Max remains one of the top mainstream platforms for watching the best movies. The streaming service is far more than its massive library, as it offers audiences countless hours’ worth of well-rounded entertainment to appeal to subscribers of all tastes.
Max has movies running the genre gamut, including fantasy, sci-fi, superhero adventures, comedy, and more. However, that almost overwhelming variety can lead to some indecision in subscribers. Thankfully, this monthly updated guide does the legwork for you by focusing on recent additions to highlight some of the best movies on Max right now.
In need of some more streaming recommendations? We also have guides to the best new movies to stream, 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 Max1979
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The Usual Suspects1995
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Paddington2014
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
One of the most important movies in Batman’s mythos, Mask of the Phantasm, is back on Max. Co-directed by Batman: The Animated Series creators Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm, it sees the Dark Knight track down an elusive vigilante picking off Gotham’s mob bosses one by one. Meanwhile, the story alternates with Bruce Wayne’s attempts to reconcile with his old flame, Andrea Beaumont, who is back in the city.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is widely beloved and makes a case for being DC’s best animated movie — DCAU continuity or otherwise. Supported by masterclass performances by Kevin Conroy as the hero, Mark Hamill as the Joker, and Dana Delany as Andrea, the film delves into the nuances of Bruce’s motives while mixing action and tragic romance.
Mad Max (1979)
The first in what would become one of the best dystopian film series, Mad Max remains a late-1970s classic today. In a not-so-distant-future Australia, director George Miller depicts a world where society has collapsed and violent gangs rule the landscape. Enter “Mad” Max Rockatansky, a former police officer who attempts to fight the forces that laugh in the face of justice.
While Mad Max initially received polarizing reviews for its brand of over-the-top violence, retrospective reception praised Miller’s gritty, imaginative take on a postapocalyptic Australia. Accompanied by elaborate stunts and action sequences that hold up, Mad Max is a must-watch for action movie fans.
The Usual Suspects (1995)
Directed by Bryan Singer and written by current Mission: Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie, The Usual Suspects is a riveting crime story. The plot centers around the recount of con man Roger “Verbal” Kint (Kevin Spacey) as he tries to convince the feds that a legendary figure dubbed Keyser Söze drew his crew into a daring heist job.
What follows is a twisting tale about how most of Verbal’s crew were killed in a boat explosion and massacre. The Usual Suspects is a gripping story from beginning to end, largely praised for its unique narrative approach. Through flashbacks and narrated scenes, Usual Suspects’ clever use of non-linear storytelling builds up to one of the best plot twists in the medium.
Paddington (2014)
For a nice, family-friendly diversion from Max’s plethora of action, superhero, and crime thrillers, Paddington is a great palate cleanser. Director Paul King’s story follows the anthropomorphic bear’s (Ben Whishaw) exploits in London with the Brown family.
Settling into his new home after traveling from Peru’s jungles is far from smooth, as museum taxidermist Millicent Clyde hunts Paddington down to stuff him for the establishment’s collection. Paddington was met with universal praise for its impressive visuals and delightful tone. The titular protagonist has an irresistible charm to complement the movie’s witty sense of humor, easily resonating with kids and adults.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (2024)
Creature Commandos on Max may have soft-launched James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe, but Warner Bros.’ superhero division already has a powerful documentary film to its name. Co-directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story chronicles the eponymous Superman actor’s rise to fame, tragic injury, and compassionate activism.
Aside from playing one of the most aspirational characters in pop culture, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story does a superb job of recounting the late actor’s heroics off the silver screen. From his loving family to social activism for disability health care research and rights, Super/Man is one of the most sincere documentaries of 2024.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Sequels to decades-old movies are far from novel at this point, but Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is worth the watch. On top of Tim Burton returning to the director’s chair, this sequel sees Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz, now grown and a mother, struggle to keep her family together in the aftermath of a tragedy.
The story takes a zanier turn when her daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega) accidentally opens a portal to the afterlife — all while Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice still haunts Lydia. It would have been easy for a movie like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice to become nothing more than nostalgia pandering, but this sequel feels like a welcome comeback. Burton’s eye for ghoulish, practical visuals and larger-than-life characters shines even 30-plus years after the original.
Dune: Part Two (2024)
Following director Denis Villeneuve’s successful first adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel, he raises the bar with Dune: Part Two. Adapting roughly the second half of Herbert’s book, this sequel sees Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his mother, Lady Jessica, become more intertwined with the Fremen people of Arrakis. Together, they mount an offensive against the incursions of the ruthless House Harkonnen.
