Like most streaming services today, Max, formerly known as HBO Max, has a ton of great movies, some dating back more than 100 years, which can make the process of deciding on one a difficult task. But before you lose yourself to the deep archive that is the platform’s streaming library, take a look at a few of our suggestions that are available to everyone with an active Max subscription, as of August 2023.
Spotlight (2015)
Spotlight is the true story about how a team of journalists at the Boston Globe worked together to expose the story of the sexually abusive priests that served the Roman Catholic church in Boston. It stars Mark Ruffalo, Micheal Keaton, Stanley Tucci, Rachel McAdams and more.
The Batman (2022)
The recent iteration of the caped crusader is out as Robert Pattinson tackles the legendary role as Batman in The Batman. Bruce Wayne has been fighting crime for two years in Gotham City, and now must uncover corruption as the Riddler (Paul Dano) wreaks havoc on the wealthy. It’s certainly one of the best live-action Batman movies out there, and there’s already a sequel on the way.
Nightcrawler (2014)
If a neo-noir thriller film is what you’re looking for, then Nightcrawler is the movie for you. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Nightcrawler follows a freelance journalist who decides to descend into the world of crime journalism and become a “stringer,” filming violent events that occur at night for money – a job that ends up turning his life upside down.
Evil Dead Rise (2023)
Are you ready for the return of the Evil Dead? Evil Dead Rise is the latest installment in the Evil Dead franchise, this time following the story of a mother who is possessed by the Deadites in that famed demonic book, and causing chaos for her sister and children on the same night. The film was a critical success – and even if you haven’t seen an Evil Dead movie before, this movie is good for just a solo watch for any horror fan.
In one of the latest black comedy horror movies, The Menu is a feature film about a group of selected individuals coming to a private island to enjoy a feast by a highly applauded chef, only to find out that this dinner isn’t exactly what they thought it would be. The Menu cast is astounding, and the visual horror in it is truly some of the best I have seen in a long time.
Modern Times (1936)
Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 silent movie classic Modern Times follows the Tramp (Chaplin) as he attempts to make sense of the technologically-advanced world around him and stay out of trouble, failing at both.
Joker (2019)
Witness the beginning of a legend. Joker is the latest adaptation of the famous DC villain, the Joker, but this time starring Joaquin Phoenix as the titular character, telling the origin story of how he dawned that famous face paint and ended up becoming a symbol for all of crime in Gotham City, through his own madness. The actor won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal, and a sequel is on the way.
Dune (2021)
In this 2021 adaptation of the famous science-fiction novel, Dune stars an amazing ensemble cast and tells the story of Paul Atreidas (Timothée Chalamet), who sets out on a dangerous journey in order to find a way to save his family and his people. With a sequel coming out on November 3, 2023, now is the time to watch the first film.
King Richard (2021)
Starring Academy Award-winner, Will Smith, King Richard tells the story of Richard Williams (Will Smith), the father of famous tennis duo, Serena and Venus Williams, and the struggles he went through to see his daughters become the best tennis players in the world.
Superman I And II (1978, 1981)
You’ll be wanting to fly up and and away with Superman and its sequel, Superman II, both available on Max. The movies, considered some of the best Superman movies so far, stars Christopher Reeve as the famous superhero and is directed by Richard Donner, telling the origin story of Superman, from his time as a young child on Krypton to his crime-fighting days against Lex Luthor.
The Age of Adaline (2015)
If you were looking for a romantic fantasy movie, The Age of Adaline is an excellent pick. Starring Gossip Girl star Blake Lively, the film details the story of Adaline Bowman, a woman who has somehow remained 29 for decades after she was revived following a fatal accident. She loses her passion for living – that is until she runs into Ellie Jones, a philanthropist that changes her life forever.
Stream The Age of Adaline on Max.
