{"id":5719563,"date":"2025-08-29T11:54:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T18:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/?p=5719563"},"modified":"2025-11-21T08:08:55","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T16:08:55","slug":"best-movies-on-hbo-max","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/best-movies-on-hbo-max\/","title":{"rendered":"The 33 Best Movies on HBO Max Right Now"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

HBO Max is back. After a brief name change to Max, the streaming service has been rebranded, but one thing has remained consistent through it all: this streaming service has one of the best film libraries out there. And if you\u2019re trying to figure out what to watch on HBO Max<\/a>, you\u2019ve come to the right place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, we\u2019ve 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’s a true bounty of choice with plenty of older films alongside bona fide new releases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a look at our curated list of the best movies on HBO Max below. This list will be updated weekly with new titles, so be sure to check back often.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t
\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"sofia-carson-eddie-murphy-samara-weaving\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tRead Next<\/strong>
\n\t\t\tThe Top 21 New Movies Streaming in August 2025<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Final Destination: Bloodlines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\""Final
New Line Cinema<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This movie is a bloody good time. 2025’s reboot\/sequel puts a new twist on the mythology of the “Final Destination” franchise in a way that makes the film super fun even if you haven’t seen many\/any of the other films. The set pieces are wildly elaborate but while there are some scares, directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein ensure that first and foremost the audience is having a blast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sinners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Michael
Michael B. Jordan in “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ryan Coogler’s smash-hit “Sinners” is incredible. Written and directed by the “Black Panther” filmmaker, the original film takes place in 1932 Mississippi and stars Michael B. Jordan as two twin brothers who return home from Chicago with designs on opening their own juke joint. The night of the opening, however, the festivities are interrupted by a pack of vampires, and a battle for their lives ensues. While “Sinners” is a terrific vampire movie, it’s also so much more \u2014 an emotional story of ownership, a musical romp, a coming-of-age tale and a thematically rich story of appropriation all roped into one. It’s also scary as hell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Hurt My Feelings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"you-hurt-my-feelings-julia-louis-dreyfus\"
Julia Louis-Dreyfus in “You Hurt My Feelings” (A24)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The aptly named \u201cYou Hurt My Feelings\u201d is built on a very relatable premise. Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays a successful memoirist who has just written her first novel, and Tobias Menzies is her supportive therapist husband. But one day, she overhears her husband revealing what he really <\/em>thinks about her book to a friend \u2013 that it\u2019s not good. Nicole Holofcener\u2019s warm comedy is about the white lies we tell our loved ones, and what happens when they find out the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freaky Tales<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"freaky-tales\"
Pedro Pascal in “Freaky Tales” (Courtesy of Lionsgate)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This movie flew way under the radar after premiering at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, but \u201cFreaky Tales\u201d is a blast. The film is a \u201cPulp Fiction\u201d-like anthology set in 1987 Oakland, California. In one story, Pedro Pascal is a criminal running from his past. In another, punk teens are battling literal Nazis. And in another, two young women are preparing for a rap battle. Everything converges in an explosive, violent finale that\u2019s impossible to see coming. A nice curveball from \u201cCaptain Marvel\u201d filmmakers Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mickey 17<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"mickey-17-robert-pattinson\"
Warner Bros.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How do you follow up a beloved, Oscar-winning hit? If you\u2019re South Korean auteur Bong Joon-ho, you write that blank check and have Warner Bros. pay for a deeply insane sci-fi extravaganza where you cast Robert Pattinson, objectively one of the most charming and attractive people on planet earth, as a weird little guy doing a silly voice. In \u201cMickey 17,\u201d Pattinson plays Mickey, a loser who has failed his life on earth to the point that he signs up to be an \u201cexpendable\u201d on a deep-space mission to a hostile alien world. He does only the most dangerous tasks and, afterwards, gets printed anew. When the movie starts, we\u2019re on the 17th Mickey clone, and this one has a more fruitful adventure, communing with an alien species on the planet (kind of like how Dory talks to whales) and clashing with the egotistical leader of the mission (a wildly over-the-top Mark Ruffalo). \u201cMickey 17\u201d might not be for everyone, but if you\u2019re a fan of Bong\u2019s filmography and big, creative swings, then you will most likely adore it. \u201cMickey 17\u201d forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Brutalist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Adrien
