Whether you're a film addict or an occasional moviegoer, everyone loves going through that rollercoaster of emotions that only well-made films can deliver. While some of us will just patiently wait it out for a couple of months until our movies of choice are ready for streaming in our go-to platforms, others will brave the COVID spikes to be present in theaters when their favorite movies drop. Either way, we'll need a guide to the roster of must-watch releases set to be shown this 2022.
From thrillers to superhero classics to chick flick reprisals, you'll be sure to grab your favorite cheddar cheese popcorn (with a large soda on the side) and stay on the edge of your seat for these 10 much-awaited movies.
Spoiler alert! If you're not ready to see the synopses of these films, then it'd be best to just rush to the bottom to see the list for yourself without the details.
1. The Batman
In case you're wondering: yes, the title has a "the" before the word "batman."
The newest Bruce Wayne is Robert Pattinson, together with Zoë Kravitz who plays Catwoman. Set to be released in March 4 in the States, its release date in the Philippines won't be too far behind. The film introduces a serial killer called the Riddler while Batman fights corruption and other crimes in Gotham City.
2. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One)
Dropping sometime in October 2022, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One) is the continuation of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This one involves Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy, and the many adventures that will happen along the way. While how many installments the Spider-Verse franchise will churn out is still unknown, we'll bet the cinema queues for each release will stay long for weeks on end, and rightfully so - the Spider-Verse saga is quite the adventure!
3. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Following the passing of Chadwick Boseman, many changes have taken place in making the sequel to the first film. But this year, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is finally making its way to theaters in November. Starring Lupita Nyong'o, the second installment of Black Panther is set to go in a unique and different direction from its predecessor, and we can't wait to see it!
4. Thor: Love and Thunder
Talk about a slew of superhero movies this year! Chris Hemsworth reprises his titular role and stars alongside Christian Bale and Natalie Portman who play Gorr the God Butcher and Jane Foster respectively. Thor: Love and Thunder is set to be released July of this year.
5. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Benedict Cumberbatch returns as Dr. Stephen Strange, this time casting a forbidden spell towards the multiverse, where an alt-Doctor Strange appears and threatens to destroy humanity. It's up to the man himself to counter or reverse what he opened up, even if it means a major sacrifice. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will reach your nearest cinema in May of this year!
6. Disenchanted (Enchanted 2)
Starring the original ensemble, Amy Adams, James Marsden, Patrick Dempsey, and Idina Menzel return after 15 years for the much-awaited (and arguably long-overdue) sequel of this Disney fantasy-musical modern classic. Anticipate a lot of singing, dancing, and romantic moments between Giselle and Robert Philip in the beautiful sceneries of Ireland in Disenchanted, available for streaming on Disney+ mid to late this year.
7. Hunt (working title)
To be released in mid to late 2022, Lee Jung Jae from Squid Game topbills and directs this espionage action film. Together with actor Jung Woo Sung, they chase after a North Korean spy and discover huge secrets along the way. It's also important to note that this is Lee's directorial debut, and needless to say, his fans are all excited and impressed!
8. Avatar 2
After so many delays, Avatar 2 is finally coming to theaters on December 16 this year, and its third installment is also scheduled to be released December 20 next year. The film focuses on the family of Jake Sully seeing new places in Pandora, and a new submarine that resembles a giant crab that will be appearing in the upcoming installments of this highly-successful franchise as well.
9. Don't Worry Darling
Mostly known for their roles in Midsommar and Dunkirk, actress Florence Pugh and Grammy-winning artist/neophyte actor Harry Styles topbill this Olivia Wilde-directed psychological thriller set in the 1950s. Coming to theaters in September this year, Don't Worry Darling is poised to be shocking, dark, and a little sexually charged too. Styles plays a wealthy man who hides a dirty secret from his housewife played by Pugh.
10. Legally Blonde 3
Ready to bend and snap for the third time? Reese Witherspoon reprises her iconic Elle Woods role for the third Legally Blonde installment set to be released this May. While there are not many details about the film as of the moment, it's confirmed that the film's script was written by Mindy Kaling. Time to put on your favorite pink ensemble and get inspired to ace the bar exams at the same time!
TLDR:
1. The Batman - yes, it has a "the" in the beginning
2. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One)
3. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
4. Thor: Love and Thunder
5. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
6. Disenchanted
7. Hunt
8. Avatar 2
9. Don't Worry Darling
10. Legally Blonde 3
It's looking like a shower of face-meltingly awesome films this year! What films would you watch with friends and family? Which movie is on the top of your list? How about those that don't get your cosign? Whatever your flicks of choice are, remember to get your snacks and movie buddies ready when you hit the theaters, and stay safe while you're at it. But most importantly, be sure to secure your tickets faster than you can say end scene — you wouldn't want to miss your favorite film for the world.