The 20 Best Movies of 2022 So Far
Which films have impressed critics the most during the first half of the year? Above, we rank the best-reviewed movies first released in North American theaters (or debuting directly on digital/VOD/streaming outlets) between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022. Films are ranked by Metascore and must have at least 7 reviews from professional critics to be eligible.
Additional content by Keith Kimbell.
If you somehow haven't heard of RRR, it's not for a lack of coverage: Few films have been discussed more by the online film press this year than this Indian epic that has been a staple on Netflix's non-English top 10 charts since its release on the streamer in March. An example of "Tollywood" rather than Bollywood cinema (the language is Telugu, not Hindi), S. S. Rajamouli’s film is, in effect, everything, everywhere, all at once: RRR is a massive, packed-to-the-rafters, three-hour spectacle that blends thrilling action sequences, extravagant dance numbers, amplified historical drama, and even a bit of rom-com in its tale of two real-life revolutionaries—one-time enemies, no less—in the fight against the British Raj for Indian independence.
It's the most expensive Indian film to date, but that investment paid off when RRR set box office records upon its release in India. RRR's over-the-top style is also earning the film comparisons to the Fast and Furious franchise, but when's the last time you saw Vin Diesel out-run a tiger?
“The movie is such an irresistible and intoxicating celebration of cinematic excess that even after 187 minutes (including intermission or, as the title card announces, 'InteRRRval'), you are left exhilarated, not exhausted.” —Joe Leydon, Variety
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