HBO Max's Diverse Film Catalog: A Cinematic Compendium
HBO, renowned as the birthplace of prestige TV shows such as The Sopranos and The Wire, and by extension, HBO Max, has established itself as a powerhouse in the realm of original series. Additionally, the network has been elevating its feature - length offerings, creating content that vies for Oscar - worthy acclaim.
This compilation presents some of the most captivating films available for streaming on HBO Max, spanning from Oscar - winning epics to dystopian sci - fi classics. For those in a TV - watching mood, our curated selection of the best shows on HBO Max awaits. And for more recommendations, explore our lists of the best movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
1. Friendship
In this dark comedy bromance, Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson showcase their respective strengths. Craig Waterman (played by Robinson of I Think You Should Leave) is an awkward marketing executive. His life takes an unexpected turn when Austin Carmichael, a local TV meteorologist and new neighbor, invites him for a beer one night. The two form an unlikely friendship, which exposes the typically home - bound Craig to a new world filled with guys' nights and male camaraderie. However, when Austin decides to end their budding brotherhood, Craig's inability to handle rejection leads him to extreme lengths to repair their relationship.
2. Goodfellas
Roger Ebert's bold assertion in 1990 that “No finer film has ever been made about organized crime, not even The Godfather” regarding Martin Scorsese's mafia masterpiece is hard to refute. Scorsese collaborated with novelist Nicholas Pileggi to adapt his 1985 book, Wiseguy, into this Oscar - winning crime - drama. The film follows the life of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a wannabe gangster who becomes a real - life mafioso. His hubris, compounded by a drug problem, ultimately leads to his downfall. Despite its nearly 2.5 - hour running time, Goodfellas remains highly engaging and re - watchable, with its memorable quotes and the iconic three - minute Copacabana tracking shot, a pinnacle of cinematic achievement.
3. Se7en
The question “What’s in the box?” has intrigued audiences since the release of this 1995 David Fincher classic. At the time, Gwyneth Paltrow was known mainly as Brad Pitt's girlfriend, and Kevin Spacey was fresh off his Oscar win for The Usual Suspects. This clever thriller, centered around a serial killer whose crimes are inspired by the seven deadly sins, has retained its gritty and potent allure over the past 30 years.
4. The Cabin in the Woods
Drew Goddard draws inspiration from Wes Craven's Scream in this well - executed and unexpectedly humorous meta - horror flick. True to its title, the film adheres to the overused horror movie trope of a group of attractive young people venturing to a remote cabin, only to be surrounded by evil. Every element of this sub - genre, from the strange local warning the kids to turn back to the basement filled with creepy relics, is masterfully crafted as part of a larger plan. It's a loving homage to the horror genre, despite its surprisingly dark undertones.
5. Final Destination Bloodlines
Twenty - five years after the original Final Destination hit theaters and over a decade since the last installment, the latest entry in this so - bad - it's - good horror franchise delivers what may be its best chapter. While following the familiar plot of a group cheating death only for Death to come back for them, this film adds depth by providing some backstory to the recurring theme. It's both emotionally engaging and clever in its novel ways of dispatching those whose fates were predetermined, all while maintaining a gory yet subtly comedic tone.
6. Sinners
Hot on the heels of some of the most successful Marvel movies, such as the Black Panther films, writer - director Ryan Coogler wows cinephiles with this stunning vampire tale. Set in 1930s Mississippi, the film stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers Smoke and Stack, World War I veterans who return from Chicago with mob money to open a juke joint. However, their opening night turns disastrous when a group of blood - sucking white musicians arrives. With its lush cinematography and beautifully shot action scenes, Sinners is already topping many “Best of 2025” lists. HBO Max is streaming the film in Black American Sign Language (BASL) in addition to the original theatrical release.
7. Get Out
In 2017, Jordan Peele transitioned from half of the comedy duo Key & Peele to an Oscar - winning screenwriter, making history as the first Black writer to win the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and the first Black filmmaker to be nominated as a producer, writer, and director in a single year. Eight years later, the impact of Get Out remains profound. Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) is invited by his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), to her parents' upstate New York home. Despite his concerns about an interracial relationship, Rose assures him all is well, but for all the wrong reasons. Peele masterfully crafted a film that combines horror, psychological drama, and a poignant commentary on race.
8. Parasite
The fact that Parasite is the first and only non - English - language movie to win the Best Picture Oscar speaks volumes about the universality of its themes. The Kims, a struggling family, set their sights on the Parks, a wealthy family with their own share of problems. As the story unfolds in this black comedy, the dynamics of class warfare take unexpected turns, leading to an unforeseen conclusion. Director Bong Joon - ho expertly guides the audience down one path only to reveal a hidden trapdoor to another.
