1. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

As Wakandans are faced with the death of their King T’Challa, it is up to his sister Shuri, as well as the Queen Ramonda and members of the Dora Milaje to protect Wakanda from the Talokan. Throughout the whole movie, there are moments where the late Chadwick Boseman is remembered and honored as his character, T’Challa, which I felt was beautiful. This movie is a must watch because it is action-packed, deals with loss, hope, and has an incredible storyline. 

2. Avatar: The Way of Water

This movie shows the struggle of a couple doing everything to stay together while having to leave home and explore a new region and place around the world. Threats arise as humans are threatening war.  Besides being a highly anticipated sequel to the 2009 movie “Avatar”, this movie has a great, engaging storyline. The CGI was beautiful and it really focused on themes such as environmentalism and the relationship between humanity and nature. 

3. X

It’s 1979 and a small group of actors agree they want to make their own movie in a rural part of Texas. When the elderly hosts of the house that they are planning to make the movie in catches them in the act of filming, the group is faced with life or death situations. This movie was different from what has recently been released which I really enjoyed. I find it to be somewhat a nod back to those iconic slasher films that everyone loved. I would recommend this movie to those who love that thriller retro vibe in movies and are in need of a new horror movie to watch.

4. Pearl

Pearl is backstory of the elderly host tormenting the group of actors featured in the original film, “X”. Although this movie came out after “X”, it actually serves as a prequel. This movie is a thriller/slasher that shows the origin story “X” ‘s villain, Pearl, and how she became what she is. I think this movie is a perfect blend of the tropes that typically fall under the horror umbrella. The cleverly paced jumpscares give it the feeling of a thriller, while it’s exaggerated gore gives it that 90’s slasher feeling. This movie is a great representation of what a prequel can aspire to be. 

5. Everything Everywhere All at Once

This movie is interesting because of the many different genres it deals with. From action to science fiction to even comedy, this movie has it all. The movie explores the relationship between a mother who is trying to reconnect with her daughter while jumping through many different universes. It explores the thought that things in life all have meaning but without recognizing it, life is ultimately meaningless. 

6. The Menu

This movie focuses on a group of people who visit a secluded and very exclusive restaurant in which the famous chef prepares a menu full of many different and disturbing surprises. I love this movie mainly because of the different plot twists and different things that keep unfolding throughout the whole film. If you love movies that take several twists and turns, this movie is for you.

7. Nope

“Nope” showcases the relationship between a brother and a sister who find out there is something wrong and disturbing going on in the sky right above their ranch in California. In more simple terms, this sibling duo, along with a group of people, encounter and face a UFO. This movie almost reminds me of a western movie or the popular aliens vs cowboys theme. It ties a lot of social issues like peoples fixation with technology into one. Nope is definitely a movie where your eyes have to be on the screen the whole time in order to not miss any details. 

8. Elvis

“Elvis” captivates his rise to fame while including relationships that Elvis had with his manager at the time as well as his wife Priscilla Presley. This movie was an authentic depiction of Elvis Presley’s life. I would recommend this movie because it honestly never sugarcoated his rise to fame and it gave us what Elvis went through to get to where he got.

9. My Policeman

This takes place in 1950’s Britain when a policeman begins to fall in love with a teacher and later escalates to a secret relationship with a museum curator due to the fact that homosexuality was illegal back then. I would recommend this movie because it captivates the honest struggle of a hidden relationship, especially for two homosexual men during these times. The plot is very interesting and it gives you an insider on how things were back then.

10. Lightyear

Buzz Lightyear goes on an intergalactic adventure alongside his co-captains. With difficulty in this mission, trust is needed to survive.  This was a movie I was waiting for when it was first announced because I knew how much it could bring to the table. Besides being a surprisingly emotional movie, this movie is worth the watch because you get to see the back story of Buzz Lightyear and why they made him into a toy in the famous “Toy Story” movies. 

