Thanks to its densely packed library, Max is among the best mainstream platforms to stream movies. The streamer’s catalog boasts an impressive range of diversity, ranging from modern hits to classics that have stood the test of time. That’s also thanks to the platform’s offerings running the gamut of genres, guaranteeing that every kind of viewer will find at least a handful of titles to suit their tastes.
With how competitive the streaming market has become in recent years, variety has become all the more important. Warner Bros. Discovery’s service thankfully offers that in an accessible manner, but if you find yourself struggling to know where to start, we’ve curated a consistently updated guide on the best movies to stream on Max.
In need of some more streaming recommendations? We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, and the best movies on Disney+ that are worth looking through.
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Mad Max: Fury Road2015 -
Jurassic World2015
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Aliens1986
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Paddington 22017
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) new
The long-awaited prequel Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga finally has a trailer out and a release date set, making director George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road the perfect watch for the uninitiated. A reboot of the classic film series starring Mel Gibson, Fury Road sees Tom Hardy (Bronson, Warrior, The Dark Knight Rises) as the titular protagonist teaming up with Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) in a rebellion against the brutal cult leader Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne).
The movie proved to be an excellent reboot of the franchise, bolstered by a tense story, jaw-dropping action set pieces, and impressive cinematography. Mad Max: Fury Road stands as one of the most impressive dystopian sci-fi movies of the modern era.
Jurassic World (2015) new
Though arguably nothing will top Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed 1993 classic, director Colin Trevorrow’s Jurassic World is an exciting sci-fi thriller on its own terms. Several years after the theme park failed, the titular vacation destination has replaced its predecessor, even operating smoothly for some time. However, things inevitably veer into chaos when the park’s experimentation with hybrid species leads to a breakout of the Indominus Rex.
Claire Denning (played by Bryce Dallas Howard), the park’s operations manager, and Owen Grady (played by Chris Pratt), an expert animal handler, are forced to lead an emergency containment effort. Jurassic World succeeds with how it leans on being an unapologetic nostalgia trip, with its CG dinosaurs providing fast-paced thrills amid touches on the classic “man playing god” theme of the original Jurassic Park.
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989) new
Director Stephen Herek’s Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure is a cult-classic romp from the ’80s that’s fondly remembered today. The sci-fi comedy stars Keanu Reeves as Ted Logan and Alex Winter as Bill Preston, two high-school slackers who embark on a time-traveling journey to pass their history class and fulfill their future of becoming utopian paragons.
Accompanied by the time-traveler Rufus (George Carlin), the movie boasts an endearing cast of characters that help make for a charming sci-fi comedy. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure remains a delightfully goofy adventure today that will satisfy those looking for some ’80s nostalgia. This movie is also responsible for breaking Keanu Reeves’ career into the mainstream.
The Hunt for Red October (1990) new
There have been many excellent wartime movies over the decades, and director John McTiernan’s The Hunt for Red October is certainly among them. An adaptation of author Tom Clancy’s 1984 novel of the same name, the story sees CIA agent Jack Ryan (played by Alec Baldwin) forced into a race against time.
He needs to prove that Captain Marko Ramius (Sean Connery) is trying to defect to the U.S., rather than posing a threat along with the titular nuclear submarine. The Hunt for Red October was praised for its excellent handling of espionage-themed suspense and is backed up by a stellar cast. It was also the first film adaptation of Clancy’s character Jack Ryan.
Aliens (1986) new
Not many film franchises have the benefit of changing directors with similarly lauded reputation in the industry, but Aliens certainly did. Picking up the baton from Ridley Scott’s trailblazing original, James Cameron takes the reign of this sequel, seeing the iconic sci-fi female lead Ellen Ripley (played by Sigourney Weaver) agree to investigate the source of a loss in communication with a human lunar colony at the site of the original movie.
Still regarded today as one of the greatest sci-fi movies ever made — and in general — Aliens was widely acclaimed for its blend of sci-fi, horror, and visceral action. Like with Scott’s film, this sophomore installment in a legacy series was anchored by another commanding performance by Weaver.
Paddington 2 (2017) new
Director Paul King’s Paddington earned plaudits for being one of the best contemporary animated family comedies, and he follows through in the sequel. Paddington 2 follows the titular bear (voiced by Passages‘ Ben Whishaw) as he finds himself imprisoned after being framed for a burglary he didn’t commit.
