After a long and hot summer, fall has finally arrived. Now, you could go out and celebrate the cooler weather and shorter days. But as far as we’re concerned, the longer nights just give us more time to watch movies! And if you’ve ever loved cinema, then HBO Max is clearly the place for you. For decades, HBO’s brand has been built around its amazing lineup of films, courtesy of the Warner Bros. Pictures library that dates back almost a century. If you’ll pardon the expression, this streaming service really has taken HBO to the max by offering almost all of those flicks on demand at a moment’s notice. You never have to be bored with your movie nights again, and we can tell you which ones to watch next. Just check out our list of the best movies on HBO Max, and you’ll find something that’s right for you.
Looking for more suggestions? 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+.
Added to HBO Max in September
-
- King Kong2005
- Mad Max Fury Road2015
-
- What They Had2018
- Malignant2021
Promising Young Woman (2020) new
Genre Drama, Thriller
Stars Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, Clancy Brown, Jennifer Coolidge
Directed by Emerald Fennell
113m
Promising Young Woman was one of 2020’s most daring films, thanks to an absolutely fearless performance by Carey Mulligan. In the film, Mulligan plays Cassie Thomas, a woman haunted by the rape and death of her best friend, Nina Fisher. To find some small sense of justice, Cassie lures men into believing they can take advantage of her before exposing their severe moral failings. But when Cassie discovers that Nina’s rapist, Al Monroe (Chris Lowell), will soon be married, she throws herself into a dangerous plan to get justice even if it ruins her burgeoning romance with Ryan (Bo Burnham).
King Kong (2005) new
Genre Action, Adventure, Drama
Stars Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Colin Hanks, Jamie Bell
Directed by Peter Jackson
188m
Before directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Peter Jackson desperately wanted to remake King Kong as a modern blockbuster. Following his LOTR success, Jackson got his chance with a lavish production that makes the “Eighth Wonder of the World” bigger than ever. Naomi Watts stars as Ann Darrow, a struggling actress who is recruited by director Carl Denham (Jack Black) for an on-location shoot that is far more dangerous than she realizes. Although Ann falls for screenwriter Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody), Kong only has eyes for her. While Kong saves Ann on Skull Island, all bets are off when he is captured and taken back to New York.
The Big Easy (1986)
Genre Comedy, Crime, Drama
Stars Dennis Quaid, Ellen Barkin, Ned Beatty, John Goodman, Lisa Jane Persky
Directed by Jim McBride
102m
Just as the name implies, The Big Easy takes place in New Orleans, and the film was actually shot on location for authenticity. Dennis Quaid stars Remy McSwain, a police lieutenant tasked with investigating the death of a local crime boss. Ellen Barkin co-stars as Anne Osborne, a state district attorney who finds herself romantically drawn to Remy even though she openly suspects that he’s a dirty cop. Anne’s suspicions prove to be correct, which strains her relationship with Remy. Regardless, there’s an even greater corruption within the ranks of the New Orleans PD that may threaten both of their lives if they don’t stick together.
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Genre Comedy, Drama, History
Stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth, Ben Affleck, Judi Dench
Directed by John Madden
123m
William Shakespeare’s plays have been adapted to the screen since the dawn of cinema. But Shakespeare in Love has a novel approach by casting William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) himself in a doomed romance that echoes many of the bard’s most famous plays. Gwyneth Paltrow also stars as Viola de Lesseps, a woman with a love for theater and a great attraction to William. To get her chance to perform on stage, Viola disguises herself as a man and wins a role in William’s newest play. When William learns the truth about Viola, their shared passion is undeniable. Unfortunately, Viola’s family has arranged her marriage with Lord Wessex (Colin Firth), and neither William nor Viola has the power to stop that union from happening.
Mad Max Fury Road (2015) new
Genre Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Stars Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Directed by George Miller
120m
Most sequels fail to live up to the original movie that inspired them. But most sequels aren’t Mad Max: Fury Road, a thrilling action film that successfully revamped and updated the franchise for a new century. Tom Hardy headlines the film as Max Rockatansky, but the real star is Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa. She absolutely steals the movie from him. Together, they take it upon themselves to protect the unwilling wives of Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) and escort them to safety across the wasteland. The action is top-notch, and it’s an easy film to watch again and again.
