The 25 movies, shows, and music that defined 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the release of the latest film installment about the Caped Crusader -- a reboot within a shared Batman  universe -- by roughly a year. But, it was an event nonetheless. With Robert Pattinson now in the lead role, Batman takes on the likes of the Riddler (Paul Dano) and Penguin (Colin Ferrell) while also uncovering corruption within the Gotham City Police Department. The movie earned widespread critical praise and to no surprise, was a commercial hit while earning nearly $771 million in box office receipts.

Another highly anticipated 2022 film, the sequel to 2018's acclaimed Black Panther, was worth the wait. But following star Chadwick Boseman's August 2020 death due to colon cancer, the plot was reworked without another actor filling the starring role of T'Challa. What we got instead was a tribute to both his character and Boseman himself. Well done in that respect, and the end-credit scene might be the most important part of the movie. Yet, the antagonists of the plot spring out of nowhere and aren't too villainous. However, we'll apparently see more of them in the future. Still, the movie made almost $790 million.

Did we really need another movie about Elvis Presley? Actually, we did. Another film "event" in 2022, Elvis,  a story told from the perspective of his infamous and authoritative manager Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), made its debut in the United States in late June, and was immediately praised by critics and audiences, alike. Notably, Austin Butler, a relatively unknown in the starring role, who certainly made a name for himself and was nominated for a Best Actor -- Motion Picture Drama Golden Globe Award, among others.

Perhaps the best entertainment comeback story of the year -- or two decades -- is that of Ke Huy Quan, the now-grown-up former child star best known as Short Round from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Data from The Goonies. Quan delivers a strong performance opposite star Michelle Yeoh, the disenchanted Chinese-American immigrant and laundromat owner Evelyn. Who finds herself traveling through parallel universes to save the multiverse in this quirky, creative and touching comedy-drama from "Daniels" (directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert). The film received six Golden Globe Award nominations, including Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy.

From Jordan Peele, Nope is a combination of science fiction (think a way more modern, edgier Close Encounters of the Third Kind ) and horror. Following a brother (Daniel Kaluuya) and sister (Keke Palmer), who run their father's horse ranch and believe they see a UFO. Then, opt to exploit said phenomenon. Visually the movie is pretty brilliant. While the story can be a bit uneven, the performances from Kaluuya and, most notably, Palmer are really what makes this one of the best movies of 2022.

If we're looking for the best individual film performance from 2022, look no further than Cate Blanchett's effort in this psychological drama. Blanchett's Lydia Tár is perhaps the world's most renowned conductor, but she's also demanding, cunning, and expects to get whatever -- or whomever -- she wants. It's a tense film, but one that is hard to veer from because it's easy to become enthralled. Blanchett has already won numerous Best Actress awards for her work and is nominated for both Golden Globe and Critics' Choice Movie Awards.

For fans of Tom Cruise's massively popular Top Gun (1986), this was a moment 36 years in the making. There were rumors that Cruise was working on the sequel to perhaps his most recognizable film, but when it finally debuted in 2022, reality set in. Highlighted by brilliantly filmed and precise fighter plane action scenes and a story that was believable and appreciative enough to honor the original movie, Top Gun: Maverick delivered exactly as fans could have imagined. And, brought in many more new recruits to experience the magnitude of Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. A Golden Globe nominee for Best Motion Picture -- Drama, Top Gun: Maverick was 2022's highest-grossing film at $1.488 billion worldwide and the biggest moneymaker of any Cruise movie.

Brendan Fraser, good to have you back. While Fraser proved, he could still deliver on-screen with his performance in 2021's Sudden Move, his days as a leading man might be back after his emotionally impactful, Golden Globe-nominated effort in The Whale. Fraser donned a prosthetics that weighed in the neighborhood for his role as a 600-pound online English professor, who is trying to find his purpose, have a relationship with his estranged daughter, and find something to feel good about.

A second No. 1 album for the Puerto Rican rapper, Un Verano Sin Ti also became the first Spanish-language album to be nominated for an Album of the Year Grammy Award. While the 28-year-old still likes to have a good time, critics lauded the record for an obvious maturation from the artist. With its reggaeton flare, the album offers something for music fans of various tastes. Spanning genres such as indie pop, alternative rock, hip hop, and R&B, as well. Quite the extensive and impressive project, and a reason why he's among the world's biggest acts.

On her first studio album since 2016's Lemonade, she wrote a rather optimistic record with Renaissance. Written during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, Beyoncé was looking for a method of escapism to give her fans. The album, her seventh straight to debut at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100, has an obvious disco vibe to it with messages of self-belief and perseverance. "Cuff It," the second single from the record, earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song and remains a TikTok and Instagram for fans to have fun.

When it comes to conceptual rap/hip-hop projects, Kendrick Lamar should be considered the reigning king. He was at it again in 2022. While 2012's Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City might still be the gold standard among those albums in Lemar's catalog, but Mr. Morale is truly something special. Lamar continues to grow as an artist but hasn't lost his edge. The record is another "life journey" for Lamar but from his experience with therapy. Musically, Lamar fuses traditional hip-hop with jazz, R&B, and some soul to near perfection. The album produced three top-10 singles on Billboard's Hot 100 -- "N95," 'Silent Hill," and "Die Hard.

Lacy has certainly shown he can be successful on his own. After being lauded for his work with the Internet and teaming up with the likes of Frank Ocean and Tyler, the Creator, he released his debut solo album, Apollo XXI, in 2019. However, July's Gemini Rights proved the versatile Lacy has solo staying power. Notably due to "Bad Habit," the second single from the album and Lacy's first true mainstream hit. It became his first song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. while also sitting atop the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot R&B Songs, and Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts.