Dune: Part Two elevates everything that made the first movie successful, from its breathtaking scope, visuals, drama, and stellar ensemble performances. Villeneuve continues to demonstrate his intimate knowledge of the acclaimed source material, vividly giving this gritty sci-fi world life.
Unstoppable (2010)
For some high-octane action, 2010’s Unstoppable is a must-watch highlight from that decade. Starring Chris Pine as train conductor Will Colson and Denzel Washington as railroad engineer Frank Barnes, it follows the pair’s attempts to stop a runaway freight train.
Unstoppable is a great example of a movie that excels in its simplicity. The straightforward premise offers plenty of high-stakes thrills, and it’s led by the magnetic performances of its co-leads. Unstoppable knows exactly what it wants to be — a loud, nerve-wracking thriller — which is always an admirable quality in an action movie.
It (2017)
Looking for more Stephen King-inspired movies for the Halloween season? Wedl, 2017’s It adaptation is a fitting choice. Directed by Andy Muschietti (The Flash, Mama), the story follows seven kids stalked by the horrific titular entity (Bill Skarsgård) that takes the form of “Pennywise the Clown.”
On top of the supernatural terror the children endure, they’ll also be forced to do some serious introspection. Muschietti’s, It is praised as one of the best Stephen King adaptations, with the visuals and Skarsgård’s chilling performance being the highlights. In addition, the movie’s young ensemble does a great job of being the story’s emotional core.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Everything Everywhere All at Once was another hit for A24. Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, EEAAO focuses on Evelyn Quan Wang (Michelle Yeoh), a Chinese-American immigrant being audited by the IRS. That sets the stage for something far more absurd, as Evelyn delves into the multiverse, meeting her alternate selves and saving the world from an imposing being.
Everything Everywhere All at Once was universally lauded, winning seven of the 11 Academy Awards it was nominated for, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Yeoh), Supporting Actress (Jamie Lee Curtis), and Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan). It’s a frenetic combination of genres, including surreal sci-fi elements, martial arts, and outlandish comedy. However, it also poignantly touches on themes of familial trauma that make this bizarre concept feel intimate.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
The Harry Potter franchise remains a blockbuster property, and the film series holds up. Director Chris Columbus’ sophomore entry, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, chronicles the young protagonist’s (Daniel Radcliffe) second year at Hogwarts.
With Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) by his side, Harry faces a monstrosity unleashed from the chamber by the Heir of Salazar Slytherin. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was well-received for its tasteful adaptation of the book and the young cast’s endearing performances. The story is notably darker than its predecessor, but thanks to the aforementioned cast, Columbus’ deft direction, and stunning visuals, Chamber of Secrets remains accessible to all audiences.
The Martian (2015)
Bizarre comedy-centric accolades aside, The Martian is a compelling sci-fi movie. The Ridley Scott movie stars Matt Damon as astronaut Dr. Mark Watney as he struggles to survive amid Mars’ grueling environment. The astronaut and botanist is left behind to fend for himself and is presumed dead for a time by NASA.
The Martian is one of director Ridley Scott’s best movies of the modern era, lauded for its breathtaking visuals and gripping plot. Even with a solid premise, it’s hard to imagine this sci-fi drama without Damon’s tension-filled performance, which sells Watney’s dire situation.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Between his Oscar-winning performance in Oppenheimer and his upcoming MCU return as Dr. Doom, Robert Downey Jr. remains among the biggest names in Hollywood. Outside of historical figures and comic book icons, he also played Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective in 2009’s Sherlock Holmes. Directed by Guy Ritchie, Sherlock Holmes follows the eccentric detective and his companion Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) as they attempt to stop a seemingly supernatural conspiracy.
Serial killer Lord Henry Blackwood (Mark Strong) attempts to use occult magic to control all of Britain. Sherlock Holmes’ character invites countless revisions, and Ritchie’s take balances the right amount of action, mystery, and humor to stand out. It’s the perfect combination for Downey Jr., which is why it’s no surprise this is one of his most memorable roles.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
While DreamWorks doesn’t quite have the same prestige status as Pixar, movies like How to Train Your Dragon prove it’s still a big name in animation. Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, and based on Cressida Cowell’s children’s book, the movie is set in a fantasy world where Vikings have a hostile dynamic with dragons.
