Following the slow but inevitable juggernaut that is James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water, the highest grossing films of Australia in 2022, are in.
it’s time to look back on the rocky year that has been 2022 and nerd out at all the amazing movies that Aussies have been spending their cash on.
Black Adam ($12,716,702)
Starting at number ten, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson slithers in with his attempt to redefine the DC Universe with Shazam’s greatest nemesis. Unfortunately, Aussies (and the rest of the world) didn’t seem as excited about this as The Rock, and although Henry Cavill’s Superman appears at the end, it is probably the last outing for Black Adam.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (est. $15,181,152)
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Redesigning that speedy hedgehog might’ve been Paramount’s best decision ever, as Sonic returned for his second outing and was met with equally positive reviews. The sequel saw Jim Carrey return as Dr. Robotnik and James Marsden as Tom Wachowski, alongside an ever growing crew of characters from Sonic’s universe. The franchise is only expected to grow as Paramount prepares sequels and spin-off series’ for Paramount+
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ($19,259,876)
Though Chadwick Boseman doesn’t return to the role due to his untimely passing, the passion and joy for his character continued, and saw the role of Black Panther passed onto his sister Shuri (Letitia Wright). Anglea Bassett and Danai Gurira unsurprisingly blew everyone away and fans were also introduced to Namor who is likely to rank highly in a WatchMojo’s top 10 Marvel villains video.
Avatar: The Way of Water ($20,675,222)
Hot off the press is James Cameron’s sequel to the phenomenonal Avatar. The original film from 2009 is the highest grossing film of all time with a mind boggling $2,922, 917,914 global gross. Though not a hit straight out the gate, it is following a similar trajectory to its predecessor that could see the film reaching for similar profits in 2023. But if Avatar just wasn’t for you, best get used to it, as Cameron has planned several sequels for his favourite blue aliens.
Elvis ($22,498,926)
Coming in at number six is Australia’s own Baz Luhrmann’s telling of the life of Elivs Presley. In a role that is destined for Oscar attention, Austin Butler staggers as the classic rocker alongside Tom Hanks as his infamous manager. With the usual flare of a Luhrmann, the film is a great ride for Elvis fans and movie fans alike.
Jurassic World: Dominion ($24,904,932)
Usual suspect Chris Pratt returns with Bryce Dallas-Howard and a plethora of characters that fill space for 2 and a half hours while avoiding big dinosaurs and a bug plague… I loved this movie, can you tell? However, fans rushed to the cinema to see the return of legacy character’s Sam Neil as Alan Grant, Laura Dern as Ellie Sattler and of course, Jeff Goldblum as Ian Malcom. I don’t know how one would make an extended universe out of such a simple (but gold) concept as Jurassic Park, but it definitely felt like someone was trying
Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness ($26,929,688)
Sam Raimi returns to Marvel to direct Benedict Cumberbatch in a multiversal adventure that will forever be compared to Everything, Everywhere, All at once. Every nerd’s dream came true when Doctor Strange fought Wanda Maximoff and battled parallel versions of The Avengers. But, it just didn’t quite hit the mark to make number one.
Minions: The Rise of Gru ($29,874,363)
Look, I didn’t see this movie. But I did see how fancy everyone was dressing to go see it in the cinema, so I assume even Stanley Kubrick would have been at opening night with his jaw at the floor.
Thor: Love and Thunder ($30,349,009)
At lucky number 2 comes Chris Hemsworth’s fourth outing as the god of thunder and Taika Waiti’s second Thor film. Love and Thunder saw the return of Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster, alongside the crew of quirky hooligans introduced in Ragnarok. Except this time, Foster is also blessed with the power of Thor!
Unfortunately, the film hits a few too many comedic beats for the audience to take the drama seriously and it is bogged down by excessive visual effects. Regardless, the grossing was enough to keep Marvel satisfied and I’d happily watch Hemsworth take the character in a new direction in a fifth film.
Top Gun: Maverick ($62,560,639)
Nearly grossing double in comparison to number two, it should be no surprise that the action-packed sequel to 1986’s Top Gun took the spot. Tom Cruise returns as the understandably cocky Maverick, but this time he is tasked with training a new group of pilots for a near impossible mission. With a great cast, uncomparable action sequences and an epic soundtrack; the film is a perfect homage to the original and deserves to be played only on big screens.
