HBO Max is now Max, but don’t fret — the movies you loved to watch on HBO Max all survived the transition. The new streaming service combines what was on HBO Max and Discovery+ into one giant streamer, but it maintains the stellar library of films that made HBO Max a favorite of cinephiles. And if you’re trying to figure out what to watch on Max, you’ve come to the right place.
Below, we’ve assembled a list of the best movies available to stream on Max right now, from comedies to blockbusters to rom-coms to Oscar-winning dramas and beyond. Since first launching in 2020, HBO Max quickly solidified itself as lowkey one of the best streaming services around, with a robust library of some genuinely great movies past and present to choose from. It now has a different name, but it’s a true bounty of choice with plenty of older films alongside bona fide new releases.
Take a look at our curated list of the best movies on Max below. This list will be updated weekly with new titles, so be sure to check back often.
Heretic
A24 released “Heretic,” easily the best, spookiest movie they put out last year, after Halloween. A baffling choice, for sure, but one that still paid off – the movie made almost $60 million worldwide on a budget of only $10 million. (This is not account for the fun merchandise that A24 released on their official shop, like a blueberry pie candle and a puzzle book.) If you missed the movie in its initial release or want to revisit in an attempt to uncover hidden secrets (and there definitely are those), now is your chance. “Heretic” has a deceptively simple premise – a pair of young Mormon missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) visit the home of a grandfatherly British man (Hugh Grant). But after chatting with him briefly they realize something is very wrong and that he’s ensnared them in a sadistic debate around faith and what happens after death. It’s rare for a horror movie to base its scares around competing philosophies, but here writer/directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods pull it off brilliantly. Aided by the graceful cinematography of Chung Chung-hoon and an unsettling score by Chris Bacon, “Heretic” excels brilliantly at creeping you the hell out. It could be a future cult classic. It certainly deserves to be.
Sing Sing
Nominated for three Oscars including Best Actor for Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing” is a film whose premise doesn’t do it justice. It is soulful and tearjerking but also grounded and true-to-life as it tells the story of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at a Maximum Security Prison through the eyes of a man whose parole is coming up. Domingo is incredible as the leader of this small group, while Greg Kwedar’s deft direction does justice to the story without it feeling exploitative.
Paddington
Truly a perfect film for all ages, 2014’s “Paddington” is far better than it has any right to be. Based on the Paddington Bear doll, the film tells the story of a mild-mannered bear who moves to London where he’s taken in by a kind yet somewhat cautious family. Shenanigans ensue as Paddington seeks out an explorer who once offered his family an invitation to come to London, all while he’s hunted by an evil taxidermist played by Nicole Kidman. This film is full of unbridled compassion and kindness.
The Dark Knight
After successfully rebooting the Batman franchise, Christopher Nolan refined his approach with the 2008 sequel “The Dark Knight” – quite simply one of the best superhero films ever made. Heath Ledger steals the show in an Oscar-winning performance as the chaotic Joker, bringing an all-new take to the classic Batman villain that is similarly rooted in reality. The film is a direct response to the War on Terror, and in that regard is a thematically meaty affair that furthers Bruce Wayne’s story and internal conflict. That Nolan was able to handle all of this and the story of Two-Face (played by Aaron Eckhart) is still impressive all these years later.
The Wizard of Oz
After you’ve seen “Wicked” for the fourth or fifth time, why not head back to Oz with the original “Wizard of Oz?” one of the best films ever made, the 1939 film stars Judy Garland as Dorothy and was a famously fraught production, with director cast swaps galore. But the finished film is pure movie magic, a transportive fantasy packed with stunning visuals, gorgeous songs and endearing performances.
Caddo Lake
I cannot tell you about “Caddo Lake.” You don’t want me to tell you anything about “Caddo Lake.” This is a film best experienced as cold as possible. There are neat twists. It stars Dylan O’Brien and Eliza Scanlen, it takes place along the Louisiana/Texas border, and it is both thrilling and moving. That’s all you need to know. Don’t watch the trailer, don’t read the synopsis, just watch it. Trust me!
The Martian
“The Martian” is one of the most enjoyable movies Ridley Scott has ever made, and he’s made some crowdpleasers. Based on the book by Andy Weird and written by Drew Goddard, the film stars Matt Damon as an astronaut who gets stranded on Mars and must fend for himself while awaiting potential rescue from his crew. It’s a funny, thrilling and at times moving sci-fi blockbuster with an arresting lead performance from Damon, who acts opposite no one at all for the bulk of the movie. It’s got a killer supporting cast too — Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, Sebastian Stan, Michael Peña and Sean Bean all co-star. If you’re looking for a feel-good sci-fi film, this’ll do the trick.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
The “Beetlejuice” sequel is pretty good! Tim Burton returns to direct with Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara all returning as well. The story concerns Lydia’s daughter, played by Jenna Ortega, who gets wrapped up in a supernatural knot that necessitates bringing Beetlejuice back. While not as tight as the original, it keeps the practical effects and ultimately gets the job done.
