First launched in May 2020, HBO Max has become one of the most-watched streaming services in the world, with nearly 100 million subscribers as of late spring 2023. The service offers a unique collection of movies and of modern television series as well as an extensive catalog of content. classic and international films.

However, following WarnerMedia’s merger with Discovery, Inc., HBO Max has now been rebranded as Max. With a catalog of over 2,000 films, choice paralysis can result in a considerable loss of time. Fortunately, the streaming series still offers a huge collection of exceptional films to suit any mood or preference.

Updated by Jordan Iacobucci on November 20, 2024: This article has been updated to include the latest movies added to Max that you can watch right now.

35 Rise of the Planet of the Apes kicks off an iconic trilogy

Caesar’s story begins in this iconic film

Rise of the Planet of the Apes restart it Planet of the Apes franchise with a story detailing the fall of humanity and the rise of the apes under Caesar’s command, played out in a brilliant motion capture performance by Andy Serkis. The film follows Caesar, a highly intelligent ape who becomes increasingly angry at the state of human society. Eventually, he orchestrates an uprising that results in a battle between humans and apes on the Golden Gate Bridge.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is the rare reboot of a film that far surpasses the originalkicking off an acclaimed trilogy that continues Caesar’s surprisingly gripping story. Although the other installments of the franchise are not available on Max, Increase is the perfect way for fans to get started with the series. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes launched a new trilogy earlier this year, making it the perfect time for new fans to board the dystopian franchise.

34 Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire expands the Monsterverse

A great film for Kaiju fans

Godzilla x Kong: The New Kingdom is the latest installment in the Monsterverse. This time, Godzilla and Kong join forces to face a potentially world-ending threat, as new monsters emerge from the Hollow Earth intent on wiping out all humanity on the face of the earth. The film culminates in the epic battle between the two titular kaiju and the villainous Skar King.

Godzilla x Kong draws on everything audiences love about the Monsterverse, especially the epic kaiju battles. Godzilla and King Kong both receive power-ups in the film, which makes them even better fighters and increases the magnitude of the fights that ensue. The New Kingdom continues a winning streak for the Monsterverse, with a third film featuring Godzilla and Kong set to hit theaters in 2027 under the direction of Grant Spoutore.

33 Civil War is a terribly realistic A24 film

Alex Garland’s Civil War hits close to home

From director Alex Garland, Civil war is an A24 film exploring the chaos and carnage that ensues when Texas and California manage to leave the Union, sparking a second Civil War. The film follows a group of journalists as they race against insurgents, who are heading toward Washington DC with the intention of assassinating the president. Along the way, they face countless threats, including soldiers from the opposite side who don’t want them to reach their final destination.

Although some have criticized Civil war for withholding its political commentary, the film’s message shines through despite the vague events leading up to its titular conflict. The film serves as a gripping indictment of America’s increasingly polarized societal landscape, reminding viewers that the most dangerous threat to the nation lies not in powers outside, but in the possibility of collapse from within. Even putting aside its main message, Civil war is still a gripping thriller that will keep viewers entertained from start to finish.

32 Man of Steel kicked off the DC Extended Universe

Henry Cavill begins his career as Superman in Man of Steel

At the time of its release in 2013, Zach Snyder’s film Man of Steel was one of the most important DC films ever made. The film marks the first appearance of Henry Cavill’s Superman, creating a version of the character that has become a fan favorite in recent years. Man of Steel also launched what would later be known as the DC Extended Universe, which featured many DC Comics characters including Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, Flash, and more.

Man of Steel could be a tragic film for many DC fans, who now know that Cavill’s time as Superman would unfortunately be short-lived. However, the film still stood out, offering a different type of Superman film than most viewers were accustomed to at the time. With James Gunn Superman slated for release in theaters in July 2025, it’s the perfect time to look back at the beginning of Henry Cavill’s career as the Man of Steel.

31 Jurassic Park is still going strong thirty years later

The Jurassic Park franchise is making a big comeback in 2025

Jurassic Park is one of the most iconic films of all time, adapting the novel of the same name by Michael Crichton. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film follows a group of scientists who find themselves trapped in Jurassic Park when its main attraction consisting of dozens of resurrected dinosaurs break free and go hunting. It’s up to them to survive the prehistoric beasts as they search for food.

