Each year, the team at Real Video collectively watches hundreds of films. Whether they be rewatches of favorites, first time watches of classics, or a stumble upon some strange gem, watching films is one of our favorite pastimes.
As everyone wraps up their “year-end-highlights” lists, we also decided to compile a shortlist of our favorite films released in 2022 for your scrolling pleasure.
Everyone at the office wrote down a list of their favorite films of the year with a blurb of why it’s worthy to be loved; resulting in 18 different films.
So, in no particular order, here is Real’s first annual Favorite Films of the Year List:
1. Turning Red
Genre: Comedy / Family
Where to Watch: Disney+
“Being the father of 3 teenage girls, this one was great. Not only did we have a good laugh but it opened up conversations about our emotions and finding our place in the world.”
– Kevin
2. The Batman
Genre: Action / Crime
Where to Watch: HBO Max
“Paul Dano as the riddler really stands next to Heath Ledger’s Joker as another fantastic villain in the batman movieverse. Having been a March release, I was fearful it would be lacking, but boy was I proven wrong. Great characters, great story, overall great time. Robert Pattenson plays a great Batman, and I can’t wait for more!”
– Evan
3. Everything Everywhere All at Once
Genre: Action / Comedy
Where to Watch: Showtime
“In the era of remakes, spinoffs, and spanning franchise universes, I always applaud films that march to their own beat— ones that try to say something in their own voice without trying to emulate others. While I haven’t seen every movie under the sun this year, this was one that shined for me and got passed around the Real office once it had its home video release. I think all of us agreed it was a top contender for best picture, and certainly the most creative movie that dropped this year. If you’re a fan of ‘mind bending’ movies, this one is an incredibly entertaining one that leaves you stewing on it for days.”
– Dan
“ One of my favorite films ever is Swiss Army Man. Since this film was directed by ‘Daniels’, I was excited to see this one. It’s very bold and fast paced. I loved this film for its editing style, for the art, and for the wardrobe department’s work.”
– Josh
“A movie about hot-dog fingers, chef raccoons, and everything bagels that made me cry. While I still don’t resonate with the film’s conclusion on life, ‘Daniels’ accomplishes a seemingly impossible feat of making ‘meaninglessness’ and ‘nothingness’ seem comforting in a movie that otherwise throws (literally) everything at its audience.”
– Ben
“This was probably one of the most unique films I have ever seen. When it wasn’t a total onslaught to my senses, the film offered a heartfelt story that felt very genuine and real. It’s mind boggling how the creators were able to keep track of every story element, but they did so, in style. Much like the title states, the film truly offered everything, everywhere, all at once.”
– Evan
“This movie was a trip. Refreshing storytelling with a wonderful blend of action & humor.”
– Kevin
4. RRR
Genre: Action / Adventure
Where to Watch: Netflix
“I started hearing whisperings about this movie earlier this year, and when it finally came to Netflix, I was able to give it a watch. I went in pretty blind, other than I knew the film community had been buzzing about this 3-hour epic Indian action film that was worth seeking out, so I had a higher expectation going into it based on that fact alone. Even without knowing the history of the characters, you quickly find yourself getting wrapped up in this spectacle of a movie, and cheering for these absurdly entertaining mythical characters and provides a purely entertaining ride all the way through.”
– Dan
5. Sonic 2
Genre: Action / Comedy
Where to Watch: Paramount+
“I like all of Jim Carrey’s movies. Was a huge sonic fan when I was young, and now that my kids like Sonic I get to enjoy watching with them.”
– Ryan
6. Father Stu
Genre: Drama
Where to Watch: Netflix
“A great story of how enduring the challenges of life puts you in place to speak wisdom and truth into others with honesty and authenticity.”
– Kevin
7. Top Gun: Maverick
Genre: Action
Where to Watch: Paramount+
“Like Miles Teller himself, this movie put jet fuel in my veins; an intense concoction of adrenaline and movie-stardon to the nth degree.”
– Ben
“Unfortunately, I did not make it to a theater screening of Top Gun. I think this one was meant to be seen in a theater. It does make it on my list though. I admire it for it’s technical achievements in cinematography. How they got those Sony’s into those jets is nuts. For a sequel, this could’ve gone way differently. Although I was pleasantly surprised. Americana in it’s best form. God Bless the USA.”
– Josh
Has anyone not watched this one? The first one was great, and this one did not disappoint.”
– Ryan
“When I heard they were making a Top Gun sequel, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. I expected some ham-handed telling of an older Maverick character, and a rinse-and-repeat of the same story beats of its predecessor. Boy, was I wrong. This was pure entertainment. I had it sitting on my shelf for a few months before I finally had gotten around to watching it and it was just the most fun I’ve had watching a movie in years. I couldn’t get enough watching it.”
– Dan
8. Jurassic World Dominion
Genre: Action / Adventure
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
“Have been a fan of all the Jurassic Park movies. This one was fun and entertaining to watch with the whole family.”
– Ryan
9. Nope
Genre: Horror / Sci-Fi
Where to Watch: Peacock
“Yup. This movie was great. Jordan Peele has been so fun to watch as a director. Some of the technical BTS of this movie is pretty cutting edge as well.”
– Kevin
10. Bullet Train
Genre: Action / Comedy
Where to Watch: Netflix
“I enjoyed the action and the comedy mixed together. Great cast.”
