Max continues to flesh out its libraryto ensure its place as an ideal mainstream platform for streaming the best movies. Diversity in its movie selection remains the service’s greatest asset, giving audiences virtually limitless hours’ worth of movies spread across every genre imaginable.
There are bound to be handfuls of movies available for every type of fan, from gangster dramas and sci-fi to comedy and romance. Still, Max’s diverse selection could overwhelm newcomers with the sheer number of choices. This guide is updated monthly to help alleviate the choice paralysis and highlight recent additions of some of the best movies on Max.
In need of some more streaming recommendations? We also have guides to thebest new movies to stream, thebest movies on Netflix, thebest movies on Hulu, the bestmovies on Amazon Prime Video, and thebest movies on Disney+that are worth looking through.
The Shining (1980)
The Shiningreceived retrospective acclaim as one of the best horror movies for its visceral mix of supernatural terror and Jack’s unraveling psyche. It’s one of the best examples of a character profile in the genre, largely thanks to Nicholson’s performance, which makes the protagonist’s deeply disturbing turn feel convincing.
The Goonies (1985)
Nostalgic audiences wanting a lighter cult-classic movie don’t need to look much further thanThe Goonies. Richard Donner’s film sees a group of kids from Astoria, Oregon, find themselves on a sweeping treasure hunt for a 17th-century pirate’s treasure.
This ambitious adventure is sparked by the group’s efforts to save their houses from foreclosure, but a criminal family looks to beat them to One-Eyed Willy’s fortune.The Goonieshas all the upbeat, adventurous atmosphere that audiences would expect from theSupermandirector. That’s emphasized further by Steven Spielberg’s involvement as a writer, and it’s all grounded by lively performances by its young ensemble cast.
Logan (2017)
Loganis 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 inAftersun. 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.
Aftersungarnered 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 originalTerminatorstill 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 Terminatorreceived 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,Fridayshould 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.
Fridayis 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, andGoodfellasis among his best works. The movie seesRay Liottain 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,Goodfellasis 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 originalGhostbustersmore 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.
Ghostbustersundoubtedly 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’sCarrie, 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.
Carrieis 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)
Moviegoers should check out the originalFinal Destinationon Max now thatthe 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 Destinationreceived 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)
Dreddis 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,Dreddis a gripping comic book film and dystopic sci-fi thriller. As fans can see now inThe Boys, Karl Urban has the acting chops to portray the grit of a character like Judge Dredd.
Taxi Driver (1976)
One of auteur directorMartin 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 Driveris 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 themost important movies in Batman’s mythos,Mask of the Phantasm, is back on Max. Co-directed byBatman: The Animated Seriescreators Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm, itsees 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 Phantasmis 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.
The Usual Suspects (1995)
Directed by Bryan Singer and written by currentMission: Impossibledirector Christopher McQuarrie,The Usual Suspectsis 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 Suspectsis 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 toone of the best plot twistsin the medium.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (2024)
Creature Commandoson Maxmay 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 Storychronicles 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 Storydoes 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/Manis one of the most sincere documentaries of 2024.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Sequels to decades-old movies are far from novel at this point, butBeetlejuice Beetlejuiceis 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 likeBeetlejuice Beetlejuiceto 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 withDune: 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 Twoelevates 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’sUnstoppableis 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.
Unstoppableis 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.Unstoppableknows exactly what it wants to be — a loud, nerve-wracking thriller — which is always an admirable quality in an action movie.
Looking for moreStephen King-inspired moviesfor the Halloween season? Wedl, 2017’sItadaptation 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,Itis 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.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
TheHarry Potter franchiseremains 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 Secretswas 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 Secretsremains accessible to all audiences.
The Martian (2015)
Bizarre comedy-centric accolades aside,The Martianis a compelling sci-fi movie. The Ridley Scott movie stars Matt Damon as astronautDr. 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 Martianis 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 inOppenheimerand his upcomingMCU 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’sSherlock Holmes. Directed by Guy Ritchie,Sherlock Holmesfollows 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 likeHow to Train Your Dragonprove 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 Dragonearns 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 blockbusterBarbie, but her earlier catalog has other terrific movies likeLady 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 Birdreceived 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’sThe Iron Clawis 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 Whiteas 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 Clawearned 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 Lighthouseis 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 Lighthouseearned 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.
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— orPhilosopher’sStone, 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 Stonewas 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 Worlddeveloped 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 Worldelevates it with colorful comic book-like imageryand 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’sRoboCopis a classic sci-fi action movie of the era. ThePaul 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 filmBlade Runner,RoboCophelped 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,RoboCopuses 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 Kingis 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 Kingwas emphatically acclaimed for its faithfulness to Tolkien’s source material, stunning visuals, and powerfully emotional payoff.