Deliverance (1972)
Genre Adventure, Drama, Thriller
Stars Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox
Directed by John Boorman
89m
There may not be literal monsters in Deliverance, but there’s more than enough horror in the backwoods to last a lifetime. Four friends, Ed Gentry (Jon Voight), Lewis Medlock (Burt Reynolds), Bobby Trippe (Ned Beatty), and Drew Ballinger (Ronny Cox), take an ill-fated rafting trip that leads them face-to-face with some dangerous mountain men who delight in torturing them. But even upon making their escape, the four men can’t decide how many men they’re up against and what they should do as the bodies pile up. One thing is certain: Not everyone is getting out of the woods with their lives.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1968) new
Genre Western
Stars Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef, Aldo Giuffrè, Antonio Casas
Directed by Sergio Leone
177m
Sergio Leone’s The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is the final film of his Man With No Name trilogy, although it clearly takes place before the first two. It is also a true masterpiece that combines the spaghetti western aesthetic with a deeper story and standout performances by its three leading men. Clint Eastwood reprises his role as “Blondie,” with Eli Wallach as his former partner, Tuco. The two men have little reason to trust each other, except for a hidden cache of gold that neither of them can find alone. However, the malevolent Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef) will stop at nothing to get to the gold first. In the backdrop of the Civil War, only one man will emerge as the victor.
What They Had (2018) new
Genre Drama
Stars Hilary Swank, Michael Shannon, Robert Forster, Blythe Danner
Directed by Elizabeth Chomko
101m
What They Had is a family drama with only a handful of major roles, but it’s also got some terrific performances from its leading players. Hilary Swank stars as Bridget “Bitty” Ertz, the sister of Nicholas “Nicky” Everhardt (Michael Shannon). The two siblings are forced to return home in order to convince their father, Norbert Everhardt (Robert Forster), to place his wife, Ruth (Blythe Danner), into an assisted living facility to treat her worsening Alzheimer’s symptoms. The arguments that follow expose some deep fissures within the family as well as old emotional wounds that may never be fully healed.
Malignant (2021) new
Genre Horror
Stars Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson, George Young, Michole Briana White
Directed by James Wan
111m
Saw director James Wan may have made the leap from horror to mainstream blockbusters like Aquaman, but Malignant brings him back to the genre that he knows so well. Wan also co-wrote the story about Madison “Maddie” Mitchell (Annabelle Wallis), a woman whose life has been haunted by unsettling visions since she was young. In the present, Maddie is pregnant with her first child while trapped in an abusive marriage with Derek (Jake Abel). Shortly after her childhood friend, Gabriel (Marina Mazepa), re-enters her life, Maddie realizes that her visions of murder and mayhem may be more real than she wants to admit.
News of the World (2020) new
Genre Western, Adventure, Drama
Stars Tom Hanks, Helena Zengel, Michael Covino, Fred Hechinger, Neil Sandilands
Directed by Paul Greengrass
118m
Thanks to the state of the world in 2020, Tom Hanks’ new western, News of the World, flew far under the radar. In the film, Hanks plays a former Confederate soldier, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, who makes a living by going to small towns and reading the news to people. Jefferson’s life takes a turn when he encounters Cicada (Helena Zengel), a Caucasian girl who was raised by Native Americans. Cicada’s real name is Johanna Leonberger, and her birth parents are dead. Despite his reluctance, Jefferson agrees to accompany Johanna to her surviving family members, even though they face significant obstacles on the road.
Chariots of Fire (1981)
Genre Biography, Drama, Sport
Stars Ben Cross Ian Charleson, Nigel Havers, Cheryl Campbell, Alice Krige
Directed by Hugh Hudson
124m
Chariots of Fire is a drama that is based on the true story of two men, Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) and Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a pair of British runners who competed in the 1924 Olympic Games. While Harold is a Jewish man who continually encounters antisemitism, Eric’s religious struggles come from his family and his own devout Christian faith. Running is an escape for both of them and a way to overcome their personal obstacles. Harold and Eric’s paths don’t always converge outside of their athletic pursuits, but their drive and resilience are still inspiring to watch.