That leaves his family (played by Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Grant, Madeleine Harris, and Samuel Joslin) to set out and find the real culprit and free Paddington. Paddington 2 achieved near-universal critical acclaim thanks to its equal parts spirited and charming cast, touching story, and clever sense of humor. The way the movie effortlessly appeals to any age range and demographic of audience gives the endearing production staying power.
Winter's Bone (2010) new
Before her mainstream Hollywood breakout with The Hunger Games, Jennifer Lawrence was already flexing her acting prowess with Winter’s Bone. Directed by accomplished indie director Debra Granik (Leave No Trace, Down to the Bone), this mystery drama sees poverty-stricken teenager Ree Dolly (played by Lawrence) go on a desperate mission to find her missing father to keep their family afloat.
On top of Lawrence’s exceptional Academy Award-nominated performance, Winter’s Bone was praised for balancing an engrossing and harrowing plot with poignant social commentary on economic, societal, and gender inequality as well as an underlying message of optimism.
Rocky (1976) new
One of the most iconic movies of the ’70s, director John Avildsen’s Rocky paved the way for a theatrical legacy. Starring Sylvester Stallone as up-and-coming boxer Rocky Balboa, audiences are treated to the young and unlikely upstart’s journey from poor club fighter dodging loan sharks to taking a shot at the heavyweight belt held by the legendary Apollo Creed.
Also written by Stallone, Rocky was groundbreaking for popularizing the “rags-to-riches” trope in inspiring dramas, as well as becoming a quintessential sports drama in film. Bolstered by a courageous performance by Stallone, swelling score, and striking cinematography, Rocky holds up well today and leaves a promising successor in the form of Michael B. Jordan’s Creed series.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) new
Adapted from the novel of the same name by Lauren Weisberger, director David Frankel’s The Devil Wears Prada became a mid-2000s classic. The movie revolves around recent college graduate Andy Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway) as she lands a job in New York as prolific fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly’s (played by Meryl Streep) co-assistant.
Effortlessly blending comedy, drama, and witty commentary on the ruthlessness of the fashion industry, The Devil Wears Prada is an incredibly entertaining romp. It earned Streep another feather in her cap with a Golden Globe award win, with Hathaway getting noteworthy praise as well.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017) new
Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner was ahead of its time, but earned deserved belated acclaim as the years passed. In a somewhat similar, if unfortunate, case, director Denis Villeneuve’s sequel Blade Runner 2049 was released to comparable critical praise, but it underwhelmed at the box office. Nonetheless, Blade Runner 2049 is another highlight of the esteemed director’s portfolio, with Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford leading the charge.
The movie follows Gosling’s replicant blade runner K as he unravels a deep-rooted conspiracy that could overthrow the societal status quo. Complete with immaculate cinematography, powerful performances, and a tantalizingly slow-burn plot, Blade Runner 2049 is a modern cyberpunk master class.
Flight (2012) new
Denzel Washington has been celebrated for several of his iconic performances, and his role in Flight deserves to be among them. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Flight is a drama centered around Whip Whitaker (played by Washington), a pilot suffering from severe alcohol and drug addictions who has miraculously managed to go through his career with a clean record.
However, when a mechanical failure on one of his flights forces him to undertake an emergency crash landing, the investigation that follows begins to uexpose his addictive habits. Flight conducts one of the best character profiles in Washington’s backlog, and it marks a triumphant comeback to the industry for director Zemeckis.
Scream (1996) new
The Scream franchise has recently enjoyed a resurgence thanks to the critical and commercial success of 2022’s Scream and 2023’s Scream VI. That makes revisiting director Wes Craven’s 1996 original Scream even more relevant, as the cult classic film holds up well even today. In the otherwise unassuming town of Woodsboro, high school student Sidney Prescott (played by Neve Campbell) and her friends find themselves systematically hunted by the masked serial killer dubbed Ghostface.
The movie was praised for the performances of its well-rounded cast — especially Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette — as well as its unapologetically violent action sequences. Scream is responsible for rejuvenating the overarching horror genre, as well as the slasher subgenre that it’s most famous for.
Beetlejuice (1988) new
An ’80s classic, Beetlejuice is still beloved today as a perennial Halloween movie. Directed by Tim Burton, this hybrid fantasy/horror/comedy sees a deceased couple ( Adam and Barbara Maitland) return to haunt their home as ghosts, but they’re compelled to call on the services of the titular bio-exorcist (played by Michael Keaton) to scare off the new owners.
