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Must-see movies on Max you’ll love to binge


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What’s hot on Max?

Looking for something unforgettable to stream? Max has quietly become the go-to destination for everything from cinematic legends to the latest blockbuster hits.

Whether you’re into pulse-pounding action, mind-bending sci-fi, or iconic drama, there’s something here you won’t want to miss.

Scroll on for the top titles people can’t stop watching, let’s find out what’s fueling all the buzz.

Batman.

The Dark Knight draws record-breaking rewatches

Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight continues to pull massive attention on Max, with a reported spike in rewatch numbers after its upgrade in early 2025.

Heath Ledger’s legendary Joker performance and the film’s dark tone resonate with viewers revisiting the film during Max’s “Best of DC” spotlight.

Its inclusion in the platform’s most-watched legacy films list is a testament to its enduring appeal among superhero fans and crime drama enthusiasts alike.

Anya Taylor-Joy arrives for “The Northman” Hollywood Premiere

Furiosa’s origin story explodes

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga raced to the top of Max’s watchlist beating even the platform’s own forecasts. Audiences praised Anya Taylor-Joy’s fierce portrayal of the titular road warrior.

Its action-heavy plot and prequel status to Fury Road made it a must-stream during Max’s “Franchise Legends” promo. Critics lauded it as one of the boldest prequels in recent memory, and its performance mirrored that excitement.

HBO MAX app on tv screen playing "Batman" behind a bowl of popcorn and a remote control

The Batman reigns with Gen Z watchers

Matt Reeves’ noir-heavy The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson, became Max’s most-streamed superhero title among viewers aged 18–34. The moody Gotham visuals and slow-burn detective story struck a chord with fans seeking a grittier tone.

Within weeks of its debut, it trended in Max’s “Urban Crime Picks” and outpaced legacy Batman titles in repeat engagement. Its distinctive style, paired with Michael Giacchino’s haunting score, made it a defining modern take

Ezra Miller arrives at the Los Angeles premiere

The Flash jumps dimensions and viewer numbers

The Flash saw a streaming resurgence following its inclusion in Max’s “DC Multiverse Marathon” collection.

With Ezra Miller portraying dual versions of Barry Allen and a nostalgic return of Michael Keaton as Batman, fans poured in boosting Max’s superhero traffic.

Its fast-paced, cameo-filled story created major buzz across social media, and even amid controversy, it remained one of the platform’s most talked-about titles in early 2025.

Denzel Washington at the premier of Equalizer 2.

American Gangster’s true crime hook delivers

Ridley Scott’s American Gangster climbed back into Max’s trending list after its 2025 reclassification under “Award-Winning Crime Biopics.”

Denzel Washington’s magnetic performance as Frank Lucas sparked a new wave of viewership, especially after the platform released a behind-the-scenes mini-doc alongside it.

The watch rate among true crime fans for this film remains a magnetic pull for those intrigued by real-life stories of ambition and corruption in 1970s Harlem.

Universal Studios tram tour stunt cars.

Fury Road returns as a cult hit champion

Mad Max: Fury Road reclaimed the spotlight on Max thanks to the release of Furiosa. Its reappearance in the top was driven by viewers eager to revisit George Miller’s adrenaline-soaked masterpiece. Max’s campaign highlighting “High Octane Classics” propelled its viewership.

With dazzling stunts and minimal dialogue storytelling, this cult action epic still captivates adrenaline junkies and cinephiles nearly a decade after its release.

al pacino

The Godfather finds a new audience in 2025

Max added a restoration of The Godfather in January 2025, introducing the cinematic landmark to a new generation. The result? A spike in viewership among users under 30.Francis Ford Coppola’s mafia epic now features prominently in the “Legacy Masterpieces” carousel.

Its immersive storytelling, unforgettable quotes, and powerhouse performances by Marlon Brando and Al Pacino prove why it continues to dominate both film school syllabi and modern streaming stats.

Samurai warriors in reconstruction

Seven Samurai’s classic status still converts

Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai debuted in Max’s curated “World Cinema Essentials” section and quickly attracted cinephiles and students alike.

While older films typically struggle in the streaming era, this 1954 black-and-white epic garnered surprising traction.