Jurassic Park still holds up remarkably well for a thirty-year-old film, with its special effects even surpassing some recent films. The film launched a franchise consisting of several sequels, although the original film still remains the undisputed best installment to date. Now fans are eagerly waiting for a new Jurassic world film starring Scarlett Johansson, which is expected to hit theaters in 2025.

30 How to Train Your Dragon is one of the most heartfelt animated films of all time

An Awesome Animated Classic Getting a Live-Action Remake in 2025

There is so much to say about How to train your dragon franchise. From the comedic writing that isn’t afraid to touch the heart to the wonderful score, How to train your dragon belongs to the pantheon of great animation classics, whether it is a Disney film like The Lion King or other Dreamworks classics like Shrek. Even those who have already watched it should do so again as a refresher since a live-action remake of How to train your dragon is set for June 13, 2025.

How to train your dragon takes place in the Viking fantasy village of Berk. Berk had a long-standing conflict with dragons, with Hiccup hoping to one day become a dragon slayer. However, when Hiccup injures a rare type of dragon, rendering it unable to fly, he befriends it instead of killing it. Hiccup and his new companion, whom Hiccup names “Toothless”, seek to end the cycle of violence between man and dragon.

29 The Wizard of Oz is a timeless classic

Before watching Wicked in theaters, watch the iconic films it’s based on

L.Frank Baum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has been adapted, parodied, and used as inspiration for more productions than any novel ever written. This continues even in 2024 with the first part of Wickedthe film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, premiering on November 22, 2024. No matter how many viewers discover Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Wicked Witch of the West or Oz himself, few versions of the novel compare to Victor. Fleming’s 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz.

The Wizard of Oz is one of the most quotable films of all time with so many lines ingrained in the culture to the point that people who have never seen the film will frequently reference it. Despite everything, there is a dark side of The Wizard of Oz with surprising facts such as the snow depicted in the film being pure asbestos. The Wizard of Oz also won two Academy Awards for “Best Original Score” and “Best Original Song” for “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Even if The Wizard of Oz At 85, it’s never too late for a first viewing.

28 Get a head start on Christmas movies with Elf

A must-see Christmas movie every year

It’s never too early to start watching Christmas movies. Don’t let anyone say otherwise! There are so many good Christmas movies on Max like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Polar ExpressOr A Christmas story. Elf is definitely a must-have in a Christmas movie rotation. Its short length, 97 minutes, also helps make it an easy watch.

Elf stars Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf – a human who was adopted and raised by Santa’s elves. Upon learning that he is not an elf, as if his immense size wasn’t a giveaway, Buddy travels to New York in hopes of finding his father. Elf is a hilarious fish-out-of-watch movie in which Buddy tries to get used to life in New York, while trying to bring his own Christmas cheer to the commercialized city. In short, Elf Is Will Ferrell at his best with so many classic lines and humorous moments it’s hard to go through a Christmas season without watching Elf once.

27 Deadpool is a rare Marvel movie about Max

The Merc with a Mouth is One of the Best Things Marvel Has Right Now

Don’t have Disney Plus? No problem! One of Marvel’s best films is available on Max. 2016 dead Pool is the first in a three-film franchise starring Ryan Reynolds as the “Merc with a Mouth”, Deadpool. dead Pool was initially put in place The fox The X-Men universe before being, to some extent, assimilated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the release of the 2024 film. Deadpool and Wolverine.

dead Pool is simply hilarious as Wade Wilson constantly breaks the fourth wall in his journey to get revenge on the person responsible for his mutant abilities and physical scars. This is an extremely self-aware film. Between Dead Pool humor and its violence, it doesn’t take long to see why this is a rare R-rated film for Marvel, and fans of the franchise wouldn’t have it any other way.

26 The Batman regenerates the Dark Knight’s mind

Watch the major Batman movie that spawned the hit The Penguin miniseries

No matter how old the character is, there will always be a new imagining of Batman. The Dark Knight has been adapted several times into films, shows, animations and video games and several actors have had the chance to play the Caped Crusader. The latest actor to attempt the character is Robert Pattinson, who breathes new life into Bruce Wayne/Batman while encapsulating Bruce’s introverted nature.

The Batman relies on the comics to tell its story, sticking to Batman’s dirty, bitter principles that make him Gotham’s dark hero. It features Bruce Wayne at the start of his career, still unsure of himself and wondering if his efforts have made a difference. This changes when one of his classic enemies launches an evil plan to effectively destroy the city. Other key comic book characters featured in The Batman include Selina Kyle, Riddler, Penguin, James Gordon, and Alfred Pennyworth. For those who have already seen The BatmanMax is also home to the hit miniseries The Penguin with Colin Farrell reprising his role as Gentleman of Crime.

