37 Best movies on HBO Max to stream right now

From Harry Potter to Inception, we have covered all the best movies on HBO Max streaming right now. Watch these popular movies and enjoy the weekend.

Written by Chhavi Puri , Skincare Coach & Makeup Expert & Khushi Srivastava , Skincare Coach & Makeup Expert

Updated on Nov 08, 2023 | 05:02 PM IST | 1.3M

Best movies on HBO Max | Highest rated movies on HBO Max

Since its inception in 2020, HBO Max has made its presence rock-solid in the streaming world. There is a plethora of movies on HBO Max, but given so many movie options for you at your fingertips, it can be difficult for you to figure out what to watch. So, we have curated a list of the best movies on HBO Max to watch right now - from comedy movies to action movies, we have covered films of all genres. Whether you want to watch the latest movie or relive memories by watching older movies, have a hearty laugh, or cuddle with your partner, HBO Max has movies for every mood. So, what are we waiting for? Let us start with the list of popular HBO Max movies.

1. Reality (2023)

Release Year: 2023
Genre: Drama
Directed by: Tina Satter
Stars: Sydney Sweeney, Josh Hamilton, John Way, Marchánt Davis, Benny Elledge
Run time:1h 23m
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Tina Satter
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

Sydney Sweeney stars as Reality Winner, a person who used to work for the NSA and revealed secret information. This information was about Russia getting involved in the 2016 election. The movie is based on a famous play by Tina Satter. The play is set on the day Reality Winner was caught, and all the words spoken in the movie come from a record of her talking to the FBI.

2. Navalny (2022)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Stars: Maria Pevchikh, Alexei Navalny, Christo Grozev, Yulia Navalnaya, Leonid Volkov
Director: Daniel Roher
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 2022
Writer: Daniel Roher

Documentary movies are entertaining to watch as they provide lots of insight into real events. Navalny is one of the best movies on HBO Max that follows Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition leader, and various events related to his poisoning. The movie follows the shocking discoveries he made about the attempt at his life. Warner Bros. Pictures acquired the distribution rights to Navalny in March 2022. Navalny won 5 awards including Best Documentary, U.S. Documentary, and so on.

3. The Batman (2022)

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Stars: Paul Dano, Colin Farrell, Robert Pattinson, John Turturro, Zoë Kravitz, Peter Sarsgaard, Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis
Director: Matt Reeves
Genre: Superhero
Runtime: 2 hours 56 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 2022
Writer: Daniel Roher

"You Either Die a Hero or Live Long Enough to See Yourself Become the Villain" - yes, that's the motto of Batman. Our favorite superhero is back in this classic Batman movie released in 2022, and once again he is set to wipe out evil from Gotham. He investigates a serial killer who murders influential political figures and while investigating, he unravels the hidden corruption of the city. Fans of DC Comics can never say 'No' to a Batman movie, and the director Matt Reeves does a wonderful job of making the movie a unique piece of art. The Batman was a box office success and also won two awards. In a nutshell, it is one of the best superhero movies on HBO Max.

4. Black Adam (2022)

Release Year: 2022
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Directed by: Jaume Collet-Serra
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Sarah Shahi, Pierce Brosnan, Noah Centineo
Run time: 2 hrs 5 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Black Adam, a film based on the DC Comic and starring Dwayne Johnson (known for his role in Moana), has been eagerly promoted by the actor. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, the movie follows the story of an anti-hero who emerges from his tomb to seek revenge in the present day.

Collet-Serra's direction has been described as a combination of Michael Bay's action-packed style and Zack Snyder's visual aesthetic. The film also boasts a talented and diverse cast, including Aldis Hodge (from Leverage: Redemption), Sarah Shahi (known for Sex/Life), and Noah Centineo (from The Recruit). Black Adam seamlessly fits into the established Shazam universe.

5. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (2022)

Release Year: 2022
Genre: Documentary
Directed by: Laura Poitras
Stars: Nan Goldin, David Velasco, Megan Kapler, Patrick Radden Keefe
Run time: 2 hrs 2 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

"All the Beauty and the Bloodshed" is a candid and unfiltered exploration of the life and artistic career of Nan Goldin, an activist and photographer. The documentary features interviews with Goldin, as well as David Velasco and Megan Kapler, shedding light on Goldin's life and her association with the wealthy Sackler family, who are well-known in the art world. Director Laura Poitras portrays Goldin's iconic status as an artist and her powerful political work, as she strives to draw attention to Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers, and to hold them accountable for their role in the devastating opioid epidemic.

6. The Card Counter (2021)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Stars: Tye Sheridan, Oscar Isaac, Willem Dafoe, Tiffany Haddish
Director: Paul Schrader
Writer: Paul Schrader
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 1 hour 52 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 2021

If you missed The Card Counter in theatres, then don't worry at all because you can stream it now on HBO Max. Director Paul Schrader crafted a beautiful crime drama movie about a gambler William Tell, an ex-military turned gambler who is haunted by his past. Oscar Issac plays the role of William Tell in the movie and is quite striking in his role. The Card Counter won three awards and is one of the best drama movies on HBO Max.

7. Dune (2021)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Stars: Oscar Isaac, Timothée Chalamet, Dave Bautista, Rebecca Ferguson, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Josh Brolin
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Genre: Sci-fi
Runtime: 2 hours 35 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 2021
Writer: Daniel Roher

Dune is an American sci-fi movie that follows Paul Atreides, a brilliant young man born with a gift and into a world that's beyond his understanding. Dune is the adaption of the 1965 novel of the same name by Frank Herber and won 6 Oscars including Best Sound, Best Achievement in Visual Effects, Best Achievement in Production Design, Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score), Best Achievement in Film Editing and Best Achievement in Cinematography at the Academy Awards, USA 2022. Dune is our top pick of the best sci-fi movie on HBO Max and is a must-watch.

8. West Side Story (2021)

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Stars: Richard Beymer, Natalie Wood, George Chakiris
Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Musical, romantic, drama
Runtime: 2 hours 36 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 2021
Writer: Daniel Roher

If you love watching musical movies, then there is no way you shouldn't keep West Side Story on your bucket list. This Oscar-winning movie was praised for its direction, music, performance, and screenplay. It won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Costume Design, Color, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Sound, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color, and Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture at the Academy Awards, USA 1962.

9. In the Heights (2021)

Release Year: 2021
Genre: Musical, Drama
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Stars: Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera
Run time: 2 hr 23 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

In the Heights is a musical that predates the groundbreaking Hamilton, for which its creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, won a multitude of Tony Awards. Set in the bustling Washington Heights neighborhood, the story follows a group of ambitious dreamers as they strive to either leave their humble beginnings behind or solidify their roots in the community.

Under the direction of Jon M. Chu, Miranda's brilliant songs come to life on the big screen, with stunning performances from an impressive cast that includes Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, and Melissa Barrera. The cinematography is inventive and visually captivating, and the songs are guaranteed to stay stuck in your head long after the credits roll - just be prepared to catch yourself humming "96,000" for days to come.

10. Nightmare Alley (2021)

Release Year: 2021
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe
Run time: 2 hr 30 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

In the film adaptation of William Lindsay Gresham's 1946 novel, Nightmare Alley, directed by Guillermo del Toro, the world of the circus is depicted as a place of deceit and possibility. Bradley Cooper stars as Stanton Carlisle, a carny who works his way up in the circus and eventually strikes out on his own with a psychic act. However, when he meets Dr. Lillith Ritter (Cate Blanchett), his ambitious nature gets the best of him, leading him down a dangerous path that threatens to cost him everything. Del Toro's film, which features an exceptional cast including Toni Collette and Willem Dafoe, is a haunting exploration of a dark and twisted world that will linger in viewers' minds long after the movie ends. It was also nominated for Best Picture.

