The big movie theater comeback we all expected may have been slightly delayed by a year (we see you 2023), but the past 12 months saw “some” great cinema find its way to the masses. And while the selections at Telluride, Sundance, and TIFF were disappointing overall, Cannes thankfully delivered the goods. In fact, of our top 10 films of 2022, three debuted on la Croisette.
READ MORE: The Playlist’s 25 Best Films of 2022
Unlike television, where Peak TV has made whittling down to 10 selections extremely difficult, we were truly only passionate about just five of our film selections. That’s a sea change from 2021 where some exceptional work didn’t make the cut. And will any films from this past year outside of The Daniels‘ superb “Everything Everywhere All At Once” come close to the top of an end-of-decade list? At this point, it’s highly unlikely. Hey, they can’t all be winners.
For those wondering where the final two-part season of “Better Call Saul” is among our television selections, we freely admit to having dropped off the series a few years ago. It is what it is and we have no doubt it earned its year-end kudos.
Keeping all that in mind, our personal best of 2022.
FILM
1 “Everything Everywhere All At Once”
Pretty much a definitive “you have to see it on the big screen” movie.
2 “Close”
Not all great films have happy endings. A tearjerker for the ages.
3 “The Banshees of Inisherin”
If you’ve ever had a friend breakup as adult, this one will haunt you. And what an absolutely incredible cast.
4 “Aftersun”
Paul Mescal gives a heartbreaking masterclass performance and a new auteur, Charlotte Wells, enters the arena.
5 “Triangle of Sadness”
This is what “The White Lotus” wants to be and is the Palme d’Or winner is somehow already underrated.
6 “Nope”
Speaking of auteurs, make no mistake, Jordan Peele is an auteur. This is auteur work right here. And bless you Keke Palmer.
7 “The Northman”
A magnificent cinematic achievement. And one of the most devilish Nicole Kidman performances in years.
8 “Living”
It’s hard to pull off a period remake of a Kurosawa classic, but director Oliver Hermanus and Bill Nighy take “Ikiru” and somehow make it their own.
9 “All The Beauty And The Bloodshed,”
A provocative documentary about fighting the good fight today and, perhaps more importantly, a unique perspective on the New York City arts scene and the AIDS crisis in the 70s and 80s. You can’t turn your eyes away from it.
10 “Avatar: The Way Of Water”
Visually stunning and with unexpected tension. Teared up three times.
Noteworthy: “Women Talking,” “The Eternal Daughter,” “Fire Island,” “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” “The Fablemans,” “TAR,” “Turning Red,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” “All Quiet On The Western Front,” “Saint Omer,” “The Woman King,” “Catherine Called Birdy,” “RRR,” “Showing Up,” “Prey,” “Emily the Criminal”

TELEVISION
1 “Severance”
A remarkable narrative of conflicting tones that keeps you guessing. Makes you wonder if Ben Stiller is one of the few directors who could pull this off.
2 “Andor”
Who knew Disney would let Tony Gilroy make a “Star Wars” series about the funding of a resistance group attempting to take down a fascist state?
3 “Barry”
Perhaps it’s best season yet which is sort of insane. How does this show keep getting better?
4 “Somebody Somewhere”
A dramedy with a welcome humanity too often missing from the Peak TV era. A gift.
5 “Abbott Elementary”
“Sweet Baby Jesus and the Grown one too!” Quinta Brunson deserves all the flowers.
6 “Irma Vep”
Oliver Assayas throws his personal foibles on the fire and crafts one of the best satires of the entertainment industry in forever.
7 “Reservation Dogs”
An utter gem.
8 “Atlanta”
Somehow under the radar, this FX classic knocked it out of the park in its final two seasons. Simply gave no f**ks in the best way possible.
9 “I Love That For You”
Often hilarious. Often heartbreaking. And, arguably, the best work of Jenifer Lewis‘ career. Where’s the second season Showtime?
10 “Los Espookys”
The first season was quirky and funny. The second season was a massive creative jump that was at times the funniest show on television. The announcement it won’t continue going forward is just beyond stupid.
Noteworthy: “Heartstopper,” “Russian Doll, “Only Murders in the Building,” “Star Trek Strange New Worlds,” “Our Flag Means Death,” “Pam & Tommy,” “The Bear,” “We Need To Talk About Cosby,” “We’re Here,” “As We See It”