Kill Your Darlings (2013)
Starring Daniel Radcliffe in his second film following the conclusion of the successful Harry Potter franchise, Kill Your Darlings is a biographical drama that tells the story of some of the most known names from the Beat Generation, where Radcliffe plays Allen Ginsberg, a famous poet and writer. Specifically, Kill Your Darlings follows Ginsberg and his experiences at Columbia University in his early days as a writer, specifically with his friendship with Lucien Carr.
Stream Kill Your Darlings on Max.
The Witch (2015)
If you’re looking for an excellent A24 horror movie, then The Witch is the one you have to check out. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, the story takes place in the 1960s and follows a Christian family whose lives are turned upside down by witchcraft due to forces that are in the forest where they live. It was actually Taylor-Joy’s first film appearance and it’s super eerie, so certainly worth a watch.
Avatar: The Way Of Water (2022)
Return back to Pandora with Avatar: The Way of Water. The long-awaited sequel to Avatar released in 2022 to stellar reviews, accolades, and plenty of box-office success. It tells the story of Jake Sully, now with a family, and his attempts to keep them safe when the Sky People go looking for him. In order to keep them safe, they stay with the Metkayina clan of Pandra, a group that lives with the water. With several sequels planned – but none coming for some time – might as well watch the sequel.
Stream Avatar: The Way of Water on Max.
Parasite (2019)
Parasite shook the world when it released in 2019, going on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture and several other awards as well, breaking barriers for Asian representation at the Oscars. The film tells the story of a South Korean family who all steadily take jobs from a wealthy family as part of a greater scheme, but things take a turn and their lives are forever changed.
The Banshees Of Inisherin (2022)
In this 2022 dramatic film, The Banshees of Inisherin is a combination of a black comedy and tragedy, featuring the story of two lifelong friends who are suddenly torn apart when one decides to end their friendship for an undisclosed reason. The film stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan, and has received widespread critical acclaim, nine Academy Award nominations, and also eight Golden Globe nominations in 2023.
Stream The Banshees of Inisherin on Max.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
If you’re looking for a Quentin Tarantino classic, then Pulp Fiction is the one for you. Starring John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson, this movie follows several stories and how they all interconnect through violence, from the two hit-men that people are quite familiar with today, to a gangster, and everything in-between.
Coraline (2009)
If you’re looking for one of the best stop-motion movies out there, then Coraline is the one for you. This film tells the story of the titular character and how when she moves to a new home where she feels neglected by her parents, she discovers a secret door that brings her to an alternate version of her own world. However, this new place that seems to be the perfect version of her life is not all it seems.
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
If you’re looking for the best Studio Ghibli film, then Howl’s Moving Castle is one that is great for the whole family – or just for yourself. The film follows Sophie, a young woman who is older in years in terms of marriage proposals, who suddenly finds herself under the spell of a witch that turns her old. She seeks to break the curse, but finds herself entangled in the world of the magical wizard, Howl.
Stream Howl’s Moving Castle on Max.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Starring Johnny Depp, Edward Scissorhands is always a must-watch whenever you can get your hands on it – as long as they’re not sliced off by his fingers. The classic film directed by Tim Burton tells the story of a humanoid who is given scissor blades for hands instead of actual fingers. One day, he is taken in by a welcoming family – and ends up falling for their daughter, throwing his life upside down.
Stream Edward Scissorhands on Max.
Neighbors (2014)
When a fraternity moves into the house next to a young family, the mother and father of a young baby girl have to take it upon themselves to find a way to get the fraternity to move away. But little do they know that the leader of said fraternity has something up their sleeves as well – turning this into an all-out neighbor war. Starring Seth Rogen and Zac Efron, this one is a comedic hit.
Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
Nicolas Cage has starred in some excellent films during his time as an actor, and Leaving Las Vegas is one of his best for his acclaimed acting. The drama film is based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name and tells the story of the Ben Sanderson, a suicidal alcoholic who travels to Las Vegas in order to end his life, but ends up developing a relationship with a sex worker. Cage won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his lead role in the film.