Adrien Brody in “The Brutalist” (A24)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Brutalist\u201d won three Oscars in March \u2013 Best Actor for Adrien Brody and Best Cinematography and Best Score \u2013 and now you can finally stream this three-hour epic at home. Brady Corbet\u2019s film begins in 1947 and chronicles the journey of L\u00e1szl\u00f3 T\u00f3th, a Hungarian-Jewish architect forced out of his homeland during the Holocaust who tries to build a new life in America. Guy Pearce is menacing as a wealthy industrialist who aims to bankroll T\u00f3th to design something beautiful, while Felicity Jones is towering as T\u00f3th\u2019s wife, also a survivor. While the runtime can be daunting, the film plays more like a symphony, divided into two parts with an intermission. As its epic scope plays out, you can\u2019t help but be mesmerized. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hunger Games Franchise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"the-hunger-games-woody-harrelson-jennifer-lawrence\"
Woody Harrelson and Jennifer Lawrence in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay” (Lionsgate)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What better way to prepare for next year’s new “Hunger Games” movie than by revisiting the franchise so far? Max has the first four films — “The Hunger Games,” “Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay” Parts 1 and 2. The series peaks at “Catching Fire,” but taken as a whole is still a surprisingly thoughtful and compelling tale about rebellion and fascistic government overrreach. Jennifer Lawrence is terrific, but the supporting cast is no slouch either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parasite<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Parasite\"
“Parasite” (Neon)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Filmmaker Bong Joon-ho\u2019s \u201cParasite\u201d dominated the Oscars in 2020, and for good reason. This shocking, funny, dramatic and deeply emotional story follows two very different families and tackles the socio-economic divide in a way rarely seen. \u201cParasite\u201d is about a down-on-their-luck family who infiltrates a well-to-do family one by one \u2013 the son serves as the family\u2019s tutor, the father is the rich dad\u2019s driver, etc. all without the rich family knowing these people are related. But Joon-ho then twists the story on its head, chronicling the illusion of socio-economic mobility in striking, heartbreaking detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inception<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Leonardo DiCaprio in “Inception” (Warner Bros.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in the mood to watch a mind-bending thriller, you can\u2019t go wrong with Christopher Nolan\u2019s 2010 blockbuster \u201cInception.\u201d Written and directed by Nolan, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a professional thief who is proficient in performing heists within the subconscious of individuals who are subdued. He\u2019s offered one last job in exchange for his freedom, and assembles a crew to perform a task thought near-impossible \u2014 planting an idea inside someone\u2019s head. Marion Cotillard, Elliot Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, and Michael Caine co-star in this action-packed adventure with surprising emotional heft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heretic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Sophie
Sophie Thatcher in “Heretic” (CREDIT: A24)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A24 released \u201cHeretic,\u201d easily the best, spookiest movie they put out last year, after Halloween. A baffling choice, for sure, but one that still paid off \u2013 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. \u201cHeretic\u201d has a deceptively simple premise \u2013 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\u2019s ensnared them in a sadistic debate around faith and what happens after death. It\u2019s 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, \u201cHeretic\u201d excels brilliantly at creeping you the hell out. It could be a future cult classic. It certainly deserves to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sing Sing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Colman
“Sing Sing” (A24)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nominated for three Oscars including Best Actor for Colman Domingo, \u201cSing Sing\u201d is a film whose premise doesn\u2019t 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\u2019s deft direction does justice to the story without it feeling exploitative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fight Club<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"fight-club-brad-pitt-edward-norton\"
20th Century Fox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

David Fincher’s “Fight Club” is a wonderfully revered and woefully misunderstood film. Taken at surface value, it’s an angsty, violet and darkly comedic tale of an office drone worker (Edward Norton) coaxed out of his humdrum life by the charismatic Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) to embrace chaos and vitality as he finds acceptance in a group of likeminded men. But dig deeper \u2014 and get to what Fincher was really<\/em> trying to say \u2014 and “Fight Club” is a scathing screed against consumerism and toxic masculinity, with tongue firmly in cheek. If you haven’t seen it in a while, check this one out again with that in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pee-wee as Himself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Paul
