The Top 30 Movies on Max (also known as HBO Max) Currently (August 2024)

In the origin point of esteemed TV series such as The Sopranos and The Wire, HBO—and its counterpart, Max (also referred to as the platform previously named HBO Max)—is most well-known for its remarkable array of original programs. The platform has also been enhancing its offerings with full-length content that possesses the caliber to be part of Academy Award aspirations. Nevertheless, owing to Max not being (as of yet) a major production giant like, for instance, Netflix, numerous outstanding films enter and exit each month. Therefore, if you chance upon a title you wish to view, do not let it loiter in your watchlist for an extended duration.

Listed below are some of our preferred movies available for streaming on Max—spanning from legendary Westerns to recent Academy Award contenders that frequently appear at the pinnacle of any Best Movies of the Year compilation. If you sense a preference for TV content, feel free to explore our selections for the finest series on Max. If you seek additional suggestions, peruse our compilations of the top films on Netflix, the finest films on Amazon Prime, and the prime films on Disney+.

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Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the eagerly anticipated Beetlejuice sequel by Tim Burton, is scheduled to premiere at the Venice Film Festival on August 28 and hit US theaters the ensuing weekend. In the interim, revisit 1988 where the journey of the troublemaking “bio-exorcist” (also known as Betelgeuse) commences. Michael Keaton showcases his eccentricity portraying the mischievous spirit hired to aid a recently departed couple (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) in utilizing their spectral abilities to frighten off the insufferable family that has taken residence in their dream domicile.

Love Lies Bleeding

British writer/director Rose Glass follows her BAFTA-nominated Saint Maud with this intricate, ultra-violent romance. It is set in 1989 within a rural town in New Mexico where gym supervisor Lou (Kristen Stewart) endeavors to maintain a low profile while keeping a lookout for her sister Beth (Jena Malone), entangled in an abusive bond with her spouse JJ (Dave Franco). However, Lou’s existence undergoes a dramatic twist when Jackie (Katy O’Brian), a stunning young bodybuilder, starts frequenting Lou’s gym to train for an upcoming contest in Las Vegas. Their mutual affection blossoms—followed by the revelation of Lou’s concealed familial truths jeopardizing her life and the well-being of those she values.

Faye

“I am Faye Dunaway. That’s my identity.” This is how the luminary introduces herself in the trailer for Laurent Bouzereau’s full-length documentary. Nevertheless, the documentary discloses that Faye Dunaway embodies far more than the glamorous facade linked with the Academy Award-winning star of Network. Dunaway divulges aspects seldom witnessed before, reflecting on her childhood, familial connections, struggles with bipolar disorder, and the enduring impact of the personalities she has portrayed. It emerges as a gripping portrayal of a genuine Hollywood icon.

Quad Gods

Jess Jacklin’s comprehensive documentary chronicles the captivating voyage of Blake, Prentice, and Richard—three persons with quadriplegia who cross paths at a neuro-rehab facility in Mount Sinai Hospital and embark on a mission to create the initial all-quadriplegic esports squad globally. It constitutes a noble pursuit, albeit laden with obstacles as they dismantle the barriers of ableism. At its core, Quad Gods narrates a tale of comradeship, determination, and resilience.

Babe

Animals that converse. What more persuasion is needed? Babe narrates the heartwarming tale of a lovable piglet aspiring to assume the role of a sheepdog—much to the joy of Arthur Hoggett (James Cromwell, an Oscar nominee for the portrayal), a farmer and Babe’s guardian. Yet, Babe transcends mere family-friendly entertainment; penned and produced by George Miller (yes, the same George Miller renowned for Mad Max), who injects an adult sensibility into the narrative. The movie secured an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and garnered six additional nominations—including a nod for Best Picture.

The Witch

Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a breakthrough performance as Thomasin, the adolescent daughter of a family banished from their Puritanicalsociety in the 1630s New England and compelled to reside in seclusion in the wild. In that place, they start encountering a series of unsettling incidents that they interpret as otherworldly. Consider it a sophisticated horror film that unfolds gradually but masterfully towards a resolution that appreciates the audience’s patience.

Am I Fine?

Lucy (Dakota Johnson) is a woman in her thirties residing in Los Angeles, continuously facing challenges in relationships and pondering why she hasn’t yet figured everything out. After sharing, in a drunken state, the incident of kissing a female friend during her teenage years, she starts realizing that maybe the issue in her love life isn’t the men she selects but the act of selecting men altogether. Scripted by ex-Saturday Night Live author Lauren Pomerantz, the film is inspired by her personal narrative of coming out in her thirties. Tig Notaro and her spouse Stephanie Allynne excel as co-directors, treating Lucy’s voyage of self-discovery with the reverence it deserves, along with a good dose of humor.