9. Fight Club
An office drone (Edward Norton) with a penchant for catalog shopping and self - help groups meets a rebellious soap maker (Brad Pitt) on a flight. Their encounter leads to a unique bond, as they discover that engaging in physical altercations is an effective way to relieve the stress of everyday life. Soon, they assemble an army of Fight Club members ready to challenge the world. Since its release over 25 years ago, David Fincher's adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk's best - selling novel has amassed a massive cult following, despite its initial box - office disappointment, and has even inspired real - life fight clubs.
10. Mountainhead
Jesse Armstrong, creator of Succession, continues his exploration of the world's 1%. In his feature directorial debut, Mountainhead, four of the tech world's most powerful men gather at Hugo “Souper” Van Yalk's (Jason Schwartzman) new mountain retreat. Intended as a friendly get - together, each has an ulterior motive. However, all plans are derailed when Ven Parish's (Cory Michael Smith) social media platform, due to a fast - tracked AI feature spreading disinformation, sends the world into chaos. Everyone except Ven sees this as an opportunity to increase their power and wealth.
11. Babygirl
Romy Mathis (Nicole Kidman), a high - powered CEO, has a lackluster marriage with her husband (Antonio Banderas) but adores her two teenage daughters. Her life is upended when, while walking to her office, she is nearly attacked by a dog. A handsome young stranger (Harris Dickinson) intervenes, leaving Romy shaken and curious. Later, the same man is introduced as Samuel, one of her new interns, who gradually pushes the boundaries of appropriate workplace behavior. Eventually, Romy succumbs to Samuel's advances, despite her concerns about the power dynamic. Samuel insists he holds the power, as Romy has the most to lose.
12. The Brutalist
Adrien Brody earned his second Best Actor Oscar for this historical epic directed by Brady Corbet. Brody portrays László Tóth, a Bauhaus - trained architect who emigrates to America after surviving the Buchenwald concentration camp. Settling in the Philadelphia area, Tóth must rebuild his life through menial jobs. His talents are soon recognized by a wealthy industrialist, Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), who commissions him for a large project and helps bring his wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), to America. However, Tóth discovers that the American Dream comes at a price. The film, a frank portrayal of the immigrant experience, also offers a heartbreaking perspective on trauma, winning three of its ten Oscar nominations.
13. Aftersun
Despite Paul Mescal's Best Actor Oscar nomination for his role in Aftersun, Scottish filmmaker Charlotte Wells' directorial debut remains relatively underseen. Calum (Mescal) is a father struggling with mental anguish, which he tries to hide while vacationing with his precocious 11 - year - old daughter Sophie (Frankie Corio) in Turkey. Sophie senses his distress, even if she doesn't fully understand it. The film's leisurely beach days, combined with Sophie's recollection of the vacation and its ambiguous ending, as well as the authentic chemistry between Mescal and Corio, make it a powerful meditation on mental illness and a poignant coming - of - age story.
14. House
Prepare to be enthralled by this trippy 1977 Japanese horror - comedy. Gorgeous (Kimiko Ikegami), the daughter of a famed film composer, returns from Italy with a new step - mother. To avoid an awkward situation, she asks her aunt if she can stay at her creepy old mansion for the summer and brings six of her friends. Strange occurrences quickly ensue, including disembodied head attacks, homicidal pianos, and possessed cat portraits. This cult classic is a thrillingly bonkers ride.
15. Gimme Shelter
Legendary documentarians Albert and David Maysles revolutionized the rockumentary with this riveting account of the final days of the Rolling Stones' 1969 US tour, culminating in the infamous Altamont Free Concert. The concert, which attracted an estimated 300,000 people to California's Altamont Speedway on December 6, 1969, was fraught with disaster from the start, especially due to the band's decision to hire the Hells Angels as security. When the Stones took the stage, the crowd was out of control, and one of the Angels stabbed a man in front of the stage. The filmmakers' capture of the band's reaction to the footage provides a compelling perspective on rock stardom.
16. Sing Sing
Colman Domingo once again demonstrates his acting prowess with an Oscar - nominated performance in Sing Sing. Divine G (Domingo) is an inmate at New York's Sing Sing prison, wrongfully serving time. During his imprisonment, he finds purpose in the prison's theater group as part of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. His acting talent not only helps him connect with his emotions but also becomes a double - edged sword during his parole hearing. The film is further enhanced by the participation of formerly incarcerated men who were part of the program.
17. Heretic
Hugh Grant earns well - deserved awards consideration for his departure from type in this religion - themed psychological thriller. Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) are Mormon missionaries desperate to convert new members. When Mr. Reed (Grant), a seemingly kind older man, invites them into his home, Sister Barnes quickly senses something is amiss. Reed forces his beliefs on the young women in increasingly bizarre and deadly ways.
18. We Live in Time
Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh's on - screen chemistry ignites this romantic tearjerker. The film follows the couple over a decade, from their meet - not - so - cute (she hits him with her car) to parenthood and the ultimate challenge that threatens their happy ending. Garfield and Pugh's performances reaffirm their status as two of the most acclaimed actors of their generation.