How to Train Your Dragon
One of the sweetest and most compassionate animated movies of the century, 2010’s “How to Train Your Dragon” is a sweet delight. Set in a Viking village, the film follows a boy named Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel), the son of the gruff village chieftain (voiced by Gerard Butler), who befriends an injured dragon against everyone’s wishes. In this world, dragons are seen as the enemy, but Hiccup’s relationship with his new pal – who he names Toothless – provides a path to greater empathy.
Lady Bird
Coming-of-age movies are a dime a dozen, but “Lady Bird” stands among the best of the best. Writer-director Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film is a triumph of storytelling as it chronicles the journey of a smart high school senior (played by Saoirse Ronan) who struggles through various strained relationships as she prepares to go to college. Set in Sacramento, the film draws from Gerwig’s youth as it captures a wickedly relatable teen story that traverses the love, heartbreak, and loss that come with growing up. The movie scored five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Ronan.
Dune: Part Two
One of the best sci-fi sequels ever made, “Dune: Part Two” adapts the second half of Frank Herbert’s novel with the same creative team (and cast) back from the first “Dune.” That includes visionary director Denis Villeneuve who steers the story of an anti-hero’s rise as Timothee Chalamet’s Paul Atreides is painted as a complex figure whose quest for revenge and power takes him down a dangerous path. Austin Butler and Florence Bugh are brilliant additions to the ensemble, Zendaya gets a chance to really shine and Rebecca Ferguson is perfectly witchy as Chalamet’s mother who aims to spread the gospel that her son is a true messiah. It’s also thrilling as heck, with truly stunning sci-fi action throughout.
The Harry Potter Franchise
All eight films in the “Harry Potter” franchise are currently streaming on HBO Max, making for a fulfilling binge-viewing if you so desire. The eight-part series still stands as one of the best and most complete film franchises of all time, as it charts the adventures of a boy wizard from his very beginnings to his final showdown with the evil Lord Voldemort. What makes “Harry Potter” so brilliant is the films evolve and mature along with the characters, so while the first few films are bright and cheery – just like their young protagonists – the latter films are dark and complex, reflecting the characters being forced into adulthood.
Barbie
The biggest film of the year is now streaming on Max. “Barbie” is an impossibly good blockbuster. It has the care, wit and charm you’d expect from a Greta Gerwig joint, but the scale only possible with the kind of budget provided to certain IP. Margot Robbie is impeccable as she traces a journey of awareness for the titular doll, especially as it relates to Barbie’s place in the world as a woman. And Ryan Gosling once again proves he’s quietly the best comedic actor working today with his turn as himbo Ken. This movie is a dream.
All That Breathes
You can watch one of the documentaries up for this year’s Best Documentary Feature Oscar on HBO Max this month, and it’s a great one. “All That Breathes” follows two brothers living in New Delhi who capture and treat birds that are dropping from the sky due to the increasing pollution. What really makes this doc soar, though, is director Shaunauk Sen’s cinematic approach to the film. Long takes, slow pans and evocative cinematography capture life in New Delhi in a transfixing way, making the emotional twists and turns all the more impactful.
The Batman
Putting a new spin on a character like Batman is incredibly difficult, but director Matt Reeves and star Robert Pattinson accomplish this and much more in the 2022 reboot “The Batman.” The film picks up in Bruce Wayne’s second year of prowling the streets as the caped crusader, and finds him roped into an investigation into a series of killings committed by The Riddler (Paul Dano). Reeves draws from films like “Zodiac” and “All the President’s Men” to result in a process-driven (and wildly compelling) crime thriller that packs some of the most striking cinematography in the character’s history thanks to Oscar-winner Greig Fraser. And that score by Michael Giacchino is a new classic. At three hours in length this one’s quite long, but it’s the detective-driven Batman story fans have long been waiting for.
Dune
Director Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” is the kind of prestige, epic sci-fi adaptation that studios rarely make, and for that alone it’s worth seeking out. Based on the Frank Herbert novel of the same name, the film stars Timothee Chalamet as the young Paul Atreides, a man who accompanies his family House Atreides as they’re tasked with overseeing the mining of a valuable resource on the planet Arrakis. But once they arrive, they struggle against the planet’s native population and the nefarious House Harkonnen who wants its position back at all costs. This film, gorgeously crafted, is the first half of the “Dune” story with the second half adapted in the sequel “Dune: Part Two.”