Time After Time (1979)
Genre Sci-fi, Adventure, Drama
Stars Malcolm McDowell, David Warner, Mary Steenburgen, Charles Cioffi, Kent Williams
Directed by Nicholas Meyer
111m
Before director Nicholas Meyer saved the Star Trek franchise with Star Trek II, he wrote and directed a fresh take on H.G. Wells’ seminal sci-fi novel Time After Time. In the film, Herbert George Wells (Malcolm McDowell) is not only the hero of his own story, he’s also the inventor of an actual time machine. Unfortunately, Jack the Ripper (David Warner) comes across the time machine and uses it to escape into the future world of 1979. That’s why Herbert pursues the Ripper through time, and he ultimately finds love with a modern-day woman, Amy Robbins (Mary Steenburgen).
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) new
Genre Fantasy, Adventure
Stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Alan Rickman, Michael Gambon, Richard Griffiths
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón
142m
All eight of the Harry Potter movies are now on HBO Max. And while you should certainly revisit the first two movies, the third film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, is widely recognized as the best in the series. Thanks to the artful direction of Alfonso Cuarón and a powerful screenplay by Steve Kloves, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) has an affecting emotional odyssey when he learns that his godfather, Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), has escaped Azkaban’s prison for wizards. Harry believes that Sirius betrayed his parents and led them to their deaths. However, the truth is something that Harry never expected. And if the Boy Who Lived wants to put things right, he’s going to have to cheat the reaper … and evade the deadly Dementors.
Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974)
Genre Drama, Comedy
Stars Ellen Burstyn, Kris Kristofferson, Diane Ladd, Jodie Foster, Alfred Lutter
Directed by Martin Scorsese
112m
Unless you happened to be alive through the ‘70s, you may not know that director Martin Scorsese can do a lot more than the crime dramas that made him famous. Scorsese’s fourth film, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, is a dramedy that follows the story of Alice Hyatt (Ellen Burstyn ) and her son, Tommy (Alfred Lutter). After the sudden death of her husband, Alice takes Tommy and follows her dream of moving back to California and becoming a singer. Unfortunately, Alice’s plan falls prey to a toxic relationship and a series of misfortunes before she begins rebuilding her life as a waitress. When Alice falls for one of her customers, David (Kris Kristofferson), she is forced to question whether her ambition is more important than love.
Unforgiven (1992)
Genre Western, Drama
Stars Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris
Directed by Clint Eastwood
131m
Clint Eastwood has made a lot of westerns in his career, but Unforgiven is in a class all its own. Eastwood directed the film and stars as Will Munny, an aging outlaw who turned his back on a life of violence in order to raise a family. Will’s desperate finances lead him to accept a bounty on two cowboys who brutally disfigured a prostitute, Delilah Fitzgerald (Anna Thomson). Will recruits his old friend, Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman), and they join The Schofield Kid (Jaimz Woolvett) to avenge Delilah’s injury. Unfortunately for the trio, Sheriff Little Bill Daggett (Gene Hackman) doesn’t take kindly to assassins, and his brand of justice is even more brutal than Will’s.
Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (2017)
Genre Biography, Drama, History
Stars Luke Evans, Rebecca Hall, Bella Heathcote, JJ Feild, Oliver Platt
Directed by Angela Robinson
108m
Almost everyone knows who Wonder Woman is, but few know the story of her creator. Professor Marston and the Wonder Women puts the spotlight on William Moulton Marston, a psychologist, writer, and the inventor of the lie detector. More importantly, it also explores William’s polyamorous relationship with his wife, Elizabeth Holloway Marston (Rebecca Hall), and his research assistant turned lover, Olive Byrne (Bella Heathcote). In the late ‘20s, their unconventional three-way relationship was considered to be scandalous. And yet without the influence of both Elizabeth and Olive, William’s comic book heroine would never have come into being.
