Best films that will leave you speechless

Best films in 2023 is well underway, it’s time to take a look back at the “best” and “worst” films of the past year. It took me a bit longer than I anticipated to put this list together (mainly because I had to finish up my backlog of 2022 movie reviews first), but at last, here we are, and I’m excited to share it. Honestly, 2022 brought us quite a few genuinely good films.

I’ve already shared my list of the Top 10 Worst Movies of 2022, and now it’s time to present my picks for what I consider the best films of the year. Whether it came from strong source material (original or adapted), sharp and engaging writing, excellent direction, stunning visuals, imaginative world-building, meaningful themes, standout performances, or richly developed characters, these movies stood out to me as the absolute highlights of 2022. But before we jump into number 10, here are a few honorable mentions that came close to making the cut for my top ten best movies of the year.

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Does life mirror art, or does art reflect life? A question that belongs as much to philosophers as it does to devoted cinephiles—particularly with the 2022 release of The Fabelmans. Steven Spielberg’s latest work delves into an intensely personal narrative, drawing from his own experiences to portray the delicate balance between a family’s shifting dynamics and a young man’s creative drive, with the two threads intertwining deeply. Although the pacing stumbles in places and the second half contains some awkward storytelling beats, the film ultimately succeeds as an emotionally rich piece. Spielberg’s assured direction, the poignant thematic undercurrents, the heartfelt celebration of filmmaking, strong visual execution, and standout performances—especially from LaBelle and Williams—bring the story to life. It’s clear this was a labor of love for Spielberg, one that speaks profoundly to kindred spirits: dreamers, creators, and those navigating the tension between familial challenges and personal ambitions. While The Fabelmans may not stand as the definitive entry in Spielberg’s filmography, it still offers a touching and meaningful exploration of family, art, and the enduring drive to pursue one’s passion.

The values and significance of friendship are among the most fundamental and universal connections in human life, fostering bonds between individuals through shared interests, experiences, and deep emotional ties. In 2022, director Martin McDonagh explored the unraveling of a once strong and enduring friendship between two men who find themselves at a pivotal point in both their lives and their relationship in the Best films The Banshees of Inisherin. The movie presents a seemingly simple—yet profoundly human and multilayered—situation centered on two distinct individuals and the personal struggles that surface when their companionship comes to an abrupt end, with the lives of others around them inevitably drawn into the fallout.

McDonagh’s storytelling stands out for its unique blend of gentle humor and poignant sadness, complemented by excellent direction, striking cinematography, an evocative musical score, and a remarkable ensemble performance, particularly from Farrell, Gleeson, Condon, and Keoghan. I found the experience surprisingly engaging, far more than I had anticipated. As mentioned, I must commend McDonagh for crafting a film with such emotional depth—accessible in its narrative yet raw and complex in its emotional truth. It offers a compelling contrast of differing perspectives and themes, touching on ideas that resonate universally.

Moreover, the acting throughout was superb. Ultimately, The Banshees of Inisherin is a moving examination of human nature and the breaking point of friendship, told with tenderness and emotional weight.

With an abundance of Best films to get excited about and highly anticipated releases throughout the year, the one title that dominated everyone’s thoughts was the long-awaited sequel to James Cameron’s sci-fi epic—Avatar: The Way of Water. In 2022, the anticipation finally ended, and the film proved to be a triumphant return. Cameron’s latest project builds upon the foundation he created in his 2009 blockbuster, elevating both the story and its characters in another spectacular, big-budget display of visual storytelling that pushes the cinematic experience to new heights—captivating and invigorating audiences alike.

The movie was unquestionably worth the years of waiting, standing out as a remarkable blockbuster sequel thanks to Cameron’s masterful direction, rich world-building, stunning visuals, strong presentation, beautiful score, and a talented cast that propels the narrative forward with energy and heart. With the massive global box office earnings the Best films has achieved, it’s clear Cameron’s grand vision for the Sully family’s saga is only just beginning. For now, Avatar: The Way of Water achieves exactly what it aims for—offering a fresh adventure filled with dazzling visual spectacle, breathtaking cinematography, thrilling action, and the joy of returning to the vibrant, glowing world of Pandora.

Elvis Presley — the man, the legend, and the undisputed “King of Rock and Roll” — built an extraordinary music career through his distinctive style and unforgettable songs. While nearly everyone recognizes the cultural icon, the 2022 Best films Elvis revealed to audiences the deeper, more personal story behind the superstar. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, the movie offers a cinematic exploration of Presley’s journey to fame, balancing his soaring success with the shadows of personal struggles and the manipulation and greed of his manager.

