Let’s be real—browsing through hours of streaming choices can be more draining than watching something to begin with. If you’re on Max (and yes, I still catch myself referring to it as HBO Max from time to time), you’ve got an arsenal of movies at your disposal. From large-scale blockbusters to classic features, Max has a little something for everyone. To make it easier, here are 10 films worth pressing play on immediately now—numbered, because a little tension never hurt anyone.
10. The Boy and the Heron
Hayao Miyazaki came out of retirement (again) to give us this stunning, intimate animated tale. It’s the story of a young boy dealing with loss and tumbling into a fantasy world that reflects our own. The English dub cast is crazy—Christian Bale, Robert Pattinson, Florence Pugh, Willem Dafoe—and the animation is the top-of-its-game Studio Ghibli sheen. If you’re a fan of fantasy or animation, this Oscar-winning gem is an absolute must.
9. Barbie
Missed the Barbie phenomenon last year? Here’s your chance to catch up. Greta Gerwig’s candy-colored blockbuster is more than just dolls and dance numbers—it’s funny, heartfelt, and a little existential. Margot Robbie shines, Ryan Gosling steals scenes, and yes, “I’m Just Ken” lives up to the hype. Barbie proves nobody—not even a plastic icon—has to fit into one box.
8. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
If adrenaline is what you’re after, buckle up. Anya Taylor-Joy steps into Charlize Theron’s boots as Furiosa in George Miller’s fiery prequel. Chris Hemsworth goes full villain mode, and the action sequences are as wild as you’d hope. It’s pure chaos in the best way possible.
7. Parasite
Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece continues to strike home like the first time. Parasite veers from comedy to thriller to horror in a manner only Bong can execute. The tale of the down-on-their-luck Kim family inserting themselves into the lives of the affluent Parks is darkly comedic and heart-wrenching. No wonder it made Oscar history.
6. Casablanca
Black and white, yes—but unouchable. Casablanca is still the template for romance, war drama, and memorable lines. The chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman is live wire, and the love and sacrifice tale is eternal regardless of how many decades go by.
5. Final Destination: Bloodlines
Who saw a Final Destination revival be better than expected? The franchise’s hallmarks of ridiculous death traps are back in force, and will-he-ever-retire horror icon Tony Todd receives a farewell that will make his fans applaud. In some way, this legacy sequel injects fresh life into the series without sacrificing the blast.
4. Sing Sing
Colman Domingo gives a tour-de-force performance in this poignant prison drama, supplemented by an ensemble of actors who have been incarcerated. Drawn from real life, it recounts the tale of an arts program that changes lives within Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Quiet, tearful, and finally inspiring, this one gets under your skin.
3. The Brutalist
Adrien Brody delivers his best work here in this grand epic about a Holocaust survivor pursuing the American dream. Beautifully photographed and deeply felt, it’s the sort of complex, ambitious storytelling that lingers long after the lights come back on.
2. Sinners
Michael B. Jordan leads (and co-created) this daring, genre-defying blockbuster that combines horror, music, and history into something entirely new. It’s not only the biggest original box-office hit of the year—it’s a reminder that new ideas can still find a home on the big screen.
1. The Wind Rises
Another Miyazaki classic, but one so different. This poignant historical drama is about airplane designer Jiro Horikoshi, love, ambition, and the cost of dreams. It’s breathtakingly animated and emotionally affecting, and universally acclaimed by critics, notching an Oscar nomination.
There you are—10 movies that make Max worth every second of your marathon time. Whatever your mood—jaw-dropping animation, post-apocalyptic craziness, or a timeless romance—this list has you covered. Just don’t forget the popcorn.