Max’s dense and varied library easily makes it one of the ideal mainstream platforms for watching the best movies. That level of variety is truly the streaming service’s greatest strength, offering audiences countless hours of movies spanning every genre anyone could want.
From fantasy and sci-fi to comedy and romance, everyone is bound to find at least a handful of films to suit their tastes. That said, the depth in Max’s library could lead to some choice paralysis. Thankfully, this monthly-updated guide cuts down on the work by highlighting recent additions of some of the best movies on Max.
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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Logan2017 -
Aftersun2022
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The Terminator1984
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Friday1995
Logan (2017)
Max isn’t typically known for having Marvel movies, but subscribers can stream the acclaimed Logan on the platform. James Mangold (Ford v Ferrari, A Complete Unknown) directs this X-Men tale set within a continuity in a not-so-distant future. The titular Logan (Hugh Jackman) finds his Wolverine past calling him, as he and a sickly Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) must protect a young mutant named Laura from being hunted by the head of a biotech corporation.
Logan is beloved as the best X-Men movie to date. Jackman and Stewart give some of the most emotionally impactful and nuanced performances as their characters, and they’re backed by top-notch direction and cinematography. The movie adopts elements of dystopic sci-fi, neo-noir, and Western genres for an appropriately gritty yet heartfelt finish to Wolverine’s arc.
Aftersun (2022)
Fans of Paul Mescal (Gladiator II) can see him in an emotional and touching light in Aftersun. Directed by Charlotte Wells in her feature film debut, it tells the story of an 11-year-old Sophie (Frankie Corio) on vacation with her father (Mescal) in a Turkish resort. In the present, Sophie (Celia Rowlson-Hall) recalls the heartwarming and somber memories with him while struggling to come to terms with her memories and the sides of her father she didn’t know.
Aftersun garnered critical acclaim for its deeply moving and grounded story, complemented by Mescal and Corio’s mesmerizing dynamic. Director Charlotte Wells bases the plot loosely on her own childhood experiences, using them to convey how difficult it is to grapple with the imperfections of memories one has of one’s parents and who they truly were.
The Terminator (1984)
Director James Cameron is responsible for some of the best Hollywood sci-fi movies. The original Terminator still stands as a cinematic milestone, following Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cyborg killing machine as he’s sent back to 1984 from 2029. He’s tasked with preventing Sarah Connor’s (Linda Hamilton) future son from stopping Skynet—a hostile A.I.—from wiping out humanity.
The Terminator received critical acclaim, particularly in retrospect, for the tense action set pieces and Schwarzenegger’s chilling performance as the cybernetic villain. The action’s relentless pacing and the sense of dread the titular Terminator creates on-screen help the movie stand the test of time as one of the best sci-fi thrillers.
Friday (1995)
For a breezy, entertaining movie night, Friday should get plenty of laughs from audiences. The F. Gary Gray-directed comedy revolves around the antics of Craig Jones (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker). The pair find themselves in trouble in more ways than one, as the unemployed friends owe money to a drug dealer while faced with their neighborhood’s bully.
Friday is a great ‘90s buddy-comedy movie carried by the liveliness of its co-lead performances. Their oddball misadventures are perfect for fans of stoner comedies, and it’s hard not to get on board with Tucker’s frenetic energy.
GoodFellas (1990)
Martin Scorsese’s catalog is an embarrassment of riches for crime-drama fans, and Goodfellas is among his best works. The movie sees Ray Liotta in the role of Henry Hill, a real-life mobster who joined the mafia from a young age and rose through its ranks. However, as Hill navigates the criminal organization’s cutthroat hierarchy, his life begins to unravel painfully.
Packed with a tremendous ensemble, including the legendary Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in supporting roles, Goodfellas is an epic gangster-themed drama in scope. Scorsese once again depicts the ruthlessness of organized crime, making Hill’s inevitable fall from grace much more visceral.
Ghostbusters (1984)
For an 1980s throwback, director Ivan Reitman’s original Ghostbusters more than warrants a watch today. Starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis, this story sees the trio go around New York as ghost catchers. The group is in for a massive undertaking, as cellist Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) hires them to rid her of supernatural entities.
Ghostbusters undoubtedly satisfies as a nostalgia trip for affectionate fans, but the film still stands on its own comedic and visual merits. The zany special effects and endlessly quotable dialogue make this a must-watch sci-fi comedy.
Carrie (1976)
If movie fans are feeling brave, Max is also home to plenty of terrific horror movies. Among them is Brian De Palma’s Carrie, an adaptation of Stephen King’s book, telling the story of an ostracized teenage girl. All of her tormenters would come to rue this soon enough, as Carrie begins to develop formidable supernatural powers.
Carrie is one of the best movies of the ‘70s, regardless of genre. It’s also one of the most influential supernatural horror films. The movie is ruthless and gruesome, creating one of the most iconic bloodbath sequences in horror. However, it also touches on darker coming-of-age themes with a humanized perspective.
Final Destination (2000)
36%
6.7/10Moviegoers should check out the original Final Destination on Max now that the sixth film, Final Destination Bloodlines, is set for release this May. Directed by James Wong, the story revolves around a group of teenagers who manage to cheat death after a would-be-lethal plane crash.
They survive thanks to Alex Browning (Devon Sawa) having a premonition of the disaster, but now Death itself is set to claim the lives of the teenagers meant to die in the accident. Final Destination received mostly negative reviews upon release, but it eventually became a 2000s horror cult classic. The cheesy teen-themed horror feel was seen as charming, along with its inventive premise of Death returning to claim what’s been promised.
Dredd (2012)
Dredd is one of the most underrated comic book movies of the 2010s, adapting the grim antihero for the big screen. The story is set in the year 2080, with most of the U.S. plunged into a hellish dystopia after a nuclear war. The titular Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) acts as judge, jury, and executioner of Mega-City One. Alongside his rookie partner Judge Anderson (Olivia Thirlby), Dredd must take down the resident drug lord (Lena Headey) of a 200-story apartment complex.
While the movie was unfortunately a box office dud, Dredd is a gripping comic book film and dystopic sci-fi thriller. As fans can see now in The Boys, Karl Urban has the acting chops to portray the grit of a character like Judge Dredd.
Taxi Driver (1976)
One of auteur director Martin Scorsese’s most revered movies, Taxi Driver, is a must for fans of crime movies. Robert De Niro plays Travis Bickle, the Marine veteran and taxi driver with a bleak perspective on life as he works night shifts. As the nights go on, Travis’ mental state steadily erodes, and he feels compelled to become a violent vigilante.
Taxi Driver is widely acclaimed as one of the best neo-noir films in cinema history, giving audiences an intense character-driven story from Travis’ POV. It’s easy for viewers to get engrossed and feel the dread of his inevitable descent into madness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
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
