My Top 13 Favorite First Time Watches Of 2022

 

 

After successfully reaching my goal of watching over 500 films last year, I decided to give myself a nice break from movie tracking (which I did successfully for like five years or more). But I have been keeping track of my first time watches this year, so I could make this nice list. As usual, my criteria for best first time watches of the year (because there were so many great ones yet again) is that I have to have loved the film AND I can't wait to see it again. Sometimes I see something that blew me away, but I don't when I'd go back for that second viewing. Heck, there are some that I might never watch again! What a concept.

The Big Winners

Godzilla Vs. King Ghidorah (1991) - Totally wild tale of kaiju, aliens, time travel, and cyborgs. The plot doesn't care about them there pesky ass paradoxes. All it cares about is blowing your dang mind. I can't believe how long it took me to watch this wonderful thing.

Raiders of Atlantis (1983) - Wacko action/sci-fi madness and easily my favorite thing I've seen from the late Ruggero Deodato. The cast is awesome and the plot is outrageous, and that score by De Angelis is wonderful.

Leprechaun 3 (1995) - I had only ever watched part of the first Leprechaun film on cable once, and I saw enough to know the series was not for me. Well, that all changed when LeEtta and I got desperate for some St. Patrick's Day horror stuff. I still don't like the first film all that much or the second. But hot damn, part 3 is where it's at! The whole thing is just bonkers.

Once Upon a Crime (1992) - I have a vague memory of when this came out, but somehow it eluded me for years. Once Upon a Crime was certainly worth the wait, because I doubt I would've appreciated it as a kid.

Blood and Lace (1971) - My pal Brad kept telling me that I was going to love this one and he was not wrong. Like not even a little wrong at all. This one is such a demented little proto-slasher with lots of weirdos characters and a kooky plot. Truly amazing trash.

Get Crazy (1983) - A super charming and goofy New Year's Eve concert film that must be seen to be believed. I really can't wait to see this one again.

The Final Terror (1983) - Now this is early 80s slasher perfection. I can't believe that I slept on this one for many damn years. It didn't help that I was mixing it up with at least two other slashers released around the same time.

Children of the Night (1991) - This charming slice of strange from Fangoria Films made me so damn happy. If you think you've seen it all, just keep digging and you'll get rewarded with some unique and fun stuff like this. Children of the Night would make a great Peter DeLuise double feature when paired up with The Midnight Hour (1985).

Phantom of the Mall: Eric's Revenge (1989) - What a treat! I had been under the impression that I'd seen this one before. But I definitely had not! This one has got some crazy energy to it. 80s as all heck and very entertaining.

The Brain (1988) - I kept confusing The Brain with Frank Henenlotter's Brain Damage (1988), which I only just watched very recently. The Brain is pretty darn wild and weird. And this is a bonus Christmas movie. It's subtle, but it's there. Jingle jingle.

The Initiation of Sarah (1978) - I am a sucker for made-for-TV horror movies as everyone should be. This profoundly dumb schlock has a great cast and two movies packed into it, despite having no time for either to develop. Glad I waited for the Arrow Blu-ray.

Deadly Games (1982) - I love when a slasher movie is way more concerned about the lives of and relationships of the characters than the actual stalking and slashing. Plus, Deadly Games has an odd vibe to it and bonus, it also has some choice giallo imagery! 

Scanners III: The Takeover (1991) - I can't stop thinking about this insanely stupid garbage. It ain't good and rides the line of being awful, but it's just so damn entertaining and truly off-the-wall.

And here is the Not So Much Winners list. All of these films are ones that I heartily recommend, but I am in no rush to see them again in the near or far future. So, unlike the above list which was not arranged in any way, these are arranged from the ones I'm most likely to rewatch someday at the top, and then down to the ones I'd likely not watch again.

The Not So Much Winners

The Peacock King (1988) - More big concept insanity from the director or Story of Ricky (1991).

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993) - Convoluted in the best way and all-around fun stuff.

Alien from L.A. (1988) - A silly and charming mess from Albert Pyun (RIP).

Voyage of the Rock Aliens (1984) - Despite being just a tad too long, this is completely outrageous with a strong "what the hell did I just watch?" vibe.

See How They Run (2022) - A funny whodunit that is straight up good times. Sam Rockwell for the win.

The Band Wagon (1953) - If you're in the mood for a nutty musical with a contrived love story, you could definitely do worse. 

Halloween Ends (2022) - A breath of fresh air and my favorite of the new Halloween trilogy.

Dark Glasses (2022) - Our good buddy Dario Argento gave us a nice treat this year. While it didn't blow the doors off the place, it felt like a good return to form.

Shock 'Em Dead (1991) - Heavy metal horror that will destroy your brain cells.

Christmas in July (1940) - Charming and very funny comedy. Seek it out.

Def by Temptation (1990) - A huge surprise and just magical.

Rubber (2010) - What the actual frickin' frick is this? Seriously wow.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) - Totally jaw-dropping and heartfelt brilliance.

Vibrations (1996) - One of the strangest pieces of 90s crapola out there.

Cute Devil AKA Kawaii Akuma (1982) - Another Obayashi oddity. Spooky good times.

Bloodstone: Subspecies II (1993) - Better than the original and my favorite of the series.

Pearl (2022) - An outstanding film from the always reliable Ti West.

The Black Phone (2021) - Masterful storytelling, acting, and direction.

The Night House (2020) - Scary and beautiful stuff that got under my skin.

Last Night in Soho (2021) - A slam dunk in the form of a British neo-giallo.

Barbarian (2022) - A badass horror film that left me feeling thrilled and dirty.

Prey (2022) - A totally unexpected treat.

Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018) - A major tearjerker and a fine portrait of a unique and wonderful person who once walked on this planet.