That changes when the teenage Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), in trying to become a dragon slayer, befriends one he names Toothless. How to Train Your Dragon earns its acclaim and is one of DreamWorks’ best movies to date. The film’s animation quality holds up remarkably, and its story is surprisingly dramatic and insightful thanks to its theme of humanity’s relationship with wildlife.
Beetlejuice (1988)
70%
7.5/10Tim Burton is well-known for his gothic-inspired style, and Beetlejuice is one of the best examples of this. The plot follows the recently deceased married couple Barbara and Adam Maitland (Geena Davis, Alec Baldwin), who become trapped in their own house as ghosts. To scare away their house’s new inhabitants, the pair hires the freelance bio-exorcist Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton).
Beetlejuice received positive reviews and holds up as a 1980s classic that deftly blends horror and comedy. The delightfully bizarre mix of humor, fantasy, and horror is a Burton trademark. It’s the perfect time for new audiences to watch it too, as the sequel premieres this September.
Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig earned mainstream success with last year’s summer blockbuster Barbie, but her earlier catalog has other terrific movies like Lady Bird. Directed and written by Gerwig, the story follows a high school senior named Christine McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) who has a dysfunctional relationship with her mother, Marion (Laurie Metcalf).
The strong-willed and artistic Christine sees her dynamic with her mother further strained as she prepares to attend college. Lady Bird received critical acclaim for its deeply resonating plot. Gerwig’s direction and writing combined with Ronan and Metcalf’s charged performances make this an impactful coming-of-age drama.
Wanted (2008)
An adaptation of Mark Millar and J. G. Jones’ comic book series, Wanted is a fast-paced action thriller. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, the story sees Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy) try to join a secret society of elite assassins called the Fraternity.
He meets Fox (Angelina Jolie), an accomplished member of this organization, who recruits him to work under its leader Mr. Sloan (Morgan Freeman). Like Mark Millar’s source material, Wanted succeeds in its bombastic and action-first approach. The movie was critically well-received for the story’s quick pacing and the heavily stylized action set pieces, which must be seen to be believed.
The Iron Claw (2023)
A24’s The Iron Claw is a tense biographical sports drama. Directed by Sean Durkin, it depicts the successes and tragedies of the Von Erich family in their pursuit of glory in professional wrestling. Starring Zac Efron as Kevin, The Bear‘s Jeremy Allen White as Kerry, Harris Dickinson as David, and Stanley Simons as Mike, the movie portrays the brothers’ collective suffering from their father Fritz’s (Holt McCallany) grooming for the sport.
The Iron Claw earned immense praise for its emotionally raw storytelling and tasteful dramatization of the Von Erich family’s heart-wrenching story. Zac Efron’s performance was particularly lauded, cited as his career-best role and one of the most passionately played in the movie.
The Lighthouse (2019)
Director Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse is one of the most inventive dramas in recent years. The plot follows 19th-century lighthouse keepers Ephraim Winslow (The Batman 2′s Robert Pattinson) and Thomas Wake (Poor Things‘ Willem Dafoe). The two find themselves stranded on a remote New England outpost after a devastating storm, with their mental faculties deteriorating from the isolation.
The Lighthouse earned widespread acclaim for its brutally tense atmosphere and commanding co-leading performances from Pattinson and Dafoe. The movie is an inspired mash-up of various genres, ranging from drama and thriller to psychological horror.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
While the 2000s were understandably dominated by Spider-Man, the X-Men, and Batman, the Hellboy duology deserves more praise. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Hellboy II: The Golden Army sees the titular superhero (Ron Perlman) and his team at the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense fight against the resurgent forces of a mythical underworld prince who is amassing the Golden Army to reclaim Earth from humanity.