Paul Reubens in the documentary “Pee-wee as Himself” (HBO)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you think you know Pee-wee Herman, this two-part documentary will turn that on its head. One of the most insightful and revealing docs in recent memory, the film features lengthy interviews with Herman about everything<\/em>: His legacy, his closeted queerness, his legal troubles. And through it all, Herman was hiding something from the filmmakers: he was dying. The movie ends with a voice message sent to the director by Herman the day before he died, resulting in an emotional finale for a truly stunning film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dark Knight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Warner Bros.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After successfully rebooting the Batman franchise, Christopher Nolan refined his approach with the 2008 sequel \u201cThe Dark Knight\u201d \u2013 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\u2019s story and internal conflict. That Nolan was able to handle all of this and<\/em> the story of Two-Face (played by Aaron Eckhart) is still impressive all these years later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wonka<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"wonka-timothee-chalamet\"
Timothee Chalamet in “Wonka” (Warner Bros. Pictures)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“Wonka” is good! Paul King\u2019s ingenious musical origin story for the famous chocolatier (brightly played here by Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet) in the time before his magical factory. Wisely acknowledging the versions of the Roald Dahl story that came before it (particularly the Gene Wilder-led \u201cWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory\u201d) without ever becoming to reverential, \u201cWonka\u201d traces the character in his early days, as he fights against the systemic oppression of the chocolate consortium and other factors conspiring to snuff out his dream. Of course, this being Willy Wonka, his enthusiasm remains. And this being Paul King, his plan to make a splash in the chocolate world is carried out through a series of inventive, almost clockwork-like set pieces. (The songs are pretty good too.) And if you\u2019re worried about overloading on sugar,  King also maintains the weird flintiness of Roald\u2019s original story; it\u2019s spiky sometimes when you\u2019re expecting it to be smooth. The fact that King, Chalamet and the rest of the team created a new story worthy of Roald\u2019s delectable original is maybe their greatest accomplishment. Best enjoyed with a frosty glass of milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Companion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Sophie
“Companion” (Warner Bros. Pictures)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A couple takes a weekend getaway to a cabin with friends, only for the trip to get upended when it\u2019s revealed that one of the people is a companion robot. That\u2019s the plot of the fun, twisty \u201cCompanion,\u201d<\/a> which stars \u201cYellowjackets\u201d alum Sophie Thatcher as said robot and Jack Quaid as her human love interest. Written and directed by Drew Hancock, this makes for a perfect date night movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Wizard of Oz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Judy
“The Wizard of Oz” (CREDIT: Everett Collection)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After you\u2019ve seen \u201cWicked\u201d<\/a> for the fourth or fifth time, why not head back to Oz with the original \u201cWizard of Oz?\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caddo Lake<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"caddo-lake-dylan-obrien\"
Dylan O’Brien in “Caddo Lake” (Max)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I cannot tell you about “Caddo Lake.” You don’t want<\/em> 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Martian<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"the-martian\"
Matt Damon in “The Martian” (20th Century)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“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 \u2014 Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, Sebastian Stan, Michael Pe\u00f1a and Sean Bean all co-star. If you’re looking for a feel-good sci-fi film, this’ll do the trick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Beetlejuice
Winona Ryder as Lydia Deets and Michael Keaton a “mossier, skinkier” demon in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (Warner Bros.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Train Your Dragon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"how-to-train-your-dragon\"
DreamWorks Animation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the sweetest and most compassionate animated movies of the century, 2010\u2019s \u201cHow to Train Your Dragon\u201d 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\u2019s wishes. In this world, dragons are seen as the enemy, but Hiccup\u2019s relationship with his new pal \u2013 who he names Toothless \u2013 provides a path to greater empathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lady Bird<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"lady-bird-saoirse-ronan\"
A24<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Coming-of-age movies are a dime a dozen, but \u201cLady Bird\u201d stands among the best of the best. Writer-director Greta Gerwig\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dune<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Dune