11. The Last Duel (2021)

Release Year: 2021
Genre: Action, Drama, History, Thriller
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Stars: Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer, Ben Affleck
Run time: 2 hr 23 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Ridley Scott's historical drama, "The Last Duel," is a captivating story that uses a Rashomon-like technique to showcase differing viewpoints and contradictions. The movie is divided into three parts and centres around the tale of Jean de Carrouges (played by Matt Damon), a knight who challenges his former friend Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) to a duel after Jean's wife Marguerite (Jodie Comer) accuses Jacques of rape.

With each chapter, the film's perspective shifts, and the truth behind each event becomes uncertain. While the performances of Damon, Driver, and Ben Affleck are commendable, Jodie Comer shines brightest, especially in her chapter, which provides a more realistic portrayal of the scenario. "The Last Duel" is a remarkable film and perhaps one of Scott's most underrated works of 2021.

12. The Survivor (2021)

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Stars: Billy Magnussen, Ben Foster, John Leguizamo, Vicky Krieps, Peter Sarsgaard, Danny DeVito
Director: Barry Levinson
Genre: Biographical drama
Runtime: 2 hours 9 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 1991
Writer: Daniel Roher

Directed by Barry Levinson, The Survivor is one of the best movies on HBO Max in the biographical drama niche. The story takes place after World War II when a boxer Harry who dwells in his past uses his boxing legends to find true love.

13. Nobody (2021)

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Stars: Connie Nielsen, Bob Odenkirk, Christopher Lloyd, RZA
Director: Ilya Naishuller
Genre: Action
Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 1991
Writer: Daniel Roher

Hutch Mansell leads an ordinary life with his two kids and wife, but his life changes when one day, his house gets burgled by two thieves. Slowly and gradually, he starts to unravel his true character after this mishap that eventually leads him into a war with a Russian criminal. Nobody received praise from critics, with most praise directed at action, performance, and direction. The movie won several accolades and is one of the best movies on HBO Max 2021.

14. Mortal Kombat (2021)

Release Year: 2021
Genre: Action Fantasy
Directed by: Simon McQuoid
Stars: Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Mehcad Brooks
Suitable for: NA
Run time: 1 hr 50 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Mortal Kombat, directed by Simon McQuoid, is widely regarded as one of the best video game adaptations on the big screen. The movie features a creative universe based on the beloved fighting game, with a solid foundation of supernatural action and thrills. Lewis Tan (known for his role in Deadpool 2) stars as the lead protagonist, Cole Young, a gifted mixed martial artist with a mysterious ancestry. Together with fellow champions played by Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, and Mehcad Brooks, Cole enters the perilous Mortal Kombat tournament to defeat supernatural foes such as Shang Tsung (Chin Han), Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim), and Mileena (Sisi Stringer). Overall, the film offers an exciting and engaging cinematic experience for fans of the franchise.

15. The Suicide Squad (2021)

Release Year: 2021
Genre: Thriller
Directed by: James Gunn
Stars: Idris Elba, Daniela Melchior, Margot Robbie, John Cena
Run time: 2 hr 12 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

The Suicide Squad is not only the most exceptional DCEU film to date, but it is also one of the best movies of 2021, without a doubt. This sequel to the 2016 film is more of a revamp than a continuation, as filmmaker James Gunn, renowned for Guardians of the Galaxy, envisions a Dirty Dozen-style war flick featuring these DC outcasts.

Task Force X members are dispatched on a covert mission to the hostile territory from which they are unlikely to return, resulting in a lot of action, violence, and humor. Gunn's precise perspective on this R-rated lunacy is evident throughout the film, and it is consistently unexpected and strange, yet never without justification. It's a genuinely joyous, darkly funny blockbuster that unapologetically embraces its weirdness.

