Movies I Plan to Watch in 2022

I haven’t been able to make it out to a movie theatre because of the panorama, so I’ve been waiting for new releases at home. Without further ado, here are the movies I plan to watch in 2022, in order:

1. Encanto

I just finished watching the new Disney animated film Encanto and it was alright. Since I wasn’t interested in the repackaged storytelling enough to give it my undivided attention, I played it in the background.

Disney likes to stick to their story structure, just swapping character names and culture and calling it done. I mean, it’s good for kids and for parents who need to keep their kids entertained.

But for me, it’s nothing to gush about.

I’m a Lin-Manuel Miranda fan (thanks to Hamilton), and like everyone else on the internet, I loved the We Don’t Talk About Bruno track. It was stuck in my head for days because it’s so darn catchy.

I would say this movie is 100% skippable unless you plan to play it in the background or for the kids in your life.

Synopsis: The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift — every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger. (Source: IMDB)

Release date: November 24, 2021

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2. Ip Man series

I’ve been meaning to check out the Ip Man series for a hot minute. I read the synopsis for the first film recently, and it sounds interesting. For years, I’ve heard about this kung-fu movie series but I never had any desire to watch it. So, I’ll give the first movie a shot this year and see if I like it.

Synopsis: In this film inspired by a true story, Wing Chun martial arts master Ip Man (Donnie Yen) and his family are moving from Foshan, China, to Hong Kong, where Ip aspires to create a school so that he may teach his fighting techniques to a new generation. However, he finds resistance from an asthmatic Hung Ga master named Hong Zhen Nan (Sammo Hung). Soon, Ip is drawn into a treacherous world of corruption as well as a fateful showdown with a merciless boxer known as the Twister (Darren Shahlavi). (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

Release date: 2008

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3. Spiderman: No Way Home

Well, I have to add this to the movies I plan to watch in 2022.

I’m waiting for it to stream on DisneyPlus so I can have a cozy day in the comfort of my own home.

Synopsis: With Spider-Man’s identity now revealed, our friendly neighbourhood web-slinger is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life as Peter Parker from the high stakes of being a superhero. When Peter asks for help from Doctor Strange, the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man. (Source: IMDB)

Release date: December 17, 2021

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4. The Batman

The trailer is kind of mid to me. But maybe the future trailers will be a bit more exciting? I don’t know. I’m more excited for Robert Pattinson’s rise to Hollywood fame again after this. Critics roasted Pattinson for his acting in Twilight as Edward Cullen, he went to the indie film scene and built a name for himself there.Now, he’s back in Hollywood with one of the biggest blockbusters of 2022. Let’s see if he can pull The Batman off. I want angst and I want moodiness. I want to wear the bat symbol proudly after watching this movie.

Synopsis: The Riddler plays a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Batman and Commissioner Gordon in Gotham City.

Release date: March 4, 2022

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5. Turning Red

To start off, I’m only interested in watching this new Pixar movie because it’s set in Toronto! What? My hometown? No way! I’ve never seen an animated movie set in Toronto. It’s an overlooked city, which makes sense. It’s a wannabe New York City at best.

There’s nothing, however, like seeing animated versions of the places you’ve visited, like your local Chinatown or TTC (even if locals hate it).

The big red giant fluffy panda is honestly very creepy to me, so that’s less intriguing. I’m hoping the story has enough going on to keep me interested even though it’s for kids.

Synopsis: A 13-year-old girl suddenly turns into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited.

Release date: March 11, 2022

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6. Bubble

I don’t know what this movie is about, but it’s produced by Netflix and the same studio that animated Attack on Titan‘s first four seasons. I loved the style of the animation in the trailer. It reminded me of Your Name and Weathering with You by Makota Shinkai. Beautiful anime makes me happy. I’m also interested in BELLE (2021) by Mamoru Hosoda, even though it’s got polarizing reviews. 

Synopsis: The story is set in Tokyo after bubbles that broke the laws of gravity rained down upon the world. Cut off from the outside world, Tokyo has become a playground for a group of young people who have lost their families, acting as a battlefield for parkour team battles as they leap from building to building. Hibiki, a young ace known for his dangerous play style, makes a reckless move one day and plummets into the gravity-bending sea. His life is saved by Uta, a girl with mysterious powers who appears suddenly. The pair then hear a unique sound audible only to them. Why did Uta appear before Hibiki? Their encounter leads to a revelation that will change the world.

Release date: April 28, 2022

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7. Rewatch Rurouni Kenshin

Oro? Again? Yes, I’d like to watch the Rurouni Kenshin series again so I can analyze at least the prequel movie, “The Beginning“. Though most of the movies were predictable and cliche, The Beginning was awesome, the first Rurouni Kenshin movie was awesome, and The Final wasn’t that bad either.

Because I might have changed my mind, I want to rewatch these movies to see why I liked them and why I didn’t like them. Here’s a more detailed review of my first watch of the movies in my post My Favourite Dramas of 2021.

Synopsis: Before becoming a protector, Kenshin is a fearsome assassin known as Battosai, but his story changes when he meets the gentle Tomoe Yukishiro.

Release date: June 4, 2021

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8. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Sequel

I enjoyed the first Into the Spider-Verse movie so much I watched it twice. The first time was the best. It got a little boring the second time. But, let’s face it, the animation style of Into the Spider-Verse is fantastic. The beautiful, trippy animation is enough to keep me watching.  

The fact that Avatar Studios plans to use this animation style for their upcoming animated feature-length film is incredible!

Sony released the trailer for the Into the Spider-Verse sequel and it looks like a movie worth watching.

Synopsis: The further adventures of Miles Morales, aka Spider-Man.

Release date: October 7, 2022

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9. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

 I have no idea if this movie is coming out this year, but I’m so down for a Black Panther sequel.   

Synopsis: The next installment in the “Black Panther” franchise.

Release date: November 11, 2022

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10. Avatar 2

I feel like every 5 years James Cameron promises to release the sequel to Avatar (the blue people movie) and never does. Is that why they say perfectionists never accomplish anything? Well, let’s hope this movie lives up to the hype since it’s coming out in December after 10 years. Wow. Kids, who are 12 or 13 this year, probably never even saw Avatar? I was about 12 years old when I saw Avatar. That’s wild. 

Synopsis: Jake Sully and Ney’tiri have formed a family and are doing everything to stay together. However, they must leave their home and explore the regions of Pandora. When an ancient threat resurfaces, Jake must fight a difficult war against the humans.

Release date: December 16, 2022

I may watch more movies than this, but I'm hoping to see at least these. What movies are getting you hyped for 2022?