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This war movie is one of the underrated HBO Max movies to watch this weekend (September 19-21)

A Bong Joon ho movie makes the cut this weekend

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Weekend Watchlist: HBO Max A group of soldiers celebrate in A24's Warfare.
A24
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This story is part of Weekend Watchlist, a series that showcases hidden gems and underrated films tucked away in your favorite streaming libraries.

HBO Max welcomes a superhero this weekend. After winning over audiences this summer, Superman is now on HBO Max. The James Gunn DCU adventure should shoot directly to the top of the app’s top 10 list.

HBO Max boasts a large library with plenty of movies to stream. Warfare, a harrowing combat film from earlier this year, is one of the more underrated movies on the service. Learn more about Warfare and two more underrated movies below.

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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 HBO Max.

Warfare (2025)

“Harrowing” is an understatement when describing Warfare, A24’s combat movie from Alex Garland and former soldier Ray Mendoza. Based on Mendoza’s time during the Iraq War, the movie follows a platoon of Navy SEALs seeking cover inside a two-story house in Ramadi. The enemy eventually discovers the soldiers’ location and begins an all-out assault on the house.

Told in real time, Warfare is one of the most immersive military movies in recent memory. The technical aspects of Warfare are impressive, with the sound being the true standout.

Stream Warfare on HBO Max.

Mickey 17 (2025)

Because of Warner Bros.’ impressive streak of $40-million openings at the box office, it’s easy to forget that Mickey 17 flopped earlier this year. It certainly didn’t flop because of merit. The sci-fi comedy comes from the master of satire, Bong Joon Ho.

Robert Pattinson stars as Mickey Barnes, a poor soul who signs up to become an “Expendable,” a disposable employee sent on a colonization mission to Niflheim. When Mickey dies, he is replaced by a clone with his restored memories. While not as effective as Parasite, Mickey 17 plays Bong’s greatest hits — critiques of capitalism and dehumanization — in the best ways.

Stream Mickey 17 on HBO Max.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is definitely a sweet, feel-good movie for adults. As teenagers and young adults, they’ll start to appreciate the film’s charm and experienced cast.

A group of retirees (Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, and Maggie Smith) move from England to India to stay at the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The group thinks they will be residing in a luxurious retirement home. Upon arrival, the hotel is a run-down establishment. With a positive attitude and some ingenuity, the retirees decide to make the best of their situation and do the scariest thing imaginable: start over.

Stream The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on HBO Max.

Dan Girolamo
Former Entertainment Writer
Dan is a passionate and multitalented content creator with experience in pop culture, entertainment, and sports. Throughout…
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