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Max‘s growing and high-quality library of movies makes it a must-have streaming platform. The almost overwhelming number of movies available is enough to keep audiences busy, but the diverse genres they cover are the catalog’s most impressive feature.
Max’s library features everything from fantasy and superhero blockbusters to comedies and sci-fi, providing subscribers with dozens of hours’ worth of entertainment. Still, the sheer quantity is enough to intimidate newcomers. Thankfully, this monthly-updated guide focuses on the platform’s 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 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.
Sherlock Holmes (2009) [New]
Duration: 129m
Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, Mystery
Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams
Directed by: Guy Ritchie
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.
Amélie (2001) [New]
Duration: 122m
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Stars: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus
Directed by: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Fans of romance and comedy will be well-served with 2001’s Amélie. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the story is set in Paris and follows the quirky and shy waitress Amélie Poulain (Audrey Tautou) as she sets out to make some lifestyle changes.
She aspires to brighten the lives of those around her while grappling with her own sense of loneliness. Amélie received widespread praise for its whimsical plot, vibrant art direction, and Tautou’s spirited performance. The movie will satisfy audiences looking for an upbeat romantic comedy and artistic film buffs alike.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010) [New]
Duration: 98m
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Animation, Family
Stars: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson
Directed by: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders
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) [New]
Metacritic: 70%
IMDb: 7.5/10
Duration: 92m
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
Stars: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder
Directed by: Tim Burton
Tim 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.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) [New]
Duration: 158m
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Mystery
Stars: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer
Directed by: David Fincher
David Fincheris one of the most celebrated auteur directors, known for intense crime movies like Seven and Zodiac. In 2011, Fincher did his take on author Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The plot revolves around journalist Mikael Blomkvist’s (Daniel Craig) investigation into the disappearance of a girl from a wealthy family 40 years ago.
To help uncover this mystery, Blomkvist enlists the help of computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara). The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo earned an excellent critical reception for its unraveling plot and standout performances by co-leads Craig and Mara. Fans of David Fincher’s earlier work will enjoy this movie, as it has all the hallmarks of the director’s style from cinematography to grim atmosphere.
Raging Bull (1980) [New]
Duration: 129m
Genre: Drama
Stars: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Killers of the Flower Moon director Martin Scorseseleads an incredible legacy in Hollywood, and his classic Raging Bull is a testament to this. The 1980 movie tells the story of former athlete Jake LaMotta’s (Robert De Niro) rise and fall from grace as a middleweight boxer.
After leading a life fraught with violence, anger, and jealousy, LaMotta sees his personal and professional life crumble around him. Adapted from the boxer’s 1970 memoir, Scorsese’s Raging Bull stands as one of the most compelling sports dramas ever. Backed by De Niro’s visceral performance, Raging Bull is a brutal yet captivating watch.
Gattaca (1997) [New]
Duration: 106m
Genre: Thriller, Science Fiction, Mystery, Romance
Stars: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law
Directed by: Andrew Niccol
Director Andrew Niccol’s Gattaca is a sci-fi cult classic from the ’90s. The movie is set in a dystopic yet not-so-distant future where reproduction is governed by eugenics technologies. Meanwhile, Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke), a man conceived outside of this disturbing eugenics program, faces genetic discrimination keeping him from realizing his ambitions of space exploration.
Gattaca was an ambitious sci-fi movie for its time for how it tackled ethical dilemmas of humanity “playing god” as technology evolved without checks in place. The dystopic movie’s art direction earned it an Academy Award nomination in 1997, and its visuals remain impressive today.
Lady Bird (2017) [New]
Duration: 94m
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Stars: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts
Directed by: Greta Gerwig
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.
Uncut Gems (2019) [New]
Duration: 136m
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Stars: Adam Sandler, LaKeith Stanfield, Julia Fox
Directed by: Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie
From studio A24, Uncut Gems shows actor Adam Sandler in one of his most unforgettable roles. Directed by brothers Josh and Benny Safdie, the crime thriller has Sandler playing New York jeweler and gambling addict Howard Ratner, who is on a desperate hunt for an expensive gemstone to pay off his debts.
Uncut Gems is an excellent movie on its own terms, but Sandler’s uncharacteristically dramatic performance elevates the tension. The story unsettles the audience in the best sense, proving that the actor has more to offer in a dramatized role without sacrificing his famous comedic chops.