25 Mad Max: Fury Road reinvented a classic trilogy

Fury Road revitalizes a franchise and elevates it to new heights

THE Max Max the films had been in the rearview mirror for 30 years when director George Miller made an all-new story of the post-apocalyptic Outback. Tom Hardy steps into Mel Gibson’s shoes without missing a beat as the titular protagonist, but the real star of the series is Charlize Theron’s Furiosa, who kicks off the plot by freeing the harem of a powerful warlord and fleeing. Furiosa is also the subject of her own prequel film, Furiosa: A Mad Max sagawhich is also on Max.

The result of Fury Road sets the standard for spectacle cinema in the 21st century. Miller ups the ante on vehicular mayhem, combining CGI with spectacular real-world stunts to shatter all previous expectations for the saga. Between Fury Road And Furiousthe future of Mad Max the franchise is in good hands, which leaves high expectations for the Mad Max will go next.

24 Blue Beetle brings out the heart of the DCEU

One of the DCEU’s latest films is also one of its best

The DC Extended Universe has, for the most part, come to an end as all eyes are now on James Gunn’s DC Universe. As this era ends, fans can commemorate milestone events in the universe, including the 2023 release of Blue beetle. Even though it was a box office bomb, Blue beetle has the heart that makes DC characters memorable.

Featured Cobra KaiThis is Xolo Maridueña, Blue beetle follows a recent graduate who comes into contact with an ancient relic of alien biotechnology known as the Scarab. Equipped with abilities and armor thanks to the Scarab, Jaime Reyes uses his new status to become a superhero who protects his family. At the heart of Blue beetle is not a man motivated by the glory of power to be used for good, but rather a struggling graduate man motivated by a family narrative.

23 Barbie thrives on camp, pink and the existential question of being a woman

Beneath a colorful and hilarious surface lies a deep and philosophical film

It’s undeniable: Barbie is an icon. She could be a doctor, a singer or even a detective. There is no other toy in the world that can match his career and skills. Icons deserve to be recognized, which is what Greta Gerwig decided to do in the 2023 blockbuster film. barbie. The results were simply fantastic with a film that even went so far as to create a truly profound and fascinating commentary on feminism and masculinity.

barbie was paired with Oppenheimer the same opening weekend, creating a cultural phenomenon nicknamed “Barbenheimer” who cannot be outdone. But aside from being compared to a historically traumatic piece of history, barbie is a masterpiece in itself. The eponymous film stars Margot Robbie as the “stereotypical Barbie”, who travels to the real world to resolve her existential crisis. But her journey to find the answers to life causes a divide between the women and men of Barbieland that turns into a patriarchal war for control.

22 The Devil Wears Prada mocks the stressful world of fashion

A look at the evil side of the fashion and media industry

The fashion world is notoriously one of the most dynamic and stressful work environments in the art industry. Based on the 2003 novel of the same name, the comedy-drama The devil wears Prada draws attention to the horrific pressure assistants and designers work under to deliver the latest fashion.

Although unconfirmed, Meryl Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, is reportedly inspired by Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogueone of the most powerful figures in the modern fashion industry. Playing Miranda’s co-assistant, Andy, is Anne Hathaway, who has no interest in the fashion world but agrees to Miranda’s requests for better reporting work. The devil wears Prada has become a cult classic in recent years, influencing modern pop culture and proving that complex women make unforgettable impressions. A sequel to The devil wears Prada is currently in development.

21 The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a timeless classic

The crown jewel of the fantasy genre made for incredibly epic films

JRR Tolkien fans will likely still debate some of the later adaptations of the author’s work, such as the overlong Hobbit trilogy and sequel Rings of Power series. However, there’s no denying the enduring power of Peter Jackson’s original Lord of the Rings trilogy, which has joined the ranks of the greatest films ever made.