11. Fresh

A young woman has to try to escape her new boyfriend’s appetite after meeting him through an online dating app. This movie is an extremely dark take on the dangers of societies dating apps and online dating in general. This movie is one I would recommend because of its relevant societal commentary, as well as it being a great thriller.

12. The Black phone

When a 13 year old boy is captured by a sadistic killer, it’s his job to try to find a way out with the help of a disconnected phone that communicates to the previous murder victims. Although the story may be slow, Ethan Hawke plays a villain with the perfect amount of sinister and manipulation which makes him a perfect villain. This movie touches on subjects such as familial relationships, specifically between a brother and sister.  I would recommend it because it’s an effective horror movie as well as a very heartfelt storyline.

13. Minions: The Rise of Gru

This follows the life of Gru and his ambitions to join the villain group “The Vicious 6” after losing their leader. It walks you through Gru’s fight to become a villain with his minions, while escaping other villains. I would recommend this because it’s such a funny movie to watch with a group of people. The whole storyline behind why Gru became a villain was entertaining and following the minions’ journey was  enjoyable to watch.

14. The Adam Project

After accidently crashing into the year 2022, a time traveler has to go back in time and reunite with his 12 year old self to help save the future.I found this movie to be wholesome because characters were exploring and going through their own self journey which is something everyone should watch. 

15. Top Gun: Maverick

A pilot is forced to face his biggest fears as a result of facing an uncertain future and dealing with his past. The pilots take on a mission that requires the greatest sacrifice from the pilots who will be selected to fly it. If you are looking for a movie full of action then this is definitely the movie for you. The production along with the cinematography was something that definitely pushes this up on the list. 

16. Bones and All

A young couple are on the road to find themselves while their past and unusual appetite gets in the way. I would recommend this movie because even if you can’t relate to the characters in certain ways, the director Luca Guadagnino gives you enough information to somewhat sympathize with a couple that is trying to figure out their life together. 

17. Don’t Worry Darling

In 1950, a couple started living in “Victory”, a model company town where the men engaged in a top-secret project are housed. Wonder strikes when Alice realizes there are holes in her perfect existence that start to show, revealing glimpses of something evil hiding beneath the surface.

This movie is definitely a must watch simply because of the thrilling rush you get when you watch it. It honestly will keep you on your toes the whole time and it truly did it’s job as a psychological thriller.

18. Glass Onion 

When a group of friends are invited to a private Greek island by a tech billionaire, a body is discovered and a detective is on the case to find out who the suspect is. This is another type of movie that definitely keeps you on your toes the whole time. This movie is full of laughter, fear, and even crying, so I would definitely say this movie is a must watch murder mystery.  

19. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

The iconic Puss in Boots from “Shrek” finds out that his love of exploration and fight has cost him 8 of his 9 lives. He goes on a heroic quest to recover his nine lives back and locate the legendary Last Wish. Although this is a funny recommendation, the movie is unexpectedly emotional and has a great villain. This is a perfect family movie that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. 

20. Bullet Train

An assassin boards the world’s fastest train that puts him on a collision course with deadly enemies from all over the world who are all working toward related but opposing goals.

This movie is full of extreme action which is a main reason why it drew my attention. If you love action movies and movies that keep you on the edge of your seat, this one’s for you. 

21. The Gray Man 

The top CIA asset, whose identity is unknown to anybody, discovers agency secrets, setting off an international manhunt by assassins sent out by his former colleague. This former CIA agent is targeted by a team of highly-skilled assassins while he tries to clear his name and protect his family. I would recommend this movie because It is a big-budget film with intense action sequences and a high-stakes plot. 

22. The Whale

In an effort to save his relationship with his estranged teenage daughter, an obese and reclusive English teacher reaches out to her for one last chance. This movie shows a tense,emotional relationship between a father and a daughter which is why I would recommend  something like this. I think movies that focus on family issues and struggles are ones that are a definite watch.