It is the new year, which means cinemagoers can finally see some of the biggest and greatest upcoming movies of 2022. While fans anticipate movies like The Batman, 2022 also has several sequels coming out of the most popular franchises and series.

Sequels not only follow up on a character’s story from the previous film, but they also allow people to watch their favorite characters return to the big screen. This year is an exciting one for sequels, but there are a few special ones that fans are extra thrilled about and can’t wait to see.

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Sonic The Hedgehog 2 – April 8, 2022

Sonic returns in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 as his world expands. The iconic character allies with Tails while encountering Dr. Robotnick and his new partner, Knuckles, who have a diabolical plan.

The first movie came out in 2020, and while critics’ reviews were mixed to generally positive, it received high praise from casual moviegoers. People thoroughly enjoyed the adaptation of the beloved video game character whose story continues in the sequel. Furthermore, the film will introduce new characters, like Tails and Knuckles, to explore more of Sonic’s story.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore – April 15, 2022

The magic continues in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. Gellert Grindelwald remains a threat to the Wizarding World, so Professor Dumbledore seeks additional assistance from Newt Scamander and his team to stop him.

So far, the Fantastic Beasts series has been hit and miss with Harry Potter fans, and the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling’s tweets and the recasting of Johnny Depp as Grindelwald only made things worse. Nevertheless, it seems that the upcoming sequel is already promising with even more magical drama and beautiful creatures that showcase the essence of the fantastical world. Fans learned a great deal from the Secrets of Dumbledore trailer, and Mads Mikkelson is already convincing as Grindelwald, so it might not be that bad after all.

Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness – May 6, 2022

The multiverse story is only beginning, and the stakes are higher in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness. In it, he seeks more answers about time and the multiverse while encountering a former friend turned enemy when the world is at its most vulnerable.

While there is always hype behind any MCU movie, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is landing directly in the slipstream of Spider-Man: No Way Home, which only intensifies any anticipation for its release. Furthermore, the sequel shows the return of Scarlet Witch, who became one of the most popular characters following WandaVision and continues to become more powerful each day. Not to mention, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Madness could drastically change the MCU, making it even more exciting.

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Top Gun: Maverick – May 27, 2022

While most sequels here are from recent franchises, Top Gun: Maverick sets the return of Pete Mitchell or “Maverick” after his first rodeo in the 1980s. Today, he trains a new group of aviators and prepares them for a dangerous task.

Unfortunately, Top Gun: Maverick is one of the many films delayed several times because of the pandemic. Hopefully, the awaited sequel will release in 2022, allowing a chance for nostalgic fans to see their favorite aviator return to the big screen.

Jurassic World Dominion – June 10, 2022

2022 will also see dinosaurs back in action with Jurassic World Dominion. After Claire and Owen set the surviving dinosaurs free, the world must learn to live with them.

The Jurassic World franchise continues with Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard reprising their roles. However, the most exciting part of the upcoming sequel is the return of the original cast of Jurassic Park, including Sam Neill and Laura Dern. A prologue was released that showcases the challenges and obstacles with the dinosaurs.

Thor: Love And Thunder – July 8, 2022

Unlike most MCU characters with standalone series, Thor is the only one to have a fourth movie. While there are few details about Thor: Love and Thunder, one known thing for sure is that the MCU film will introduce Mighty Thor, played by Natalie Portman.

The Thor series became rejuvenated thanks to Taika Waititi, who restructured the character’s story arc with more humor and emotion in Ragnarok. Waititi will return as the director to focus on Thor’s life following Endgame. While Love and Thunder will have returning actors, like Portman and Tessa Thompson, it will also bring in new faces, like Christian Bale, who is portraying the antagonist Gorr the God Butcher.

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Mission: Impossible 7 – September 30, 2022

Perhaps one of the most famous movie franchises in history is the Mission: Impossible series. In Mission: Impossible 7, Ethan Hunt is back with his team, probably saving the world again from imminent threats.

Currently, there is little information about the premise, although fans should anticipate the wild and mind-blowing action typical of the series. Of course, Mission: Impossible 7 will see returning cast members, including Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Rebecca Ferguson. While the upcoming sequel will hopefully release in September, another sequel, Mission: Impossible 8, is already in development.

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (Part One) – October 7, 2022

Many people love Spider-Man, but there was something special about Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The film delved into the Spider-Verse storyline while focusing on a new Spidey character, Miles Morales. Into the Spider-Verse received universal acclaim for its unique style, visual effects, emotional and developed story, and Morales’ character development.

Of course, the original movie opened up room for a sequel and Sony Pictures has already released an Across the Spider-Verse teaser with many exciting reveals. Without a doubt, fans are super excited for the movie, which will continue the multiverse storyline. Furthermore, it will be the first of two parts.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – November 11, 2022

The final MCU movie scheduled under a 2022 release is Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Black Panther became an instant hit in 2018 and scored numerous Oscar nominations and awards.

Sadly, Chadwick Boseman passed away in August 2020, so it is unclear how the film will address his absence, as the studio does not plan to recast the character. However, Black Panther lives on, and Ryan Coogler intends to honor Boseman and the story of Wakanda, as reported by US Magazine.

Avatar 2 – December 16, 2022

Avatar became the highest-grossing movie of all time, thanks to its visual effects, which were astonishing at the time. Now, James Cameron returns for the long-awaited sequel, Avatar 2, with a 12-year gap in between films.

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It is perhaps one of the more overdue sequels since many Avatar sequels were announced at the same time and Avatar 3 already filmed. Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana will return as Jake Sully and Neytiri, while Kate Winslet will be the newest cast member. However, there has been little information on Avatar 2‘s premise besides a bit of behind-the-scenes footage.

Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom – December 16, 2022

Aquaman left quite an impression in his first standalone movie, and now he returns for the upcoming sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Fans last remember that Arthur Curry took the throne after fighting his half-brother, Orm Marius.

So far, like other films on this list, the details of the DCEU sequel are limited, although most of the cast members from the first film will return. Although scheduled for December 16, the film does currently clash with the release of Avatar 2, so it is uncertain if the DCEU will change this. Nevertheless, fans are excited to see the King of Atlantis return to the big screen and follow his latest ventures.

Doctor Strange 2 Trailer Shows Scarlet Witch Attacking Illuminati Base

About The Author


Fariba Rezwan
(165 Articles Published)

Based in South Florida, Fariba Rezwan is a list writer for CBR and Screen Rant. Though working on her graduate degree at the University of Florida, her science education does not take away her love of movies and TV shows. She is a huge geek and considers herself a huge fan of many fandoms, including Star Wars, Marvel, Game of Thrones, Supernatural, and many more. Expect to see her watch movies on the first day they come out. While she will watch any film, she especially likes superheroes, mysteries, sci-fi, and thrillers. However, since she is in her early 20s, she also takes the time to educate herself about cinema by watching classics and well-received films. While she aspires to become a physician one day, she also hopes to try out screenwriting during her spare time.

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