Wanted (2008) [New]
Duration: 110m
Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime
Stars: James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman
Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov
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 Other Guys (2010) [New]
Duration: 107m
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
Stars: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes
Directed by: Adam McKay
Directed by veteran comedy writer Adam McKay, The Other Guys was one of the best Will Ferrell comedies of the 2010s. The movie stars Ferrell as Detective Allen Gamble and Mark Wahlberg as Detective Terry Hoitz, finding themselves overshadowed by their more star-studded co-workers.
However, a seemingly minor case unravels into a dramatic opportunity for the detectives to free themselves from their desk jobs. Comedies aren’t known for dominating the box office today, nor is the buddy-cup subgenre a novel concept. However, The Other Guys was released at just the right time for its oddball comedy and over-the-top action to be critically successful. It may not be the Anchorman director’s best comedic work, but it’s another memorable collaboration between McKay and Ferrell.
The Iron Claw (2023) [New]
Duration: 132m
Genre: Drama, History
Stars: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson
Directed by: Sean Durkin
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 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 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) [New]
Duration: 109m
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Thriller
Stars: Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe, Valeriia Karaman
Directed by: Robert Eggers
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.
Mad Max (1979) [New]
Duration: 91m
Genre: Adventure, Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Stars: Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, Hugh Keays-Byrne
Directed by: George Miller
With George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga releasing soon, it’s worth diving back into the director’s debut in this franchise. Miller’s Mad Max stars Mel Gibson as the eponymous antihero navigating the postapocalyptic wasteland of a near-future take on Australia. Once a police officer before the country’s societal collapse, “Mad” Max Rockatansky wanders the landscape as a vigilante fighting off the biker gang forces who dominate the roads.
While it received a mixed reception when it premiered in 1979, Mad Max earned retroactive praise as decades passed. The movie was particularly lauded for director Miller’s vision of this dystopic landscape and the bold choreography for its over-the-top action sequences.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) [New]
Duration: 120m
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Action
Stars: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
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) [New]
Duration: 121m
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Mystery
Stars: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan
Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos
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) [New]
Duration: 152m
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
Directed by: Chris Columbus
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) [New]
Duration: 113m
Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance
Stars: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ellen Wong
Directed by: Edgar Wright
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 World elevates 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.
Black Swan (2010) [New]
Duration: 108m
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Horror
Stars: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
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.
Source Code (2011) [New]
Duration: 94m
Genre: Thriller, Science Fiction, Mystery
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga
Directed by: Duncan Jones
The science fiction genre succeeding on the big screen is always a joy to see, adaptation or otherwise, and 2011’s Source Code is one of the more popular original sci-fi movies in recent memory. Directed by Duncan Jones, the plot has U.S. Army Captain Colter Stevens (Road House‘s Jake Gyllenhaal) repeatedly thrown into an eight-minute time loop of a train explosion to uncover the identity of the terrorist responsible.
Source Code received widespread acclaim for its original and high-octane story, backed by Jake Gyllenhaal’s reliably charismatic performance. Both Jones and writer Ben Ripley’s sci-fi thriller is suitably mind-bending, but the plot also leaves room for a sincere human element worth rooting for at its core.
The Green Knight (2021) [New]
Duration: 130m
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Stars: Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton
Directed by: David Lowery
Director David Lowery’s The Green Knight puts Dev Patel in an interesting new take on Arthurian legend. Taking inspiration from the 14th-century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Patel takes on the role of King Arthur’s stubborn nephew Gawain as he dives headfirst into a grand and bizarre quest to challenge the Green Knight and achieve glory.
The Green Knight is an impressive feat, as this A24 indie movie features visually stunning — and even surreal — visuals and production value. Dev Patel is a standout performer throughout the movie, making its sincere coming-of-age themes feel impactful as this subversive take on the Arthurian story plays out.
Good Time (2017) [New]
Duration: 102m
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Stars: Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, Buddy Duress
Directed by: Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie
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) [New]
Duration: 157m
Genre: Western, Drama, Adventure
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson
Directed by: Alejandro González Iñárritu
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.
Godzilla (2014) [New]
Metacritic: 62%
IMDb: 6.4/10
Duration: 123m
Genre: Action, Drama, Science Fiction
Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche
Directed by: Gareth Edwards
With director Adam Wingard’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire being the latest in the thriving Monsterverse franchise, now is a great time to watch the movie that kickstarted the shared universe. Director Gareth Edwards‘ (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, The Creator) Godzilla unfolds when an American soldier is entangled in an ancient conflict between the titular reptilian Titan and two beasts of a species dubbed MUTOs.
While Edwards overplays his hand somewhat in giving the monster enough screen time, Godzilla’s presence throughout the movie is wonderfully atmospheric, building up to his appearances with an almost Jaws-like approach. Godzilla makes each of the reptile’s appearances feel significant, and the monster-fighting action is incredibly cathartic.
