HBO, now known as Max, has long been recognized for its distinguished lineup of original series, such as "The Sopranos" and "The Wire." The network is also enhancing its portfolio with feature-length content, aiming for Oscar-worthy productions. Unlike production giants like Netflix, Max’s movie catalog varies significantly month-to-month. Hence, viewers are advised to watch desired films promptly.
Here is a selection of notable films currently streaming on Max, including classic Westerns and recent Oscar nominees. For those more inclined towards television, recommendations for the best shows on Max are available separately. Additional suggestions for films on other streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ can also be found.
Civil War
Set in the near future, the U.S. is a war zone between an authoritarian government led by a third-term president (Nick Offerman) and several secessionist movements. A group of journalists, spearheaded by Kirsten Dunst, strive to document America’s downfall, attempting to secure an interview with the beleaguered president. This dystopian movie, crafted by Oscar nominee Alex Garland, reflects troublingly on contemporary issues.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Though labeled a "summer bomb," "Furiosa" features Anya Taylor-Joy as Imperator Furiosa, a formidable character challenging patriarchal norms in a post-apocalyptic setting. Taylor-Joy brings depth to a role first made famous by Charlize Theron in "Mad Max: Fury Road."
Drive My Car
Despite its four Oscar nominations in 2022, "Drive My Car" by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi remains underseen. It centers on Yusuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima), a theater director mourning his wife’s death, who forms an unexpected bond with a young woman (Toko Miura) who drives him daily to his new directing job in Hiroshima.
Beetlejuice
With "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," the sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 classic currently performing well at the box office, revisiting the original that introduced Michael Keaton as the mischievous bio-exorcist Betelgeuse is timely. The film showcases a couple (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) trying to scare away new occupants from their home.
Love Lies Bleeding
Rose Glass’s follow-up to "Saint Maud" is a violent love story set in 1989 New Mexico. Gym manager Lou (Kristen Stewart) falls for a young bodybuilder while dealing with personal and familial trauma, portrayed in a gripping narrative.
Faye
Laurent Bouzereau’s documentary reveals the multifaceted life of actress Faye Dunaway, who shares insights on her personal struggles and professional achievements, painting a complex picture of the Hollywood icon.
Quad Gods
Directed by Jess Jacklin, this documentary follows the journey of Blake, Prentice, and Richard, three quadriplegics forming the world’s first all-quadriplegic esports team. It’s a story of resilience and breaking barriers against ableism.
Babe
This family film tells the story of an ambitious piglet who wants to become a sheepdog, finding joy on Arthur Hoggett’s (James Cromwell) farm. Produced by George Miller, "Babe" combines charm with deeper adult themes, earning multiple Oscar nominations.
The Witch
Anya Taylor-Joy stars as Thomasin in this period horror set in 1630s New England. The family, ostracized from their Puritan community, faces eerie, supernatural occurrences. The film’s slow-burn storytelling builds to a rewarding conclusion.
Am I OK?
This film, based on writer Lauren Pomerantz’s coming-out experience, stars Dakota Johnson as Lucy, who discovers her true sexuality in her thirties. Directors Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne approach the subject with humor and sensitivity.
MoviePass, MovieCrash
This documentary chronicles the rise and fall of MoviePass, the service that promised unlimited movie theater visits for a flat fee, and the subsequent industry tumult and corporate downfall.
Dune & Dune: Part Two
Denis Villeneuve’s adaptations of Frank Herbert’s "Dune" novels have been critically acclaimed. Following the journey of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), the films explore themes of power, survival, and destiny on the desert planet of Arrakis.
Stop Making Sense
Jonathan Demme’s "Stop Making Sense" revolutionized concert films by capturing the Talking Heads’ performances at the Pantages Theatre. The film’s minimalistic production emphasizes the band’s creativity and stage presence.
Mad Max
The original 1979 "Mad Max," directed by George Miller, stars Mel Gibson as a vengeful police officer in a dystopian Australia. The franchise has since expanded, with all films available on Max.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer
Yorgos Lanthimos’s dark drama features Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman as a couple whose lives are disrupted by a teenager (Barry Keoghan) with a sinister connection to the past, blending dark humor with gripping pathos.
The Zone of Interest
Jonathan Glazer’s film portrays the domestic life of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel) and his family, juxtaposing their mundane existence with the horrors next door, creating a stark and necessary portrayal of historical brutality.
Black Swan
Natalie Portman stars in Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller about a ballet dancer’s descent into madness while preparing for a dual role performance. The film examines themes of obsession and identity.
Good Time
Directed by the Safdie Brothers, "Good Time" features Robert Pattinson as a small-time criminal trying to save his brother after a botched bank robbery. It’s a fast-paced thriller with visceral intensity.
Wonka
Timothée Chalamet stars in this origin story of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, directed by Paul King. The film revisits the character with fresh energy, offering a different yet charming take on the beloved chocolatier’s beginnings.
Dream Scenario
Starring Nicolas Cage, this film explores the unintended consequences of sudden fame when an ordinary professor begins appearing in people’s dreams. Cage’s performance has been highly praised.
Dicks: The Musical
A24’s musical comedy follows two coworkers who discover they are twins and plot to reunite their estranged parents, featuring over-the-top humor and performances by Nathan Lane and Megan Mullally.
Barbie
Directed by Greta Gerwig, "Barbie" stars Margot Robbie as the titular character navigating an existential crisis between her fantasy world and reality. The film has been a significant box office success.
RoboCop
Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 film "RoboCop" presents a dystopian vision of a mechanized law enforcement officer in Detroit. Despite its age, the film remains a staple in the genre, with available sequels and a remake.
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life
Directed by Rob Reiner, this documentary celebrates the life and career of comedian Albert Brooks, featuring testimonials from industry giants like David Letterman and Judd Apatow.
Furious 7
Marking Paul Walker’s final appearance, "Furious 7" is noted for its emotional depth and high-octane action sequences, including iconic stunt scenes.
Reality
Sydney Sweeney stars in this real-time dramatization of Reality Winner’s FBI interrogation for leaking intelligence on Russian election interference, highlighting the pressures faced by whistleblowers.
Parasite
Bong Joon-ho’s "Parasite" examines class tensions between the wealthy Park family and the impoverished Kim family, with unexpected narrative twists that delve into themes of inequality and manipulation.
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed
This documentary profiles photographer and activist Nan Goldin, focusing on her work and activism against Big Pharma’s role in the opioid crisis, and her internal conflicts regarding the art world’s ties to the Sackler family.
The Dark Knight
Christopher Nolan’s "The Dark Knight" is renowned for Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker, which won a posthumous Oscar. The film’s dark themes and intense performances have made it a standout in the superhero genre.