The Fugitive (1993)
Genre Thriller
Stars Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward, Joe Pantoliano, Andreas Katsulas
Directed by Andrew Davis
130m
The Fugitive movie had the daunting task of modernizing the story of the TV series that inspired it and distilling it down into a single film. It turned out to be one of the best action thrillers of the ‘90s. Harrison Ford stars as Dr. Richard Kimble, a man wrongly accused of killing his wife, Helen Kimble (Sela Ward). Somehow, Richard has to escape from custody and find the one-armed man (Andreas Katsulas) who actually committed the crime before Tommy Lee Jones’ Deputy U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard can send him back to prison. Jones went on to get his own sequel, U.S. Marshals, which was essentially a remake of this film. But this is the one you should watch — or watch again.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Genre Drama
Stars Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, Clancy Brown, Gil Bellows
Directed by Frank Darabont
142m
Stephen King’s The Shawshank Redemption is one of his best non-horror stories, although there are definitely some horrific things that take place inside Shawshank Penitentiary. Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife and her lover. However, Andy’s pleas of innocence are ignored, even when a fellow inmate offers information that could clear his name. As the decades pass, Andy befriends Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman) and struggles to overcome the cage within his mind as well as the prison holding his body. Andy’s courage inspires Red, especially when Andy’s greatest secret emerges.
Macbeth (2015)
Genre Drama, History, War
Stars Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Paddy Considine, Sean Harris, Jack Reynor
Directed by Justin Kurzel
113m
William Shakespeare’s plays still resonate centuries after they were written. And one of the more recent adaptations of Macbeth is a particularly powerful retelling of that story. After leading his forces to victory, Macbeth (Michael Fassbender) encounters three witches who proclaim that he will be the king. After sharing the prophecy with his wife, Lady Macbeth (Marion Cotillard), they conspire to make it come to pass no matter how many people they have to betray or kill. However, their deeds come back to haunt them, sometimes literally, and the blood can not be washed away from their hands.
Horrible Bosses (2011)
Genre Comedy, Crime
Stars Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell
Directed by Seth Gordon
98m
Have you ever had a terrible boss who sucked all of the joy out of your job? Then you can probably relate to the main characters of Horrible Bosses. Nick Hendricks (Jason Bateman) has a boss, Dave Harken (Kevin Spacey), who cheated him out of a promotion, while his friend, Dale Arbusis (Charlie Day), is being sexually harassed by his boss, Dr. Julia Harris, D.D.S. (Jennifer Aniston). Their other buddy, Kurt Buckman (Jason Sudeikis), has a new boss, Bobby Pellit (Colin Farrell), who may soon run their company into the ground. Realizing that their lives would be better off without their bosses, the trio hatch a murder plot that was destined to go wrong from the moment of its conception.
New to HBO Max in August
-
- King Kong2005
- Mad Max Fury Road2015
-
- What They Had2018
- Malignant2021
One Hour Photo (2002)
Genre Thriller
Stars Robin Williams, Connie Nielsen, Michael Vartan, Gary Cole, Eriq La Salle
Directed by Mark Romanel
96m
To modern audiences, the premise of One Hour Photo may seem strange. But in the pre-digital days, we really did have places where we had to get pictures developed into paper prints. In this thriller, the late Robin Williams plays Seymour “Sy” Parrish, an employee at a photo shop who has no real life of his own. Instead, Sy lives vicariously through the Yorkin family because he believes that Will (Michael Vartan) and Nina (Connie Nielsen), as well as their son, Jake (Dylan Smith), have an ideal life. However, Sy’s views are shattered when some of the pictures reveal that Will is having an affair. Combined with turmoil at work, this revelation causes Sy to snap as he tries to expose Will and anyone else who crosses him.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Genre Sci-fi, Action, Adventure
Stars Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Samuel L. Jackson, Wayne Knight
Directed by Steven Spielberg
128m
Nearly three decades after its debut, Jurassic Park still stands as a monumental special effects achievement for its depiction of believable dinosaurs. Dr. John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) summons three experts, Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill), Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), to his private island so they can see a test run of the new theme park with actual cloned dinosaurs. While the doctors are alarmed and excited by the implications of John’s actions, they are soon thrust into a dangerous situation when Jurassic Park is sabotaged from within.