– Ryan
11. Barbarian
Genre: Horror
Where to Watch: HBO Max
“A simple mix up ends up spiraling out of control leaving you horrified about breastfeeding.”
– Kevin
“I knew almost nothing about this movie going into it, which was the best way to see it. Horror is my favorite genre, and I was more-or-less anticipating a fun-flick with a few good jumpscares and decent acting. Instead, I sat down in the theater (alone) and watched one of the most terrifying movies of recent memory. The performances are great, the script veers in exciting ways, and the satisfaction I felt leaving the theater makes it my highest horror recommendation of the year amongst a crowded selection.”
– Ben
“I was reluctant to dive into Barbarian. I’ll be one of the first to say; I’m not into horror films. This was a little more of a suspense thriller, which I can get down with. I was able to get my wife to join me in watching this one. I thought the plot was interesting, engaging and relevant due to its modern subject matter. Over the top at times and it didn’t take itself too seriously. Ultimately, Barbarian had me entertained all the way through. Reminded me a lot of the movie “Drag Me to Hell”… also, Justin Long. ;)”
– Josh
12. Tár
Genre: Drama
Where to Watch: Theaters / VOD
“Between Cate Blanchett’s performance, the writing, the blocking, cinematography, and sound design, everything works so well together to make this one of the most cinematically rich and engaging movies I’ve seen in a long time. It’s a beautiful exercise in the language of film and worth studying with close scrutiny. Everything about Tár aids in a journey to appreciating the fine art of concert music and treats the audience as an intelligent and intuitive viewer who is given a crash course in orchestral conducting without patronizing you or exuding pretension (which always seems to be a pitfall of a story about the arts). Without using the word lightly, it’s truly masterful and does a great job immersing you in an unfamiliar world with a complex character and puts you in Cate Blanchett’s shoes— still rooting for her as she descends into madness. I may even go so far as to say this might be my favorite film, or at least in the top 3 for me this year, and I can see this one making its way into the Criterion collection eventually as the years reveal a greater audience appreciation for this one.”
– Dan
13. The Banshees of Inisherin
Genre: Drama / Comedy
Where to Watch: HBO Max
“I didn’t know too much about this film before I watched it. It’s shot beautifully in a remote village in Ireland. The cinematography drew me in. I enjoyed the premise and am still trying to fully understand the ending. It’s a great film, though.”
– Josh
“Initially, this film made me want to get a pet donkey. However, as the award-worthy performances and gorgeous cinematography slowly progressed to create an environment of tension and heartbreak amongst an otherwise laugh-out-loud funny folk tale, I can conclude that I no longer want a pet donkey.”
– Ben
14. The Fabelmans
Genre: Drama
Where to Watch: Theaters / VOD
“No “Top 2022” list for a video production company like ours would be complete without The Fablemans. This semi-biographical telling of Spielberg’s early years leaves you feeling a plethora of emotions. It’s fun, bittersweet, full of wonder, and centers around a young man falling in love with film while trying to grow up in a difficult situation. The movie bottles the magic of filmmaking, and leaves you inspired to create.”
– Dan
“Bound to be one of my favorites of the year from the start due to the subject of becoming a filmmaker. During the first act, I had a hard time connecting with some of the characters, but by the end of the film I loved it. The pure nostalgia of the film and the familiar emotions of what it’s like screening your work to an audience is why this film is on my list.”
– Josh
“I went into this film already with a love for Spielberg and his work. However I was not expecting this movie to hit home as many times as it did. While watching, I was struck with reflections of my own filmmaking experiences. Seeing how Sammy Fableman (the main character) made all his films in this movie made me think back to how I used to do the same thing and how much fun those experiences were. Overall this film was a lot of fun, and there were even a few surprise cameos that I wasn’t expecting!”
– Evan
15. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Genre: Action
Where to Watch: Theaters
“This did not feel like a Marvel movie. This was a colorful and fantastic story that I thought offered a new approach to the superhero genre. It introduced a slew of new characters that I can’t wait to see in later MCU films!”
– Evan
16. Bones and All
Genre: Drama / Horror
Where to Watch: Theaters / VOD
“Not a recommendation if you’re queasy, but this film pulls the best parts of road trip, romance, and avant garde cinema and cooks it all up in a unique love story with (mostly) charismatic characters that the audience can empathize with despite their unusual appetite; Luca Guadagnino’s best film yet. “
-Ben
17. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Genre: Mystery
Where to Watch: Netflix
“Where do I begin? The original Knives Out made me a huge fan of “whodunit” films, and this film turned that love up to an 11. Great story, great characters, humorous, and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I could go on and on about how great this movie is. Please, see it ASAP.”
– Evan
18. Triangle of Sadness
Genre: Comedy / Drama
Where to Watch: VOD
“This Palme d’Or winning film isn’t going to be for everyone. It contains some pretty grotesque scenes that are difficult to watch, but if you can stomach it, the overt satire and commentary on the despair of economic class divide make those scenes incredibly cathartic to watch unfold. As the stakes heighten, the film takes twists and turns that leave you guessing what will happen next and make it a joy to experience. Watch the trailer to see if this might be up your alley, but we advise to try and go into this one as blind and uninformed as possible about this story.”
– Dan
And there you have it.
We hope you’ll consider our recommendations, and we wish you a happy new year of movie viewing!