16. Shazam (2019)

Release Year: 2019
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Directed by: David F. Sandberg
Stars: Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Djimon Hounsou
Run time: 2 hrs 12 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Shazam, a Warner Brother's DC Universe film directed by David F. Sandberg, offers a lighter take on the superhero genre, with a talented cast including Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Djimon Hounsou. The movie takes place in Philadelphia and follows the story of Billy Batson (Asher Angel), a foster kid who finds a new home and unexpected powers. The performances of Mark Strong and Djimon Hounsou are particularly noteworthy, as the film explores the superhero's origin story without delving too deeply into the mythology. Shazam is an entertaining action movie that includes witty dialogue, stunning special effects, and an underlying message about the importance of family.

17. Hereditary (2018)

Release Year: 2018
Genre: Horror, Drama
Directed by: Ari Aster
Stars: Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Millie Shapiro, Alex Wolff, Ann Dowd
Run time: 2 hr 7 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

In the movie Hereditary, a family struggles to cope with the recent death of their distant and controlling matriarch. The mother, Annie, played by Toni Collette, is supported by her husband Steve, played by Gabriel Byrne, but her children, Peter and Charlie, played by Alex Wolff and Millie Shapiro, become entangled in their grandmother's cult. Strange events and people start to visit the family, leading them to the brink of insanity as they realize they have been groomed to fulfill a sinister destiny.

18. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)

IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Stars: Alison Sudol, Eddie Redmayne, Johnny Depp, Zoë Kravitz, Katherine Waterston, Claudia Kim, Kevin Guthrie, Dan Fogler, Callum Turner, Jude Law, Ezra Miller, William Nadylam
Director: David Yates
Genre: Fantasy
Runtime: 2 hours 14 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 2018
Writer: Daniel Roher

Where there are stars like Johnny Depp, Eddie Redmayne, and Katherine Waterston, there is supremacy in acting. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a must-watch movie if you are a fan of Harry Potter movies.

The movie was a box office hit and received positive reviews from critics, with praise directed at the screenplay, value, performances, and direction.

It was also nominated for 2 BAFT awards for Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects and Best Production Design. Written by JK Rowling, the movie is filled with magic, and mystery, and has certain elements that will make you nostalgic if you are a Harry Potter fan.

19. Wonder Woman (2017)

Release Year: 2017
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, War
Directed by: Patty Jenkins
Stars: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston
Run time: 2 hr 29 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman is undoubtedly the best superhero movie in the DC Extended Universe. The film serves as an exceptional origin story for the iconic character of Diana (Gal Gadot), who is on a quest to find Ares, the God of War, during World War I in an attempt to restore peace to the world. Along the way, Diana experiences the harsh realities of the world, both good and bad, and develops a romantic connection with Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), a pilot. The film effectively portrays the strength and heroism of its female lead while also challenging her beliefs and personal growth. Balancing the role of a feminist icon with an engaging storyline is no easy feat, but Jenkins manages to do it masterfully.

20. Paddington 2 (2017)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Stars: Brendan Gleeson, Hugh Bonneville, Peter Capaldi, Ben Whishaw, Sally Hawkins, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, Hugh Grant
Director: Paul King
Genre: Live-action, Comedy, Anime
Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 2017
Writer: Daniel Roher

If you love a cute fluffy bear, then you must watch Paddington 2. It is one of the best movies on HBO Max that revolves around Paddington, a happy-go-lucky bear who is settled with the Brown family and loves them. He goes through a lot of hurdles to buy a great present for his aunt's birthday, but as fate would have it, the gift is stolen. The movie will make you overwhelmed with emotions, and some subtle humor elements here and there will also make you laugh. Paddington 2 received three nominations for BAFTA awards and grossed $228 million worldwide.

21. Dunkirk (2017)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Stars: Jack Lowden, Fionn Whitehead, James D'Arcy, Tom Glynn-Carney, Barry Keoghan, Cillian Murphy, Harry Styles, Mark Rylance, Aneurin Barnard, Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh
Director: Christopher Nolan
Genre: War
Runtime: 1 hour 46 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 2017
Writer: Daniel Roher

Directed by Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk is one of the most popular movies on HBO Max. Distributed by Warner Bros., the movie explores the time of World War II, when allied forces from Belgium, France, and the British Commonwealth were trapped on the beach surrounded by the German Army, and tried to escape. Christopher Nolan again works brilliantly in creating a movie that includes uplifting moments like sacrifice, hope, love, and sadness. The movie was nominated for 235 awards, and went on to win three Oscars for Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing, and Best Achievement in Sound Editing at the Academy Awards, USA 2018.