Empire of the Sun (1987)
Genre Drama
Stars Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers
Directed by Steven Spielberg
154m
Nearly two decades before he played Batman, Christian Bale headlined Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun as Jamie “Jim” Graham, a young British boy who lives through World War II in Shanghai. While Jim initially enjoys a life of privilege, the outbreak of war soon separates him from his parents. Con men Basie (John Malkovich) and Frank (Joe Pantoliano) even try to sell Jim in the chaos. However, all three are soon captured by Japanese soldiers and placed in an internment camp. Even though Jim ingratiates himself with the camp’s commander, Sergeant Nagata (Masatō Ibu), his existence during wartime is an ongoing nightmare. And Jim’s ordeal doesn’t end when the fighting stops.
Love & Basketball (2000)
Genre Drama
Stars Omar Epps, Sanaa Lathan, Alfre Woodard, Dennis Haysbert
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood
125m
Fittingly, Love & Basketball is a love story about basketball. It’s also about the relationship between Monica Wright (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy McCall (Omar Epps). They love each other from an early age, but they love basketball even more. Surprisingly, Monica may be an even greater natural talent at the game, despite Quincy getting all of the attention from professional scouts. Under intense pressure at home from her mother, Camille Wright (Alfre Woodard), Monica struggles to hold on to her dream as well as her feelings for Quincy. The romance between Quincy and Monica waxes and wanes, but their shared passion for basketball is always there.
Inception (2010)
Genre Action, Sci-Fi
Stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Elliot Page
Directed by Christopher Nolan
148m
Your mind is the scene of the crime in Inception, the film that solidified Christopher Nolan movies as events unto themselves. Nolan didn’t need Batman to make this blockbuster, but several of his actors returned for this flick. Within the story, Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a thief who makes his living by breaking into other people’s dreams to steal their most valuable secrets. However, there’s something even more valuable than secrets: Inception. That’s the act of placing an idea into the mind of a victim and letting them believe that it was their idea. It’s a very dangerous mission, which threatens the lives of Dom and his new team.
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Genre Comedy, Fantasy
Stars Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, James Mason, Charles Grodin, Dyan Cannon, Buck Henry
Directed by Warren Beatty, Buck Henry
101m
In Heaven Can Wait, Joe Pendleton (Warren Beatty) is a man who is on top of the world … right up until he dies. But the Los Angeles Rams’ star quarterback manages to find proof in the afterlife that he was taken well before his time. The enigmatic Mr. Jordan (James Mason) gives Joe another shot at life on Earth, and he takes over the body of millionaire Leo Farnsworth shortly after Leo’s wife, Julia (Dyan Cannon), and her lover, Tony Abbott (Charles Grodin), tried to kill him. While the murderous pair plot to strike again, Joe tries to turn Leo into a football star while finding new love with Betty Logan (Julie Christie). Unfortunately for Joe, his time is still limited.
An American In Paris (1951)
Genre Comedy, Musical
Stars Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Georges Guétary, Nina Foch
Directed by Vincente Minnelli
113m
Gene Kelly’s Jerry Mulligan is the titular character in An American in Paris. Jerry is a World War II veteran who is trying to make a go as an artist. Jerry also gets to express his inner feelings through song in this rousing musical. While an heiress, Milo Roberts (Nina Foch), takes an interest in Jerry’s art, it’s clear that she also wants him to be hers as well. But Jerry only has eyes for Lise Bouvier (Leslie Caron), a young woman who is already engaged to Henri “Hank” Baurel (Georges Guétary). The chemistry between Jerry and Lise is undeniable, but the greater powers in their lives may keep them apart.
Collateral (2004)
Genre Crime, Drama, Thriller
Stars Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Peter Berg, Bruce McGill
Directed by Michael Mann
119m
In Michael Mann’s thrilling action flick Collateral, Jamie Foxx plays an unassuming taxi driver named Max Durocher. Max’s driving skills impress his latest fare, Vincent (Tom Cruise), who offers him a flat fee to drive him all night. Unfortunately for Max, Vincent is a contract killer who is systematically taking out his targets. Once Max realizes the truth, it’s too late to get away … and he’s well aware that he will be Vincent’s final target at the end of the night. The stakes also get very personal when Vincent becomes aware about the details of Max’s life, which allow him to blackmail Max into helping him retrieve his hit list.
