In recent years, streaming services and on-demand movies have gained a lot of popularity, as many would rather stay home than take a trip to the local cinema. However, as we close the books on 2021 and look forward to next year, the calendar is packed with big-budget releases. After the high box-office numbers of late-2021 films like Spider-Man: No Way Home, it’s obvious that people are ready to go back to the theaters. Luckily, 2022 should have a slew of fun new films for moviegoers to enjoy.
To help keep you informed about next year’s offerings, we’ve whipped up this list of the top 15 most anticipated movies of 2022. From long-awaited sequels to new incarnations of old classics, there are tons of awesome movies slated for release this year. Let’s take a peek at some of the films you can look forward to as we list off the top 15 most anticipated movies of 2022! The movies will be listed in loose chronological order based on the current release date.
The Top 15 Most Anticipated Movies of 2022
1. Morbius
Morbius is kicking off 2022 with comic book flair, as this action film brings the lesser-known Marvel antihero to the big screen. Directed by Daniel Espinosa, who previously directed films like Safe House (2012) and Life (2017), the movie stars Jared Leto as Michael Morbius, a biochemist afflicted with a rare blood disease. When his homemade cure has unexpected side effects, Michael starts to gain exceptionally deadly powers and must decide whether to use them for good or evil.
Given his original appearance as a Spider-Man villain, there’s also potential that the movie will cross over with Sony’s recent Venom films, so MCU fans will probably want to catch this one. Whether or not Morbius will be as successful as some of the more popular comic book movies is a toss-up, but we’ll find out for sure when it hits theaters on January 28, 2022.
2. Jackass Forever
The Jackass films are an undeniably guilty pleasure, featuring a ragtag group of pals who put themselves in compromising and dangerous situations, all for the sake of entertainment. After Jackass 3D came out in 2010, many fans thought the franchise was over, with most of the main cast being a bit too old to shrug off any injuries. However, despite some delays and production problems, Jackass Forever will finally be arriving next year.
It’s safe to say that Jackass Forever is one of our most anticipated movies of 2022, but it’s hard to say if the gags will still be effective. Either way, we’re excited to see Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, and the rest of the gang act irresponsibly when Jackass Forever releases on February 4, 2022.
3. The Batman
Even with the slew of mega-popular Marvel movies in recent years, it’s hard to deny that Batman is one of the most iconic superheroes of all time. While many directors have seen great success with the character and story, others have failed in tremendous ways. Now, in 2022, director Matt Reeves will try his hand with The Batman, a dramatic adaptation that showcases billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne in his early years as the masked vigilante. At first, some fans cried foul at the casting of Robert Pattinson in the lead role, but after a handful of teaser trailers, most critics have been silenced.
Between the notably dark tone, exciting action, and fantastic-looking suit, we’re confident that The Batman will rival The Dark Knight when it comes to quality. For both fans and casual moviegoers, The Batman is definitely one of the most anticipated movies of 2022, and we can catch it when it hits theaters on March 4.
4. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Faithful fans of the Harry Potter franchise have been starved of content in recent years, with the latest big-budget movie coming out way back in 2018. Luckily, we can look forward to another trip to the magical world of witches and wizards when Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore arrives next year. Directed by David Yates, this spin-off sequel continues the adventures of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a curator of magical creatures who finds himself entwined in an epic battle between the forces of good and evil.
As the title would imply, the movie will also heavily focus on the early years of Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law), the fan-favorite wizard and eventual headmaster of Hogwarts wizardry school. Previous entries in this series have been somewhat lackluster, so we’re hoping that The Secrets of Dumbledore can tidy up the Fantastic Beasts franchise when it comes out on April 15, 2022.
5. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Coming hot off of the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is already picking up steam. Things are only looking better with the upcoming release of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, a mind-bending sequel that continues the exploits of the powerful Sorcerer, Stephen Strange. This highly anticipated sequel is being directed by Sam Raimi, the beloved creator of hit films like The Evil Dead (1981) and the original Spider-Man trilogy starring Tobey Maguire.