22. The Lobster (2015)

Release Year: 2015
Genre: Romance, Drama
Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos
Stars: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Jessica Barden, Olivia Colman, Roger Ashton-Griffiths
Run time: 1 hr 59 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

The Lobster, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a unique and thought-provoking film. The story takes place in a dystopian society where Colin Farrell's character, a man who is now single, moves into a hotel. In this society, singles have only 45 days to find a romantic partner or be turned into an animal of their choosing. The Lobster is a dark comedy that uses deadpan satire to address societal norms and features characters that are both bizarre and relatable. Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman also star in the film, which is an ambitious and eye-opening allegory with unconventional humor that's worth a watch.

23. The Witch (2015)

Release Year: 2015
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Directed by: Robert Eggers
Stars: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie
Run time: 1 hr 32 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

The Witch is a spine-chilling movie that subverts expectations with its haunting visuals and captivating narrative. It revolves around the tale of a Puritan family who are banished from their community and encounter eerie and perilous events in the wilderness surrounding their farm. The gradual intensification of horror is amplified by the film's historical context, as the family's unyielding devotion to their faith contrasts with their descent into madness. The unnerving climax is both victorious and unsettling, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

24. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Release Year: 2015
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Directed by: George Miller
Stars: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne
Run time: 2 hr
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

After viewing Mad Max: Fury Road, director Steven Soderbergh expressed his disbelief in two things: how the film wasn't still in production and how no fatalities occurred during filming. This speaks to the sheer magnitude of George Miller's awe-inspiring action masterpiece, a film so outrageously over-the-top that its very existence is a wonder. Unsurprisingly, Fury Road was immediately hailed as one of the greatest action movies of all time upon its release in 2015. Miller's decision to revisit the Mad Max franchise, after a gap of several decades since Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, resulted in a stunningly audacious film that never takes its foot off the pedal.

25. Wild (2014)

Release Year: 2014
Genre: Drama Adventure
Directed by: Jean-Marc Vallée
Stars: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Gaby Hoffmann, Michiel Huisman
Run time: 1 hr 55 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

In the movie Wild, directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, Reese Witherspoon stars as a woman going through a midlife crisis after a personal tragedy. The film is based on the bestselling memoir by Cheryl Strayed and delves into the raw emotions of devastating events like divorce and death. Alongside Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Gaby Hoffmann, and Michiel Huisman also star in this poignant story of one woman's journey towards self-discovery through an adventurous escape. Although it is a fictional adaptation of a true story, Wild continues to inspire women worldwide to step out of their comfort zones and explore new territories, much like similar films like Eat Pray Love and Under the Tuscan Sun.

26. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Stars: Mathieu Amalric, Ralph Fiennes , F. Murray Abraham
Director: Wes Anderson
Genre: Comedy, drama
Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 2014
Writer: Daniel Roher

If you like watching comedy movies with a dash of drama, then you must watch The Grand Budapest Hotel. With an IMDb rating of 8.1, this is one of the best movies on HBO Max. There is a story within a story in this movie as it tells the tale of the owner of a high-end hotel and his past life when he served as a lobby boy in the hotel under an exceptional concierge. Needless to say, The Grand Budapest Hotel won various accolades including four Oscars for Best Achievement in Costume Design, Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Achievement in Production Design, and Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score at the Academy Awards, USA 2015.

