HBO Max, as the birthplace of famous TV series such as The Sopranos and The Wire, is known for its exceptional original content. However, the streaming service also offers an impressive selection of feature-length movies that include documentaries, dramas, comedies, and international award-winning films. Although HBO Max is not yet as big as Netflix, it has a wide range of great movies that come and go each month. In this article, we will explore some of the best movies streaming on HBO Max that you should add to your watchlist.
One of the most unique and revolutionary documentaries available on HBO Max is Moonage Daydream. This film tells the story of the legendary artist David Bowie, featuring never-before-seen footage and interviews, as well as 40 Bowie songs that were remastered specifically for the movie. Directed by Brett Morgen, this documentary is a psychedelic spectacle that is sure to delight Bowie fans and newcomers alike.
Another must-watch movie on HBO Max is Parasite, a South Korean film that won four Oscars, including Best Picture. The movie tells the story of the Kims, a family struggling to make ends meet, who set their sights on the Parks, a wealthy family with their own set of problems. As the Kims’ scheme unfolds, the movie takes unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Parasite is a masterful blend of dark comedy, social commentary, and suspenseful drama.
For those interested in piercing documentaries, All the Beauty and the Bloodshed is a must-watch on HBO Max. The film tells the story of Nan Goldin, a photographer and activist who captures intimate moments of America in crisis, including extensive work focused on the HIV/AIDS and opioid epidemics. But the movie also reveals the artist in conflict as she considers whether to allow her work to be showcased in galleries that have received endowments from the Sackler family, known for their involvement in America’s opioid crisis. It is a moving portrait of an artist willing to risk it all for her beliefs.
The Host is another South Korean film directed by Bong Joon-ho that is available on HBO Max. The movie tells the story of a dysfunctional family that must stick together to stay alive when a giant sea monster with a taste for humans suddenly inhabits the Han River. The Host is a thrilling and emotional journey that showcases Bong’s unique storytelling sensibilities.
No Country for Old Men is a cinematic masterpiece directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, who won four Oscars, including Best Picture, for their adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel. The movie stars Javier Bardem as a raging psychopath with a terrible haircut and Josh Brolin as the well-meaning Texan who inadvertently crosses his path and pisses him off. The movie is a gripping and tense thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
The Banshees of Inisherin is a dark comedy directed by Martin McDonagh that reunites Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. The movie tells the story of two best friends who have an unexpected falling out, and how their relationship unravels from there. The movie was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is a must-watch for fans of absurdist comedy.
Elvis is not your typical Presley biopic, as it is directed by Baz Luhrmann, known for his over-the-top style and frenetic energy. The movie tells the story of Elvis Presley from the perspective of his longtime manager, Colonel Tom Parker, and paints a much more vulnerable picture of the musical icon. The movie is a must-watch for fans of Luhrmann’s work and for those curious about the life of Elvis Presley.
Empire of Light is a romantic drama set in the 1980s that tells the story of a movie theater manager, played by Olivia Colman, who finds happiness with a new employee, played by Micheal Ward. The movie is directed by Sam Mendes and is a love letter to cinema and the connections we can find with people in the dark.
The Menu is a black-comedy-horror flick that tells the story of a group of overprivileged foodies, played by Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult, who travel to an island in the middle of nowhere to be placed at the culinary mercy of world-renowned master Chef Slowik, played by Ralph Fiennes. However, during the dinner service, Slowik has plans that go beyond an eight-course tasting menu, and things take a turn for the worse.
Finally, Barbarian is a thriller directed by Zach Cregger that tells the story of Tess, played by Georgina Campbell, who arrives at her Airbnb to find that it has already been rented. However, the guy who is staying there, played by Bill Skarsgård, seems sweet, soft-spoken, and accommodating. The movie will make you reconsider the trust we put in total strangers in our collaborative consumption society.
In conclusion, HBO Max has an impressive selection of movies that cater to a wide range of tastes and interests. From award-winning dramas and documentaries to dark comedies and thrillers, the streaming service offers something for everyone. So, if you see something you want to watch, don’t let it linger in your queue for too long. Add these movies to your watchlist and enjoy the cinematic experience from the comfort of your own home!
