Cinemas are still struggling since the pandemic, with lots of us waiting for films to become available online instead of queueing up to buy tickets to see them on the big screen. It’s no surprise, then, that lots of the best films of 2022 skipped the cinema step altogether and headed straight to our favourite streaming platforms.
And even for those that didn’t, some of the best contributions to cinema in 2022 are now free (or under a fiver) to stream at home. So whether you’re a cinephile or just sick of Christmas rom coms, from Everything Everywhere All At Once to Where The Crawdads Sing, here are some of the year’s best films and where to find them.
The Best Films Of 2022 To Stream Now
1 of 161. My Policeman
Harry Styles fans can rest easy this Christmas, as his latest film My Policeman is free to stream online. The story follows the relationship between a policeman (Harry Styles), a teacher (Emma Corrin) and a museum curator (Rupert Everett) as they embark on a journey of forbidden love in oppressive 1950s Britain. Stream now on Amazon Prime.
2 of 162. The Swimmers
Based on the inspiring story of the Mardini sisters (played by real life sisters Nathalie and Manal Issa), this moving drama sheds light on two Syrian refugees who used their athleticism and passion for swimming to escape a country steeped in conflict and create a new life in Germany. Stream now onNetflix.
3 of 163. Death on the Nile
What starts off as a holiday on a glamorous river steamer, quickly becomes a murder investigation in this Agatha Christie Disney collaboration. Directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, the all-star cast keeps audiences guessing as things go from bad to worse along the Egyptian river. Stream now on Disney+.
4 of 164. Everything Everywhere All At Once
Widely lauded as the film of the year, the absurdist comedy-drama by The Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) focuses on Chinese American immigrant Evelyn Quan (played by Michelle Yeoh), who battles with parallel universe versions of herself to stop the evillest version from destroying the multiverse. Feeling confused? Watch it for yourself. Rent on Amazon Prime.
5 of 165. Enola Holmes 2
Millie Bobby Brown builds on the success of the first film in this eagerly anticipated sequel. The mystery movie sees Enola set up her own detective agency and take on her first official case to find a missing girl – a dangerous conspiracy that requires the help of Sherlock himself. Stream now on Netflix.
6 of 166. The Good Nurse
Eddie Redmayne and Jessica Chastain co-star in a drama about the infamous serial killer Charles Cullen and the fellow nurse who suspects him. The film is based on the true-crime book by Charles Graeber of the same name, which was published back in 2013. Stream now on Netflix.
7 of 167. Persuasion
Fan of Jane Austen? You are well catered for this year. A novel that has already been adapted three times; this version is framed as the first feature film adaptation. Dakota Johnson takes on the role of Anne Elliot, an unconforming woman from an aristocratic family on the brink of bankruptcy. Stream now on Netflix.
8 of 168. Catherine Called Birdy
In Lena Dunham’s latest directorial feat, the plot centres a 14-year-old girl in medieval England as she navigates a life of missed opportunity. Bella Ramsey, who plays the title character, is joined by none other than Billie Piper, Andrew Scott, Joe Alwyn and Sophie Okondeo on screen. Stream now on Prime Video.
9 of 169. The Lost City
In the mood for action, adventure and romance? Sandra Bullock plays a reclusive romance novelist on a book tour with her cover model (Channing Tatum) when the pair get swept up in a kidnapping attempt that lands them in a merciless adventure. Watch on NOW.
10 of 1610. Aisha
Caught for years in Ireland’s immigration system, Aisha Osagie (Letitia Wright) develops a close friendship with former prisoner Conor Healy (Josh O’Connor). The film follows a young Nigerian woman’s hopes of refuge in Dublin, when there is nowhere else safe to call home. Watch on NOW.
11 of 1611. Where The Crawdads Sing
One of the most talked about films of the year, Daisy Edgar-Jones stars in a screen adaptation of the coming-of-age murder mystery novel by American author Delia Owens. It follows two timelines that closely intertwine – one of a young girl named Kya growing up in isolated marshes, and the other of an apparent murder case of a local celebrity. Rent from £3.49 on Apple TV+and Prime Video.
12 of 1612. Top Gun: Maverick
Tom Cruise is back at it again in this sequel of the 1986 smash hit Top Gun – the highest grossing film of the year. The action drama charts naval aviator Maverick’s life as a test pilot, 30 years after his graduation in the first film. Rent from £3.49 on Prime Video.
13 of 1613. Elvis
Baz Luhrmann directs this all-singing all-dancing biopic of Elvis Presley’s life. Austin Butler is transformed into the King of Rock and Roll as the film follows the singer’s life from start to end, tracking his addiction struggles and fraught relationship with wealth-hungry manager Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). Rent from £4.99 Apple TV and Prime Video.
14 of 1614. Good Luck To You Leo Grande
Emma Thompson switches things up to play a retired teacher looking for a post-marital sexual awakening, and Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack) is just the charming and reassuring sex worker she’s looking for. Together the pair find a surprising connection in this heart-warming and sex positive comedy. Rent from £3.49 on Prime Video.
15 of 1615. NOPE
After enormous success as the writer-director of Get Out, Jordan Peele is back with another science fiction horror film starring Daniel Kaluuya. If you don’t mind a bit of adrenaline, tune in and join the residents of a lonely gulch in California as they witness a chilling and otherworldly discovery. Rent from £3.49 on Prime Video.
16 of 16The Banshees of Inisherin
Collin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson star in this tragicomedy - about two lifelong friends on a small Irish island who unexpectedly fall out. It has picked up loads of Golden Globe nominations and is expected to win big during the awards season. Streaming now on Disney+