Malignant
You must be on the right wavelength to enjoy “Malignant,” but if you’re down for a horror movie that plays out with a knowing wink, this might become a new favorite. From “Aquaman” and “The Conjuring” director James Wan, the film stars Annabelle Wallis as a woman who begins to have visions of people being murdered, and when she starts digging into her past she discovers disturbing secrets – all while a killer is on the loose. This thing goes from creepy horror film to murder mystery to campy monster movie and never misses a beat, and the third act is a total blast.
Singin’ in the Rain
Quite simply one of the most joyous films ever made, there’s no way that “Singin’ in the Rain” will leave you in a bad mood. Released in 1952, the film is set against the backdrop of the transition from silent films to “talkies” and revolves around three Hollywood performers: Gene Kelly is Don Lockwood, Debbie Reynolds is Kathy Selden and Donald O’Connor is Cosmo Brown. In addition to telling a compelling Hollywood-set story, the film boasts some of the most mesmerizing musical numbers ever put to film, from the acrobatics of “Make ‘Em Laugh” to Kelly’s iconic “Singin’ in the Rain.” This is a perfect feel-good movie.
The Suicide Squad
While filmmaker James Gunn brought a lighter sensibility to his “Guardians of the Galaxy” films for Marvel Studios, his DC film “The Suicide Squad” harkens back to the darkness of his earlier work. Not quite a sequel and not quite a reboot, the 2021 film largely stands alone as it follows the anti-hero team of Task Force X – which includes Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and Idris Elba’s Bloodsport – as they’re assigned to sneak into a foreign country on a top secret mission. R-rating antics abound, but there’s a surprising humanity at the center of this gloriously weird and wild superhero movie.
Spielberg
If you’re a fan of the work of Steven Spielberg, then the documentary “Spielberg” is a must-watch. The film is anchored by an interview with Spielberg himself (and his family members) as it runs through his storied career, with the filmmaker offering candid insight along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how Spielberg took the blow of “1941” or why “Catch Me If You Can” was rooted in a family secret, those answers and more are found within.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
At four hours in length, “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” is really for interested parties only, but for those with even a passing familiarity with “Man of Steel,” “Batman v. Superman” and “Wonder Woman,” this HBO Max exclusive marks a fascinating, rich and wildly different take on “Justice League” than the one that was released in theaters in 2017. Presented in six chapters with an epilogue, everyone gets more story this time around, and it’s for the better. Cyborg (Ray Fisher) provides some emotional heft; Superman (Henry Cavill) actually gets some depth; and Ben Affleck’s Batman gets more to do than half-heartedly pull together a Justice League. This film is director Zack Snyder’s unfiltered vision for better and for worse, and that includes some major teases for sequels that never came to fruition, plenty of violence and lots of slow motion. And honestly? It’s good.
No Sudden Move
Steven Soderbergh’s HBO Max original film “No Sudden Move” is a heck of a crime thriller. Set in 1954 Detroit, it stars Don Cheadle as a gangster short on cash who wants to leave town, and who reluctantly agrees to do a job that immediately goes sideways. He’s then on the run with a fellow gangster played by Benicio Del Toro, trying to figure out who he can trust and discovering who’s behind it all. The script by Ed Solomon brilliantly weaves a twist-filled story with thematic resonance, as the film uses historical context to add to the complexity of its plot and characters.
2001: A Space Odyssey
If you’re looking to watch a sci-fi classic that may or may not make your head hurt a little bit, try Stanley Kubrick’s masterful 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey.” The epic adventure takes place in the year 2001 (then the future) and follows a crew that’s sent to Jupiter after a mysterious monolith is discovered on Earth. Aboard the ship is a computer named HAL that wreaks havoc on the mission. This is one of the most visually stunning and perplexing films of all-time – a true work of art that’s open to various forms of interpretation by the time you reach the end of the journey.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
With the holiday season comes plenty of vacation time, and if you’re in for a really long binge-watch, “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy will do the trick. Peter Jackson’s epic trio of J.R.R. Tolkein adaptations remain some of the most accomplished achievements in the history of moviemaking, as this fantastical tale of a young hobbit who sets out to save the world as he knows it is crafted with ingenuity and passion to spare. Whether it’s your first or fifth time to Middle-earth, it’s a journey well worth taking. As a bonus, HBO Max offers both the theatrical versions and the richer extended versions available to stream.
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