History's Best Selling Movies of 2022

At the dawn of the new millennium, 2022 saw a swell surge of Y2K fever and early digital revolution in the world of movies! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like The 355 and The Battle at Lake Changjin II, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Simon Kinberg and Chen Kaige proved their mettle with Everything Everywhere All at Once, delivering craftsmanship that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. The 355

   Released in 2022 by Simon Kinberg, Universal Pictures, Freckle Films, Genre Pictures, FilmNation Entertainment

   On January 7, 2022, Hollywood unveiled a significant entry in the spy genre with the U.S. theatrical premiere of "The 355." The film arrived with high expectations, boasting an A-list international ensemble cast featuring Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Fan Bingbing, Diane Kruger, and Lupita Nyong'o. Conceived and championed by Chastain herself, the movie was positioned as a female-led alternative to long-standing, male-dominated franchises like "James Bond" and "Mission: Impossible." Its release represented a deliberate effort to carve out new space in the action-thriller landscape, promising globe-trotting espionage and high-stakes action from a fresh, female-centric perspective.

2. The Battle at Lake Changjin II

   Released in 2022 by Chen Kaige, Tsui Hark, Dante Lam, Bona Film Group

   The Battle at Lake Changjin II, also known as Water Gate Bridge, stormed into Chinese cinemas on February 1, 2022, precisely timed for the lucrative Lunar New Year holiday. As the highly anticipated sequel to China's highest-grossing film of all time, its release was a cultural event, immediately setting the stage for another record-breaking box office run. This date marked its world theatrical premiere, unleashing a patriotic epic that continued the compelling saga of Chinese soldiers during the Korean War. The film swiftly dominated the holiday box office, confirming its status as a monumental cinematic achievement and a commercial juggernaut, cementing its place in contemporary Chinese film history.

3. Everything Everywhere All at Once

   Released in 2022 by Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, A24

   On March 11, 2022, the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival in Austin, Texas, hosted the world premiere of a film that would soon become a global phenomenon: 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.' Directed by the filmmaking duo known as the Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), this A24-produced movie arrived as an ambitious, genre-defying spectacle. The premiere marked the first time audiences experienced its chaotic, heartfelt, and utterly original blend of martial arts, science fiction, comedy, and family drama. Little did the initial audience know they were witnessing the debut of a film that would not only capture the cultural zeitgeist but would also go on to make history at the Academy Awards, redefining what an independent film could achieve.

4. Sonic the Hedgehog 2

   Released in 2022 by Jeff Fowler, Paramount Pictures, Sega Sammy Group

   On April 8, 2022, "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" raced into theaters worldwide, building on the surprising success of its 2020 predecessor. The release was significant not only for fans of the iconic Sega video game character but also for the film industry. It served as a powerful testament to the box office viability of family-friendly blockbusters in the post-pandemic theatrical landscape. Furthermore, it demonstrated that Hollywood had finally begun to crack the code of successful video game adaptations, a genre historically riddled with critical and commercial failures. The film's debut was a major event, promising more action, more beloved characters, and a significant expansion of the cinematic universe established in the first movie.

5. The Bad Guys

   Released in 2022 by Pierre Perifel, DreamWorks Animation, Universal Pictures

   Premiering in the United States on April 22, 2022, "The Bad Guys" burst onto the cinematic scene as a fresh, stylish, and action-packed animated feature from DreamWorks Animation. At a time when family entertainment was dominated by established franchises, this new intellectual property, based on a popular book series, offered a vibrant alternative. The film debuted at number one at the North American box office, exceeding expectations and demonstrating a strong public appetite for original animated stories with a unique visual flair. Its release marked the successful launch of a potential new flagship series for the studio, filled with humor, heart, and heist-movie cool.

6. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

   Released in 2022 by Sam Raimi, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

   Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness burst onto the global cinematic stage on May 4, 2022, ushering audiences into a thrilling, albeit dark, new chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This highly anticipated sequel marked a significant milestone, not only as a box office juggernaut but also for its bold embrace of horror elements rarely seen in mainstream superhero films. Its premiere was a grand event, drawing immense excitement for its promise of multiversal chaos and the return of beloved characters in unprecedented scenarios, setting the stage for one of the year's most talked-about releases and solidifying its place as a pivotal entry in the ongoing Multiverse Saga.

