As the birthplace of prestige TV shows like The Sopranos and The Wire, HBO—and, by extension, HBO Max—is best known for its impressive lineup of original series. The network has also been upping the ante with feature-length content that is the stuff of Oscar dreams.
Below is a list of some of our favorite films streaming on HBO Max—from thought-provoking documentaries to this year’s most Oscar-nominated hits. If you decide you’re in more of a TV mood, head over to our picks for the best shows on HBO Max. If you’re looking for even more recommendations, check out our lists of the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Amazon Prime, and the best movies on Disney+.
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The Smashing Machine
After years of making movies together, the Safdie Brothers struck out on their own in 2025, with both of them opting to go the sports drama route. While Josh Safdie wrote and directed Marty Supreme, Benny Safdie opted for this biopic, which recounts the life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, played by a virtually unrecognizable Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The role is a dramatic departure for Johnson, whose character is struggling with a volatile love life (Emily Blunt plays his long-suffering girlfriend) and a longtime addiction to painkillers. While it didn’t quite live up to the hype that surrounded it when it first premiered, Johnson and Blunt help to ground this gritty drama and deliver noteworthy performances that keep you watching.