The 51 Best Movies on Max Right Now (December 2024) Find help us

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 December 2024 to include Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.

‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 8.1/10

This powerful documentary looks at the life of Christopher Reeve, a man who rose to the top of Hollywood and achieved his dream before a 1995 horse-riding accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. Reeve then used his platform to campaign for disability rights and become the voice for many who had long felt unheard. A touching ode to an incredible man, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story proves that Reeve was just as much a superhuman in and out of the red cape. Insightful and touching, this is a documentary you won’t want to miss. – Jake Hodges

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‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 76% | IMDb: 6.8/10

After almost 35 years, the ghost with most comes back to haunt again as Beetlejuice returns. The sequel to the iconic Tim Burton original follows the Deetz family, now a generation bigger, as they come back into contact with Michael Keaton’s titular bio-exorcist. However, things start to go wrong when the youngest Deetz, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), opens the portal to the afterlife. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice does the unthinkable and satisfies the millions of doting fans of the original movie. With a penchant for practical effects and the same witty, gothic humor, this sequel is well worthy of the Beetlejuice moniker. – Jake Hodges

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‘A Christmas Story’ (1983)

Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.9/10

One of the most iconic festive tales ever, A Christmas Story follows an older Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) as he recounts the tale of a pivotal childhood Christmas in which he spent the entire season trying to convince those around him he should receive the Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun as a gift. Brilliantly funny and oozing with nostalgia, A Christmas Story is a must-watch festive feature every year. From the incident with the tongue to that unique lamp, there are simply too many memorable moments to list in this timeless classic. – Jake Hodges

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‘Dream Scenario’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 6.9/10

Nicolas Cage is known for his wacky projects, and Dream Scenario is no different. Cage portrays Paul Matthews, a seemingly normal family man and academic, who suddenly (and rapidly) begins appearing in an ever-increasing number of people’s dreams. A brilliantly comedic, surprisingly emotional, and highly unique viewing experience, Dream Scenario features Cage at his enigmatic best. Unlike anything else you’ll watch before or again, this is an A24 project you don’t want to miss. – Jake Hodges

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‘Elf’ (2003)

Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.1/10

The Christmas classic that requires a rewatch every year for millions across the globe, Jon Favreau’s Elf follows Will Ferrell’s Buddy, a human who is accidentally raised on the North Pole. However, as he grows into an adult, the elf-sized world around him shows Buddy he might not be who he’s grown up believing, leaving him with no choice but to head on a hilarious adventure to New York City to find his father, Walter (James Caan). “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” is one of Buddy the Elf’s mottos — one that certainly captures the joyous festive spirit of this film. Elf is considered a classic for good reason, with its inclusion on Max making a holiday subscription a must. – Jake Hodges

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‘GoodFellas’ (1990)

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 8.7/10

Considered by many to be Martin Scorsese’s magnum opus, GoodFellas follows Ray Liotta’s Henry Hill and his life in the mafia. From humble beginnings, dreaming of becoming a gangster to eventually entering witness protection, GoodFellas looks at the highs, lows, and in-betweens of a life of crime. To some, GoodFellas is the gangster genre at its very best. Scorsese’s ability to tell gritty, honest tales with enormous flair is on full display, with Liotta’s central performance the defining turn in his brilliant career. Simply put, GoodFellas is a movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. – Jake Hodges

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‘Janet Planet’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 6.2/10

Written and directed by Annie Baker, Janet Planet follows 11-year-old Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) across a single summer in early ‘90s rural Massachusetts. As three enigmatic visitors enter her and her mother’s world, everything begins to change. Unlike many other movies you’re likely to see, Janet Planet is a fascinating deep dive into the quirks of a mother/daughter relationship. At a catch point in any young person’s life, the desire to grow up is fought by the reality of being young, leading to conflict that is so normal yet inherently strange. A beautiful film featuring a stellar central pairing of performances, don’t let Janet Planet pass you by. – Jake Hodges

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‘Trap’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 57% | IMDb: 5.9/10

Directed and written by the great M. Night Shyamalan, Trap follows father and daughter Cooper (Josh Hartnett) and Riley (Ariel Donoghue) as they, alongside the rest of their town, get ready for the hotly-anticipated Lady Raven concert. However, when they arrive, things quickly turn sinister as the duo’s lives begin to change forever. A winding, unexpected tale with plenty of intrigue, Shyamalan is certainly a master of his craft despite a divisive filmography, with Trap brimming with the hallmarks of the veteran filmmaker. For those looking for a killer thriller to throw on this Halloween, look no further than Trap. – Jake Hodges

