Film critics assess 2022 blockbuster sequels amid franchise fatigue and creative successes

In 2022, several major sci-fi and fantasy films encountered backlash for their lack of creativity. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Thor: Love and Thunder from the Marvel Cinematic Universe fell short of expectations, and Wakanda Forever failed to replicate the success of 2018's Black Panther. Concerns have arisen among Disney executives regarding Marvel's continuous sequels. Avatar: The Way of Water did not meet box office expectations, facing criticism for rehashing elements from the original 2009 film. Other notable disappointments included Lightyear, The Secrets of Dumbledore, Black Adam, and Morbius. Disney's Strange World was a flop, and Moonfall might be the largest financial failure in cinema. However, Top Gun: Maverick emerged as the top grosser of 2022, while Glass Onion thrived, Andor on Disney+ took a serious approach to fascism, and Hulu's Prey rejuvenated the Predator series. Everything Everywhere All at Once stood out for its originality.