Luhrmann delivers a bold and visually striking production, with meticulous attention to period detail in its sets, costumes, and hair and makeup. The Best films’s musical numbers are powerfully staged, and the cast shines — especially Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, whose performances are nothing short of remarkable and fully deserving of the acclaim they’ve received. In my opinion, this stands as one of Luhrmann’s strongest works to date.

In the end, Elvis is both emotionally gripping and musically vibrant, fulfilling its mission of presenting an energetic and heartfelt portrayal of Presley’s highest triumphs and deepest lows, all wrapped in Luhrmann’s unmistakable creative style. As Presley himself says in one memorable scene, “This ain’t no nostalgia show. We’re gonna do something a little different” — and that’s exactly what Elvis delivers.

Historic epic films are notoriously challenging to execute in modern cinema—not only because of the immense budgets they often require or their appeal to a specific segment of audiences, but also due to the delicate art of crafting believable “world building” that feels authentic instead of bland or generic. Such foundational elements can make or break a production, yet in the case of 2022’s The Woman King, the film rises to the challenge. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, this latest work offers a raw and immersive portrayal of a historical African saga, blending intimate character drama with dynamic action in a way that makes for a captivating story about honor, self-discovery, and unity.

Set in the African kingdom of Dahomey, the narrative follows General Nanisca as she leads her warriors against the kingdom’s foes while also mentoring young Nawi through the rigorous trials of becoming an Agojie. The Woman King maintains its strength by surpassing potential pitfalls, thanks in large part to Prince-Bythewood’s skillful direction, a respectful and vivid depiction of African heritage, richly detailed world building, a compelling dual storyline between its central characters, meticulously staged action sequences, striking visual presentation, and standout performances—especially from Davis, Lynch, and Mbedu.

Going in, I was curious but didn’t have exceptionally high hopes or overwhelming anticipation. To my delight, I ended up enjoying it far more than expected. The acting was superb, the story both engaging and respectful of themes of empowerment and cultural authenticity, and the overall production quality was excellent. In the end, it’s clear what The Woman King sets out to achieve—and it succeeds brilliantly—offering a majestic historical drama rich with layered character interactions, purposeful storytelling, and a powerful message that women can be every bit as strong and courageous as men.

The “feel-good” movie category has long been a favorite among audiences, not for its adrenaline-pumping action, chilling horror, or mind-bending twists, but for its ability to stir emotions and inspire a lingering sense of optimism and tranquility in viewers. In 2022, one such story arrived with Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, the tale of a humble cleaning woman, Ada Harris, who sets her heart on traveling to Paris, France, to purchase a gown from the House of Dior. Director Anthony Fabian adapts Paul Gallico’s beloved novel into a warm, uplifting cinematic journey that mirrors the generosity and sweetness of its central character. The film shines with its gentle storytelling, buoyant spirit, and endearing premise, complemented by gorgeous visuals, exquisite costume design, and an excellent ensemble cast—led with grace and charm by Lesley Manville. Ultimately, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris proves that not every movie needs dazzling blockbuster spectacle or intense drama to captivate. Sometimes, a heartfelt dream, innate kindness, and a generous sprinkle of charm are all it takes to craft an irresistible “feel-good” experience—something this film delivers beautifully, and in true Dior style.

In 2022, several animated series and films that were once believed to be finished made a comeback, aiming to rekindle interest in beloved children’s entertainment franchises. While the poorly executed and received The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild felt like the franchise scraping the very bottom, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish—the second spin-off from the Shrek universe—delivered a thrilling, visually stunning animated journey that breathed fresh life into its fairy-tale world. Director Joel Crawford’s latest work builds on the foundation set by the 2011 Puss in Boots film, pushing the story forward with enough strengths to make this second spin-off feel truly worthwhile for both longtime fans and newcomers to the Shrek saga.

The film shines thanks to its strong storytelling, Crawford’s careful and creative direction, rich and resonant themes, dynamic action scenes, laugh-out-loud humor, breathtaking visuals, engaging soundtrack, vibrant cast of characters, and stellar voice performances throughout. Much like with The Woman King, I was curious but not overly eager to watch it—yet it completely won me over. The movie was genuinely funny, packed with heart, filled with high-energy action sequences, and proved it could easily stand apart from its parent franchise. My expectations weren’t just met—they were surpassed. In my view, it’s the strongest Shrek-related film since Shrek 2, and far superior to the first Puss in Boots.

Ultimately, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is a captivating and beautifully crafted spin-off that delivers a heartfelt, humorous, and spectacular adventure, reminding audiences why this charming feline remains one of the most beloved characters in animated cinema.