Warner Bros.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Director Denis Villeneuve\u2019s \u201c<\/a>Dune<\/a>\u201d<\/a> is the kind of prestige, epic sci-fi adaptation that studios rarely make, and for that alone it\u2019s 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\u2019re tasked with overseeing the mining of a valuable resource on the planet Arrakis. But once they arrive, they struggle against the planet\u2019s 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 \u201cDune\u201d story with the second half adapted in the sequel \u201cDune: Part Two.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dune: Part Two<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"dune-part-2-zendaya-rebecca-ferguson\"
Zendaya and Rebecca Ferguson in “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros. Pictures)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Harry Potter Franchise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-2\"
Warner Bros.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

All eight films in the \u201cHarry Potter\u201d 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 \u201cHarry Potter\u201d so brilliant is the films evolve and mature along with the characters, so while the first few films are bright and cheery \u2013 just like their young protagonists \u2013 the latter films are dark and complex, reflecting the characters being forced into adulthood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barbie<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"barbie-ryan-gosling-margot-robbie\"
Warner Bros. Pictures<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The biggest film of the year is now streaming on Max. \u201cBarbie\u201d<\/a> is an impossibly good blockbuster. It has the care, wit and charm you\u2019d 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\u2019s place in the world as a woman. And Ryan Gosling once again proves he\u2019s quietly the best comedic actor working today with his turn as himbo Ken. This movie is a dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All That Breathes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"all
HBO Max<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can watch one of the documentaries up for this year\u2019s Best Documentary Feature Oscar on HBO Max this month, and it\u2019s a great one. \u201cAll That Breathes\u201d 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t
\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"immaculate-sydney-sweeney\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tRead Next<\/strong>
\n\t\t\tThe Best New Horror Movies Streaming Right Now<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Batman<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"the-batman-robert-pattinson\"
Warner Bros.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201cThe Batman.\u201d<\/a> The film picks up in Bruce Wayne\u2019s 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 \u201cZodiac\u201d and \u201cAll the President\u2019s Men\u201d to result in a process-driven (and wildly compelling) crime thriller that packs some of the most striking cinematography in the character\u2019s history thanks to Oscar-winner Greig Fraser. And that score by Michael Giacchino is a new classic. At three hours in length this one\u2019s quite long, but it\u2019s the detective-driven Batman story fans have long been waiting for.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t
\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"the-batman-matt-reeves-image\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tRead Next<\/strong>
\n\t\t\t40 Things We Learned About \u2018The Batman\u2019 From the Director\u2019s Commentary Track<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Singin\u2019 in the Rain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"singin-in-the-rain\"
MGM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Quite simply one of the most joyous films ever made, there\u2019s no way that \u201cSingin\u2019 in the Rain\u201d will leave you in a bad mood. Released in 1952, the film is set against the backdrop of the transition from silent films to \u201ctalkies\u201d and revolves around three Hollywood performers: Gene Kelly is Don Lockwood, Debbie Reynolds is Kathy Selden and Donald O\u2019Connor 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 \u201cMake \u2018Em Laugh\u201d to Kelly\u2019s iconic \u201cSingin\u2019 in the Rain.\u201d This is a perfect feel-good movie.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t
\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"it-pennywise\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tRead Next<\/strong>
\n\t\t\tHBO Max Orders \u2018It\u2019 Prequel to Series; Andy Muschietti to Direct Multiple Episodes<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Suicide Squad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"the-suicide-squad-idris-elba\"
Warner Bros.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While filmmaker James Gunn brought a lighter sensibility to his \u201cGuardians of the Galaxy\u201d films for Marvel Studios, his DC film \u201cThe Suicide Squad\u201d 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 \u2013 which includes Margot Robbie\u2019s Harley Quinn and Idris Elba\u2019s Bloodsport \u2013 as they\u2019re assigned to sneak into a foreign country on a top secret mission. R-rating antics abound, but there\u2019s a surprising humanity at the center of this gloriously weird and wild superhero movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spielberg<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a fan of the work of Steven Spielberg, then the documentary \u201cSpielberg\u201d 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\u2019ve ever wondered how Spielberg took the blow of \u201c1941\u201d or why \u201cCatch Me If You Can\u201d was rooted in a family secret, those answers and more are found within.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t
\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"steven\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tRead Next<\/strong>
