Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping drama, an exhilarating action film, or a heart warming musical, HBO Max offers a diverse selection of movies to fit your next streaming session.
Known for its original series like
The Sopranos and
The Wire, the platform has expanded its offerings to include feature-length films that often find their way to award nominations and critical acclaim.
From iconic Westerns to the latest Oscar nominees, Max has a movie for every taste. You’ll find everything from spine-chilling horror to laugh-out-loud comedies and captivating fantasy films. Be sure to explore the extensive library, as some titles might not stay available for long.
1. Stop Making Sense
Stop Making Sense is a groundbreaking concert film directed by Jonathan Demme, capturing the innovative live performances of Talking Heads.
Filmed at the iconic Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, this 1984 rockumentary was created over four shows with a modest budget raised by the band themselves.
The film is famed for its minimalist filming style and memorable moments, such as David Byrne’s oversized suit. This approach allows the band’s artistic flair to truly shine, creating an experience that transcends traditional concert films and resonates as a unique piece of performance art. You can explore more about this concert film's 40th anniversary on
HBO Max.
2. Mad Max
Mad Max, the film that launched a genre-defining franchise, initially seemed like a standalone project.
Directed by George Miller and starring Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky, the narrative explores a law enforcer seeking vengeance against a notorious biker gang. Max’s tragic loss of his family sets the stage for his transformation into a relentless avenger in a lawless, post-apocalyptic world.
The series has expanded remarkably since its inception 45 years ago. Besides the original
Mad Max, you can binge-watch the sequels on Max: 1981’s
The Road Warrior, 1985’s
Beyond Thunderdome, and 2015’s
Fury Road.
An exciting development for fans is the upcoming release of
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, featuring Anya Taylor-Joy as Imperator Furiosa. This highly anticipated addition to the series premieres later this month, continuing the legacy of intense action and sociopolitical commentary that
Mad Max pioneered.
3. The Killing of a Sacred Deer
The Killing of a Sacred Deer by director Yorgos Lanthimos, known for works like
Poor Things, combines dark humor with unsettling drama.
You will follow the life of Steven Murphy, played by Colin Farrell, a respected surgeon. His seemingly perfect life, complete with a loving wife (Nicole Kidman) and children, begins to unravel after he meets Martin, portrayed by Barry Keoghan.
Martin is an awkward teenager dealing with the loss of his father, and what starts as a compassionate gesture by Murphy quickly turns into a nightmarish scenario reminiscent of
Sophie’s Choice. Lanthimos' unique style masterfully blends comedy with deep emotional moments, making this film an evocative experience.
4. The Zone of Interest
In 1943, Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel), the commandant of Auschwitz, oversaw the horrific workings of the concentration camp. When he returned home, he entered the so-called Zone of Interest, a place eerily close to the camp.
Here, Höss resided with his wife Hedwig (Sandra Hüller) and their five children.
Daily life for the Höss family involved an attempt to build an idyllic existence within their household.
Background noise, such as the sounds of gunshots, arriving trains, and burning furnaces, was a constant reminder of the realities just beyond their walls. This unsettling juxtaposition captures the chilling essence of Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar-winning film, presenting a stark contrast between domestic normalcy and unimaginable brutality.
5. Black Swan
Natalie Portman delivers a remarkable performance in
Black Swan, a dark ballet drama directed by Darren Aronofsky.
Portraying Nina Sayers, a dedicated dancer with the New York City Ballet, Portman's character lives under the shadow of her overbearing mother, played by Barbara Hershey.
Her mother’s own failed ballet career drives her to push Nina towards artistic perfection.
Nina's world dramatically changes when she secures the lead role in a new production of
Swan Lake. The twist? She shares the role with Lily, portrayed by
Mila Kunis.
Lily, an adventurous and carefree dancer, becomes both a close companion and a fierce competitor. This duality propels Nina into a spiral of obsession and rivalry.
Aronofsky’s directing amplifies Nina's emotional turmoil, making you experience every intense moment.
As Nina's grip on reality weakens, the film skillfully integrates surreal elements with her deepening madness, capturing the viewer’s attention throughout the narrative.
Black Swan stands out as a masterpiece in both psychological horror and modern cinema.
6. Good Time
Good Time is regarded as an exceptionally underrated film from the past couple of decades.
Released in 2017, the movie stars Robert Pattinson and is directed by the Safdie Brothers, Benny and Josh.
Pattinson plays Connie Nikas, a small-time criminal always seeking his next big opportunity. His partner in crime is his developmentally disabled brother Nick, portrayed by Benny Safdie.
Their story centers around a bank robbery that goes awry, leading to Nick's arrest.
