With an immense catalog at Warner’s disposal, it makes perfect sense for HBO Max to offer a smorgasbord of top-tier films. Despite the competition, when we crave quality cinema, HBO Max often remains a primary choice. From iconic franchises like DC and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ to compelling recent hits and timeless classics, let’s take a stroll through what HBO Max has to offer us.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
No matter how many decades pass, the vibrancy and imagination of this classic remain intact. We have all watched it countless times, but its charming effects, costumes, songs, and Technicolor provide a fantastic lesson in everything we love about cinema. While ‘Wicked’ has revalued its settings, we prefer the not-so-innocent original. Forget about ‘The Godfather’ or ‘Citizen Kane’—this is the true masterpiece of the seventh art.
The Shining (1980)
Is this the scariest movie of all time? It might as well be. What’s clear is that it’s one of the greatest films in its genre, perhaps the best adaptation of Stephen King, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture through parodies, imitations, and various echoes over time. Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall portray a couple in crisis facing the ghosts of a haunted, isolated hotel in the snow, with Stanley Kubrick infusing it with a psychotic and enigmatic order. If you crave more Kubrick, HBO Max also offers ‘A Clockwork Orange’ and ‘Eyes Wide Shut.’
Gremlins (1984) and Gremlins 2 (1990)
Are these the most endearing creatures in film history? It can be debated, but they count on our vote: these two productions from Steven Spielberg, directed by Joe Dante, create a unique duo. They astonish not only through the obvious (the charm of the creatures and the talented cast) but also through their exquisite genre clash, especially the first installment. A delightful mix of wholesome humor, violent horror, and Christmas spirit brought to life by the anarchic, destructive spirit of their furry protagonists.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 1-5 (since 1984)
Discussions about the best horror franchise of the ’80s could continue forever. We lean towards the one starring Freddy Krueger: the first five releases are glorious spectacles of imagination and traditional special effects, each with its unique personality. From the unbounded sordidness of the first installment to the nostalgic return of the fifth, with the involuntary queer manifesto of the second film, the glorious mix of proto-superhero cinema and horror in the third film, to the latex and gore fiesta in the fourth. Unlimited fun.
Aliens (1986)
While nothing (neither a child’s smile nor a perfect sunset on a desert island) can surpass ‘Alien, the Eighth Passenger’, its sequel stands in its legendary category of action and science fiction from the ’80s. The film hits like a missile: from character definition to Ripley’s evolution, presenting the Queen Alien and the personality twist of the new synthetic. An absolute marvel that can be revisited fearlessly.
Beetlejuice (1988)
HBO Max boasts a significant collection of Tim Burton films, including the recent ‘Beetlejuice’ sequel, the two ‘Batman’ films, and the delightful ‘Mars Attacks!’. However, this absolute wonder from the start of his career dazzles with its organic and entertaining mixture of horror and comedy. Crude jokes, a venomous satire of bourgeois normality, extraordinary character design, lovable special effects, and overflowing imagination can be found in almost every frame.
Unforgiven (1992)
Unfortunately, there isn’t much of Clint Eastwood’s splendid catalog on HBO Max (we recommend the accessible ‘Mystic River’), but this is one of his finest works, and it shouldn’t be missed. A reformation of the classic Western, it bridges the genre’s past and what was to come. A resounding masterpiece in form and content, featuring an incredible cast, including Eastwood himself, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, and Richard Harris.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (since 2001)
What more can be said about one of the crowning achievements in fantasy cinema in recent decades? Much of its secret lies in adapting a literary saga regarded as a legend in the genre—J.R.R. Tolkien’s three books—with spectacular staging. It explores themes like the struggle between good and evil or the corruption of power, creating a saga that’s hard to match, with a unique balance of epic battles and intimate moments, effectively communicating the complexity of Tolkien’s universe.