Featuring one of Keaton’s most notable roles, Beetlejuice was praised for its delightfully bizarre premise and amalgam of genres, all bolstered by Burton’s unmistakable mind for direction and creativity.
It (2017) new
One of Stephen King’s best movie adaptations, director Andy Muschietti’s (The Flash) It is a thrilling cinematic interpretation of the classic novel. The 2017 film follows a string of disturbing disappearances, seven children known as The Losers’ Club face the terror of the titular otherworldly creature — as well as their personal demons.
Bolstered by an impressive young cast and the equal parts commanding and bone-chilling performance by Bill Skarsgård as the titular monster, It is a superb supernatural horror movie and arguably one of the best adaptations of Stephen King’s books.
Doctor Sleep (2019) new
Another Stephen King adaptation, director Mike Flanagan’s Doctor Sleep is perhaps one of the more underrated movies of 2019. The film received a positive critical reception upon release, but it had an underwhelming run at the box office. Nonetheless, Doctor Sleep is a riveting supernatural horror story and a satisfying sequel to the critically acclaimed The Shining.
Set decades after the events of the latter, Doctor Sleep revolves around a grown Dan Torrance (played by Ewan McGregor), a man struggling with alcoholism who wields psychic abilities, after he’s compelled back to the hotel that traumatized him and his family. Buoyed by a strong performances by McGregor and Rebecca Ferguson as antagonist and cult leader Rose the Hat, Doctor Sleep is a suitably foreboding horror-thriller.
Gangs of New York (2002) new
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) new
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) new
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) new
Pulp Fiction (1994) new
Moonlight (2016) new
The Lego Batman Movie (2017) new
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) new
Parasite (2019) new
Director Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite was a breakout hit in 2019, earning an Academy Award for Best Picture. The Korean dark comedy/thriller hybrid focuses on the desperate exploits of a poor family that schemes their way into working for a wealthy family.
The family poses as qualified for the tasks at hand, but the more they involve themselves in the wealthy Park family’s lives, the deeper they get tangled in a shocking incident. Parasite earned widespread critical acclaim for its smart humor combined with equally poignant social commentary on class dynamics.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Cementing the series’ status as one of the most outstanding film trilogies ever made, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is a triumphant finish for Peter Jackson’s tenure in Middle-earth. The film continues with Bilbo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) journeying to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom.
Meanwhile, the remaining heroes, including Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), and Legolas (Orlando Bloom), amass an army to battle with Sauron. Winning an astonishing 11 Academy Awards out of 11 nominations, The Return of the King was emphatically acclaimed for its faithfulness to Tolkien’s source material, stunning visuals, and powerfully emotional payoff.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
Hereditary (2018) new
A24 studio has made itself one of the biggest names in the indie film scene, with director Ari Aster providing it with some of the best horror movies in recent years. Aster is a master of building dread through psychological and body horror, and Hereditary is a terrifyingly effective showcase of both.
It stars the likes of Toni Collette and Alex Wolff as part of a family that finds itself haunted by an ominous presence after the death of their mysterious grandmother. Collette was an expected standout, but the whole cast put up excellent performances in a genuinely foreboding experience, with its striking cinematography adding to the tension.
I Love You, Man (2009)
Paul Rudd has been charming audiences for years now, and I Love You, Man is one of the more affectionately regarded rom-coms from the 2000s.
Starring alongside the equally appealing Jason Segal and Rashida Jones, this goofball romantic comedy follows Rudd’s leading man in an awkward three-person dynamic. When Peter Klaven (Rudd) finds himself in search of a friend to be the best man at his wedding with Zooey Rice (Jones), he soon picks Sydney Fife (Segal). But things begin to get awkward as Peter’s newfound best friend starts creating tension in his relationship with Zooey.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The Terminator (1984)
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Batman Begins (2005)
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
Barbarian (2022)
The Witch (2015)
The Witch was Anya Taylor-Joy’s first feature film, and it made her a star. In the early 1600s, Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy) is the eldest daughter in a family of Puritans led by her parents, William (Ralph Ineson) and Katherine (Kate Dickie). After the family is banished by their local religious sect, Thomasin is horrified when her infant brother is stolen out from under her nose. Unbeknownst to the family, there really is a witch (Bathsheba Garnett) in the woods, and she has a taste for the young. Through her hardships, Thomasin discovers that she also has powers of her own, which only makes things scarier.
Elvis (2022)
The Batman (2022)
Dune (2021)
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