The 48 Best Movies on HBO Max Right Now (April 2024)

Another streaming service means another vast library of titles to sift through to find what you want to watch. Max is the streaming service from WarnerMedia, hosting not just titles from the pay cable channel HBO, but a bevy of films from the Warner Bros. library and other studios. There’s a great selection of classics, fairly new releases, quirky indies, and yes, superhero movies. The studio behind The Dark Knight and Man of Steel has a solid number of DC films available to stream. But if you’re daunted by all the good movies on Max to choose from, we’ve got your back. Below, we’ve put together a curated list of the absolute best movies on Max. Films that will be well worth your time, with our writers making the case for why each film is special.

So check out our list of the best movies on Max streaming below. And for more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows on Max, best drama movies on Max, and best horror movies on Max.

Editor’s note: This article was updated April 2024 to include The Zone of Interest.

‘The Zone of Interest’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 78% | IMDb: 7.5/10

Read Our ReviewJonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest is a much-acclaimed historical drama that focuses on the family of an Auschwitz commandant who lives next to the concentration camp. While inspired by Martin Amis’s 2014 novel of the same name, the film actually looks at the real-life people who inspired the book instead of being a direct book-to-screen adaptation. The movie stars Christian Friedel and Sandra Hüller and premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival to critical acclaim, winning the Grand Prix and receiving praise for its direction, script, cinematography, sound design, and atmosphere. The movie won Oscars for Best International Feature and Best Sound and was nominated in three other categories. Hailed as one of the best films of 2023, The Zone of Interest presents a dispassionate look at the ordinary people who were part of extraordinary cruelty. With this brilliant movie, Glazer juxtaposes the mundane life of a family with the heinousness of the Holocaust, creating a film that is devastatingly real.

Watch on Max

‘Priscilla’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 84% IMDb: 6.5/10

Based on Priscilla Presley’s 1985 memoir Elvis and Me, Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla stars Cailee Spaeny in the title role alongside Jacob Elordi as Elvis Presley. Coppola wrote and directed the film, which presents the untold story of the Presleys’ marriage and relationship through the eyes of Priscilla. A critical success, Priscilla is an intimate film about female youth and the toxicity of fame. Rather than be just another Elvis story, the movie focuses instead on Priscilla’s life and her growth as a person over the course of their many years together. The heartfelt narrative is further elevated by stellar performances by the two leads, who capture a tenderness and humanity that audiences don’t generally associate with such larger-than-life celebrities. Spaeny’s performance, in particular, is fascinating and earned the actor a Best Actress nomination at the Golden Globe Awards. It’s not much of a crowd-pleaser, but Priscilla has an emotional depth that looks beyond the rock-and-roll glamor of stardom.

Watch on Max

‘Dune’ (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 8.0/10

Adapted from Frank Herbert‘s classic science fiction novel, Denis Villeneuve‘s Dune is a sci-fi adventure drama that focuses on the conflict between two influential families on an alien planet. The movie features an ensemble cast that features Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Oscar Isaac. Highly successful at the box office and generally well-received by critics, Dune is an expansive work of worldbuilding, the likes of which are few and far between. It’s well-acted and well-written, but the visual spectacle of the film is what truly blows you away. The movie is truly cinematic in scale and ambition, presenting a beautiful and absorptive world that’s both strange and familiar. The film received a sequel in 2024, Dune: Part Two, which may be even better, but Dune remains a colossal work of science fiction cinema that should be required viewing for all lovers of cinema.

Watch on Max

‘Barbie’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 6.8/10

Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is a surprisingly existential adaptation of Mattel’s eponymous fashion doll line. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling star as Barbie and Ken, who leave Barbieland and journey to the real world on a quest for self-discovery. The movie also features a stacked supporting cast that includes America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, and Michael Cera. With her Barbie movie, Gerwig takes the ultra-commercial entity and gives it a deeply thoughtful indie-movie-esque adaptation. That incongruity is precisely what has made Barbie such a celebrated film. Credit is also due to the stellar cast that balances comedy and real emotion to create relatable, three-dimensional characters. Witty and insightful, this Barbie broke records and wormed her way into hearts around the world, and we could all stand to learn from what she has to say.