MoviePass, MovieBreakdown

For better or for worse, millions of cinema enthusiasts will recall 2012 as the era of MoviePass. At $25 per month, you could practically reside inside a movie theater—an arrangement cherished by audiences but not so favorable for the movie houses (already grappling) and ultimately catastrophic for the company itself. This revelatory documentary narrates the real tale of the mishaps behind the scenes and celebrates the unsung heroes who simply desired to create a product that movie aficionados could embrace.

Dune & Dune: Part Two

Following his breakthrough with the Oscar-nominated Incendies (2010), Denis Villeneuve has consistently demonstrated why he is among the most skilled filmmakers currently active. After successfully creating a sequel to Blade Runner that wasn’t disappointing, Villeneuve then managed to decode Frank Herbert’s Dune series—a feat that previous visionaries like David Lynch and Alejandro Jodorowsky had attempted, albeit largely unsuccessfully. Both the original film from 2021 and its continuation, released in theaters this March, are available for streaming on Max. The narrative revolves around the destiny of the planet Arrakis and its possession of melange, a unique spice considered the most valuable substance in the universe, entrusted to Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), the untested son of a powerful duke.

Refrain from Creating Sensible

Four decades ago, award-winning filmmaker Jonathan Demme and Talking Heads revolutionized the rockumentary genre with Refrain from Creating Sensible. The 1984 live performance film was recorded over four shows at the renowned Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles and produced independently on a budget slightly exceeding $1 million, funded by David Byrne and his group. The movie’s memorability lies in its straightforward filming style, displaying the band’s inventiveness as the focal point, leading the viewers on an unforgettable voyage that resembles a piece of performance art as much as a concert.

Furious Max

Before witnessing Anya Taylor-Joy’s portrayal of Imperator Furiosa, a courageous liberator who challenges gender norms in a post-apocalyptic setting, revisit the movie that initiated it all. It’s highly probable that even the writer-director George Miller himself was unaware of the fire he was igniting with Furious Max. Mel Gibson plays Max Rockatansky, a quasi-police officer (in dystopian scenarios, authorities are not clear-cut) seeking vengeance against a motorcycle gang following the brutal slaying of his wife and child. Over the 45 years since, the film has evolved into a full-fledged franchise with the fifth installment, Furiosa: An Angry Max Chronicle, slated for release later this month, along with another in progress. You can now watch all the released films—1981’s The Road Warrior, 1985’s Beyond Thunderdome, and 2015’s Fury Road—on Max as well.

The Execution of a Sacred Deer

If you appreciate the dark and absurd style of Yorgos Lanthimos (Impoverished Things) or are newly discovering the unsettling brilliance of Barry Keoghan, The Execution of a Sacred Deer is tailored for you. Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell) is a highly respected surgeon with a caring wife (Nicole Kidman) and children, whose life takes a drastic turn after befriending Martin (Keoghan), an awkward teenager whoSteven suffered the loss of his father a few years ago. What starts as an apparent act of benevolence on Steven’s side quickly evolves into a profoundly twisted iteration of Sophie’s Choice. Lanthimos remains unparalleled in his ability to intermingle comedy with pathos—a skill showcased magnificently here.

The Zone of Interest

In 1943, Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel) served as the overseer of Auschwitz, where he wielded power over the fate of the concentration camp’s blameless captives. But what transpired when Höss returned home? This is the subject matter explored in Jonathan Glazer’s award-winning film, revealing that within the so-called Zone of Interest adjacent to the camp, Höss and his wife Hedwig (Sandra Hüller) alongside their five offspring strived to construct an idyllic existence for their family—where the echoes of gunfire, trains arriving, and furnaces being ignited were just everyday occurrences. Undoubtedly, it is as harsh and indispensable as it sounds.

Black Swan

Natalie Portman delivered what may potentially become the defining portrayal of her career in this somber dance narrative from Darren Aronofsky. Nina Sayers (Portman) is a performer with the New York City Ballet whose entire life has been devoted to her craft, significantly influenced by her overprotective mother (Barbara Hershey), a former ballerina who urges her daughter to fulfill the career she desired. Nina’s world spirals into chaos when she secures the lead role in a fresh rendition of Swan Lake, only to discover that she will be sharing the part with the spirited Lily (Mila Kunis), swiftly becoming both Nina’s sole genuine friend and formidable competitor. Subsequently, she plunges into a bewildering madness artistically depicted through Aronofsky’s directorial choices that effectively convey her turmoil.

