2021 was a year filled with back to back blockbusters due to a wave of delays from the year before, and 2022 seems like it is going to be the same. From the next big superhero franchise installments to dark dramas and thrillers, here are some of the most anticipated films to hit the big screen this year.

1. 1. The Batman (March 4): Robert Pattinson makes his debut as the title vigilante, as the film follows Batman as he begins to uncover corruption in Gotham City connecting to his own family, all while trying to stop the serial killer known as the Riddler. The film also features Zoe Kravitz as Cattwoman/Selina Kyle, Jeffery Wright as Commissioner James Gordon and Andy Serkis as Batman/Bruce Wayne’s butler, Alfred Pennyworth. From the trailers that have been released, fans are suspecting that this will finally be the darker take on the character that they have been waiting for. 
   2. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (May 6): Benedict Cumberbatch returns as the titular character in one of the most anticipated Marvel films since the announcement of their next phase of films. In this installment, Strange and his fellow sorcerer, Wong (Benedict Wong) and a fully powered Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) travel through the broken multiverse, trying to save it from its greatest threat. The film also introduces America Chavez, played by Xochitl Gomez, who helps in the trek across the multiverse. Director Sam Raimi, known for directing the Tobey Maguire Spider Man Films, is also known for being a fantastic horror director. Rami’s take on Doctor Strange does seem to have a slightly darker tone based on the trailer, and fans are excited to see where this dark path will lead.
   3. Don’t Worry Darling (September 23): Directed by Olivia Wilde (Booksmart), the film follows Alice (Florence Pugh), a housewife in the 1950s living with her husband Jack (Harry Styles) in a utopian experimental community. Alice begins to worry that the glamorous company her husband owns may be covering up disturbing secrets, initiating the conflict of the film. This film is highly anticipated by many due to both the amazing cast, and the direction of Wilde.
   4. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Part One (October 7): Fans have been clamoring for a sequel to Into the Spider-Verse since its 2018 release. Not only are they getting one more film, but at least two more. The teaser trailer released for the film shows an older Miles Morales/Spider-Man (Shameik Moore) in his room as an older Gwen Stacy/Spider-Woman (Hailee Steinfeld) appears from a portal above his bed. The two are then seen traveling through different universes while seemingly being chased by Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 299 (Oscar Isaac), who was teased in the end credit scene of the original film. Not much else is known about the plot of the film, but fans are extremely pleased so far. 
   5. Avatar 2 (December 16):First slated for release in 2014, the sequel to Avatar is finally going to be released. The cause for the wait was director James Cameron’s insistence to perfect various technologies, including underwater motion capture for the film. The film is set to follow Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his newfound family on the planet of Pandora, but he must work with Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) when an ancient threat resurfaces. Production for the next two films is reportedly already well underway, with the next installment to release in 2024.
   6. Knives Out 2 (Unknown): The plot of this sequel to the original 2019 film is currently unknown, but it features a brand new cast, besides Daniel Craig. With Craig returning as Benoit Blanc, it seems as if the detective is trying to solve a new case, involving the new cast of characters. Not much else is known about what the film will be about, but fans are very excited to see what case Benoit Blanc will solve in the sequel.

There are so many more exciting films coming out this year that we should all be on the lookout for. 2022 is definitely going to be another blockbuster filled year!