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‘MaXXXine’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 72% | IMDb: 6.4/10

The combination of Ti West and A24 was always going to bring another inviting tale, with this slasher horror a hit with audiences. MaXXXine follows adult film star Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) as she looks to break into the upper echelons of her industry against the backdrop of a 1985 Los Angeles threatened by a serial killer. However, what will happen when a mysterious detective and the dark past of 2022’s X put her dreams in jeopardy? Goth is simply a delight in this third installment in West’s X series, shining among a plethora of eye-catching stars, with Kevin Bacon, in particular, doing his utmost to steal the show as a private investigator. Terrifying, smart, and full of style, you’ll love MaXXXine. – Jake Hodges

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‘Caddo Lake’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 6.9/10

Written and directed by Logan George and Celine Held and produced by the master of mystery, M. Night Shyamalan, Caddo Lake is set on the titular wetland and follows the slow cracking of a family after the disappearance of an 8-year-old girl. Originally titled Vanishings, Caddo Lake is another sinister mystery for fans of the genre to sink their teeth into. With twists and turns aplenty, the tension continues to rise as the secrets held by a broken family explode into drama. For those with a Max subscription, this could make for the perfect nighttime viewing experience. – Jake Hodges

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‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.5/10

The latest addition to Hayao Miyazaki’s incredible filmography is yet another animated masterpiece. Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron follows young Mahito (Soma Santoki), a newly motherless child, as he moves to the countryside to live on his family’s estate. Burdened by grief and facing an overwhelming change to his family unit, Mahito ventures bravely into a strange world of fantasy and adventure, joined on his epic journey by a Grey Heron, voiced by Masaki Suda. A gorgeous, emotional rollercoaster that explores themes intrinsically linked to the lives of us all, The Boy and the Heron proves once and for all, if there were any doubters left, that Miyazaki is a master of his craft. A joyful, moving exploration of grief and humanity, the world of cinema owes an enormous debt of gratitude to Miyazaki, with this one of his best works to date. – Jake Hodges

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‘I Saw the TV Glow’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDb: 5.9/10

The viral horror that has had the world talking, I Saw the TV Glow follows Owen (Justice Smith), a suburban teenager who simply wants to get through this hellish, angsty period of life unscathed. However, when a classmate introduces him to a late-night supernatural TV show, his world changes forever. Packed full of horror stylings and neatly executed tropes, I Saw the TV Glow is the perfect thought-provoking existential horror. Jane Schoenbrun’s teen spookfest prioritizes indisputable fun and frenzy while also deftly exploring themes of art and identity, making for a truly unique experience. – Jake Hodges

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‘Civil War’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 7.1/10

This A24 smash hit from director Alex Garland, the writer behind the genius zombie flick 28 Days Later, follows a team of military journalists who traverse a warring America to get to the White House before it is destroyed by rebel forces. Supported by a concept that feels scarily relevant, Civil War is a gripping political thriller overflowing with breathless action. If it wasn’t for being so politically on-the-nose (it feels almost like a damning foresight of a broken future), Civil War might have had a fair shot at the upcoming awards season. Instead, it will have to settle for boundless praise, although Garland and co. will likely not mind. – Jake Hodges

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‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)

Rotten Tomatoes: 82% | IMDb: 7.5/10

This unquestionable classic — and perhaps Tim Burton’s best — follows a seemingly ordinary couple, Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara (Geena Davis). However, after a freak accident sadly kills the pair, they inexplicably become ghosts and must try to haunt the new owners of their house into giving it up. Beetlejuice is a wild ride of sheer joy that never hides away from the gothic horror that bleeds from its core. Featuring a plethora of memorable performances and moments, highlighted by one of cinema’s greatest unexpected musical numbers, Beetlejuice became an instant classic in 1988 and has demanded a sequel ever since. Luckily, that sequel has arrived, giving a new generation the chance to experience first-hand the devilish delights of Be… best not to say it a third time. – Jake Hodges

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‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.6/10