Good Time

In the year 2020, we labeled Good Time as one of the most underappreciated films of the past two decades, a stance we fervently uphold. Thankfully, Robert Pattinson and the Safdie Brothers continue to establish themselves as some of the most captivating figures in their respective professions—Pattinson and Benny Safdie as actors, and Benny alongside his sibling Josh as directors. Consequently, more audiences have uncovered the movie’s brilliance, and even more will do so now that it’s available on Max. Connie Nikas (Pattinson) is a minor league criminal perpetually on the lookout for the next lucrative heist, often enlisting his developmentally challenged brother Nick (Safdie) as an accomplice. When a bank robbery goes awry resulting in Nick’s arrest, Connie embarks on a desperate quest for their survival. Similar to Uncut Gems, another gem that would later epitomize the Safdie’s style (currently also streaming on Max), Good Time is a thrilling crime drama that keeps viewers on tenterhooks as Connie endeavors to reunite with his brother at any cost.

Wonka

Timothée Chalamet leads as Willy Wonka in this engaging portrayal exploring the origins of Roald Dahl’s eccentric chocolatier, helmed by Paul King, the director of Paddington. While it doesn’t match the charm of Mel Stuart’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Dream Scenario

Much like Forrest Gump’s renowned variety box of chocolates, the audience can never predict what to expect from a Nicolas Cage performance. Nevertheless, Cage, a unique actor, falls into one of two categories in his roles: either remarkably transformative or exuberantly scene-stealing. Dream Scenario decidedly falls into the former camp, lauded by some critics as one of the esteemed actor’s finest portrayals—an accolade well-deserved. Cage takes on the character of Paul Matthews, an ordinary biology professor who mysteriously starts appearing in strangers’ dreams, propelling him to viral prominence. True to a typical Cage performance, this one is nuanced, delving into the repercussions of unexpected fame and its true toll.

The Green Knight

Crafting his narrative around familiar legends in innovative ways, writer-director David Lowery (Pete’s Dragon, Peter Pan & Wendy) excels in breathing new life into ancient tales. Such is the case with this acclaimed fantasy-adventure featuring Dev Patel embodying the role of the Arthurian hero. Sir Gawain (Patel), King Arthur’s nephew, accustomed to a sheltered life owing to his privilege, resolves to alter his destiny. Thus, when an opportunity presents itself for Gawain to prove his worth…as a knight suited for his place at the Circular Table, he seizes it—even though ill-equipped for the trials ahead.

Dicks: The Musical

A24—the production house renowned for its daring, award-winning indie films like Moonlight and Ex Machina (currently available for streaming on Max)—ventures into the realm of musicals with this rendition of the off-Broadway sensation Fucking Identical Twins (and who would have guessed that Dicks: The Musical was a provocative title). Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp collaborated on this extravagant musical where two colleagues realize they are long-lost siblings and scheme to reunite their parents (portrayed by Nathan Lane and Megan Mullally). Megan Thee Stallion takes on the role of their boss. If you’re sensitive to strong language—or the abundance of it—you might want to skip this one.

Barbie

Greta Gerwig excels in revitalizing classic narratives (evident in her work on Little Women). With Barbie, she initiates a new wave. Barbie (Margot Robbie) savors an ideal existence in Barbieland until a sudden upheaval threatens her flawless plastic world and high heels. In order to reclaim her glamorous life, Barbie must journey to the tangible realm—specifically, Los Angeles—to ascertain the source of her existential dilemma. The film has amassed close to $1.5 billion globally, indicating you may have already viewed it. Yet, even if you have, a second viewing is certainly warranted if only to mourn its numerous overlooked Oscar nominations.

RoboCop

From Total Recall to Showgirls and circling back to Basic Instinct, director Paul Verhoeven boasts a cinematic track record almost unparalleled in contemporary film. RoboCop, his grim interpretation of law enforcement, stands as testimony. Taking place in a bleak rendition of crime-ridden Detroit, the narrative follows a police officer (Peter Weller) who meets a fatal end, only to be reborn as, indeed, a robotic cop—although one might presume he excels at combating crime, the reality is far different. While some of the visual effects may appear dated now, they once epitomized the future back in 1987. Additionally, if RoboCop leaves you yearning for more, the movie’s sequels and the 2014 remake—regrettably not helmed by Verhoeven—are also accessible on Max.

