Thanks to the glorious merger with Discovery+, Max now has so much media that you could spend hours scrolling through all the options. But by the time you do that, you’ll probably give up and resign yourself to re-watching Sex and the City again. To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with that, but you’d be missing out on several great cinematic experiences, including some of the finest films ever made. Seriously!
While Max is known for having some amazing limited series, especially as of late — The Last of Us, The White Lotus, Mare of Easttown, The Undoing, to name just a few — it’s also a prime destination for movies. (It originated as Home Box Office, after all.) So let us be your guide to the best movies on Max this month, in no particular order. And if you don’t have a Max account already, you’ll be convinced it’s worth the investment after reading this.
The 10 Best Movies on Max Right Now
Enter The Dragon
Let’s start off strong with a classic Kung Fu film. In this 1970s feature, Bruce Lee plays a martial-arts expert determined to avenge his sister’s death. Lee enters a kung fu championship in an attempt to fight his way to the murderer…but will he succeed?
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
After a messy breakup, free-spirited Clementine (Kate Winslet) undergoes a strange procedure to erase memories of her ex Joel (Jim Carrey) from her mind. When Joel finds out that Clementine has forgotten their relationship, he undergoes the same procedure and begins to forget the woman he loved.
The Princess Bride
This fantastical fairy tale adventure follows a beautiful young woman and her one true love. After a long separation, the pair must battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin to be reunited with each other. Featuring beloved performances by Cary Elwes, Andre the Giant, Robin Wright, Billy Crystal, and Wallace Shawn.
Silence of the Lambs
Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, an ambitious student at the FBI’s training academy. When asked to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a violent psychopath, Starling agrees in order to get Lecter’s help hunting down an active serial killer. Both Foster and Hopkins won Oscars for their performances in the film, so you can expect to be riveted.
The Shining
In this horror classic, Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) becomes winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel. He settles in along with his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and his son, Danny (Danny Lloyd), who is plagued by horrific psychic premonitions. As Jack experiences debilitating writer’s block, he uncovers the Overlook’s dark secrets and begins to unravel into a homicidal maniac.
Notting Hill
That said, sometimes the best movie is a 1990s romcom. William (Hugh Grant) is a British bookstore owner whose banal routine is thrown into romantic turmoil when famous American actress Anna (Julia Roberts) appears in his shop. After a chance encounter that leads to a kiss, they embark upon an exciting affair. As the mismatched pair become closer, they struggle to reconcile their opposing lifestyles in the name of love.
Red Tails
In the mood for a historical drama? During World War II, the Civil Aeronautics Authority selects Black cadets to take part in an experimental program to train Black personnel to become fighter pilots for the Army. However, discrimination and a lack of institutional support dog their every step.
The Whale (May 9)
In a town in Idaho, Charlie (Brendan Fraser), a reclusive English teacher, hides in his apartment and eats his way to death. In a desperate attempt at a last chance for redemption, he tries to reconnect with his estranged, hostile, teenage daughter.
The Brutalist (May 16)
Here’s your chance to start catching up on the Oscars contenders from last year. Escaping postwar Europe, a visionary architect (Adrian Brody) comes to America to rebuild his life, career, and marriage. Alone in a foreign country, he settles in Pennsylvania, where a wealthy and prominent industrialist recognizes his talent.
Pee-Wee as Himself (May 23)
This two episode docuseries tells the equally kooky and heart-warming story of artist and performer Paul Reubens and his indelible alter ego Pee-wee Herman.
Not finding what you’re craving? Sign up for Max for even more options.