19. Juror #2
Despite being one of Clint Eastwood's most accomplished directorial efforts, Juror #2 faced a lackluster theatrical release. Now is the chance to discover its merits. Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult), a journalist and recovering alcoholic, faces a challenge to maintain his sobriety when he's selected for a high - profile murder trial and realizes he may have played a part in the events. Hoult shines in this edge - of - your - seat legal and ethical drama.
20. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Nearly 40 years after Tim Burton's Beetlejuice took the late - 80s box office by storm, a sequel finally arrived in 2024. Michael Keaton seamlessly reprises his role, and this time, Lydia (Winona Ryder)'s daughter (Jenna Ortega) finds a way to bring the bio - exorcism pro back into their lives, as Lydia tries to forget her previous encounter.
21. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
Thanks in part to James Gunn and Peter Safran, audiences have this long - overdue documentary about the ultimate superhero actor. Directors Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui pay a heartfelt tribute to Reeve, not just as an actor but as a person who persevered. Reeve's children, Alexandra Reeve Givens, Matthew Reeve, and Will Reeve, share personal stories, adding an intimate layer to the project.
22. Watchmen: Chapter I
Brandon Vietti (known for Batman: Under the Red Hood) directs this innovative animated adaptation of Alan Moore's Hugo Award - winning graphic novel. The story follows the investigation into the murder of Edward Blake, a superhero known as the Comedian. When the police come up empty, the vigilante Rorschach (Titus Welliver) takes matters into his own hands and enlists other superheroes to stop a killing spree.
23. MaXXXine
MaXXXine is the third film in Ti West's X trilogy, following X and Pearl. Set immediately after the events of Pearl, Mia Goth's Maxine Minx, a preacher's daughter, is desperate to transition from porn to mainstream movies. She gets her chance with a lead role in The Puritan II, but her friends start getting murdered. Maxine must confront her past sins to achieve her dream of fame.
24. Civil War
In a not - too - distant future, the United States has become a battlefield between an authoritarian government led by a third - term president (Nick Offerman) and secessionist movements. A group of journalists (led by Kirsten Dunst) is determined to document the country's downfall, which involves interviewing the embattled president. Oscar nominee Alex Garland (Ex - Machina) writes and directs this dystopian drama that hits close to home.
25. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Despite being labeled last summer's box - office “bomb,” Furiosa is a must - watch. Anya Taylor - Joy shines as Imperator Furiosa, a badass emancipator who challenges gender conventions in a post - apocalyptic world. She does an admirable job taking on the role originated by Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road.
26. Love Lies Bleeding
Rose Glass, following her BAFTA - nominated Saint Maud, presents this twisty, hyper - violent love story. Set in 1989 in a rural New Mexico town, gym manager Lou (Kristen Stewart) tries to keep a low profile and protect her sister Beth (Jena Malone) from her abusive husband. Lou's life changes when Jackie (Katy O'Brian), a young bodybuilder, enters her gym. Their relationship is soon complicated by Lou's hidden family secrets.
27. Faye
In Laurent Bouzereau's documentary, Oscar - winner Faye Dunaway reveals more than her glamorous image. She opens up about her childhood, family, struggles with bipolar disorder, and how her roles have impacted her. It offers a fascinating portrait of a true Hollywood icon.
28. Quad Gods
Jess Jacklin's documentary follows the journey of Blake, Prentice, and Richard, three quadriplegic individuals who meet in a neuro - rehabilitation lab and plan to create the world's first all - quadriplegic esports team. Despite facing numerous challenges, their story is one of friendship, perseverance, and survival.
29. Am I OK?
Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a thirty - something in Los Angeles, struggles with relationships. After drunkenly sharing a story about kissing a female friend as a teen, she begins to question her sexual orientation. Based on Lauren Pomerantz's personal experience of coming out in her thirties, Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne co - direct, treating Lucy's self - discovery with respect and humor.
30. MoviePass, MovieCrash
For better or worse, 2012 is remembered as the year of MoviePass. The service allowed moviegoers to watch numerous films for a monthly fee, which was great for audiences but ultimately disastrous for the company. This documentary reveals the behind - the - scenes story and the unsung heroes who aimed to create a product for movie lovers. If you still have your MoviePass, it may now be a valuable piece of memorabilia.
31. Dune and Dune: Part Two
Since Incendies (2010), Denis Villeneuve has proven himself as one of the most talented filmmakers. After a successful Blade Runner sequel, he cracked the cinematic code on Frank Herbert's Dune series, where others like David Lynch and Alejandro Jodorowsky had struggled. Both the 2021 original and its sequel are available on HBO Max, along with Lynch's 1984 adaptation. The story follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and the fate of the planet Arrakis. The prequel series Dune: Prophecy is also streaming.
32. The Zone of Interest
In 1943, Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel) was the commandant of Auschwitz. Jonathan Glazer's Oscar - winning film examines what happened in his home life, where he lived with his wife Hedwig (Sandra Hüller) and five children in