27. Lone Survivor (2013)

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Stars: Emile Hirsch, Mark Wahlberg, Eric Bana, Taylor Kitsch, Ben Foster
Director: Peter Berg
Genre: War, Biography, Action, Thriller
Runtime: 2 hours 1 minute
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 2013
Writer: Daniel Roher

Lone Survivor is set in 2005 Afghanistan, where four Navy SEALs namely Marcus Luttrell, Danny Dietz, Michael Murphy, and Matthew Axelson go on a covert mission to capture/kill a dangerous Taliban leader Ahmad Shah. Lone Survivor was nominated for 2 Academy Awards including Best Achievement in Sound Mixing and Best Achievement in Sound Editing. This biographical film is one of the best movies on HBO Max.

28. Contagion (2011)

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Stars: Laurence Fishburne, Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard, Jude Law, Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Genre: Medical thriller
Runtime: 1 hour 46 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 2011
Writer: Daniel Roher

This movie was way ahead of its time because it is about a pandemic and who knew that years later mankind would suffer because of a deadly virus that has no cure? Contagion was released in 2011, and the director Steven Soderbergh does an excellent job of showing the struggles government officials, healthcare professionals, and common people go through while fighting a pandemic.

The movie received praise from critics for its direction, performances, and narrative. A lot of people watched the movie in 2020 during the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Contagion also received an award for Editor of the Year at the Hollywood Film Awards 2011 and Best Thriller TV Spot at Golden Trailer Awards 2012.

29. Inception (2010)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe, Elliot Page, Tom Berenger, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine, Tom Hardy
Director: Christopher Nolan
Genre: Sci-fi, Thriller, Action
Runtime: 2 hours 28 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 2010
Writer: Daniel Roher

A dream within a dream - yes, that's the concept of Inception. If you want to watch a movie that makes you scratch your head with confusion, then this is the one to watch. The movie is about Dom Cobb who breaks into people's dreams and steals their valuable secrets to make a living. This is a movie that needs your complete attention and is a full package of mystery, action, and sci-fi.

Needless to say, this Christopher Nolan movie won various prestigious awards, including four Oscars for Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Sound Editing, Best Achievement in Visual Effects, and Best Achievement in Sound Mixing at the Academy Awards, USA 2011. Inception is one of the top-rated movies on HBO Max and is a must-watch.

30. Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Release Year: 2009
Genre: Comedy, Horror
Directed by: Karyn Kusama
Stars: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody
Run time: 1 hr 42 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Jennifer's Body is a groundbreaking film that was ahead of its time in its progressive depiction of femininity, sexuality, and autonomy. Written by Diablo Cody, who also penned the hit movie Juno, this horror-comedy subverts typical horror narratives and has since become a cult classic. The movie follows the story of Jennifer, a popular and stunning high school cheerleader who is possessed by a bloodthirsty demon.

The movie straddles the line between an allegory of female friendship and a queer romance, adding layers of depth to the narrative. Megan Fox delivers a standout performance as Jennifer, with Amanda Seyfried playing her best friend Needy, who must take action to stop Jennifer from preying on their male classmates, including Needy's own boyfriend. Jennifer's Body is a movie that has been increasingly appreciated by critics in recent years for its unique and progressive perspective.

31. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Stars: Rupert Grint, Robbie Coltrane, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Alan Rickman, Jim Broadbent, Maggie Smith, Helena Bonham Carter, Timothy Spall, Julie Walters, Warwick Davis, David Thewlis, Michael Gambon
Director: David Yates
Genre: Fantasy
Runtime: 2 hours 33 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 2009
Writer: Daniel Roher

The movie starts with Death Eaters wreaking havoc on both the Muggle and Wizard World and Professor Dumbledore trying to make Professor Horace Slughorn return to Hogwarts for teaching. Later, Dumbledore takes Harry into confidence and tells him about his past with Voldemort and a secret that can help him defeat Voldemort. Packed with emotions, subtle humor, romance, thrill, and mystery, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is one of the best movies on HBO Max.

32. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Stars: Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Warwick Davis, Alan Rickman, John Cleese, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Fiona Shaw
Director: Chris Columbus
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
Runtime: 2 hours 32 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 2001
Writer: Daniel Roher

2001 was the year when Harry Potter was introduced to the world in the form of a movie. The characters that we read in the book came alive, and everyone loved the movie. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is one of the best movies on HBO Max about Harry Potter and his two best friends Hermoine Granger and Rupert Grint who come to know about a hidden danger at Hogwarts. This movie will take you on a ride to a beautiful wizarding world and make you forget all your worries.