We’re hoping that Raimi brings his signature style to this sci-fi action film, which sees Doctor Strange contending with the endless variables of the multiverse. Considering the rampant success of recent MCU movies, there’s no doubt that Doctor Strange is one of the most anticipated movies of 2022, but will it be better than the first? We’ll find out when the movie lands in theaters on March 6, 2022.
6. John Wick: Chapter 4
*John Wick Chapter 4 has now been delayed until 2023
The first three John Wick films reinvigorated the action genre thanks to their intense action, intriguing world-building, and a fantastic performance from Keanu Reeves in the lead role. Hopefully, John Wick: Chapter 4 will provide more wicked fight scenes and stylish cinematography, as it’s one of the most anticipated movies of 2022. Chad Stahelski returns to the director’s chair for this fourth adventure following John Wick (Keanu Reeves), a rogue ex-assassin who keeps getting pulled back into a life of violence.
In this sequel, John will team up with the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne) as they take on the High Table, an elite council that presides over the world of organized assassins. If John Wick: Chapter 4 is even half as entertaining as the previous three films were, then we’re in for an action-packed treat when it comes out on May 27, 2022.
7. Jurassic World Dominion
In recent years, the Jurassic Park franchise has come back in a big way, thanks to the new Jurassic World trilogy starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. Jumping from the confines of an amusement park to the entire expanse of the globe, Jurassic World Dominion sees humanity fighting against invasive dinosaur species unleashed around the world.
The director of the first Jurassic World movie, Colin Trevorrow, will be returning to helm Dominion, which should assuage the hesitation of some fans. Although not too much is known about the film’s plot, we can expect suspense, action, and hefty amounts of dinosaur rampage when the movie comes out on June 10, 2022.
8. Lightyear
Lightyear is an upcoming animated Disney film that has a somewhat confusing premise, but also has loads of potential to be really exciting. Based on the Buzz Lightyear character from the Toy Story franchise, Lightyear details the cosmic adventures of the astronaut that Buzz Lightyear is based on. You read that right – this is not an origin movie for the character we know from Toy Story, but rather a separate origin story about a courageous pilot who eventually journeys to infinity and beyond.
The movie will be the feature-film debut for director Angus MacLane, with Chris Evans (of Avengers fame) lending his voice in the lead role. With its seemingly serious tone, Lightyear could be one of the biggest surprises of 2022, potentially offering a wild ride through the deep reaches of space. We’ll see if this Disney spin-off is a hit when it arrives on June 17, 2022.
9. Thor: Love and Thunder
After struggling to find a unique identity with the first two films, the Thor series hit its stride in 2017 with the hilarious and colorful Thor: Ragnarok. Trading an ultra-serious tone for a goofy and comedic one, director Taika Waititi struck gold and raised this MCU hero to new heights. Currently, details on the plot are very slim, but it will supposedly be an adaptation of the newer Mighty Thor comic run by Jason Aaron.
It has also been described as a “romance film”, which would definitely be a first for the MCU. You can also expect some crossover characters from other MCU films, including the Guardians of the Galaxy, which should provide some hilarious moments. We have faith that Taika Waititi will knock it out of the park yet again, so we can’t wait to check out Thor: Love and Thunder when it comes out on July 8, 2022.
10. Nope
Director Jordan Peele has been a new voice in the horror genre, with his breakout hits Get Out (2017) and Us (2019) becoming instant favorites among fans. After a few years of waiting, we’ll finally get to descend into the next terrifying tale from Peele with the upcoming movie, Nope. As with his other films, the plot for Nope is being kept under tight wraps, with an ominous poster of a rain cloud as our only clue to the narrative. Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, and Steven Yeun are the top-billed members of the cast, with support coming from Donna Mills, Barbie Ferreira, Michael Wincott, and more.