The Great Gatsby (2013)
Genre Drama, Romance
Stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
142m
Critics and audiences were polarized by director Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. But few can deny that Luhrmann brought the story to life with visual flair. Tobey Maguire stars as Nick Carraway, a World War I veteran and aspiring writer who finds himself drawn into the orbit of Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), a very wealthy and enigmatic man. Jay wasn’t always rich, but he was in love with Nick’s cousin, Daisy (Carey Mulligan). The problem is that Jay never fell out of love with Daisy, even after she married Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). Regardless of Jay’s newfound riches, the woman he loves seems destined to remain out of his reach.
Popeye (1980)
Genre Adventure, Comedy, Family
Stars Robin Williams, Shelley Duvall, Paul Dooley, Paul L. Smith, Ray Walston
Directed by Robert Altman
114m
The Popeye movie is perhaps one of the most unlikely comic adaptations ever made. Who would have guessed that Robert Altman would bring Popeye to live-action with Robin Williams in the title role? It sounds like a potential disaster on paper, and yet the movie is really fun to watch as Williams commits to turning himself into a living cartoon character. In the film, Popeye is trying to find his long-lost father, Poopdeck Pappy (Ray Walston). Instead, he discovers a town bullied by Bluto (Paul L. Smith). Soon after his arrival, Popeye forms a new makeshift family with Olive Oyl (Shelley Duvall) and an abandoned baby they call Swee’Pea (Wesley Ivan Hurt). He’ll have to fight to defend them, but fighting is what Popeye does best!
A Mighty Wind (2003)
Genre Comedy, Music
Stars Bob Balaban, Christopher Guest, John Michael Higgins, Eugene Levy, Michael McKean, Catherine O'Hara
Directed by Christopher Guest
92m
If This Is Spinal Tap goes up to 11, then A Mighty Wind is more of a 7 or an 8. However, several Spinal Tap veterans appear in this unexpectedly sweet musical mockumentary. After a famous music producer passes away, his children reunite his three biggest acts for a memorial concert: The Folksmen, The New Main Street Singers, and Mitch & Mickey. The Folksmen’s trio, Mark Shubb (Harry Shearer), Alan Barrows (Christopher Guest), and Jerry Palter (Michael McKean), get most of the screen time. But there’s also a very effective subplot about Mitch Cohen (Eugene Levy) and Mickey Crabbe (Catherine O’Hara), a former couple who have mixed feelings about reuniting on stage.
Freaky (2020)
Genre Horror, Comedy
Stars Vince Vaughn, Kathryn Newton, Katie Finneran, Celeste O'Connor, Misha Osherovich, Alan Ruck
Directed by Christopher Landon
101m
There have been a few Freaky Friday movies about mothers and daughters swapping bodies and living in each others’ lives. Freaky goes in a different direction by putting the mind of a teenage girl, Millie Kessler (Kathryn Newton), into the body of a serial killer, the Blissfield Butcher (Vince Vaughn). And vice versa. A mystical dagger is responsible for the switch, and the Butcher discovers that it’s a lot easier to kill when his victims assume that he’s weak. As for Millie, she finds her confidence and even confesses her feelings for her crush, Booker Strode (Uriah Shelton), while in the Butcher’s body. However, she only has a few hours to reverse the mind swap before it becomes permanent.
Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage (2021)
Genre Documentary
Directed by Garret Price
Cast Bryan Vadnais
It’s an incredible understatement to say that Woodstock 99 did not go off as planned. Where should we start? The violence, looting, arson, vandalism, or sexual assaults? HBO Max’s Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage takes a very unflattering look back at what happened at that three-day festival, and why it’s still infamous. A selection of musicians, attendees, journalists, and behind-the-scenes workers share their stories from Woodstock 99. And there’s a true feeling of dread as the documentary relates how the event went so horribly wrong.
Disturbia (2007)
Genre Thriller
Stars Shia LaBeouf, David Morse, Sarah Roemer, Carrie-Anne Moss
Directed by D. J. Caruso
105m
Disturbia owes a lot to Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window, but this is an updated version of that story. Shia LaBeouf stars as Kale Brecht, a teenager who is angry over the recent death of his father. After getting in trouble at school, Kale is sentenced to house arrest. While spying on his neighbors to relieve his boredom, Kale comes to believe that Robert Turner (David Morse) may be a serial killer. Unfortunately, Kale can’t prove his suspicions without violating the terms of his sentence. And when Kale involves his neighbor, Ashley Carlson (Sarah Roemer), and his friend, Ronald “Ronnie” Chu (Aaron Yoo), it only lands all three of them in greater danger.