Connie is then thrust into a relentless struggle to rescue his brother.
The narrative is fast-paced and gripping, reminiscent of the frantic energy found in another Safdie Brothers’ film,
Uncut Gems.
As you watch, you will feel the tension and urgency that drive Connie to take drastic measures.
If you're seeking a visceral and thrilling crime drama,
Good Time is a compelling choice. Now available on Max, it is an excellent opportunity for both first-time viewers and those wanting to revisit its thrilling sequences.
7. Wonka
Timothée Chalamet plays Willy Wonka in a delightful origin story driven by Roald Dahl’s imaginative chocolatier.
Directed by Paul King, known for
Paddington, this film offers a new take on the character. While it doesn't quite capture the magic of Gene Wilder's performance in
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, it is certainly an improvement over Tim Burton’s 2005 version.
8. Dream Scenario
Nicolas Cage's portrayal of Paul Matthews in
Dream Scenario is a standout example of his versatility.
Cage plays an unremarkable biology professor who becomes an overnight sensation after appearing in the dreams of strangers. This unexpected twist propels him into viral fame, offering a fascinating look at both the allure and pitfalls of sudden celebrity.
Critics have commended Cage's performance, arguing it ranks among his finest.
The role navigates complex themes, combining humor with a deeper exploration of fame's impact.
For those familiar with Cage's work,
Dream Scenario is a must-watch, showcasing how he expertly balances various emotional layers to deliver a compelling narrative.
9. The Green Knight
David Lowery, known for movies like
Pete’s Dragon and
Peter Pan & Wendy, brings a fresh perspective to the Arthurian legend in
The Green Knight.
This fantasy-adventure film features Dev Patel as Sir Gawain, the nephew of King Arthur.
Sheltered and privileged, Gawain seeks a way to prove himself. When a chance arises to demonstrate his prowess as a warrior, he eagerly accepts, despite being unprepared for the trials ahead.
The plot explores themes of bravery, honor, and self-discovery as Gawain embarks on a dangerous quest to confront the Green Knight, a mysterious giant who is part human, part tree.
10. Dicks: The Musical
A24, known for films like
Moonlight and
Ex Machina, brings you an unconventional musical based on the off-Broadway show
Fucking Identical Twins.
In this musical, Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp, who both co-wrote and star, play two coworkers who discover they are long-lost twins. They hatch a wild scheme to reunite their parents, portrayed by Nathan Lane and Megan Mullally, in a plot reminiscent of
Parent Trap. Megan Thee Stallion takes on the role of their boss.
Filled with bold humor and adult themes, this musical is unapologetically bold. If you’re sensitive to explicit language, you might find this one challenging.
11. Barbie
Directed by Greta Gerwig,
Barbie brings a fresh and dynamic approach to the beloved doll's story.
Barbie, portrayed by Margot Robbie, enjoys an idyllic existence in Barbieland until unforeseen glitches in her perfect world prompt a journey to the real world—Los Angeles.
This mission has her investigating the source of her troubles and restoring her fabulous life.
The film has enjoyed immense popularity, grossing nearly $1.5 billion globally, which suggests you've likely watched it already.
Its innovative narrative and remarkable performances make it worth revisiting, particularly given its surprising Oscar snubs.
Barbie seamlessly blends humor, adventure, and thoughtful social commentary.
12. Fargo
Fargo showcases Frances McDormand in her first Oscar-winning role as Marge Gunderson, an assertive and very pregnant police chief in Brainerd, Minnesota.
The story unfolds as Marge investigates a baffling crime scene that leads her to Jerry Lundegaard (played by William H. Macy), a desperate car salesman embroiled in a dangerous scheme to secure a large sum of money.
Jerry's plot brings him into contact with two ruthless criminals, portrayed by Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare, who possess little concern for human life.
The film, directed by the Coen brothers, blends dark humor with stark violence, creating moments that are simultaneously horrific and absurdly funny. An unforgettable scene involves a murderer disposing of a body with a wood chipper, turning a gruesome act into a disturbingly comical situation.
13. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
In
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, directed by Sergio Leone, you witness Clint Eastwood as a mysterious figure teaming up with Eli Wallach's Mexican outlaw. Their partnership holds more questions than answers.
The film, enhanced by Ennio Morricone's iconic score, offers clever plot twists and stellar performances. This cinematic gem maintains its status as a timeless classic.
14. Eastern Promises
David Cronenberg's
Eastern Promises offers a gripping and intense cinematic experience.
Viggo Mortensen shines as Nikolai, a formidable enforcer for a notorious crime family in London. His life takes a turn when a compassionate midwife, played by Naomi Watts, starts probing into the mysterious death of a woman linked to Nikolai's employers.