Though it didn’t take the box office by storm, Hellboy II: The Golden Army garnered a strong critical reception for its imaginative take on this comic book universe. Del Toro is a well-known auteur director, and his eye for fantasy and horror combines perfectly with creator Mike Mignola’s weird world.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
From Poor Things director Yorgos Lanthimos, The Killing of a Sacred Deer is another thoughtfully made thriller. Famed cardiac surgeon Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell) lives a picturesque suburban life with his wife, Anna (Nicole Kidman). However, this idealized lifestyle of his is disrupted in eerie ways by Martin Lang (Saltburn‘s Barry Keoghan), a fatherless teenager with a connection to Steven’s past.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer received a positive critical reception for Lanthimos’ uncompromising approach to his surreal directing style. Complemented by an impressive main cast, the movie is an exciting horror-thriller with an unforgettable aesthetic.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
The Harry Potter franchise’s global juggernaut status is partly due to the film series’ critical success. Directed by Chris Columbus, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone — or Philosopher’s Stone, alternatively — adapts the first book in author J.K. Rowling’s acclaimed series. After living in his abusive uncle and aunt’s house, young Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) discovers he’s a powerful wizard and embarks on his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
He meets various characters, including his endearing friends Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint). Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was praised for its tasteful balance of faithfulness to the book and condensing it to fit into a satisfying feature-length runtime. More than that, its main cast was lauded for their charm and heartfelt performances.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
While it was a box-office bomb when it released in 2010, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World developed into a cult classic thanks to its strong critical reception. Director Edgar Wright’s take on this universe does justice to Bryan Lee O’Malley’s comic book series, telling the story of musician Scott Pilgrim’s (Michael Cera) efforts to win a music competition and a record deal.
At the same time, Scott has to fend off the seven evil exes of his girlfriend, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Though it has a straightforward plot, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World elevates it with colorful comic book-like imagery and lively performances. The movie leans into its larger-than-life nature and is complemented by its quirky humor.
Black Swan (2010)
Director Darren Aronofsky is famed for his frighteningly surreal brand of horror and thrills, with Black Swan being his highlight from the 2010s. Based on an original story by co-writer Andres Heinz, the plot centers around two ballet dancers, Nina Sayers (May December‘s Natalie Portman) and Lily (Mila Kunis), cast as the White and Black Swans, respectively, for a production of Swan Lake.
This premise unravels into something far bleaker when Nina succumbs to the relentless pressure of competition, leading to her struggling to separate fiction from reality and Lily becoming far more than her on-stage counterpart. Black Swan earned critical acclaim for its unsettlingly clever spin on Swan Lake and for using its premise to explore the concept of looming doppelgangers. Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis’ chemistry earned the strongest plaudits, as the former won the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Good Time (2017)
After the financially lucrative Twilight franchise came to an end theatrically, Robert Pattinson tested his acting mettle in a series of unique indie movies. Josh and Benny Safdie’s Good Time was among the greatest standouts, following the story of a petty criminal (Pattinson) who tries to free his developmentally disabled brother (Benny Safdie) from prison after an attempted robbery goes wrong.
Good Time is an excellent small-scale crime drama and keeps a frenetic energy throughout this story. It also further proves how much of a chameleon Pattinson is as an actor, with his character Connie Nikas being palpably hateable in the role and notably different than other characters he’s played.
The Revenant (2015)
Director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s The Revenant will always be at least partly known for getting Leonardo DiCaprio his first acting Oscar Award, but it’s compelling in its own right as well.
Loosely based on author Michael Punke’s novel of the same name, the movie is centered around a revenge story, as frontiersman Hugh Glass survives a brutal bear attack and hunts down the men who left him to die. The Revenant is filled with striking camera shots and bolstered by DiCaprio’s visceral performance, with Tom Hardy playing a convincing antagonist alongside him. The movie’s runtime and pacing can occasionally feel drawn out, but overall, it’s a gripping tale of vengeance.
RoboCop (1987)
Arguably actor Peter Weller’s most iconic theatrical role, 1987’s RoboCop is a classic sci-fi action movie of the era. The Paul Verhoeven-directed story follows police officer Alex Murphy (played by Weller) in a crime-infested Detroit set in a dystopic sci-fi future. The officer is murdered in a gang attack but is later revived by the corporation Omni Consumer Products to experiment with their titular “RoboCop” initiative.
Together with Ridley Scott’s 1982 film Blade Runner, RoboCop helped bolster the cyberpunk subgenre, with the movie having an impressive level of nuance. While the cartoonishly over-the-top action certainly draws appeal on its own, RoboCop uses its titular cyborg protagonist to explore themes of what it means to lose one’s humanity, as well as a bold critique of corporate corruption and the real-world economic policies driving the U.S. at the time.
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
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 Devil Wears Prada (2006)
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.
The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Parasite (2019)
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.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
78%
8.4/10The Dark Knight (2008)
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Batman Begins (2005)
The Batman (2022)
72%
8.2/10Dune (2021)
74%
8.1/10