More Streaming Roundups
Married to the Mob (1988)
Genre Crime, Comedy
Stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Matthew Modine, Dean Stockwell, Mercedes Ruehl, Alec Baldwin
Directed by Jonathan Demme
104m
The title of Married To the Mob is very appropriate for Angela de Marco (Michelle Pfeiffer). Even the death of her husband, Frank “Cucumber” de Marco (Alex Baldwin), isn’t enough to get her out of the mob’s orbit. It doesn’t help that the man who murdered Frank was his Don, Tony “The Tiger” Russo (Dean Stockwell), and he wants to seduce Angela regardless of his own wife and family. FBI Agent Mike Downey (Matthew Modine) is keeping tabs on the situation, but even he has romantic feelings for Angela.
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
Genre Action, Comedy
Stars Mike Myers, Elizabeth Hurley, Michael York, Mimi Rogers, Seth Green
Directed by Jay Roach
89m
Mike Myers goes for a dual role in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. In this hilarious James Bond spoof, secret agent Austin Powers (Myers) battles his nemesis, Dr. Evil (also Myers), in the late ’60s. And when Dr. Evil goes into suspended animation, Austin follows suit and awakens in the present day. Neither Austin nor Dr. Evil is able to easily make the adjustment to modern spy warfare. But at least Austin has a great partner, Vanessa Kensington (Elizabeth Hurley). On the other hand, Dr. Evil has an inept crew of henchmen, and a clone son, Scott Evil (Seth Green), who resents him.
Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Genre Drama
Stars John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney, Barry Miller, Joseph Cali, Paul Pape
Directed by John Badham
118m
Movies couldn’t possibly get more disco than Saturday Night Fever. But if you’re expecting a feel-good musical romance, then you’ve come to the wrong place. John Travolta stars as Anthony “Tony” Manero, a young man with dismissal prospects in his personal life and his day job. Yet on the dance floor, Tony is a king. He soon meets Stephanie Mangano (Karen Lynn Gorney), a dancer who may be his equal or even his superior. Unfortunately for Tony, Stephanie isn’t looking for love, just a platonic partnership. Meanwhile, the personal drama around Tony reaches a boiling point, and he jeopardizes his relationship with Stephanie by going way too far. If Tony’s not careful, his entire life could be shattered by his missteps.
Scream (1996)
Genre Horror
Stars David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Drew Barrymore
Directed by Wes Craven
79m
Do you like scary movies? Then chances are very good that you’re going to love Scream. Horror maven Wes Craven’s return to the genre was a deconstruction of the films that made him a cinema legend. It also mixed horror with flashes of comedy. Neve Campbell stars as Sidney Prescott, a teenager haunted by the murder of her mother. When a costumed killer starts stalking Sidney and her friends, she takes it upon herself to find the truth. Meanwhile, reporter Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) simply wants to get the scoop. But this is a story that may get her killed.
McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)
Genre Western
Stars Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, René Auberjonois, Michael Murphy, Antony Holland
Directed by Robert Altman
121m
Robert Altman’s McCabe & Mrs. Miller is a Western that challenges the tropes of the genre. It doesn’t romanticize its title characters, nor does it attempt to morally justify their actions or personas. Warren Beatty stars as John McCabe, a man who carries himself like a gunslinger and uses that reputation to his advantage. After establishing a brothel in town, John is joined by a new partner-in-crime, Constance Miller (Julie Christie). John and Constance’s ensuing romance is complicated by their differing approaches to business and pleasure. However, their relationship is strained when Eugene Sears (Michael Murphy) and Ernest Hollander (Antony Holland) come to town to force them out of their brothel business. And they won’t take no for an answer.