Watch on Max

‘The Player’ (1992)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.5/10

Written by Michael Tolkin and directed by Robert Altman, The Player is a hilarious satire about Hollywood. Starring incredible talents like Tim Robbins and Whoopi Goldberg, The Player also features a whopping 65 A-list cameos. That’s right — there are 65 celebrity cameos in this movie. A film about filmmaking, The Player cleverly pokes fun at the industry with an outlandish plot about a movie exec who receives death threats from a screenwriter whose script was overlooked. Highlighted by biting humor and self-deprecation, The Player charms dark comedy lovers, earning several Oscar nominations and, ironically, even winning Best Adapted Screenplay. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Max

‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg’ (1964)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.8/10

Written and directed by Jacques Demy, TheUmbrellas of Cherbourg is a gorgeous musical romance where the entire film’s dialogue is sung. Even casual conversations are shared through music by Michel Legrand. Starring Catherine Deneuve, Anne Vernon, Nino Castelnuovo, and Marc Michel, Umbrellas of Cherbourg follows a young couple (Deneuve and Castelnuovo) attempting to find their way back to each other after being separated by circumstance.

Aside from award nominations and being an obvious influence on the 2016 musical La La Land and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, TheUmbrellas of Cherbourg itself is a stunning musical masterpiece expressed through a clever format and unforgettable French songs.

Watch on Max

‘La Strada’ (1954)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.0/10

La Strada stars the dazzling Giulietta Masina as a young woman sent to live with a brutish street performer (Anthony Quinn), joining his traveling act as a clown, as well as his wife. The often uncomfortable yet absolutely unforgettable parable from director Federico Fellini explores themes of identity, strength, and compassion through fantastic acting and harsh scenes, co-written by Fellini, Tullio Pinelli, and Ennio Flaiano.

La Strada’s initial release on the festival circuit garnered immense criticism and controversial reactions, setting a foundation for Fellini’s creative flair in his subsequent films. Highlighted by Quinn’s charisma and Masina’s wide-eyed naivety, La Strada devastatingly captures the audience’s attention. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Max

‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.4/10

Directed by Shaka King, Judas and the Black Messiah is a powerful film. Inspired by a true story, it shines a light on an important part of American history. This biographical crime drama co-stars Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and LaKeith Stanfield as William O’Neal, a reluctant FBI informant tasked with infiltrating the party in late-1960s Chicago. Judas and the Black Messiah also features Jesse Plemons and Dominique Fishback.

Judas and the Black Messiah not only earned a handful of Oscar nominations for the film, but Kaluuya won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, competing against co-star Stanfield. While the acting, soundtrack, and production are truly stellar, the harsh realities of revolution exposed in the film are triumphant and moving. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Max

‘8 1/2’ (1963)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.0/10

Directed by Federico Fellini, who co-wrote the film with Ennio Flaiano, Tullio Pinelli, and Brunello Rondi, 8 1/2 delightfully blends comedy, drama, and avant-garde surrealism. An Italian film about movie making, 8 1/2 focuses on a frustrated filmmaker attempting to direct his epic sci-fi movie. Starring Marcello Mastroianni as the harried director who finds himself withdrawing into his own mind, electing to live in memories and fantasies rather than reality, 8 1/2 imaginatively explores the creative mind in honest and dream-like ways.

A classic film that utilizes clever practical effects to explore dreamscapes, 8 1/2 gorgeously touches sensuality, the plight of artists, and both internal and external pressure when pursuing greatness. 8 1/2 has earned awards and critical praise, but the film’s respect from modern visionaries like Guillermo del Toro is an endorsement on its own. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Max

‘Bicycle Thieves’ (1948)

Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 8.3/10

Vittorio De Sica directs Bicycle Thieves, an Italian neorealist film starring Lamberto Maggiorani as a desperate father in post-World War II Rome. Bicycle Thieves co-stars Enzo Staiola as the man’s plucky son, who joins him on his journey to recover his stolen bicycle, a necessity for employment and to keep his family afloat. Writer Cesare Zavattini adapted Luigi Bartolini’s novel for the screen, allowing for grounded performances and torrid emotional turmoil to be showcased above all else.

With a depressing setting and heavy plot, Bicycle Thieves is, at its core, a powerful film about desperation and resilience, expressed through a heart-wrenching story. Although set in a particular time and place, it is devastatingly relatable regardless of history and location. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Max

‘The 400 Blows’ (1959)

Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 8.1/10

Serving as the directorial debut of François Truffaut, who co-wrote the film with Marcel Moussy, The 400 Blows is a French coming-of-age drama about a rebellious pre-teen boy in Paris who turns to petty crime and delinquency when neglected. Starring Jean-Pierre Léaud, Albert Rémy, and Claire Maurier, The 400 Blows is considered a defining film of French New Wave filmmaking.

