The newest fantasy film of the year has just dropped. Joey King is back on streaming platforms with a new movie, but this time she’s left her Kissing Booth and entered the world of the fantastical and magical with The Princess, now on Hulu. And it’s not the last fantasy film to be released in 2022.
With the year being full of new trends, especially multiverse stories, the silver screen is filled with fantasy lands to escape to. Fans have decided which have been the best of 2022, so far, with this Ranker list.
Note: Ranker lists are fan-voted, live, and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
The Princess
The Princess is an exciting new adventure with Joey King as a powerful female lead. When a princess is locked away in a tower for refusing to marry her betrothed, a ruthless sociopath, she fights for the safety and freedom of her family and she’ll do anything to protect the throne.
Hulu’s newest movie is a girl boss-centered story. For fans of the royal and historical, this movie puts a fresh spin on the classic princess movies, delivering a bloodier and more action-packed take. The action-packed fight scenes show a different side to Joey and she shows an outstanding performance in her fighting choreography, one for thrill-seekers to look out for.
The King’s Daughter
Stars like Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario and Julie Andrews bring you a new sea full of magic with The King’s Daughter. When King Louis XIV craves immortality, he finds a mermaid to prolong his life. But his plans of draining the mermaid’s life force are halted when his illegitimate daughter discovers what he’s doing.
This movie may have been filmed eight years ago, waiting for its long-awaited release, but it’s shown itself to hold up well. With its whimsical and fantastical storyline full of magic, it’s a great family-friendly film. Rated as a PG, this fantasy movie is one for a nice night in, to watch with everyone. A touching story, with the beautiful scenery of Versailles, it’s a film for everyone to enjoy.
Fistful Of Vengeance
Fistful Of Vengeance is a sequel to Netflix’s Wu Assassins, following its season 1 finale. It takes place in Bangkok as the main lead and powerful assassin, Kai, tracks a killer down. But his plans for revenge take a turn when he has to fight an ancient threat in order to save the world.
This is a new martial arts movie set in the world of fantasy, perfect for showing off amazingly choreographed fight scenes and special effects. The film keeps the audience in the loop, so it’s a good watch whether the audience has seen Wu Assassins or not. With a focus on the fighting and relationships, Bangkok is a beautiful setting and adds to the fantastical of the film.
Firestarter
The cast of Firestarter includes big names like Zac Efron and Sydney Lemmon in this new adaptation of Stephen King’s novels. Firestarter is based on two parents, Andy and Vickey, who are on the run with their daughter Charlie because Charlie possesses the powers to start and control fire. With dangerous federal agents on their heels, things start to get tricky for Charlie when it comes to controlling her power.
This second attempt at Stephen King’s novel has had mixed reviews. But with a new modern take on the book and original film, it provides an epic score, captivating cinematography and tension-filled chase sequences to keep the audience engaged. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but it presents interesting concepts in a contemporary remake.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore
The newest installment of J. K. Rowling’s world of wizardry throws fans back into its magical world. This time, Professor Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt Scamander to lead a powerful team of witches and wizards against the dangerous Grindelwald. In their attempt to stop him from taking control of the wizarding world, they come across many new beasts and creatures along the way.
Fans of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchise are in for a treat. With everyone knowing who will win between Dumbledore and Grindelwald, the film still doesn’t stop surprising fans by introducing unexpected characters and impressive creatures. The movie brings the heart of the wizarding world back with its fantastic magic, special effects and, of course, the famous Hogwarts castle.
DC Showcase: Constantine: The House Of Mystery
John Constantine has awoken, confused and dazed in the unsettling House of Mystery. With no understanding of how he got here, he uses the help of his friends to break out. Unfortunately for him though, his friends keep turning into bloodthirsty demons who rip him limb from limb, again and again.
Fans enjoy this visually creative and interesting film. DC has definitely gone down the experimental route with its characters, but it’s paid off for an entertaining watch. It serves as a great epilogue to further films to be made, leaving fans with hope for the new DC Animated Movie Universe.
Turning Red
Turning Red is Pixar Disney’s newest release. 13-year-old Mei is conflicted between following her mother’s wishes and being the obedient daughter she has always been or choosing to do what she’s always wanted to do. But on top of that all … when she gets too excited, she turns into a giant red panda.
Turning Red has been praised for its relatable moments in its storytelling, both surrounding teenage girls and Asian culture. Fans loved its heartfelt moments as they follow Mei and her mother’s relationship, hitting close to home for many people. The metaphors in this movie may be simplistic but they are memorable and captivating for audiences.
Memoria
Technically released at the tail end of 2021, Memoria is writer and director Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s first English-speaking film. Memoria follows a Scottish woman who is roaming and exploring the Colombian jungle. But when she hears a weird and loud bang at night, she begins to experience a strange and unexplainable sensory syndrome.
Apichatpong is always praised for his cinematic and beautiful work, and this film is no exception. With its bewitching cinematography and imaginative ideas, it demands the audience think deeper about life and death. It’s a film for cinephiles who like a challenge.
Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness
Director Sam Raimi, who brought audiences the Spider-Man trilogy, now brings fans Doctor Strange as he takes Marvel fans into the Multiverse. Doctor Strange, with friends old and new, traverses the dangerous alternate realities, all to find his mysterious foe.
This mind-bending experience has been worth the wait. With new and creative special effects, the stakes are higher for the universe and fans are loving it. The Multiverse of Madness works hard to set up the next Doctor Strange film, always leaving fans wanting more.
Everything Everywhere All At Once
A24’s newest film stars Michelle Yeoh as she finds herself the sole savior of the multiverse. Alongside an excellent supporting cast, she throws the audience into a captivating story about alternate realities.
This highly praised film is best to go into blind; knowing too much would detract from the wonder and fantastical storytelling. With a rollercoaster of emotions and a melting pot of genres, this film surely earns its name. It’s the best movie about taxes fans will ever see.