Midsommar (2019) [New]
Duration: 147m
Genre: Horror, Drama, Mystery
Stars: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper
Directed by: Ari Aster
Director Ari Aster and A24 have developed some hauntingly memorable horror movies, and 2019’s Midsommar is no exception. The Hereditary director takes a different approach in this chilling feature, with Florence Pugh and Jack Reynor playing a dysfunctional couple who take a vacation with their friends to a rural Swedish settlement, only to get entangled in a grim pagan cult.
Similar to Hereditary, Aster’s Midsommar succeeds in horrifying audiences without the need for cheap jump scares by emphasizing visceral, psychological, and body horror direction in its storytelling. Pugh is the standout performer, as she makes her and the group’s steady decline and the unraveling of the cult’s practices mesmerizing.
The Breakfast Club (1985) [New]
Duration: 98m
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Stars: Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald
Directed by: John Hughes
The 1985 movie The Breakfast Club is a bona fide coming-of-age teen comedy and drama classic. Directed by John Hughes (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Home Alone), the movie follows the story of five teenagers in a high school, each belonging to a unique clique that is a stark contrast to the others. Andrew Clark (Emilio Estevez) is the “jock,” Brian Johnson (Anthony Michael Hall) is the “nerd,” John Bender (Judd Nelson) is the “criminal,” Claire Standish (Molly Ringwald) is the “princess,” and Allison Reynolds (Allie Sheedy) is the “basket case,” with all five of them attending Saturday detention for various reasons.
The Breakfast Club holds up well as a heartfelt and endearing character-driven story. With sincere coming-of-age themes at its core, including coming from troubled homes and struggling to find one’s identity, The Breakfast Club is endlessly relatable.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) [New]
Duration: 113m
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, Thriller
Stars: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley
Directed by: Nicholas Meyer
Directed by Nicholas Meyer, this sequel sees Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and the rest of the USS Enterprise clash against the vengeful genetically engineered conqueror Khan (Ricardo Montalbán) as he attempts to acquire a devastating terraforming weapon dubbed Genesis.
Overall, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan was seen as a triumphant return to form for the franchise on the big screen, doing a markedly better job of evoking what made the TV show so successful. The movie featured spirited and grandiose performances from the main cast of heroes, a convincing new villain, and a sense of swashbuckling adventure that longtime fans and newcomers could enjoy.
RoboCop (1987) [New]
Duration: 102m
Genre: Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Stars: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy
Directed by: Paul Verhoeven
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.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) [New]
Duration: 121m
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Stars: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult
Directed by: George Miller
The long-awaited prequel Furiosa: A Mad Max Sagafinally has a trailer out and a release date set, making director George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road the perfect watch for the uninitiated. A reboot of the classic film series starring Mel Gibson, Fury Road sees Tom Hardy (Bronson, Warrior, The Dark Knight Rises) as the titular protagonist teaming up with Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) in a rebellion against the brutal cult leader Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne).
The movie proved to be an excellent reboot of the franchise, bolstered by a tense story, jaw-dropping action set pieces, and impressive cinematography. Mad Max: Fury Road stands as one of the most impressive dystopian sci-fi movies of the modern era.
Jurassic World (2015) [New]
Duration: 124m
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, Thriller
Stars: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins
Directed by: Colin Trevorrow
Though arguably nothing will top Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed 1993 classic, director Colin Trevorrow’s Jurassic World is an exciting sci-fi thriller on its own terms. Several years after the theme park failed, the titular vacation destination has replaced its predecessor, even operating smoothly for some time. However, things inevitably veer into chaos when the park’s experimentation with hybrid species leads to a breakout of the Indominus Rex.
Claire Denning (played by Bryce Dallas Howard), the park’s operations manager, and Owen Grady (played by Chris Pratt), an expert animal handler, are forced to lead an emergency containment effort. Jurassic World succeeds with how it leans on being an unapologetic nostalgia trip, with its CG dinosaurs providing fast-paced thrills amid touches on the classic “man playing god” theme of the original Jurassic Park.
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989) [New]
Duration: 90m
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Science Fiction
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, George Carlin
Directed by: Stephen Herek
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.
Aliens (1986) [New]
Duration: 137m
Genre: Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Stars: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen
Directed by: James Cameron
Not many film franchises have the benefit of changing directors with similarly lauded reputation in the industry, but Aliens certainly did. Picking up the baton from Ridley Scott’s trailblazing original, James Cameron takes the reign of this sequel, seeing the iconic sci-fi female lead Ellen Ripley (played by Sigourney Weaver) agree to investigate the source of a loss in communication with a human lunar colony at the site of the original movie.