While many films explore adolescence and coming-of-age stories are a dime a dozen, The 400 Blows beautifully and sympathetically offers a raw perspective at a transitional time period with an honest reflection on the sometimes heartbreaking realities of growing up. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Max

‘Stalker’ (1979)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.1/10

A mesmerizing sci-fi masterpiece from director Andrei Tarkovsky, Stalker was written by Arkady Strugatsky and Boris Strugatsky and based on their trippy 1972 novel Roadside Picnic. The film stars Aleksandr Kajdanovsky as the illegal guide journeying across a postapocalyptic landscape where the laws of physics seem irrelevant, bringing a writer (Anatoliy Solonitsyn) and scientist (Nikolay Grinko) to a mythical place believed to grant wishes.

Stalker explores a variety of existential themes through haunting scenes and stunning shots, which slowly draw in audiences to dive into complex philosophical conundrums. With a unique approach to narrative, sound design, and humanity, Stalker’s influence expands beyond cinema by inspiring the evolution of the annual festival known as Burning Man. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Max

‘Wages of Fear’ (1953)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.2/10

Wages of Fear is an intense existential thriller from director Henri-Georges Clouzot. Adapted from Georges Arnaud’s 1950 novel and starring Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, Peter van Eyck, and Véra Clouzot, Wages of Fear follows four European men in a South American jungle who are hired by an American oil company to transport nitroglycerine. Through gritty shots and spine-tingling extended suspense sequences, Wages of Fear includes countless scenes that will leave viewers holding their breath.

Wages of Fear continues to captivate audiences, particularly with its balance of biting satire and heart-pumping intensity. It comes as no surprise that Netflix is currently in the process of remaking the French movie. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Max

‘Stagecoach’ (1939)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.8/10

Considered John Wayne’s legendary breakout role, Stagecoach is an exciting Western that follows a group of strangers traveling via stagecoach through Apache territory. Based on Ernest Haycox’s short story The Stage to Lordsburg, Stagecoach was directed by John Ford (The Grapes of Wrath) and features an ensemble cast alongside Wayne, including Claire Trevor, Andy Devine, and John Carradine (The Ten Commandments).

Earning two Academy Awards as well as a slew more nominations, Stagecoach has been adapted for radio, as well as remade quite a few times. Although a fun ride, the historical inaccuracies and blatant prejudices portrayed in the movie, particularly pertaining to indigenous cultures, are undeniable and should not be overlooked. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Max

‘Tokyo Story’ (1972)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.1/10

Yasujirō Ozu’s Tokyo Story is a gorgeous drama that follows a retired couple on their journey to visit their grown children in the Japanese capital. Starring Chishū Ryū and Chieko Higashiyama, Tokyo Story is a slow burn as it cleverly weaves a story through dialogue, with many key scenes not being shown on screen. Highlighted by a unique use of camera angles, Tokyo Story leans into the generational tale with a rich emotional complexity.

While the technical aspect of Tokyo Story is captivating, the true draw is the generational story, focusing on themes of Westernization. While this film is specifically about a traditional Japanese family as they recover from World War II, these types of shifts within societies are relatable to a multitude of cultures around globe. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Max

‘Battleship Potemkin’ (1925)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.9/10

Battleship Potemkin is a truly unique film from writer-director Sergei Eisenstein. A silent film that unfolds over five separately titled acts, Battleship Potemkin focuses on the 1905 naval mutiny of an Imperial Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet’s battleship. Battleship Potemkin features a collection of non-actors, including Aleksandr Antonov,Vladimir Barksy, and Grigori Aleksandrov, as Eisenstein opted for specific looks and vibes over identifiable movie stars.

Bringing history to the screen, Battleship Potemkin cleverly shares the gruesome realities of revolution, resulting in just over an hour of cinematic brilliance. Over the years, Battleship Potemkin has been praised for its clever montage editing techniques, which earned the film a place within the top ranks of many “best films” lists. – Yael Tygiel

Watch on Max

‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)

Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 8.9/10

Read Our Review

Pulp Fiction, directed by Quentin Tarantino, follows several interconnected storylines. One follows Vincent Vega (John Travolta), a hitman in the employ of gangster Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames). His encounters with Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman), Marsellus’s wife, result in a sequence of intense and unpredictable events. Another narrative thread focuses on Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent Vega as they carry out their assignments. The last one centers on Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis) and his decision to defy Marsellus Wallace’s orders, which sets off a chain reaction of events that intertwine with the other characters.

