Remember when HBO Max used to be the platform where you could watch new movies like Dune and The Matrix Resurrections as soon as they hit theaters? Well, things have changed now. It’s called Max, and it’s a streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery.
Instead of focusing on new releases, Max is all about its huge collection of classic films from Warner Bros. It’s got such a massive library that it’s really tough to narrow it down to just a few great films. We tried our best to pick a variety of HBO movies, including some recent additions, to give you a taste of what Max has to offer.
Avatar: The Way of Water
 | Avatar: The Way of Water | |
| Genre Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi | Runtime 3 hours 12 minutes | |
| Directed by James Cameron | 7.6/10 | |
| Cast Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver | ||
It may feel like James Cameron’s Avatar sequel took forever to come out, but in reality, it was just a little over 12 years since the first movie in 2009. The most recent installment, called The Way of the Water, is part two of a planned series of five films. It takes place 16 years after the events of the original and follows the lives of Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), who are now married with children. The movie became the third highest-grossing film of all time.
Shiva Baby
 | Shiva Baby | |
| Genre Comedy, Drama | Runtime 1 hour 17 minutes | |
| Directed by Emma Seligman | 7.1/10 | |
| Cast Rachel Sennott, Danny Deferrari, Fred Melamed, Molly Gordon | ||
Shiva Baby offers a comedic exploration of the New York Jewish experience. At the heart of the film is Rachel Sennott’s captivating portrayal of Danielle, a college senior thrust into a shiva alongside her parents. Amidst the mourning, she grapples with the chaotic state of her impending adulthood. With standout performances by Sennott, Fred Melamed, and Molly Gordon, the film combines humor and the macabre, resulting in an uproarious experience that transcends its somber backdrop.
Gray Matter
 | Gray Matter | |
| Genre Sci-Fi, Thriller | Runtime 1 hour and 26 minutes | |
| Directed by Meko Winbush | 5/10 | |
| Cast Jessica Frances Dukes, Mia Isaac, Garret Dillahunt | ||
Gray Matter follows sixteen-year-old Aurora, who lives a sheltered life due to her psionic powers. Her mother warns her about the dangers of their abilities. But Aurora’s mistake draws the attention of a secret group, challenging everything she knows. The story is like a twist on X-Men’s Jean Grey origin, with added elements. It’s a mind-bending thriller about people with special powers, including a mentor with unclear intentions. If you enjoy exciting stories about extraordinary abilities, then Gray Matter is one of the best movies on HBO Max.
The Menu
 | The Menu | |
| Genre Comedy, Horror, Thriller | Runtime 1 hour 47 minutes | |
| Directed by Mark Mylod | 7.2/10 | |
| Cast Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult | ||
In The Menu, a bunch of rich food lovers decide to go to a remote island and have an exclusive dining experience with the famous Chef Slowik. They pay a lot of money for this privilege, expecting an amazing eight-course meal. However, during the dinner, things take a dark turn. Slowik has some plans that go beyond just serving food. It’s a weird mix of dark comedy and horror, and it’s best to watch it without knowing too much.
Crazy Rich Asians
 | Crazy Rich Asians | |
| Genre Comedy, Drama, Romance | Runtime 2 Hours | |
| Directed by Jon M. Chu | 6.9/10 | |
| Cast Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh | ||
Crazy Rich Asians is a groundbreaking movie because it’s the first modern story to have a cast made up entirely of Asian actors, with an Asian American lead. It’s a romantic comedy that stands out among all the action and superhero films out there. The story revolves around Rachel Chu, a New Yorker who travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family. Little does she know, they are incredibly wealthy.
The movie portrays a world of extreme materialism, crazy amounts of money, and high social expectations. It’s all over the top, with money being thrown around like it’s nothing. Alongside the entertaining plot, the film also sends some important messages about self-love, staying true to yourself, and handling problems with grace and dignity.
Magic Mike’s Last Dance
 | Magic Mike’s Last Dance | |
| Genre Crime, Drama, Thriller | Runtime 1 hour 52 minutes | |
| Directed by Steven Soderbergh | 5.2/10 | |
| Cast Channing Tatum, Salma Hayek, Ayub Khan-Din | ||
Channing Tatum, who inspired the character in the Magic Mike movies, geared up to bring back his dancing skills in the third installment. This time, the story takes place in London, where a wealthy woman (Salma Hayek Pinault) invites him to showcase his moves across the pond. Of course, there are some scheming and hidden motives involved, but as always, Mike comes out on top and succeeds. And yes, he definitely wears those iconic rip-away pants again!
The Banshees of Inisherin
 | The Banshees of Inisherin | |
| Genre Comedy, drama | Runtime 1 hour and 54 minutes | |
| Directed by Martin McDonagh | 7.7/10 | |
| Cast Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, Pat Shortt, Barry Keoghan | ||
The Banshees of Inisherin is about two best friends, Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson) and Pádraic Súilleabháin (Colin Farrell). Their friendship takes a dark turn when Colm suddenly decides that Pádraic is too boring for him, and this decision has some unsettling consequences for both of them. The movie is a mix of sadness, humor, and a hint of seriousness that gives audiences different layers to think about and explore.
Heartbreakers
 | Heartbreakers | |
| Genre Romance, Comedy | Runtime 2 hours 3 minutes | |
| Directed by David Mirkin | 6.2/10 | |
| Cast Sigourney Weaver, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ray Liotta, Jason Lee, Gene Hackman | ||
Heartbreakers is a hidden comedy treasure. It’s a funny romantic movie with amazing Sigourney Weaver and lovely Jennifer Love Hewitt. They play a mother-daughter duo who trick rich men into marrying them and then divorcing. The movie also has famous actors like Ray Liotta and Gene Hackman, who become their targets. Heartbreakers mixes romance with silly humor, making it a movie you’ll want to watch more than once.
Dune
 | Dune | |
| Genre Sci-fi, Adventure | Runtime 2 hours and 45 minutes | |
| Directed by Denis Villeneuve | 8/10 | |
| Cast Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa and Stellan Skarsgård | ||
Very few movies on HBO Max makes you go wow and Dune is one of them. It’s an epic science fiction film set in a distant future where interstellar travel and political intrigue collide. It follows the journey of a young hero named Paul Atreides as he navigates the dangerous and treacherous world of Arrakis, a desert planet filled with mystical secrets and powerful factions.
Don’t Worry Darling
 | Don’t Worry Darling | |
| Genre Thriller, Horror | Runtime 2 hours and 2 minutes | |
| Directed by Olivia Wilde | 6.3/10 | |
| Cast Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Olivia Wilde, Gemma Chan, KiKi Layne, Nick Kroll and Chris Pine | ||
Don’t Worry Darling is a psychological thriller directed by Olivia Wilde. Set in the 1950s, the film follows a housewife who uncovers a disturbing truth about her seemingly perfect suburban life. With its atmospheric cinematography, strong performances, and gripping suspense, the movie keeps you guessing and delivers a thought-provoking examination of societal expectations and hidden secrets. With stunning visuals, compelling characters, and a gripping storyline, Don’t Worry Darling is one of the best movies on HBO Max and must-watch for fans of both thrillers and captivating storytelling.
Wrapping Up!
In the expansive landscape of streaming services, Max stands out. From classic masterpieces to recent releases, independent gems to blockbuster superhero sagas, it offers a diverse array of films. Hosting not only HBO’s content but also Warner Bros.’ extensive library and more, the platform truly caters to every cinematic taste. With our handpicked selection of the very best movies on HBO Max, we’ve made your decision-making easier. You can also check out our list of the best thrillers on HBO.
