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
Love and Basketball (Avail. February 1)
Celebrate Valentine’s Day early with this classic romantic film. Childhood friends Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) are young adults who both aspire to be professional basketball players. Quincy is a natural talent who sometimes overestimates his abilities. Monica is incredibly competitive but sometimes becomes too emotional on the court. As the pair begin to fall for each other, separate paths to basketball stardom may pull them apart.
The Notebook (Avail. February 1)
Continue your tear-jerking romantic movie streak with another classic. In this emotional film, mill worker Noah (Ryan Gosling) and rich girl Allie (Rachel McAdams) find love in a 1940s small town. But her wealthy parents don’t approve. When Noah leaves to to serve in World War II, it marks the end of their love affair. But when Noah returns years later, on the cusp of Allie’s impending marriage, it becomes clear that their romance is anything but over.
The Color Purple (Avail. February 1)
An epic tale spanning 40 years in the life of Celie (Whoopi Goldberg), an African American woman living in the South who survives terrible abuse. After Celie’s exploitative father marries her off to the equally debasing “Mister” (Danny Glover), things go from bad to worse, leaving Celie to find companionship wherever she can. Through her relationships with other women, she is able to hold onto hope.
Taxi Driver (Avail. February 1)
In this 1970s classic, disturbed loner Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) takes a job as a New York City cab driver. As he grows detached from reality, Travis fantasizes about cleaning up the dirty city. When he meets campaign worker Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), he quickly becomes obsessed with the idea of assassinating a presidential candidate, then directs his attentions toward rescuing 12-year-old exploited child, Iris (Jodie Foster).
Malcolm X (Avail. February 1)
Spike Lee directed this tribute to Malcolm X, the black activist and leader of the struggle for black liberation. Played by Denzel Washington, X hits bottom during his imprisonment in the ’50s before becoming a Black Muslim and then a leader in the Nation of Islam. His assassination in 1965 leaves a legacy of self-determination and racial pride.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Avail. February 1)
In the mood for stunning martial arts scenes? In 19th century Qing Dynasty China, a warrior (Chow Yun-Fat) gives his sword, Green Destiny, to his lover (Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh) to deliver to safekeeping. It’s swiftly stolen, however, and the chase is on to find it. The frantic search leads to the House of Yu, where the story is elevated to a whole different level.
We Are the Best! (Avail. February 1)
For those who crave an unusual teen movie that examines the tumult of adolescence, Max is featuring this hilarious and heartwarming Swedish film about a trio of wannabe punk rockers who form a band in 1980s Stockholm…. even though they have no instruments and are constantly being told that punk is dead.
We Live in Time (Avail. February 7)
Almut and Tobias (Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield) are brought together by a surprising, cute encounter that changes their lives. As they embark on a path challenged by the limits of bodies and time, they learn to cherish each moment of their unconventional love story.
Waitress: The Musical (Avail. February 14)
This musical features composer-lyricist Sara Bareilles as Jenna Hunterson, a waitress and expert pie maker stuck in a small town and a sadly loveless marriage. When a baking contest in a nearby county offers her a chance at escape, Jenna fights to reclaim a long-forgotten part of herself. Expect fun songs and well-baked desserts.
Elevation (Avail. February 21)
Set in the post-apocalyptic Rocky Mountains, a single father (Anthony Mackie) and two women leave the safety of their homes to face monstrous creatures to save the life of a young boy.
Not finding what you’re craving? Sign up for Max for even more options.