In addition to faithfully adapting Tolkien’s beloved magnum opus, the trilogy helped establish the era of franchises in Hollywood, as well as advancing special effects by leaps and bounds. Perhaps more importantly, it brought artistic legitimacy to the fantasy genre, particularly after The return of the king triumphant at the Oscars in 2004. The legacy of this franchise endures to this day, whether in otherwise unrelated works or the current Prime Video series. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

20 Wonder Woman brings legendary heroine to life

Wonder Woman’s first solo film is one of the best comic book superhero films of all time

Diana Prince was far behind Batman and Superman in the live-action adaptation department. While The Man of Steel and The Dark Knight have seen numerous versions on the big and small screen over the decades, Wonder Woman was limited to the 1970s Lynda Carter series, and an ill-fated pilot created by David E. Kelley was always vilified for his tone. -deaf approach. Even with Gal Gadot joining the role in the DCEU, she felt woefully underused, limited to just two films and a series of lazy cameos designed to burn the actor’s contract – hardly befitting a member of Trinity of DC.

Fortunately, the first of these two films might be the best thing the DCEU has produced: a glorious reimagining of Diana’s origin story set amid the final days of World War I. Patty Jenkins finds the perfect blend of wartime adventure and coming-of-age story, as the former princess follows Steve Trevor on a mission to end the war. The results seem close to a definitive cinematic origin similar to that of Richard Donners. Superman: The Movie and that of Christopher Nolan The Black Knight. Gadot knocks it out of the park in the role she was born to play and makes up for all the lost time between her version and Carter’s in the process.

19 The Lego Batman Movie gloriously mocks the Dark Knight

One of The Lego Movie’s Best Characters Gets a Fun Spinoff

Will Arnett’s hysterical take on Batman stole the show in 2014 The Lego Movie – so much so that he soon starred in his own equally beloved film. Arnett’s view of the Caped Crusader is the same as he’s always been: self-centered, spoiled, and blissfully ignorant of his isolated life. When the city faces a crisis, he struggles to let the other people in his life come to his aid.

The film succeeds not only as a Batman parody, but also as a reasonably strong Batman story on its own, but with a family atmosphere. He even slips some genuine emotions into the mix, similarly The Lego Movie did. This is quite a winning package and one that stands out among the already strong field of animated Lego films.

18 Joker finds the humanity in the monster

A much-maligned sequel can’t take away from the original Joker

On the other end of the emotional spectrum is Todd Phillips’ merciless deconstruction of one of comic-dom’s greatest villains. Joker reimagines Gotham City as a late-’70s hellhole, with the presumed future Clown Prince of Crime initially just another poor soul shunned by society. The circumstances of his transformation – and a strange sense of self-worth – are both terrifying and exhilarating.

The film’s central selling point is Joaquin Phoenix, who pulled off the impossible by duplicating Heath Ledger’s Oscar win for the same character. His Joker is a figure of pity, but he is the Joker nonetheless. Phoenix delivers both the monster and the lost soul beneath in one unforgettable package. Yes, its sequel, Joker: Folie à Deuxit was a bit of a mixed bag. However, the original isn’t going anywhere and can still be enjoyed.

17 Midsommar sets the standard for 21st century horror

A folk horror that will keep viewers in suspense

Popular horror has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, boasting thrills with relatively low budgets. The leader is Ari Aster Solicitudewhich is largely inspired by classics of the genre like the original The Wicker Man while finding his own insight into their dark terrors. Florence Pugh became a star as the protagonist, who accompanies her toxic boyfriend to a remote village in Sweden to attend a pagan festival, only to discover that all is not what it seems.

Aster paints the horrors that unfold in the emotional landscape of a crumbling relationship. The truth about the village becomes a reflection of truths that the heroine tries to deny, transforming her murderous actions into a sinister attempt at seduction. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it’s already establishing itself as one of the greatest horror films of the last 25 years.

16 Beetlejuice put Tim Burton on the map

A cult classic that had an animated series, a musical, and finally a sequel

Tim Burton was still largely unknown when he helmed a decidedly strange project starring Michael Keaton as a disgruntled ghost. His only previous feature film credit was for Pee-Wee’s Great Adventureand its sequel looked to everyone like another offbeat project doomed to cult status and nothing more. Instead, it became a huge success, giving Keaton his signature role and thus making stars of Winona Ryder, Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin.

Beetle juice also defines Burton’s philosophy like no other film has since, partly because it was so fresh at the time. Most moviegoers these days are familiar with his unique brand of gothic fantasy, but it’s refreshing to see it in perhaps its purest form here. With Beetle juice Beetle juice being a hit, there’s never been a better time to take a look.