Stream Leaving Las Vegas on Max.
Casablanca (1942)
An American expatriate who runs a successful nightclub in Casablanca, Morocco, is given a second shot at redemption and love when his old flame waltzes back into his life and asks him to help her fugitive husband escape the Nazis once and for all. One of the greatest films to ever win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, Casablanca has it all: drama, romance, action, and one of the most quotable lines ever.
Dodgeball (2004)
Dodgeball – or Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, is a sports comedy that stars Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn. The movie follows a group of people who aren’t particularly athletes who decide to compete in a $50,000 dodgeball tournament in order to use the money to save their local gym. If they don’t, their home turf will be taken over by a huge health fitness organization, and life will never be the same.
Lean On Me (1989)
Directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Morgan Freeman, Lean On Me is based on the true story of Joe Louis Clark, an inner city high school principal in Paterson, New Jersey. The school that it takes place at is falling apart, and unless the students there are somehow able to do well on the next basic skills test, with 75% of them passing, then the school will be shut down and handed over to state administration. They then decide to hire Joe Louis Clark, who immediately makes radical changes in order to keep it open.
The French Dispatch (2021)
In this Wes Anderson film, The French Dispatch is almost described as a ‘love letter’ to journalism, primarily taking place in a fictional outpost that works on an American newspaper in a French city, that brings stories to life through the ‘French Dispatch Magazine.’ Starring several big names such as Bill Murray, Elisabeth Moss, and more, The French Dispatch cast is stacked and creates a very entertaining Wes Anderson story.
Stream The French Dispatch on Max.
Drive My Car (2021)
In this Academy Award-winning film, Drive My Car follows the story of a man who is struggling to come to terms with the death of his wife, putting all his energy into a theater production. But his life changes when he meets his new chauffeur, Misaki (Tôko Miura), a young woman with her own problems as well.
The Meg (2018)
Remember that intense movie, Jaws? Now think of that, but a shark that is about 100x bigger than the Great White? Yeah, that’s The Meg. This epic sci-fi action film – which received a sequel in theaters in 2023 – follows a group of scientists who are on a rescue mission after they lose contact with a submersible. Down below the waves, they find something they never would have expected: a 75-foot-long megalodon shark that was previously believed to be extinct – and it’s hungry.
Barbershop (2002)
The first in a franchise of films, Barbershop, starring Ice Cube, tells the story of the social life around a local barbershop in the South Side of Chicago, and the people that come and go, following several stories throughout the film. The movie was so popular, two films followed after it.
Barbarian (2022)
Horror movies are something that Max has plenty of, and Barbarian is another great addition to that. This 2022 film follows a young woman who travels to an Airbnb for a job interview but starts to discover secrets within the home, and doesn’t know who to trust when things begin to go bump in the night. The Barbarian cast stars Georgina Campbell, Justin Long, and Bill Skarsgard, among others.
Child’s Play (1988)
If you’re looking for a classic horror movie to watch, then Child’s Play is the film for you, and it’s available on Max. This iconic story follows the tale of a simple doll that is possessed by the spirit of a serial killer – and now, he’s got a whole new family to terrorize. Released back in 1988, this is a classic and one that you should definitely check out if you’ve never seen it before. Some of the sequels are also available to stream, but I prefer the first.
Seven Samurai (1954)
A group of seven ronin are given the opportunity to prove themselves and show off their courage and fighting skills when a small village seeks protection from an army of bandits. Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai remains one of the most influential movies of all time, both in Japan and around the world, and has spawned countless remakes since its 1954 release.
Rush Hour (1998)
What do you get when you combine Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker? The beginning of a hilarious comedy franchise. The first Rush Hour is a classic for its hilarious stars. Starring the two actors mentioned, the buddy action film follows two detectives from different countries whose work ethics don’t quite match up. Regardless, they are paired up in order to rescue the daughter of a Chinese diplomat – which leads to hilarious shenanigans and trouble along the way.