This film diverges from Cronenberg’s usual surreal style, opting instead for a more action-packed narrative that keeps you engaged.
The addition of physical confrontations, including Mortensen’s memorable fight scenes, intensifies the story, making it a must-watch thriller.
15. RoboCop
From the mind of director Paul Verhoeven,
RoboCop presents a dystopian vision of Detroit plagued by rampant crime.
The story follows officer Alex Murphy, portrayed by Peter Weller, who suffers a brutal attack. After being critically injured, he is transformed into a cybernetic law enforcer.
Although some of the special effects might now seem dated, they were cutting-edge when the film was released in 1987.
If you’re captivated by the original
RoboCop, you can continue your journey with its two sequels and the 2014 reboot available on
Max.
16. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Among the numerous
Star Trek films available on Max,
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan stands out as a must-see. This film revitalized the entire franchise and set the stage for
Star Trek: The Next Generation.
J.J. Abrams attempted to reboot this classic with
Star Trek Into Darkness, but the original remains unmatched for its impact and storytelling. If you haven't watched it yet, it's highly recommended to do so before it leaves the streaming service.
17. Jodorowsky’s Dune
Alejandro Jodorowsky, the Chilean-French filmmaker, embarked on an ambitious project to adapt Frank Herbert’s
Dune. He aimed to involve iconic artists such as
H. R. Giger for character designs and
Pink Floyd for the soundtrack.
Perhaps most audaciously, he envisioned
Salvador Dalí taking on a role in the film. His vision extended to a film length of approximately 14 hours.
Although the film never materialized, Frank Pavich's documentary captures this incredible journey. You can explore more about this fascinating endeavor by watching
Jodorowsky's Dune.
18. Albert Brooks: Defending My Life
Albert Brooks is often celebrated as a comedian's comedian. Known for directing iconic comedies like
Defending Your Life,
Lost in America,
Real Life, and
Mother, Brooks has also made his mark as a brilliant actor, earning an Oscar nomination.
This documentary, directed by his longtime friend Rob Reiner, captures Brooks' unique talent. The film features insights and accolades from notable figures such as David Letterman, Steven Spielberg, Sarah Silverman, Judd Apatow, Chris Rock, Larry David, and Ben Stiller, highlighting Brooks’ profound impact on comedy.
19. Dune
Frank Herbert's
Dune has seen several cinematic attempts, but it wasn't until Denis Villeneuve's 2021 adaptation that the story truly captivated audiences, even winning six Oscars.
Set in the distant future, in the year 10191, the narrative revolves around the planet Arrakis, home to the universe’s most precious resource, melange, also known as spice. This unique substance is central to the plot, with its control linked to the fate of the galaxy.
You follow the journey of Paul Atreides, portrayed by Kyle MacLachlan, the young heir of a powerful duke. Paul finds himself thrust into a world of political intrigue and danger as he attempts to protect his family and the spice supply on Arrakis.
Villeneuve's adaptation, with its stunning visuals and faithful representation of Herbert's themes, has gained widespread praise and is available on
Max.
David Lynch's earlier version of
Dune has resurfaced in popular culture, now appreciated for its surreal and distinctly Lynchian style, even though it was initially met with less enthusiasm. This resurgence has sparked renewed interest in comparing the two adaptations, especially given the different directorial visions and interpretations of the intricate source material.
20. Furious 7
You might think that many of the
Fast & Furious films blend together with their similar themes of car chases, fistfights, and street races.
Furious 7, though, stands out for a few significant reasons.
This installment is known for the daring scene where the crew drops their cars from a cargo plane. Moreover, this film holds a special place as it features Paul Walker's final performance in the series after his untimely death in 2013. It’s a touching tribute and one of the series' finest moments.
21. Carrie
Carrie, directed by Brian De Palma in 1976, stands as a chilling adaptation of Stephen King's debut novel. Nearly five decades later, this film continues to terrify new generations. The story revolves around
Carrie White, portrayed by Sissy Spacek, a reclusive and introverted teen who becomes the target of her high school's social clique.
22. Pulp Fiction
If you’re a movie fan, odds are you've already seen Quentin Tarantino's iconic
Pulp Fiction. This film is a favorite for many who enjoy revisiting its complex narrative and unforgettable characters like Jules, Vincent, Honey Bunny, and Marsellus Wallace.
Max offers
Pulp Fiction for streaming, one of the few Tarantino movies available on the platform. Whether you're reminiscing about the diner scene or the pawn shop sequence, you'll find the film's intertwining stories and unique dialogue endlessly engaging. Although a full Tarantino marathon might not be possible on Max, the experience of watching
Pulp Fiction stands strong on its own.