All in all, it is one of the best family movies on HBO Max.

33. Sense and Sensibility (1995)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Stars: Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman
Director: Ang Lee
Genre: Period drama
Runtime: 2 hours 16 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 1995
Writer: Ang Lee

Sense and Sensibility is an Oscar-winning movie and is based on Jane Austen's novel of the same name. Before Kate Winslet got huge recognition internationally from Titanic, she played the strong role of Marianne in Sense and Sensibility.

After the demise of Mr. Dashwood, his second wife, and daughters - Margaret, Marianne, and Elinor, and left with little to no money. It even won an Oscar for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published at the Academy Awards, USA 1996.

34. The Jurassic Park Trilogy (1993-2001)

Release Year: 1993-2001
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Directed by: Steven Spielberg and Joe Johnston
Stars: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum
Run time: 5 hr 48 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

The Jurassic Park trilogy is now available for streaming on HBO Max, featuring a star-studded cast including Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum. While the original 1993 film directed by Steven Spielberg remains unmatched in terms of quality, the sequels also offer some noteworthy moments. The 1997 follow-up, The Lost World, may not live up to the high standards set by its predecessor but still manages to deliver some impressive sequences, such as the dual T. rex scene with the trailers on the cliff. As for 2001's Jurassic Park III, directed by Joe Johnston, it's a movie that you may or may not enjoy.

35. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Release Year: 1991
Genre: Thriller Horror
Directed by: Jonathan Demme
Stars: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins
Run time: 1 hr 58 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

The Silence of the Lambs is a cinematic masterpiece that has earned the distinction of winning all four of the Big Oscar awards (Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Picture). The reasons behind this accolade become apparent once you watch the film. The story follows Clarice Starling (played by Jodie Foster), a young FBI agent who is part of a task force responsible for capturing Buffalo Bill, a notorious serial killer known for making clothing from the skin of his victims. Despite having no leads, Clarice decides to seek the help of Dr. Hannibal Lecter (played by Anthony Hopkins), an imprisoned, highly intelligent, and manipulative psychopath who has a history of cannibalism. The movie is an unyielding thriller that keeps the audience at the edge of their seats with its mixture of psychological tension and graphic violence.

36. Beetlejuice (1988)

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Stars: Jeffrey Jones, Alec Baldwin, Winona Ryder, Geena Davis, Catherine O'Hara, Michael Keaton
Director: Tim Burton
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Year of release: 1988
Writer: Daniel Roher

The movie was released years ago, but even now if you watch it, Beetlejuice will give you a breath of fresh air with its comedy and fantasy elements. The spirits of a deceased couple Adam and Barbara live in their home, but when young Lydia moves with her parents into their house, the couple feels threatened. They befriend Lydia but are not very fond of her parents, so they take the help of another spirit to scare away the current owners and drive them out of the house. Beetlejuice is a fun movie to watch and it even won an Oscar for Best Makeup at the Academy Awards, USA 1989.

37. The Exorcist (1973)

Release Year: 1973
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Directed by: William Friedkin
Stars: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb
Run time: 2 hr 12 min
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
Writer: Daniel Roher
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

The Exorcist is a timeless classic for good reason. The movie follows the disturbing behavior of a young girl named Regan, whose symptoms become increasingly severe and unresponsive to traditional diagnosis and treatment. Eventually, it is discovered that Regan is possessed by a demon, and the only way to cure her is through an exorcism.

During its initial release, The Exorcist was infamous for frightening audiences and causing long lines at theaters. There were also rumors of a curse on the set, as many of the actors and crew suffered from injuries, personal tragedies, and even death. To alleviate this, director William Friedkin brought in a Jesuit priest to bless the set, after which everything seemed to improve.

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