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.
A Cannes-screened anime feature from Japan's Mamoru Hosoda (Mirai, Wolf Children), Belle is a reworking of Beauty and the Beast that centers on Suzu, a 17-year-old girl. After her mother’s death, she finds solace in a virtual world as Belle, a famous singer. Critics praised the film's stunning visuals, ambition, and sense of humor. Several critic groups ranked it among 2021's best animated films (it received an awards-qualifying release last year before a proper theatrical release in January 2022), though it was ultimately left out of the Oscar animated feature nominations.
“Mamoru Hosoda’s cyber fairy-tale is basically wall-to-wall bangers, all backdropped by virtual worlds that wash over you in waves of world-building so detailed and epic, they’d make William Gibson’s eyes pop.” —Phil de Semlyen, TimeOut
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