Still regarded today as one of the greatest sci-fi movies ever made — and in general — Aliens was widely acclaimed for its blend of sci-fi, horror, and visceral action. Like with Scott’s film, this sophom*ore installment in a legacy series was anchored by another commanding performance by Weaver.
Rocky (1976) [New]
Duration: 119m
Genre: Drama, Romance
Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young
Directed by: John G. Avildsen
One of the most iconic movies of the ’70s, director John Avildsen’s Rocky paved the way for a theatrical legacy. Starring Sylvester Stallone as up-and-coming boxer Rocky Balboa, audiences are treated to the young and unlikely upstart’s journey from poor club fighter dodging loan sharks to taking a shot at the heavyweight belt held by the legendary Apollo Creed.
Also written by Stallone, Rocky was groundbreaking for popularizing the “rags-to-riches” trope in inspiring dramas, as well as becoming a quintessential sports drama in film. Bolstered by a courageous performance by Stallone, swelling score, and striking cinematography, Rocky holds up well today and leaves a promising successor in the form of Michael B. Jordan’s Creed series.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) [New]
Duration: 109m
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Stars: Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt
Directed by: David Frankel
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.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) [New]
Duration: 130m
Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Drama, Thriller
Stars: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman
Directed by: Matt Reeves
The first movie in the rebooted Planet of the Apes trilogy directed by Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, The Batman), Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is set 10 years after its predecessor. Now with human society firmly in shambles after the rise of the Simian Flu, Dawn follows Caesar (played by Andy Serkis) fighting to maintain order among his ranks and expand the apes’ territories. Meanwhile, ex-police officer Dreyfus (played by Gary Oldman) struggles to help what remains of his human colony to survive in this new world order. The worlds of apes and humans collide violently, thrillingly raising the stakes from the first movie. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes succeeds in making a story of anthropomorphic apes feel intimate.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) [New]
Duration: 192m
Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Action
Stars: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver
Directed by: James Cameron
It took over a decade for the sequel to James Cameron’s 2009 box office juggernaut to release, but it was well worth the wait considering its even greater commercial success. Avatar: The Way of Water sees the Na’vi pair Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) return as they face a new human threat against their young family. As they brace themselves for this assault, the group seeks shelter and refuge with Pandora’s aquatic Na’ci clan known as Metkayina. Much like the first film, The Way of Wateris a visual showstopper that raises the bar for cinematic special effects.
The Lego Batman Movie (2017) [New]
Duration: 104m
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy, Family
Stars: Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera
Directed by: Chris McKay
Many of Batman’s best outing across DC Comics media has been exploring the gritty, street-level ventures. However, that’s not to say there isn’t any room for lighthearted campiness in the modern age, with Chris McKay’s The Lego Batman Movie being a strong testament to this. The movie focuses on Batman (played by Murderville‘s Will Arnett) as he attempts to overcome his fear and thwart the Joker’s latest scheme (played by Zach Galifianakis). The Lego Batman Movie is packed with witty humor, wildly entertaining performances, and a colorful revolving cast of characters.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) [New]
Duration: 179m
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action
Stars: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Regarded as the father of the genre, J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings books are seen as the benchmark of high fantasy. Thankfully, director Peter Jackson made beautiful work of adapting his epic to the screen, with The Fellowship of the Ring being a sweeping opening for the trilogy. This installment sets the stage with the Dark Lord Sauron seeking the One Ring to return his power before jumping forward in time to follow Frodo Baggins (played by Elijah Wood) and eight companions as they begin their journey to Mount Doom. Complete with a stunning ensemble cast including Ian McKellen, Sean Bean, and Viggo Mortensen, Fellowship was acclaimed for its rich story, superb performances, and show-stopping cinematography.
Parasite (2019) [New]
Duration: 133m
Genre: Comedy, Thriller, Drama
Stars: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong
Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
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)
Duration: 201m
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action
Stars: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
Directed by: Peter Jackson
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.
Hereditary (2018) [New]
Duration: 128m
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Stars: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro
Directed by: Ari Aster
A24 studio has made itself one of the biggest names in the indie film scene, with director Ari Aster providing it with some of the best horror movies in recent years. Aster is a master of building dread through psychological and body horror, and Hereditary is a terrifyingly effective showcase of both.