Pulp Fiction is a landmark neo-noir crime film that gained widespread acclaim for its unique narrative structure and impactful storytelling. Almost 30 years later, it remains a cultural touchstone and a testament to Tarantino’s influence on contemporary filmmaking. Furthermore, the dialogue is razor-sharp, the performances are flawless, and the twists consistently deliver surprises. Notably, iconic dance moves serve as the film’s signature, enduring the test of time. The film was also crafted as a satirical commentary on the themes of contingency and redemption, foundational elements often found in more conventionally typical Hollywood productions. As lively as it is gripping, Pulp Fiction is a thrilling blend of pop culture and pulp, and it undeniably stands out as one of the finest movies of the 1990s. – Jessie Nguyen

Watch on Max

‘Eighth Grade’ (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 7.4/10

Read Our Review

Directed and written by Bo Burnham, Eighth Grade follows Kayla (Elsie Fisher), a teenager navigating the challenges of middle school, grappling with anxiety while striving for social acceptance in the final week of eighth grade. To cope, she creates video blogs offering motivational advice, but her fixation on social media strains her relationship with her otherwise supportive father (Josh Hamilton), who desires to be an active presence in her life as her sole parent.

In his directorial debut, Eighth Grade is Burnham’s meticulously crafted ode to the tumultuous and bewildering middle school years, offering reassurance to those experiencing it that things will ultimately get better. Eighth Grade is also one of those rare movies that, despite its subjective individuality, appeals to both adolescent and adult audiences by teaching universal life lessons that everyone must experience and master in order to become an adult. In addition, viewers truly experience Kayla’s awkwardness, embarrassment, and cringe-worthy nature as she and other schoolchildren attempt to appear older than they actually are, demonstrating Fisher’s true talent and the potential impact of their future. Additionally, Burnham’s comedy experience comes through, as his comedic timing both eases the tension and warmly welcomes the audience to the plot. – Jessie Nguyen

Watch on Max

‘Room’ (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 8.1/10

Based on Emma Donoghue‘s 2010 novel of the same name, Room is directed by Lenny Abrahamson and adapted for the screen by Donoghue. The movie follows Ma, played by Brie Larson, a young woman who has endured seven years of captivity, during which her five-year-old son (Jacob Tremblay) was born. Their escape finally grants the boy his first experience of the outside world.

Room presents both the highest and lowest facets of humanity within a captivating narrative that delves into the boundless resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of the most daunting challenges. In this examination of loneliness, identity, and the illusion of protection, Larson showcases her most vulnerable state and also displays the height of her talent. She was then awarded an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the portrayal. Jacob Tremblay’s performance is also exceptional, indicating his potential to become a prominent star in the future. Additionally, director Lenny Abrahamson and cinematographer Danny Cohen, in collaboration with Donoghue’s screenplay, present a distressing story through the lens of the most innocent perspective, resulting in a truly distinctive cinematic experience. Rather than avoiding the harsh realities, Room confronts them directly and unflinchingly. – Jessie Nguyen

Watch on Max

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

Rotten Tomatoes: 75% | IMDb: 6.9/10

Based on Lauren Weisberger‘s 2003 novel of the same name, The Devil Wears Prada follows Andy (Anne Hathaway), a recent college graduate with ambitious dreams. When she secures a job at the renowned Runway magazine, she becomes the assistant to the formidable editor, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). Andy then embarks on a challenging journey, questioning her ability to endure her demanding role as Miranda’s assistant without getting burned.

It’s a rare film that not only matches but surpasses the quality of its source material. Viewers continue to ponder the movie’s valuable lessons long after the laughter has faded, as these lessons are well-founded, enduring, and skillfully conveyed by the talented actors who bring genuine depth to the material. The Devil Wears Prada continues to be a frontrunner in people’s minds when it comes to the most stylish films. However, it goes beyond that, offering a captivating and often comedic peek into the high-speed and alluring realm of high fashion. It also provides viewers with a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes operations of a prestigious fashion magazine. Furthermore, the characters, especially the formidable Miranda Priestly, have achieved icon status in popular culture, solidifying the film’s position as a classic. Streep’s performance also earned her another Oscar nomination, further recognizing her outstanding portrayal. – Jessie Nguyen

Watch on Max