A spin-off prequel to the smash-hit reimagining from 2015, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga follows the titular renegade warrior (Anya Taylor-Joy) as she is kidnapped and placed in the hands of the Warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth). Desperate to find a way home, Furiosa, helped initially by the bravery of her mother, must fight against a post-apocalyptic, warring landscape for her future. For the many fans of the 2015 film, Furiosa acts as the perfect origin story for an immersive character before her life with Max. As a visual spectacle, Furiosa is a masterpiece of filmmaking, with cinematography it becomes impossible to not simply marvel at. Furiosa is also indulgent, with a world that feels just as full and enigmatic as the 2015 film. Whether or not it is better than the previous entry is up for debate, but very little is, so don’t let that put you off this two-and-a-half-hour rollercoaster ride. – Jake Hodges

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‘Mamma Mia’ (2008)

Rotten Tomatoes: 55% | IMDb: 6.5/10

Based on the jukebox musical written by British playwright Catherine Johnson and the music of the Swedish pop group ABBA, Mamma Mia is the story of a young bride (Amanda Seyfried) who invites three men to her destination wedding with hopes of figuring out which of them could be her father. The film is a whacky good time with great musical sequences, and every single one of the huge cast of stars gives their all to keep each scene light and full of momentum. Meryl Streep (The Devil Wears Prada) as the mother of the bride who slept with these three men played by Pierce Brosnan (The Misfits), Colin Firth (The King’s Speech), and Stellan Skarsgård (Andor) gives a standout performance, bouncing between lushy wreck and devoted mother.

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‘Pretty Woman’ (1990)

Rotten Tomatoes: 65% | IMDb: 7.1/10

A certain classic of the early 1990s, Pretty Woman follows Edward (Richard Gere), a wealthy charmer with good looks and a style to match, who hires sex worker Vivian (Julia Roberts) to accompany him to important functions. Alas, he soon finds himself falling for her, with an unexpected world of romance and heartbreak ready to bring together the two unlikely companions. Pretty Woman is the perfect example of a movie many may have not seen but most have at least heard of. Iconic for many reasons, such as that shopping scene, Gere and Roberts craft a duo with boundless chemistry that is one of cinema’s best pairings. Funny, heartfelt, and brilliantly addictive, Pretty Woman is a must-watch. – Jake Hodges

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‘Love Lies Bleeding’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 6.7/10

This 2024 A24 hit follows the quick-burning love between gym manager Lou (Kristen Stewart) and bodybuilder Jackie (Katy O’Brian). As Jackie pursues her dream of Vegas bodybuilding fame, their romance spirals out of control and into the world of criminal violence. A24 is no stranger to love gone wrong, with this romance one of the darker the company has produced. A grim, twisted affair, both Stewart and O’Brian shine with enough chemistry to fill a lab. Managing to neatly toe the line between graphic material and a lack of exploitation of the LGBTQ+ nature of the film, Love Lies Bleeding is both thrilling and challenging. – Jake Hodges

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‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999)

Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 8.2/10

Bolstered by one of the greatest twists in cinema history, The Sixth Sense stars Bruce Willis as child psychologist Malcolm Crowe, a genius in his field who is tasked with helping a young boy, Cole (Haley Joel Osment). No normal child, Cole can “see dead people,” leaving Crowe with a challenge only he can solve that will soon take over his entire life. M. Night Shyamalan’s magnum opus, The Sixth Sense is a masterclass in storytelling, with each beat steeped in narrative importance. It is inconceivable to imagine anyone who hasn’t had the ending of this iconic flick spoiled, but in the event this is the case, prepare to have your world blown open as the walls the story has built come crumbling down around you. Nominated for an incredible six Academy Awards, The Sixth Sense is a must-watch. – Jake Hodges

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‘The Florida Project’ (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.6/10

The Florida Project is brilliant and human and it will absolutely break your heart. The film follows a six-year-old girl named Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) who lives in a motel in Kissimmee, Florida, just around the corner from DisneyWorld. In Moonee’s eyes, her days are filled with adventure as she makes the best out of living week-to-week in a motel with her single mother. But through the eyes of Bobby (Willem Dafoe), the motel’s manager, we see the abject poverty surrounding its tenants and the loops they continue getting stuck in without any promise of upward mobility. Like Boyhood, this story feels at once individualistic and universal, and Sean Baker’s docudrama-like filmmaking makes the events feel all too real. This is an essential watch. – Adam Chitwood

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