2022 has been a smash-hit year for the box offices. From The Batman to Top Gun: Maverick to Everything Everywhere All at once, it is safe to say it has been a successful year for movies, and the year is not over yet. With a little over 3 months left, there are still plenty of films set to be released. Here are the five most highly-anticipated movie releases to finish out 2022.

     Don’t Worry Darling 

• • Release date: September 23
  • Director: Olivia Wilde
  • Cast: Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, Olivia Wilde, Chris Pine
  • Rating: R

Don’t Worry Darling is a psychological thriller that follows Pugh, a 1950s housewife. She works to uncover some dark secrets she fears her perfect community and husband’s (Styles) company might be hiding. Don’t Worry Darling has been something to look forward to for quite a while. It initially picked up traction because of its cast; Harry Styles and Florence Pugh are both beloved figures held in high esteem by the younger generations. More recently, the movie’s appeal has picked up due to the not-so-subtle feuding between Harry and Olivia noticed by fans at the recent premiere in Venice. Some even think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine. While no one knows of any drama on the set, the possibility is enough to get people in theaters on September 23rd. 

     Hocus Pocus 2

• • Release date: September 30
  • Director: Anna Fletcher
  • Cast: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimi
  • Rating: PG

Hocus Pocus is one of the most beloved movies of the 20th century. With the original released in 1993, people of all ages have been using Hocus Pocus to get into the Halloween spirit for almost 3 decades. It’s safe to say Hocus Pocus 2, the sequel of such an iconic film, is something many are excited to see. Hocus Pocus 2 focuses on 3 young women who manage to summon the infamously hilarious Sanderson Sisters to modern-day Salem. The girls must figure out a way to send the sisters back to their before their chaos ensues. Hocus Pocus 2 can only be streamed on Disney Plus starting September 30th. 

     Halloween Ends 

• • Release date: October 14
  • Director: David Gordon Green
  • Cast: Jaimee Lee Curtis, James Jude Courtney
  • Rating: R

Halloween movies are some of the most well-known and loved horror films. The original Halloween hit the theaters in 1978 and became an immediate fan favorite. With 12 movies already out, the Halloween series has made over $733 million. The cast is ready to say goodbye and lay the movies to rest. Halloween Ends, the 13th and final movie of the franchise, follows Laurie Strode. Laurie has been haunted by the infamous Michael Meyers for decades. With the idea that the nightmare is finally behind her, she settles down. However, when a local act of violence ensues, she quickly realizes she has not yet escaped the mayhem. With this being the final movie in such a highly-anticipated franchise, it is safe to assume the theaters will be packed come October 14th. 

     Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 

• • Release date: November 11
  • Director: Ryan Coogler
  • Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Letitia Wright, Michael B. Jordan
  • Rating: PG-13

It’s no secret that Marvel is one of the most successful franchises of all time. Black Panther made its way to theaters in 2018 and was a major hit due to its diversity, cinematography, conflict, and characters. It made over $1.3 billion, placing it as one of the highest-grossing Marvel movies. In 2020, the talented actor Chadwick Boseman, who was the Black Panther, tragically passed. The 43-year-old actor inspired so much in people around the world, and he lived and died with grace. It goes without saying that his unexpected death really took a toll on everyone. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is meant to pay tribute to the memory and legacy of such an adored actor. This movie is about so much more than superheroes, and come November 11, theaters will no doubt be full of people ready to say their final goodbyes. 

     Avatar: The Way of Water 

• • Release date: December 16
  • Director: James Cameron
  • Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, Vin Diesel 
  • Rating: PG-13

Avatar, which hit theaters in 2009, holds the title of the number one highest-grossing film of all time, making over $2.8 billion. That statement alone is enough to have people anxiously awaiting its sequel: Avatar: The Way of water. The sequel, in theaters on December 18, follows Jake Sully as he resides with his new family on the beautiful planet of Pandora. However, the peace is interrupted when a danger from his past returns, forcing Jake to work with Neytiri and the army of Navi to try and protect Pandora. The reason Avatar was originally able to rise to such popularity was because of its CGI and cinematography. The world of Pandora was animated in a way that had never been done before, and watching the soaring shots from above Pandora in 3D had people going ballistic. It set the path for other franchises and movies to be able to build worlds that combine elements of both reality and fantasy. However, since Avatar, technology has come a long way. What was groundbreaking 13 years ago may not be viewed as impressive today. That is what is so enticing about this new movie: How will they be able to top the original?