Two years after the upheaval of lockdowns and endless video calls, the film industry is still feeling the effects of the global shutdowns. Cinema chains and festivals were forced to close, and box office returns remain muted. Only three films crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide in 2022—around one third of the number that did so in 2019—making it the weakest non-pandemic year for billion-dollar titles since 2014. Despite that, many critics and audiences felt a resurgence of big studio spectacles, and some of the year’s most acclaimed films were major releases.
In 2022, our editorial team and established contributors reviewed more than 110 films, spanning mainstream blockbusters, standout horrors, and awards-season contenders. We rate every film out of 24—a nod to cinema’s original projection standard of 24 frames per second—so our scores represent how many frames, on average, are worth watching. A score of 21/24 or higher is our five-star equivalent and earns a place in our Hall of Fame. The standout titles rated 22/24 and above make up this list of the 10 Highest-Scoring Films of 2022.
If you’d like to revisit previous years’ best-reviewed films, see our roundups for 2021 and 2020. In this feature we present each film by score and then order entries alphabetically where scores match, offering a clear, curated look at the most highly regarded movies of the year.
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1. Bodies Bodies Bodies – 22/24
“If you’re looking for a sharp, satirical take on Gen Z social dynamics and the ironic discourse of Twitter, this film delivers. Its horror elements are measured rather than relentless, but the comedy and cultural commentary will satisfy whether or not the jump scares land.” – Morgan Barr
Bodies Bodies Bodies Review
2. Everything Everywhere All at Once – 22/24
“Everything Everywhere All at Once cements the Daniels as a filmmaking duo to watch: wildly imaginative, technically confident, and deeply attuned to the emotional core of human experience.” – Sam Sewell-Peterson
Everything Everywhere All at Once Review
3. Long Live My Happy Head – 22/24
“Though it could sound heavy on paper, the film is warm, wry, and quietly optimistic in a bittersweet, pragmatic way. Gordon’s journey toward acceptance—‘I’m happy but sadness is there. Perhaps in equal measure’—is moving and genuine.” – Sam Sewell-Peterson
Long Live My Happy Head Review
4. Nope – 22/24
“Nope may not hit with the immediate shock of Get Out or the blunt force of Us, but it creeps up on you and leaves a distinct impression. It’s a grower that reveals new depth on repeat viewings.” – Sam Sewell-Peterson
Nope Review
5. One Fine Morning – 22/24
“One Fine Morning captures a bittersweet transitional chapter in a woman’s life and the unexpected arrival of new love. While it acknowledges sorrow, the film is ultimately life-affirming: every ending contains the seeds of new beginnings.” – Gala Woolley
One Fine Morning Review
6. She Said – 22/24
“She Said highlights the continuing struggle for women’s rights and the importance of solidarity. It showcases how individual voices working together can spark real, global change.” – Gala Woolley
She Said Review
7. The Banshees of Inisherin – 23/24
“An operatic tale of escalating personal tragedy, the film turns a small-town dispute into a potent and deeply human drama. Its emotional arc is unexpected, darkly comic, and richly textured.” – Joseph Wade
The Banshees of Inisherin Review
8. Aftersun – 24/24
“Among its emotional complexities, Aftersun offers one of the most tender portrayals of a parent–child relationship in recent cinema. The film balances affection and tension to powerful effect.” – Mark Carnochan
Aftersun Review
9. The Souvenir: Part II – 24/24
“Rarely does a sequel feel like a true evolution of its source. Joanna Hogg’s follow-up dives even deeper, producing moments that are unforgettable and transcendent in their emotional clarity.” – Joseph Wade
The Souvenir: Part II Review
10. Top Gun: Maverick – 24/24
“Top Gun: Maverick recaptures the sheer, intoxicating joy of cinema. It’s a grand, spectacular, and genuinely awe-inspiring example of blockbuster filmmaking at its best.” – Joseph Wade
Top Gun: Maverick Review
Which reviews resonated most with you in 2022? Did any piece change the way you think about a film, or help you discover something new? Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow @thefilmagazine on Facebook and Twitter for updates and fresh reviews.