Its influence on action cinema is well-documented, but its storytelling power remains fresh, explaining why so many first-time viewers keep it trending in Max’s foreign-language favorites.

Storyboard with movie clapper and film reel on dark background.

Crouching Tiger quietly climbs to the top

Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon unexpectedly became a breakout hit in Max’s martial arts revival lineup. Highlighted during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Its blend of poetic visuals, emotional storytelling, and wire-fu choreography captivated viewers who’d missed it on initial release. With renewed appreciation for Wuxia cinema, it now stands as one of the platform’s most celebrated global action films.

Ridley Scott

The Martian surged after NASA’s big moment

Ridley Scott’s The Martian spiked in Max streams following NASA’s Mars rover anniversary campaign, which Max tied into with targeted promotions.

Matt Damon’s stranded astronaut tale jumped into the top streamed movies that month, especially among STEM and science fiction audiences.

Viewers praised its humor, realism, and optimism in the face of isolation. The film’s smart tone and uplifting message make it a go-to title during space-themed streaming weeks.

Margot Robbie

I, Tonya spins back into viewers’ favor

I, Tonya experienced a major boost after Max added it to its “Controversial Icons” spotlight in early 2025. Margot Robbie’s standout performance as Tonya Harding caught fire again on social media, with clips trending on TikTok and X.

The film saw a surge in weekend views and hit the platform’s top list. Its mix of unreliable narration, dark comedy, and true-crime spectacle drew curious viewers and critics all over again.

Bradley Cooper at the premiere of disney and marvels

A Star Is Born sings to the weekend crowd

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s A Star Is Born saw renewed momentum after Max curated it into their “Romantic Rewinds” lineup for Valentine’s weekend.

It peaked in the top as most-streamed dramas by Sunday night, driven by both nostalgia and Gaga’s massive fanbase.

The film’s music, especially “Shallow,” sparked a TikTok resurgence, funneling new listeners to the full film. It remains one of the highest-performing musical dramas on the service.

Robert De Niro arrives at the CinemaCon event.

Taxi Driver strikes a chord with film buffs

Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver found fresh relevance on Max after being selected for the 2025 “Directors Who Defined Cinema” showcase. It pulled in high numbers from film students and indie lovers, ranking among the top classic films streamed that month.

Its exploration of alienation and mental unrest in New York City made it a conversation piece again on social media. De Niro’s performance still commands attention in today’s psychologically rich film landscape.

HBO Max logo on smartphone screen.

Dredd gains ground as a sleeper hit

The 2012 cult action gem Dredd became a surprise hit after Max promoted it in their “Underrated Gems” lineup.

Karl Urban’s gritty portrayal and the film’s contained, single-location story resonated with fans seeking tight, stylish thrillers.

Within five days, its streams increased, moving it into the top trending sci-fi films. Its stylized violence and sharp world-building finally found an appreciative mainstream audience, long after its underwhelming theatrical release.

dune part two movie in the cinema watching a movie

Dune: Part Two becomes sci-fi’s streaming titan

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two quickly climbed Max’s trending charts after its streaming debut, gathering streams within its first ten days.

Fans praised its loyalty to Frank Herbert’s vision, making it a tentpole release and the top-performing sci-fi sequel on Max in the first quarter of 2025.

The film’s sweeping desert landscapes, intense world-building, and ensemble cast, including Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet, fueled its viral traction, with Tabu’s epic entry in Dune: Prophecy marking a global milestone that further elevated the film’s buzz.

Avatar movie on the screen in the cinema paris france

Avatar Dominates Max’s Visual Effects Category

James Cameron’s Avatar surged on Max’s “Visual Wonders” shelf. The 2009 classic reemerged thanks to renewed interest following The Way of Water.

Viewers flocked to reexperience Pandora in high definition, pushing it into Max’s top five rewatched blockbusters.

The film’s timeless message about nature and colonization in Avatar 3: Fire and Ash where new tribes are awaken along with its groundbreaking CGI, gives it continual relevance on the platform’s curated epic movie lineup.

Which of these Max favorites have you streamed, or plan to watch next? Drop your picks in the comments, and don’t forget to give this post a like.

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