Knocked Up (2007)
Directed by Judd Apatow, Knocked Up stars Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl, telling the story of how a single one-night stand ended up in a pregnancy, and the silly, comedic love story that followed. The Knocked Up cast is hilarious in many ways, and truly deserves so much praise. Most have gone on to do incredible things in the industry.
The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (2001 – 2003)
An unsuspecting Hobbit embarks upon a perilous journey to hell on earth to destroy the One Ring, an incredibly dangerous instrument that grants its bearer great power while also corrupting their mind and body. Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy remains a landmark cinematic experience even 20 years after it first took audiences to Middle Earth at the turn of the 21st century.
Stream The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring on Max.
Stream The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers on Max.
Stream The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King on Max.
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
If you want to watch an underrated horror movie, then Jennifer’s Body is the one to check out. This film, starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried, follows the titular Jennifer. The young woman becomes the victim of a virgin sacrifice to Satan, but the only issue is that she isn’t actually a virgin – so she ends up becoming possessed by a demon, who just so happens to eat the flesh of mortal boys to stay alive. And now, it’s up to her childhood best friend to stop her.
Stream Jennifer’s Body on Meg.
Horrible Bosses (2011)
Have you ever had a terrible boss that you’ve always wanted to strangle? Then Horrible Bosses is the film for you. This comedy, starring Jason Batemna, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis, tells the story of three friends who all have to deal with the literal worst bosses imaginable, so they decide to plot ways in order to kill them and get them out of their lives.
Stream Horrible Bosses on Max.
Dunkirk (2017)
Directed by the famous Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk is a gritty look at what war does to a country. Starring Fionn Whitehead, the film follows the real-life evacuation of the city of Dunkirk. The film uses very little dialogue, but the cinematography and everything else involved with it is absolutely stunning. If you’re going to see Oppenheimer, I would highly suggest checking out this amazing war film first.
17 Again (2009)
Starring Zac Efron, 17 Again is exactly what we all wish we could be sometimes. This teen fantasy follows the story of Mike, a middle-aged man who suddenly finds himself 17 again after an accident, and now he’s going to look back on his life, and see where it was that it all went wrong with his family – while also enjoying his time in a younger body.
The Matrix (1999)
A computer hacker is given a choice: take the blue pill and go back to living in a computer simulation or take the red pill and see life through his own eyes. The Wachowskis’ 1999 sci-fi action film The Matrix would still be a great movie even if it didn’t completely change the game, but its impact on the genre as a whole makes it one of the most important movies of the 20th Century.
Gone Girl (2014)
Based on the novel of the same name, Gone Girl follows Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) as he becomes the prime suspect when his wife, Amy, suddenly disappears without a trace. But as the case begins to unfold, Nick and the audience discover there is more to the story than just Amy vanishing into thin air. This is a movie that you want to go into completely blind for the most part. It was critically acclaimed when it was released, and Rosemund Pike received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role as Amy.
Moonlight (2016)
Directed by Barry Jenkins, Moonlight is a coming of age film that follows the story of a Black man named Chiron, from childhood to adulthood, as he struggles to come to terms with his own sexuality and identity as well as the world around him. The film earned critical acclaim, and won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017.
Hereditary (2018)
Arguably one of the best horror movies of the last decade is Hereditary. Directed by Ari Aster and starring Toni Collette, this movie tells the story of a family where evil runs deep to its core, and everything changes when the matriarch – the grandma – passes away and the evil decides to take root once again.
The Dark Knight (2008)
While we already have one Batman film on this list, I have to mention The Dark Knight. Starring Christian Bale as Batman and Heath Ledger as the Joker, The Dark Knight is the second film in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, this time following Bruce Wayne as Batman as he works with the police to try and take down organized crime in Gotham, only to be ruthlessly tested by the Joker, who constantly puts a stop to Batman’s plans to reform his city. Heath Ledger won a posthumous Academy Award for his portrayal of the Joker, and is considered one of the best portrayals of the famous supervillain of all time.