Five years removed from her stellar studio debut Los Ángeles, the Spanish singer has established herself as an alternative/avant-garde pop force. Motomami, her third studio release, might be her most ambitious project to date. Conceptual in nature, Rosalia touches on topics such as dealing with her budding fame in recent years and the isolation that tends to ride shotgun. The experimentally reggaeton-fueled "Saoko" might be the highlight of an album that featured a guest spot from the Weekend. Motomami earned a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album.

It was another big year for Styles and his fans, except maybe those in Chicago who couldn't see him live when COVID hit his multi-day tour stop. But that's another topic. Styles enjoyed more massive success with another No. 1 record in Harry's House. The highlight of the record remains "At It Was," which was his second No. 1 single in the United States, spending 15 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Thus, holding the distinction as the song to spend the longest atop the U.S. chart by an artist/act from the United Kingdom.

It wouldn't be a year-end list without some representation from Ms. Swift. When it came to musical events in 2022, the drop of Midnights, Swift's 10th studio album, in late October was the highlight of the year. Paced by the lead single and anthem "Anti-Hero," the album set a Spotify record for most one-day streams. That track and nine other singles from Midnights cracked the top 10 in Billboard's Hot 100 -- in a single week. Now, only if Swift could get that Ticketmaster fiasco settled, so her fans don't have to go broke to see her live.

Taking nothing away from the rest of Trainor's 2022 Takin' It Back album, but "Made You Look," the second single from the record, has enjoyed some pop culture and social media staying power. The doo-wop pop number, about her body insecurities and empowerment following her pregnancy, cracked the top 25 in Billboard's Hot 100. Still, it remains a TikTok and Instagram favorite for the dance numbers that go with the tune. It seems anybody from all walks of life is providing their dance versions of the infectious tune. Like Kevin Bacon and his daughter, Sosie, taking their shot.

What started in late 2021 became must-see viewing in 2022. In fact, all but one of the 23 episodes, spanning two seasons, of this mockumentary-style comedy series about a predominantly black elementary school in Philadelphia aired in '22. While the show is quite hilarious, the ever-optimistic second-grade teacher Janine Teagues (played by show creator Quinta Brunson) adds an endearing quality to the series. Not to mention the pure joy viewers should get from watching Sheryl Lee Ralph in her Emmy-winner role of old-school kindergarten teacher Mrs. Howard.

Full disclosure: we can't get enough of these Star Wars off-shoots or one-off series. Found, as usual on Disney+, the story of Cassian Andor, the thief who became a spy for the Rebellion, introduced to us in Rogue One (2016), is the focal point of this prequel to that film. The series received instant acclaim and can more than hold its own with The Mandalorian (the gold standard among Star Wars offshoots). While Diego Luna delivers Cassian as brilliantly as he did in Rogue One, veteran actor Stellan Skarsgård is a gem as the eccentric dealer who initially employs Andor.

Jeremy Allen White made a name for himself with Shameless and now is the undisputed star of another Chicago-based comedy-drama series. Carmen Berzatto is an award-winning chef who returns home to Chicago to run his family's failing Italian beef shop following his brother's death. It's a rather primitive situation for Carmy, who rather hilariously struggles to revitalize the place while trying to train his crew in the rigid manner he's accustomed to. Both White and the series were nominated for Golden Globe Awards.

Six seasons proved to be the limit for Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk), but what a ride it was for all who tagged along. The final season of this AMC favorite and Breaking Bad offshoot. It was perhaps the television event of the year, and the response following the flashback-filled and well-closed-up finale (don't worry, no spoilers here) was rather touching. Almost like saying goodbye to a highly dysfunctional friend. Saul pretty much is, to most, yet, a guy we kind of rooted for nonetheless.

Still going strong three seasons in, The Boys kept the momentum going into 2022 after earning Emmy recognition in 2021. The group is still trying to take down Homelander and other corrupt superheroes, and audiences can't seem to get enough. Especially during this complex third season, with a lot going on in the storyline. Yes, the anti-superhero theme is pretty popular. According to Rotten Tomatoes, Season Three received a 98% rating from audiences. 

This provocative Netflix docuseries has been all the talk of the last several weeks of 2022. Americans love the royals, even if, technically Prince Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no longer in that particular loop. Regardless, this in-depth look into their lives, from before they met and the obstacles they continue to face as husband and wife, continues to draw raves. And has served as must-see viewing with instant reaction expected even if there are differing views -- in the United States and across the pond -- of the couple and their place within Britain's Royal Family. 

Reservation Dogs only got stronger during 2022's Season Two. The show has gone beyond its groundbreaking status as a successful comedy series that features a majority of indigenous writers, directors, cast and production team. There are obvious signs of maturity in the storyline in the second season, as the foursome is facing more challenges and each trying to find its place in life. For those who have yet to experience Reservation Dogs, it's not too late to jump on board. Perhaps enjoy a binge over the holidays.

Let's start by saying this is slated to be the 11th and final season of one of the most celebrated series in cable television history. However, the possibility of more spin-offs, one-offs, etc., is there. Thus, perhaps, taking away some of the true "finality" of this final season. That said, the way things are handled critically seemed to be handled well. In the minds of the fans, however, not everybody was pleased with the final product. Either way, there was no denying that 2022 will always be an important year within The Walking Dead legacy.

When it comes to hype, reaction, and general buzz, The White Lotus reigns supreme. After seven episodes of Season Two in less than two months, spanning late 2022, fans could not stop talking about what's arguably the most popular TV/streaming series at the moment. While the brilliant Jennifer Coolidge returned to reprise her Emmy Award-winning role as the hilariously troubled Tanya McQuoid-Hunt, the addition of Aubrey Plaza, proved to be a major boost to the project as the rather mesmerizing lawyer Harper Spiller. Coolidge and Plaza, plus veteran F. Murray Abraham, were nominated for Golden Globes.