/100) (725th Overall)

I was wildly excited about this movie when I saw the first trailer, and I am willing to admit that the "A24" labeling is a big reason why. You know that you'll always get something unique when it comes to a movie from every wanna-be-hipster's (this is a self-critique) favorite studio. With 'X', you get a classic slasher feel but one filled with a lot of depth and meat to the story to give it some juicy life. The movie looks fantastic and the frights dazzle in a mix of horror-comfort food that you know and love, and some a new vision that will have you on the edge of your seat.

6. THE BLACK PHONE (88/100) (706th Overall)

First off, the original full trailer for 'The Black Phone' shows way too much of the movie, so try and only watch the one above.

I am a simple man, if you are a horror movie, and you scare me… bravo! The best thing I can say about 'The Black Phone' is that the movie genuinely scared and creeped me out from start to finish. Ethan Hawke is brilliant in everything he's in, but he's especially great in this movie. You can cut the tension in this story with a knife, and it never resorts to cheap thrills or tropes that weigh down the worst parts of movies from the genre.

5. THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT (89/100) (646th Overall)

If you heard there was a Nic Cage movie where Nic Cage played himself, well, here it is, folks! 'The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent' is an absolute fucking blast, living up to a pretty decent amount of hype given the subject matter. While it may not be as inventively genius as the similar "actor plays themself" release in 'Being John Malkovich', this movie is a romp straight from the get-go. With a slightly tighter script, this movie could've easily jumped into the "great" range. But, it still proves Nic Cage has so much left in the tank.

4. THE NORTHMAN (89/100) (640th Overall)

This is a Robert Eggers film. The same guy who made 'The VVitch', and 'The Lighthouse', two movies you either didn't see, absolutely fucking loved, or completely despised, released one of the more divisive movies of 2022. Everything you'd expect from the signature style and feel from Robert Eggers shines through with 'The Northman', which could be a good, or bad thing, depending on how you like his work. Nothing about this movie is simple, the storytelling is bold and intense. But if it is your cup of tea, then you will absolutely fucking love 'The Northman', and what it has to offer.

3. TOP GUN MAVERICK (90/100) (521st Overall)

At this point, if you haven't seen 'Top Gun: Maverick', what the fuck are you doing?

An instant summer blockbuster classic, the Top Gun sequel is fucking fantastic. For me, it's better than the original, and a thrill ride that makes going to the movies, especially with a real (most IMAX screens aren't real, look it up) IMAX screen, an unmatched experience.

2. THE BATMAN (93/100) (307th Overall)

We have already seen a ton of comic book movie releases in 2022, but only one of them cracked my ranking of Top 5 of All-Time for the genre: 'The Batman'. What an absolute dream of a comic book movie this ended up being. After a few years of hype, some dynamite trailers, and the inevitable COVID-19 delays, 'The Batman' lived up to fairly lofty expectations. Was the movie a little bloated? Maybe! But that didn't matter. With the Robert Pattinson version of Batman, from the fantastic mind of writer-director Matt Reeves, we got a visual masterpiece and a thrilling detective noir. I found myself grinning ear-to-ear when seeing 'The Batman', from the performances to the script, the visuals, music, and everything in between, we got one great comic book release, worthy of a Best Picture nomination, with the latest caped crusader story.

'Everything Everywhere All at Once' is the best movie (easily) of 2022, and one of the Top 100 movies I have ever seen in my life. It's inventive, creative, visually stunning, and packed with a perfect story that will tug on your heartstrings. This movie is also the subject of a bit of "overhype" for some people, which has some labeling it as a bit "overrated." So, to that, I say that if you haven't seen this movie yet, go into it with an open mind, and let the magic of the movie take you on an unforgettable ride.

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There you have it! My list of Top 10 movies (so far) from 2022. Make sure to listen and subscribe to Lights Camera Barstool…

…and, until next time…

…thanks!