23. Avatar: The Way of Water
James Cameron's sequel to
Avatar takes place 16 years after the original 2009 film. You follow Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), who are now married and have children.
The sequel, titled
Avatar: The Way of Water, doesn’t quite generate the same buzz as its predecessor but still managed to surpass Cameron's own
Titanic along with all the
Star Wars movies. It has become the third-highest-grossing movie ever, with only
Avatar and
Avengers: Endgame ahead. For more details, you can check out
Avatar: The Way of Water on HBO.
24. Reality
In 2017, an intelligence report on Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election was leaked. The following year, Reality Winner, a former NSA translator, faced charges for this act and received a prison sentence exceeding five years—unprecedented for a government whistleblower.
Sydney Sweeney, known for her roles in
Euphoria and
The White Lotus, delivers a compelling performance in this factual narrative. The film unfolds in real-time as the FBI arrives at Winner's door and conducts over an hour-long interrogation, capturing the tension and stakes of the situation.
25. Parasite
Parasite, a remarkable film by Bong Joon-ho, is unique for being the only non-English-language movie to win the Best Picture Oscar, highlighting its wide-ranging themes.
Following the Kim family, who are struggling financially, the plot uncovers their elaborate plan to infiltrate the wealthy Park family. The Parks, despite their wealth, face their own set of challenges.
The movie is skillfully layered with themes of class struggle and social commentary. The story is unpredictable, with unexpected shifts in its narrative. Bong Joon-ho masterfully guides you through twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. His ability to surprise and engage audiences is unparalleled, making
Parasite a must-watch film that leaves a lasting impression.
26. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed presents a compelling view of Nan Goldin, capturing her dual identity as both artist and activist.
Goldin's photography vividly chronicles significant crises in America, such as the HIV/AIDS and opioid epidemics. Despite her acclaim, she faces a profound dilemma: should she permit her work to be displayed in museums funded by the Sackler family, whose pharmaceutical practices are widely criticized for contributing to the opioid crisis?
This film portrays an artist deeply committed to her principles, showing her readiness to jeopardize professional opportunities to stand firm in her beliefs. Through this lens, you gain an intimate look at the ethical conflicts that define Goldin's career.
27. The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan, stands out prominently in the Batman trilogy. If you’re planning a movie marathon, all three films are available on Max.
However, the second installment is often considered the pinnacle of the series. Christian Bale reprises his role as Batman, but it is Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker that steals the spotlight.
Ledger’s performance, blending dark humor with sheer madness, is a key reason why this film is so compelling. Tragically, Ledger passed away six months before the movie’s release but received a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The Dark Knight remains a landmark superhero movie, celebrated for its complex characters and intense narrative.
28. Hereditary
Hereditary, directed by Ari Aster, takes psychological horror to unprecedented levels.
You follow Annie Graham, a miniature artist portrayed by Toni Collette. She lives with her psychiatrist husband and their two children, Peter and Charlie.
Everything changes after Annie’s estranged mother passes away.
The film quickly immerses you in questions about Annie's sanity, her husband's competence as a psychiatrist, and the odd behavior of her children.
The movie introduces you to unsettling elements like Charlie’s mysterious clicking noise and ominous occurrences in the family's car, which escalate the tension.
Ari Aster’s directorial style sets him apart, making him a noteworthy figure in modern horror cinema.
If you’re interested in more of his work, his second film,
Midsommar, is also available for streaming.
I miss who I was before my last relationship. He always hooked up with white girls behind my back. I never had anything against them I’m not racist but I’m fucking Mexican, I know I’m not ugly I’ve been compared to Kali Uchis, and Kim Kardashian which are very beautiful women. I could never be like a white girl tho. One day I told him I didn’t think I was his type bc all he did was get with white girls behind my back and he told me I was and that he did like me. Next day he goes on snapchat and I had the urge to tell him to look someone up to make sure he didn’t have them added, on snapchat it shows the history of who’ve you searched and you can basically tell what they look like because of the bitmojis. The history was literally all white girls like a row of just 8 white girls.
Idk now when I see a white girl online I just think about how my ex would probably think they’re so pretty. It’s been a year and a half since I’ve even been with him and it still crosses my mind every time I see a white girl. At this point it’s driving me insane.
With this level of show popularity, I would expect the paps to be all over these two 24/7. We need their telephoto lenses zoomed in and getting us answers! 📸 If Kim Kardashian can call them and get coverage, we should be able to request they focus on Lukola! Who’s with me?! 🤪😆