The Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Midyear Report.
Each writer ranks his or her top 15 films or series in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five.
5. THE BATMAN
The Batman not only excels in its technical aspects and as a kick-ass detective caper, it also succeeds in re-defining the character as a pop culture artifact. In thematically establishing vengeance as a force for infection rather than inspiration, director Matt Reeves reckons with who Batman is largely understood to be to the mainstream, and challenges his audience to look for something more in him than just a crime-fighting vigilante. - Jacob
4. STRANGER THINGS: SEASON FOUR - PART ONE
The first part of Stranger Things’ fourth season is possibly the series’ best (or, at the very least, darkest) entry yet. It’s scarier, sadder, and deeper than previous seasons, and showcases the cast’s talent to an even better degree than before. The show remains a cultural touchstone, and based on “Running Up That Hill”‘s nearly 40-years-later success, it’s safe to say Stranger Things has been one of the most impactful pieces of media released so far this year. - Joseph
3. CHA CHA REAL SMOOTH
AppleTV+ could potentially have another Best Picture nominee on their hands with Cha Cha Real Smooth, one of the year’s biggest surprises. It’s a delightful coming-of-age dramedy that is charming, heartwarming, and grounded from start to finish. Anyone can relate to this film, which is what makes it so special. It has a great ensemble, featuring Dakota Johnson, Leslie Mann, and newcomer Vanessa Burghardt, while director/writer/star Cooper Raiff is forging an exciting path as a filmmaker to keep an eye on. - Paige
2. TOP GUN: MAVERICK
If you want to know just how good Top Gun: Maverick is, consider this: it’s Tom Cruise’s first movie to open at over $100 million and his first movie to cross the billion dollar threshold. For an actor generally regarded as the last true Movie Star, that is remarkable. And with the completely earned sequel story, thrilling aerial stunts, and heartfelt emotional beats, it shouldn’t be too surprising that it also is one of the best movies of the year. - Quentin
1. EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE
Everything Everywhere All at Once is the best movie of the year, plain and simple. It’s a singular story with singular characters portrayed by singular actors. For a multiverse movie, that is a feat beyond anything you’ve ever experienced. Oscar nominations are a given, in every category, and it could easily win them all. - Amarú
HONORABLE MENTIONS
PEACEMAKER: SEASON ONE
MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON
SEVERANCE: SEASON ONE
HUSTLE
THE NORTHMAN
Photo Credits: Photo 1 - Warner Bros; Photo 2 - Netflix; Photo 3 - Apple TV+; Photo 4 - Paramount Pictures; Photo 5 - A24