7. Jurassic World Dominion

   Released in 2022 by Colin Trevorrow, Universal Pictures

   May 23, 2022, marked the grand premiere of 'Jurassic World Dominion' in Mexico City, setting the stage for the epic conclusion to the entire Jurassic saga that began nearly three decades prior. This date symbolized the highly anticipated global launch for fans eager to witness the culmination of both the 'Jurassic Park' and 'Jurassic World' storylines. The film quickly roared its way to box office dominance, ultimately crossing the coveted billion-dollar mark worldwide, cementing its status as one of the highest-grossing films of 2022. Its debut was not merely a film release; it was a cinematic event, promising to bring closure to a beloved franchise and unite generations of characters and audiences.

8. Minions: The Rise of Gru

   Released in 2022 by Kyle Balda, Brad Ableson, Jonathan del Val, Universal Pictures

   The summer of 2022 burst into full swing with the highly anticipated release of 'Minions: The Rise of Gru' on July 1st. This date marked the North American theatrical debut of the animated prequel, which quickly became a box office titan and a cultural phenomenon. Delayed for two years due to the global pandemic, the film arrived with immense fanfare, captivating audiences of all ages and signaling a vibrant return to cinemas. Its launch was particularly special, not only breaking records but also igniting the viral 'Gentleminions' trend, demonstrating the enduring appeal and significant commercial power of the lovable yellow creatures and their aspiring supervillain leader.

9. Thor: Love and Thunder

   Released in 2022 by Taika Waititi, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

   July 6, 2022, marked the exciting global debut of 'Thor: Love and Thunder,' a highly anticipated addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This date signified the start of its theatrical run in several international markets, setting the stage for its wider North American release two days later. As the fourth solo outing for Chris Hemsworth's God of Thunder, expectations were sky-high for director Taika Waititi's follow-up to the critically acclaimed 'Thor: Ragnarok.' The film quickly made its presence felt at the box office, generating significant buzz and contributing substantially to Marvel's impressive financial records for the year, solidifying its place as a major summer blockbuster.

10. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

    Released in 2022 by Ryan Coogler, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

    The launch of 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' on November 11, 2022, marked a poignant and significant moment for Marvel Studios and global audiences. This date heralded the worldwide theatrical debut of a highly anticipated sequel, following the immense cultural and commercial success of its predecessor and the tragic passing of beloved star Chadwick Boseman. Despite immense challenges, the film soared at the global box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year and a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Black Panther. Its premiere was more than just a movie release; it was a collective experience of mourning, remembrance, and the passing of a torch, resonating deeply with fans around the world.

11. Avatar: The Way of Water

    Released in 2022 by James Cameron, 20th Century Studios

    December 6, 2022, marked the grand global premiere of James Cameron's monumental sequel, "Avatar: The Way of Water," held at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London. This date wasn't just a cinematic event; it was the long-anticipated return to Pandora, fourteen years after the original film captivated the world. The film swiftly transcended expectations, not only garnering critical acclaim for its visual spectacle and immersive storytelling but also dominating the global box office. Its launch heralded a new era for 3D cinema and demonstrated the enduring power of Cameron's vision, making this premiere date a significant milestone in modern cinematic history, setting the stage for one of the highest-grossing films of all time.

12. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

    Released in 2022 by Joel Crawford, Universal Pictures

    Puss in Boots: The Last Wish made a spectacular splash with its North American wide theatrical release on December 21, 2022. This date marked the beginning of an unexpected box office triumph and a critical darling, re-energizing the beloved Shrek universe. Far from being just another animated sequel, the film captivated audiences and critics alike with its stunning visual style and surprisingly mature themes, quickly establishing itself as a standout amidst a crowded holiday release schedule. Its launch proved that innovative storytelling and artistic ambition could still yield massive commercial and cultural success, setting the stage for its eventual half-billion-dollar global haul.

13. A Man Called Otto

    Released in 2022 by Marc Forster, Columbia Pictures, SF Studios

    The premiere of "A Man Called Otto" on December 30, 2022, was a carefully planned strategic move. By opening in a limited number of theaters in Los Angeles and New York City on this date, the film officially qualified for consideration in the 95th Academy Awards season. This 'platform release' strategy is common for prestige pictures, allowing a film to generate critical buzz and awards momentum during the competitive holiday season before expanding to a wider audience in the new year. For this Tom Hanks-led comedy-drama, the late-December debut established it as a serious contender and a heartfelt alternative to the season's blockbuster fare.