Hard to beat the Ruger 10/22 series for versatility and aftermarket enhancements.
If you want a semi-auto more unique and “ah” worthy with a history and heritage consider the Remington 552 Speedmaster BDL. Still in production, but a bit pricey.
I have one of the original ones, over 50 years old, shown below. It’s been in my family since purchased new back in the early ‘60s. They have a long tube magazine and can shoot any .22 short, long or .22lr interchangeably, and are extremely reliable. Will likely continue to increase in value whether you buy a new one, or snag a good used one.
The advantage the 552 and earlier 550-1 (got one of those, too) is not only will they fire and cycle shorts, but will also fire and cycle all subsonic .22 ammo, something the 10/22 cannot do.
But, if you just want a knockabout .22lr semiauto for regular .22lr ammo, the 10/22 is the hands down choice.