Best Movies of the Year: 2022

Last updated: December 20, 2022

Like windows, movies help us see out of our world and into others. Good movies are easy to come by, but our Editorial Director Betsy Bozdech and Senior Editor of DVD & Streaming Beth Pratt masterfully sifted through the good to uncover the truly great. These titles from 2022 have impressed us with their meaningful themes, including friendship, adventure, courage, and overcoming adversity. They've stood out as entertaining family favorites, sure to capture the hearts of viewers of all ages. Above all, they're wide-open windows into the minds of memorable characters who can teach us more about the world around us—and, by extension, ourselves. Check out these great selections, and don't miss the rest of our favorite media picks from this year, linked below.

Make sure to check out the rest of our Best of 2022 favorites: TV | Books | Video Games | Podcasts | U.K. Films

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Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed Poster
MOVIE

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience

age 3+

Musical has big lesson, huge heart that all ages will love.

June 30, 2022 2022 G (55 minutes)
Ivy + Bean Movie Poster
MOVIE

Ivy + Bean

age 5+

Fun book-based movie has some taunts, imagined peril.

September 2, 2022 2022 NR (57 minutes)
Luck Movie Poster
MOVIE

Luck

age 5+

Colorful, charming animated tale has positive messages.

August 5, 2022 2022 G (97 minutes)
Lightyear Movie Poster
MOVIE

Lightyear

age 6+

Buzz origin story is exceptionally animated and inclusive.

June 17, 2022 2022 PG (100 minutes)
Polar Bear Movie Poster
MOVIE

Polar Bear

age 6+

Docu has majestic footage, positive lessons, natural perils.

April 22, 2022 2022 PG (83 minutes)
The Bad Guys Poster Image
MOVIE

The Bad Guys

age 6+

Book-based animated heist is so fun, it's criminal.

April 22, 2022 2022 PG (100 minutes)
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On Movie Poster
MOVIE

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

age 8+

Sweet, poignant mockumentary goes small to make big points.

June 24, 2022 2022 PG (89 minutes)
Rescued by Ruby Movie Poster
MOVIE

Rescued by Ruby

age 8+

Heartwarming true story has peril, positive messages.

March 17, 2022 2022 NR (93 minutes)
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical Movie Poster
MOVIE

Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical

age 8+

Musical adaptation has positive messages, some scares.

December 9, 2022 2022 PG (117 minutes)
Sneakerella Movie Poster
MOVIE

Sneakerella

age 8+

NYC Cinderella musical has diverse cast, positive messages.

May 13, 2022 2022 NR (111 minutes)
The Sea Beast Movie Poster
MOVIE

The Sea Beast

age 8+

Swashbuckling adventure has kid role model, monster attacks.

July 8, 2022 2022 PG (115 minutes)
Better Nate Than Ever Movie Poster
MOVIE

Better Nate Than Ever

age 10+

Book-based tween musical celebrates differences, diversity.

April 1, 2022 2022 PG (91 minutes)
Turning Red Poster Image
MOVIE

Turning Red

age 10+

Pixar coming-of-age tale explores puberty and parent issues.

May 3, 2022 2022 PG (100 minutes)
Thirteen Lives Movie Poster
MOVIE

Thirteen Lives

age 11+

Teamwork, ingenuity shine in excellent, intense true story.

July 29, 2022 2022 PG-13 (142 minutes)
Wendell & Wild: Movie Poster
MOVIE

Wendell & Wild

age 11+

Inclusive stop-motion film has supernatural scares.

October 21, 2022 2022 PG-13 (105 minutes)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: Movie Poster
MOVIE

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

age 12+

Epic, women-led sequel is part tribute, part intense battle.

November 11, 2022 2022 PG-13 (161 minutes)
Catherine Called Birdy movie poster
MOVIE

Catherine Called Birdy

age 12+

Heartfelt medieval comedy adaptation tackles adult themes.

September 23, 2022 2022 PG-13 (108 minutes)
Cyrano Movie Poster
MOVIE

Cyrano

age 13+

Swoon-worthy musical take on classic romance; some violence.

February 25, 2022 2022 PG-13 (124 minutes)
The Bob's Burgers Movie Poster
MOVIE

The Bob's Burgers Movie

age 13+

Charming, quirky TV spin-off celebrates family, community.

May 27, 2022 2022 PG-13 (102 minutes)
Till Movie Poster
MOVIE

Till

age 13+

Unflinching drama about loss, love, impact of racism.

October 14, 2022 2022 PG-13 (130 minutes)
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