Stream The Dark Knight on Max.
Grease (1978)
Do you have chills? Are they multiplying? It must be because you’re watching Grease. Starring the lovely Grease cast led by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, this iconic musical film follows the love story of Sandy and Danny, two completely different people who fell in love over the summer and now bring their romance to high school while having to deal with the social lives of teenagers in the 1950s. While Grease can sometimes be a little overrated, it’s still a fun film that deserves a watch.
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
If you’re into super spies, then Kingsman: The Secret Service is for you. The beginning of the Kingsman franchise, this iconic espionage movie follows the story of Gary Unwin, known as Eggsy, and his recruitment into a super secret spy organization in order to take down a threat that is going to be a problem for the whole world. It’s such a fun movie and seriously worth a watch.
Stream Kingsman: The Secret Service on Max.
The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
A young girl is transported from a dusty farm in Kansas to the technicolor dreamland of Oz where she must defeat a wicked witch if she wants to ever see home again. To this day, The Wizard of Oz remains one of the most fantastical cinematic experiences and continues to enchant audiences of all ages.
Stream The Wizard of Oz on Max.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
A pair of astronauts are sent on a mysterious voyage to Jupiter upon the discovery of a monolith of unknown origin and unparalleled power. Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 epic sci-fi film 2001: A Space Odyssey is a fascinating technological achievement, even if you don’t fully understand its story.
Stream 2001: A Space Odyssey on Max.
Moneyball (2011)
Starring Brad Pitt, this iconic biographical sports drama is one to watch if you love the business behind baseball. Moneyball tells the story of the real-life Oakland Athletics baseball team during 2002 and how the general manager, Billy Beane, did everything in his power to make a team that could compete on an elite stage, looking at potential players with a different lens instead of the typical one that most other baseball teams would do.
The Harry Potter And Fantastic Beasts Movies (2001 – Present )
Watch as Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) goes from a young orphan to the only person who can stop He Who Shall Not Be Named (Ralph Fiennes) over the course of eight movies adapting J.K. Rowling’s landmark series of books. Also within the Wizarding World are the Fantastic Beasts movies which are set decades prior to the events of the Harry Potter films and follow Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and his other magical (or no-mag) friends.
Stream the Harry Potter movies on Max.
Stream The Fantastic Beast movies on Max.
Last Night In Soho (2021)
Last Night in Soho is a psychological horror film directed by Edgar Wright, and stars Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy. The film follows a young fashion designer named Eloise, who finds herself able to enter into the 1960s through dreams, discovering Sandie, a singer. While it all feels like glamor at first, she begins to uncover just how dark the past can get, and how Sandie is connected to all of it.
Stream Last Night in Soho on Max.
Malignant (2021)
If you love James Wan movies, then you need to check out Malignant. While not as “on the surface” scary as many of his other films, Malignant aims to creep you out over time before taking it all out with a bang. The film follows the story of a young woman who has visions of people being killed, but later realizes that it’s what is happening in her own life as well.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Last but not least, we need to talk about Good Will Hunting. Starring Matt Damon and Robin Williams, the Academy Award-winning film follows the story of the titular character, Will Hunting, a janitor who has a natural gift for mathematics but has had a tough run in life. But when he meets a psychologist named Sean Maguire, his life is turned upside down and he is questioning things he never thought about before.
Stream Good Will Hunting on Max.
All of these movies and more are available to anyone with a Max subscription. This list will change as the months go by so make sure to bookmark this page and check back for all future updates.
Der obige Text ist eine maschinelle Übersetzung. Quelle: https://www.cinemablend.com/streaming-news/the-best-movies-streaming-on-hbo-max-right-now?rand=21968