It stars the likes of Toni Collette and Alex Wolff as part of a family that finds itself haunted by an ominous presence after the death of their mysterious grandmother. Collette was an expected standout, but the whole cast put up excellent performances in a genuinely foreboding experience, with its striking cinematography adding to the tension.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Metacritic: 78%
IMDb: 8.4/10
Duration: 165m
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Stars: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Following up on what’s widely considered to be the greatest live-action Batman movie is a tall order, but Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises earns its victory lap. Taking place nearly a decade later, a Dark Knight Returns-esque Bruce Wayne comes out of retirement when the mysterious Bane leads a resurgent League of Shadows against Gotham City to finish what Ra’s al Ghul started in Batman Begins. Tom Hardy does an excellent job at putting together this imposing rendition of the hulking mastermind, and The Dark Knight Rises ultimately serves as a satisfying finish to Bruce Wayne’s character arc and Nolan’s celebrated Batman trilogy.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Duration: 152m
Genre: Drama, Action, Crime, Thriller
Stars: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
The movie that effectively became the gold standard for live-action Batman ventures, Christopher Nolan’s sophom*ore effort in the revered Dark Knight trilogy became the most acclaimed. The Dark Knight takes place in the titular superhero’s second year of cleaning up the streets of Gotham City, which has seen organized crime take a stranglehold over it for decades. However, the Clown Prince of Crime makes his presence known to attempt to upend that progress through sheer chaos. In part thanks to the dynamic between Christan Bale’s take on the brooding hero and Heath Ledger’s mesmerizing rendition of the Joker, The Dark Knight succeeds as one of the best superhero movies to date, as well as a compelling Michael Mann-like crime thriller.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Duration: 179m
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action
Stars: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Following up on the widespread critical acclaim of director Peter Jackson’s adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers successfully builds upon its predecessor’s strengths. This epic fantasy adventure is masterfully structured into three parallel storylines: Frodo and Sam continue their trek across Middle-earth to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mordor; Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and the revived Gandalf arrive at the war-ravaged nation of Rohan to help defeat the invading army of Sauron; and Pippin and Merry escape the orcs’ imprisonment and, with the help of Treebeard, coordinate the attack on Sauron’s fortress at Isengard. Bolstered by a talented ensemble cast, The Two Towers is as riveting a watch now as it was in 2002.
Batman Begins (2005)
Duration: 140m
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Stars: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan revitalized the DC Comics icon for the big screen with this origin story. Going back to the more grounded, street-level roots of the character, Batman Begins stands as one of the most triumphant Hollywood reboots. Christian Bale brings forth a darker, grittier take on the Dark Knight in a story that’s truer to the source material. Nor does it stray far from the inherent fantastical nature of the comic book medium, with Liam Neeson giving a convincing portrayal of international terrorist Ra’s al Ghul and Cillian Murphy in tow as the mad doctor known as the Scarecrow. Batman Begins paved the way for arguably one of the best modern movie trilogies.
The Witch (2015)
Metacritic: 83%
IMDb: 6.9/10
Rated: R
Duration: 92m
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Drama, Fantasy
Stars: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie
Directed by: Robert Eggers
The Witch was Anya Taylor-Joy’s first feature film, and it made her a star. In the early 1600s, Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy) is the eldest daughter in a family of Puritans led by her parents, William (Ralph Ineson) and Katherine (Kate Dickie). After the family is banished by their local religious sect, Thomasin is horrified when her infant brother is stolen out from under her nose. Unbeknownst to the family, there really is a witch (Bathsheba Garnett) in the woods, and she has a taste for the young. Through her hardships, Thomasin discovers that she also has powers of her own, which only makes things scarier.
The Batman (2022)
Metacritic: 72%
IMDb: 8.2/10
Rated: PG-13
Duration: 176m
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Stars: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano
Directed by: Matt Reeves
Let the era of Battinson begin! The Batman is a complete reboot of the Dark Knight, with Robert Pattinson in the title role. In director Matt Reeves’ vision for Gotham City, Batman is still early in his career when he goes up against Riddler (Paul Dano), a madman who may bring down the entire city. While Batman trusts Jim Gordon (Jeffrey Wright), he isn’t so sure about Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz), a cat burglar who has her own agenda. But if Batman wants to save Gotham, he will have to become more than just a vigilante.
Dune (2021)
Metacritic: 74%
IMDb: 8.1/10
Duration: 155m
Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure
Stars: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Director Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune was one of the few true hits of the pandemic era. And now that the film is back on Max, viewers can see why it received several Oscar nominations as well. Timothée Chalamet portrays Paul Atreides, the heir of House Atreides and seemingly a figure of destiny. The universe is in Paul’s hands, or at least it was until his house was betrayed by the emperor and attacked by House Harkonnen. Now, Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), must find a way to survive on the desert planet, Arrakis/Dune, and reclaim the power that was once theirs.