Unbreakable (2000)
Initially undervalued by those expecting a new ‘The Sixth Sense’, this film about superheroes-though-not-quite ones, foresaw the current wave of the genre, gaining a cult following that has since produced a couple of sequels, the latest being ‘Glass’, also on HBO Max. The duel between Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson as extraordinary beings is almost mythical, and through M. Night Shyamalan’s masterful atmosphere and rhythm, ‘Unbreakable’ remains preserved in a beautiful bubble where it resembles nothing else.
Final Destination Saga (since 2000)
The saga nearly complete (missing the fourth installment that often gets lost in platforms) culminates with the recent and excellent ‘Blood Ties’, which refreshes the original idea without losing its charm. You know the premise: a group of teenagers narrowly escape a bizarre accident, but Death is taking notes, trying to eliminate them in the same order in which they were originally meant to die. A variation on the traditional concept of ‘curses’ in a series that’s pure fun.
Mean Girls (2004)
A key piece in the resurgence of teen comedy in the early 2000s. Clever and brimming with bile, thanks to Tina Fey’s script, it transcends its condition as a teen product, depicting a young girl’s attempts to decode the complex social dynamics of high school. Despite her initial naïveté, she soon finds herself involved with a popular group, plotting to dethrone them. With witty dialogues and astute analysis of youthful power struggles, Lindsay Lohan showcases her charisma in a film that, despite its fleeting entertainment nature, remains as relevant today as when it was released.
The Prestige (2006)
While the platform includes the ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy, we lean towards this semi-forgotten film by Christopher Nolan, which has everything we adore—Victorian magicians and David Bowie. The film portrays the intense rivalry between two illusionists, turning it into an obsessive competition for creating the ultimate magic trick. Mystery, romance, and even science fiction elements converge in a splendid portrait of obsession, where the convoluted narrative structure typical of Nolan is secondary to the extraordinary visual craftsmanship and outstanding performances by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale.
Zodiac (2007)
A perfect, morbid, and dark thriller pair by David Fincher on HBO Max: ‘Seven’ and, over a decade later, this ‘Zodiac’, based on true events, narrates the obsessive hunt for the serial killer who terrorized San Francisco in the late sixties. The film follows several key characters in the investigation and, with a realistic, meticulous tone, avoids sensationalism while showcasing the psychological toll on those involved. Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo deliver superb performances in this unconventional film, offering no definitive answers.
It (2017)
Alongside its equally fantastic sequel, this new adaptation of Stephen King’s classic—considered by many his best novel—doesn’t quite erase the memory of the exceptional 1980s miniseries, particularly because Tim Curry is quite unforgettable. However, its fidelity to the original book and its decision to split the story into two interlinked yet independent parts lend a unique consistency to the whole. Bill Skarsgård’s extraordinary portrayal of Pennywise and a stellar cast of young actors help create a plethora of iconic and horrifying images.
Vivarium (2019)
A unique and perplexing film that is highly enjoyable and bursting with surprises, tackling tangible issues like housing scarcity while at times feeling like an episode from the most abstract ‘Twilight Zone’. A young couple looking to purchase their first home stumbles upon the chance to buy a plot in a bizarre, identical housing development. Upon visiting house number 9, they become trapped in an endless cycle of identical streets, unable to leave the neighborhood. This is just the beginning of increasingly suffocating and strange circumstances, featuring Imogen Poots and Jesse Eisenberg as the perfect castaways for a hard-hitting social critique.
Parasite (2019)
In quintessential Korean style, this unbeatable blend of genres (black comedy, thriller, social drama) features significant symbolism that challenges our preconceptions: wealth and poverty exist in a cycle of mutual dependence and conflict. The story follows a struggling family developing a plan to infiltrate the lives of a wealthy family by posing as qualified employees. The naked flaws of capitalism are laid bare in a movie that marked a total triumph for Korean cinema in Hollywood, becoming the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Titane (2021)
A striking blend of horror and drama exploring intricate issues like gender identity, bodily limits, and toxic family relationships. The protagonist, a woman with a titanium implant in her skull following an accident, develops an obsessive relationship with cars that leads her to violence and isolation. With elements of body horror, explicit violence, and powerful symbolism, ‘Titane’ challenges viewers and deservedly won the Palme d’Or at Cannes.
Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024)
It’s best to approach these two as one (soon to be a trilogy) rather than separately. Adapting Frank Herbert’s torrential work is impossible, yet Denis Villeneuve does a commendable job evoking the atmosphere, landscapes, and intrigues that underlie the novels, albeit in a somewhat simplified manner. A colossal cast and epic staging make it worthwhile, even if we still prefer David Lynch’s version. The prequel series is also available on HBO Max for those wanting more.
Another Round (2023)
An engaging Danish tragicomedy exploring the experiment of four high school teachers who decide to maintain a constant level of alcohol in their blood to study its effects on everyday life. With such a simple premise, and maintaining a light yet relaxed tone, it delves into existential topics like life’s emptiness, mid-life crises, and the search for meaning. Avoiding moralism and featuring rich characters, the film shines with Mads Mikkelsen’s memorable performance, whose final dance has become a cinematic classic.
Kinds of Kindness (2024)
The indefinable Yorgos Lanthimos delivers an anthology-style film composed of three stories addressing themes of domination, submission, and violence, all bathed in his characteristic black humor and provocative tone seen in ‘Dogtooth’. Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons excel in captivating stories featuring people trapped in guided relationships and existences, presenting a true masterpiece that invites the audience on a thrilling journey through its duration, compensating them with a singular cinematic experience.
The First Omen (2024)
One of the finest horror films of 2024 emerged surprisingly with a premise that seemed unattractive, functioning as a prequel to the legendary ‘The Omen’. However, its terrifying visuals and careful craftsmanship typical of late giallo, combined with a desire to distance itself from the original while paying homage, make it an absolute gem. We follow a novice on a turbulent journey toward revealing the origin of the evil that would lead to the Antichrist Damien, intertwining elements of psychological horror, satanism, and conspiracy within the church.
Godzilla vs. Kong: New Empire (2024)
Although you can find nearly the entire MonsterVerse here (missing perhaps the best one, ‘Skull Island’), we settle for this latest monster clash. It’s a colossal showdown jam-packed with humor and wonder, including a delightfully comedic amount of violence and tons of imagination, featuring many creatures, including several mischievous apes forcing our two giant heroes to sign a truce. Unapologetically outrageous, raucously enjoyable, ‘The New Empire’ symbolizes a kind of joyous, carefree cinema that we wish happened more often.
Weapons (2025)
The best horror film of 2025 showcases a wonderful mix of humor, violence, and surprises, framing a fragmented narrative as a suburban satire. The inexplicable disappearance of an entire classroom of children unfolds a story pitched between social satire and witchcraft, exploring trauma, paranoia, and the hidden violence in the mundane. A superb successor to Zach Cregger’s previous film ‘Barbarian’, it offers a memorable villain.
Superman (2025)
Of course, HBO Max features the complete DC superhero catalog, but few can match the revival initiated by James Gunn with this ‘Superman’. David Corenswet offers a depiction closer to classic comics, weaving an exciting universe capable of incorporating must-haves like Supergirl and the Justice League. Vibrant, colorful, and humorous, topped with Nicholas Hoult as an absolutely perfect Lex Luthor, this film promises an exhilarating experience.
The Sinners (2025)
Another sensation in the horror genre for 2025: a vampire film set in the southern United States during the 1930s, blending intense supernatural narrative with deep cultural and social context. Directed by Ryan Coogler (‘Black Panther’), it follows twin brothers returning to their hometown to open a nightclub and unite an African American community grappling with discrimination. A well-balanced cocktail of analyzing black cultural heritage with pure vampire entertainment, it’s a powerful performance from Michael B. Jordan in a double role.