Albert Brooks: Defending My Life

Albert Brooks is revered as a comedian’s comedian. While primarily recognized as the creative force behind acclaimed comedies like Defending Your Life, Lost in America, Real Life, and Mother, he also boasts a stellar acting career (validated by an Oscar nod). Brooks’ longtime friend, Rob Reiner, directs this endearing documentary spotlighting Brooks’ unparalleled talent, boasting an impressive lineup of A-list admirers—including David Letterman, Steven Spielberg, Sarah Silverman, Judd Apatow, Chris Rock, Larry David, and Ben Stiller—all eager to extol his virtues.

Furious 7

It’s forgivable to perceive many of the Fast & Furious installments as blending together. Car chase, brawl, street race, explosions, Corona, “family”—the usual recipe. Yet, this one stands out. Firstly, it’s the chapter where the crew airdrops a fleet of tricked-out vehicles out of a cargo plane. Moreover, it marks Paul Walker’s final portrayal in a Fast feature film (he tragically passed away in a car accident in 2013). A poignant movie, it also ranks among the franchise’s finest entries.

Carrie

A slew of filmmakers have sought to extract cinematic gold from Stephen King’s debut novel, a quest that seems futile after Brian De Palma’s original 1976 adaptation. Close to half a century since its inception, the film retains its spine-chilling effect on viewers. Carrie White (Sissy Spacek), a timid, sheltered, and somewhat peculiar adolescent, finds herself at the mercy of her high school’s clique of mean girls. When one of these individuals (Nancy Allen) is barred from attending prom due to her behavior, she and her boyfriend devise a scheme for retribution against the hapless Carrie. However, Carrie gets the last word when, drenched in a bucket of pig’s blood, she unveils to the prom-goers why she has earned the title “Creepy Carrie.” The movie culminates in a climax that continues to startle audiences to this day.

Avatar: The Way of Water

The sequel to James Cameron’s Avatar seemed like a film that had been in preparation for centuries. In actuality, just over a dozen years passed between the original 2009 movie and last year’s The Way of Water. That timeline adds up: The second installment in a series of five films unfolds 16 years after the occurrences of the original and reunites us with Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana)—now wedded with offspring, and still azure. While the movie didn’t create as significant an impact as its forerunner, it managed to surpass Cameron’s own TitanicStar Wars films—to claim the third-highest box office earnings in history (with Avatar in first place, trailed by Avengers: Endgame).

Actuality

In 2017, an intelligence dossier about Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election was disclosed anonymously. One year later, former NSA linguist Reality Winner (yes, that’s her given name) was given a sentence of more than five years in confinement for the offense—the lengthiest term ever bestowed upon a government whistleblower. HBO’s current muse, Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria, The White Lotus), dazzles in this gripping true narrative, which mainly unfolds in real time as the FBI appears at the 25-year-old’s doorstep and engages in over an hour of questioning.

Parasite

Even if awards don’t concern you, the fact that Parasite is the initial—and solitary—foreign-language film to win a Best Picture Oscar should indicate something about the universality of its themes. The Kims, a family grappling to survive financially, focus their deceitful intentions on the Parks, a wealthy family with numerous predicaments of their own, yet also ample funds to muffle their disarray. At least temporarily. Right when you assume you comprehend how socioeconomic conflict is unfolding in this dark comedy, it alters course to reach an unexpected resolution. As always, Bong Joon-ho knows just how to guide his audience along one track, only to reveal a hidden, unforeseen passage.

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed

Achieving success in one’s lifetime might appear as the aspiration of every artist, but Nan Goldin envisions grander goals. Despite being a photographer by profession, she embodies an activist by vocation and has always employed her camera to document profoundly intimate instants of America amidst crises, including extensive projects dedicated to the HIV/AIDS and opioid epidemics. Nonetheless, All the Beauty and the Bloodshed exposes the artist in dilemma: Should she permit her work to be exhibited in one of the prominent museums or galleries that have benefitted from endowments by the Sackler family—the pharmaceutical magnates that many fault for America’s opioid crisis? It’s a poignant portrayal of an artist willing to stake everything for her convictions.

The Dark Knight

To start off: All three of Christopher Nolan’s Batman films are currently available, and engaging in a marathon viewing of all of them back-to-back is certainly a way to spend an evening. However, if you opt to watch just one, the second installment in the series is unparalleled. While Christian Bale’s Caped Crusader takes the lead, it’s Heath Ledger’s now legendary portrayal as the Joker that renders The Dark Knight the most irresistibly captivating Batman film (even surpassing Nolan’s other contributions). Despite Ledger’s tragic passing six months before the film’s debut, he posthumously secured a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his villainous performance, where he masterfully balanced dark humor with unadulterated madness.