If Nope is anything like Peele’s previous movies, we’re sure it’ll deliver an abundance of creepy vibes mixed with some poignant social commentary. We can’t wait to see what this unique director brings to the table when Nope hits theaters on July 22, 2022.
11. Mission: Impossible 7
Tom Cruise is back as international spy and stealth extraordinaire Ethan Hunt in this seventh installment of the popular Mission: Impossible action franchise. Director Christopher McQuarrie is returning to lead the project, which is unsurprising considering how great of a job he did with both Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018). While not much is known about the plot, it’s safe to assume that Ethan Hunt will have to solve yet another global conspiracy, using both his gadgets and wit to infiltrate enemy territory and save the world.
At the very least, we can expect a bombastic train-crash action moment, as the scene’s filming was the source of some controversy throughout 2020 and 2021. Hopefully, it’ll all be worthwhile and Mission: Impossible 7 will stun audiences when it comes out on September 30, 2022.
12. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse movie came out in 2018 and was instantly recognized as one of the best animated films ever made, earning a slew of awards and acclaim along the way. For the sequel, Sony Pictures is going big, offering a two-part film that will release over the next two years. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One) will continue the story of Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore), a young Spider-Man who earned his suit by saving the universe against dimension-shattering villains. Leaving his home of Brooklyn, New York behind, Miles will web-swing his way across the multiverse, teaming up with old friends and new allies to take down an unstoppable evil.
With our hopes high for tons of vibrant visuals and memorable action, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One) is one of our most anticipated movies of 2022. We look forward to plummeting into the psychedelic world of this animated flick when it comes to theaters on October 7, 2022.
13. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Following the unfortunate passing of actor Chadwick Boseman, the Black Panther franchise is in a difficult position, with many fans questioning whether the lead role will be recast or if the series will pivot in a new direction. The first Black Panther film became an immediate success when it was released in 2018, with the superhero only becoming more popular when he was introduced into The Avengers.
There’s no doubt that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is one of the most anticipated movies of 2022, and we’re interested to see where director Ryan Coogler will take the story. At the very least, we’re hoping to see more of the beautiful and intriguing country of Wakanda, as it was one of the most riveting aspects of the original film. We will see how this MCU sequel fares when it comes out on November 11, 2022.
14. Avatar 2
Even though the first Avatar movie was released over a decade ago in 2009, it remains the highest-grossing film to ever hit movie theaters, earning a whopping worldwide total of $2.8 billion in the box office. Slightly edging out Avengers: Endgame, this fantasy film wowed audiences with its inventive use of 3D imagery, stunning CGI, and an emotional story. While this sequel was originally planned for release in 2014, numerous delays and production extensions have postponed the release, with it finally slated for a late-2022 release.
Avatar 2 will continue the story of soldier Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his wife Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) as they explore the beautiful and dangerous world of Pandora. Unless the movie gets delayed again (which is entirely possible), we’re hoping to have our minds blown with cutting-edge visual effects when Avatar 2 releases on December 16, 2022.
15. Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario is easily one of the most iconic video game mascots of all time, and with the recent resurgence of game-to-film adaptations, it’s about time this beloved character got another chance. After the terrible live-action film in 1993 tarnished the concept of game adaptations, any murmurs of a new Super Mario movie were met with criticism, but this animated family film from Illumination (creators of Despicable Me and Minions) holds a lot of promise.
Like the games, the movie will focus on Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt) and his brother Luigi (voiced by Charlie Day), two plumbers who travel to a fantastical kingdom to rescue the beautiful Princess Peach (voiced by Anya-Taylor Joy) from mega-villain Bowser (voiced by Jack Black).
Between the all-star cast of actors lending their voices and the immense nostalgia we have for classic Super Mario games, the upcoming Mario movie is one of our most anticipated movies of 2022. We hope that this fun flick breaks the curse of video game movies when it comes out on December 21, 2022.
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