\n\t\t\t7 of Steven Spielberg\u2019s Most Stunning Set Pieces, From \u2018Jaws\u2019 to \u2018The Adventures of Tintin\u2019 (Photos)<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Zack Snyder\u2019s Justice League<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"zack-snyders-justice-league\"
HBO Max<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At four hours in length, \u201cZack Snyder\u2019s Justice League\u201d is really for interested parties only, but for those with even a passing familiarity with \u201cMan of Steel,\u201d \u201cBatman v. Superman\u201d and \u201cWonder Woman,\u201d this HBO Max exclusive marks a fascinating, rich and wildly different take on \u201cJustice League\u201d 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\u2019s for the better. Cyborg (Ray Fisher) provides some emotional heft; Superman (Henry Cavill) actually gets some depth; and Ben Affleck\u2019s Batman gets more to do than half-heartedly pull together a Justice League. This film is director Zack Snyder\u2019s 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\u2019s good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No Sudden Move<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
HBO Max<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Steven Soderbergh\u2019s HBO Max original film \u201cNo Sudden Move\u201d 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\u2019s then on the run with a fellow gangster played by Benicio Del Toro, trying to figure out who he can trust and discovering who\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2001: A Space Odyssey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
MGM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking to watch a sci-fi classic that may or may not make your head hurt a little bit, try Stanley Kubrick\u2019s masterful 1968 film \u201c2001: A Space Odyssey.\u201d The epic adventure takes place in the year 2001 (then the future) and follows a crew that\u2019s 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 \u2013 a true work of art that\u2019s open to various forms of interpretation by the time you reach the end of the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
New Line Cinema<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With the holiday season comes plenty of vacation time, and if you\u2019re in for a really long binge-watch, \u201cThe Lord of the Rings\u201d trilogy will do the trick. Peter Jackson\u2019s 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\u2019s your first or fifth time to Middle-earth, it\u2019s a journey well worth taking. As a bonus, HBO Max offers both the theatrical versions and the richer extended versions available to stream.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t
\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Jonathan\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tRead Next<\/strong>
\n\t\t\tThe 55 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The streaming service formerly known as HBO Max is a goldmine of great films<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10066,"featured_media":7766628,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"byline":{"profiles":[{"type":"byline_id","atts":{"term_id":504655,"post_id":7303196}}]},"_links_to":"","_links_to_type":0,"nb_breaking_email_type":"","nb_breaking_template":"","nb_breaking_from_name":"","nb_breaking_subject":"","nb_breaking_preview":"","nb_breaking_list":[],"nb_breaking_header_img":0,"nb_breaking_should_send":false,"nb_breaking_content":"","nb_newsletter_sent_breaking_post_id":[],"apple_news_api_created_at":"2021-12-05T20:20:13Z","apple_news_api_id":"618df84d-4971-417a-a2fa-297036db3ae8","apple_news_api_modified_at":"2025-11-21T16:09:06Z","apple_news_api_revision":"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAcg==","apple_news_api_share_url":"https:\/\/apple.news\/AYY34TUlxQXqi-ilwNts66A","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"hide_featured_image":false,"the_wrap_post_enable_full_width_featured_image":false,"the_wrap_post_enable_featured_video":false,"the_wrap_post_featured_video":"","the_wrap_post_disable_read_more":false,"wp_curate_deduplication":false,"wp_curate_unique_pinned_posts":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[447608,295704,396743],"tw_data_partners":[],"columns":[],"byline":[504655],"class_list":["post-5719563","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-movies","tag-hbo-max","tag-max","tag-what-to-watch"],"newsletter_builder_byline":"Adam Chitwood","is_pro_article":false,"apple_news_notices":[],"eyebrow":{"link":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/creative-content\/movies\/","text":"Movies"},"tw_schema_org_review":{"name":"","type":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5719563","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10066"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5719563"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5719563\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7894225,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5719563\/revisions\/7894225"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7766628"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5719563"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5719563"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5719563"},{"taxonomy":"tw_data_partners","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tw_data_partners?post=5719563"},{"taxonomy":"tw_column","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/columns?post=5719563"},{"taxonomy":"byline","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewrap.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/byline?post=5719563"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}