2022
2022: A Year of Spectacle, Style, and Soul. In 2022, cinema roared back with confidence, giving audiences the perfect mix of high-octane escapism, heartfelt drama, and artistic flair. At CinemaParadiso.co.uk, members embraced the full range of storytelling - from superhero spectacles to nuanced biopics, from crowd-pleasing sequels to strikingly original voices. It was a year of reconnecting with the magic of movies, both on the big screen and in the comfort of home.
After years of anticipation and delays, No Time to Die delivered a powerful and emotional send-off for Daniel Craig's James Bond - easily one of the most rented and talked-about titles of the year. Meanwhile, Top Gun: Maverick soared to surprising heights, bringing back Tom Cruise in one of the most nostalgic and exhilarating cinematic experiences of the decade.
Superheroes remained strong in 2022, with Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, The Batman, Eternals, and The Suicide Squad offering everything from multiversal chaos to gritty reboots. And even as new entries like Morbius and Venom: Let There Be Carnage divided fans, they kept the Marvel universe firmly in the spotlight.
But 2022 wasn't all capes and car chases. Films like Belfast, Spencer, The Father, The Phantom of the Open, and The Electrical Life of Louis Wain explored deeply human stories with elegance and compassion. The Northman and The Last Duel brought history to brutal life, while Licorice Pizza and King Richard blended coming-of-age storytelling with sharp period detail.
For those craving mystery and suspense, there was The Last Bus, Old, Stillwater, The Nest, and Nightmare Alley. The Matrix Resurrections, The Lost City, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and Moonfall delivered the kind of inventive mayhem only 2022 could offer.
Meanwhile, titles like Petite Maman, Another Round, The Courier, and Parallel Mothers quietly stood out for their emotional resonance and cinematic craft - reminding viewers that some of the most powerful films speak softly.
And it wasn't just films. TV series and miniseries also played their part in shaping the viewing habits of the year, with audiences seeking more time with stories that unfolded gradually and richly.
Looking back, 2022 gave us a bit of everything: epic finales, surprise hits, prestige drama, and stylish reinventions. It was a year of big questions, bold choices, and brilliant performances - a true celebration of cinema in all its forms.
2022 also celebrated stories rooted in personal experience. Aftersun (2022), a tender father-daughter drama from first-time filmmaker Charlotte Wells, quietly stunned audiences and critics alike with its emotional depth and beautiful subtlety. It was a reminder that some of the most affecting stories don't come from galaxies far, far away – but from everyday life.
Looking back, 2022 was the year when film truly returned to form. It was a celebration of craft, character, and creativity – and our Cinema Paradiso community was there for every frame.
Join us as we revisit the standout titles that defined 2022 – a year where cinema reminded us of its magic, all over again.