Fracture (2007)
Genre Thriller
Stars Anthony Hopkins, Ryan Gosling, David Strathairn, Rosamund Pike, Embeth Davidtz
Directed by Gregory Hoblit
113m
Anthony Hopkins headlines Fracture as a brilliant engineer named Theodore “Ted” Crawford. Ted realizes that his wife, Jennifer Crawford (Embeth Davidtz), has been cheating on him with Rob Nunally (Billy Burke), a police officer. When Jennifer is found dead in Ted’s home, Rob places him under arrest. And yet the evidence doesn’t add up, despite Ted’s obvious motive for murder. Assistant District Attorney William “Willy” Beachum (Ryan Gosling) soon makes it his mission in life to prove Ted’s guilt. But that’s a quest that may prove to be very costly for him.
No Sudden Move (2021)
Genre Crime
Stars Don Cheadle, Benicio del Toro, David Harbour, Jon Hamm, Amy Seimetz
Directed by Steven Soderbergh
115m
Do you remember Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven and its sequels? Those are movies where good guy crooks pull off an improbable heist while taking down villains who are far worse than they are. No Sudden Move is not that kind of movie, although Soderbergh does reunite with several of his Ocean’s Eleven stars. Don Cheadle and Benicio del Toro headline the film as Curt Goynes and Ronald Russo, a pair of gangsters in the ‘50s. Curt and Ronald are hired to lean on a hapless accountant, Matt Wertz (David Harbour), and threaten his family. But when Curt refuses to execute Matt and his family, he and Ronald are thrust into increasingly dangerous situations that leave them in dire straits and desperate for a way out.
Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)
Genre Drama
Stars Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Ashton Sanders
Directed by Shaka King
96m
Judas and the Black Messiah is based upon the real story of the death and betrayal of Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya), the leader of Chicago’s Black Panther Party during the late ‘60s. Petty thief William “Bill” O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield) is given an opportunity to avoid jail by FBI Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons) if he agrees to join the Black Panthers and report back on them. As Bill becomes more prominent within the Black Panther Party, he has a firsthand view of what Fred is trying to accomplish. However, Bill can’t escape his deal with the FBI, even when he wants out.
The Matrix (1999)
Genre Sci-Fi, Action
Stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano
Directed by The Wachowskis
136m
There is a fourth Matrix film coming to HBO Max and theaters at the end of this year, but the original movie is still in a class by itself. The Matrix came out of nowhere in 1999 and quickly revolutionized sci-fi action with its slick direction and compelling story. Keanu Reeves stars as Neo, a hacker who is haunted by a singular question: “What is the Matrix?” Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and her boss, Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), hold the answers, but Neo is completely unprepared for the truth. And as he adjusts to his new reality, Neo is threatened by the ruthless Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) and an enemy much closer than he realizes.
Let Him Go (2020)
Genre Drama
Stars Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Lesley Manville, Will Brittain, Jeffrey Donovan
Directed by Thomas Bezucha
114m
After starring as Superman’s parents in Man of Steel, Diane Lane and Kevin Costner reunited in Let Him Go. Within the film, Margaret (Lane) and her husband, George Blackledge (Costner), are the grieving parents of their adult son, James (Ryan Bruce). When James’ widow, Lorna (Kayli Carter), remarries and abruptly moves away with her child without saying goodbye, Margaret realizes that Lorna’s new husband, Donnie (Will Brittain), is abusive. But when George and Margaret finally catch up to Donnie and Lorna, they soon find that the danger is even greater than they thought.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Genre Crime
Stars Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Michael Madsen
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
99m
Quentin Tarantino recently said that he briefly considered doing a remake of his directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs, as his tenth and final film. A remake is not going to happen, and that’s a good thing, because this is a classic. Crime boss Joe Cabot (Lawrence Tierney) puts together a motley crew to pull off a heist, including Mr. White (Harvey Keitel), Mr. Orange (Tim Roth), Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi), and the psychotic Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen). However, one of their numbers is an undercover cop who is in way over his head. Getting out alive may not be an option, once the heist goes bad and the bodies pile up.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Genre Sci-fi
Stars Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Maurice Evans, Kim Hunter, James Whitmore
Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner
112m
A decade before Star Wars dominated the sci-fi realm, 20th Century Fox’s Planet of the Apes kicked off a franchise of its own. Astronaut George Taylor (Charlton Heston) and his crew crash on a world where humans are mute slaves and talking apes are ascendant. While scientists Cornelius (Roddy McDowall) and Zira (Kim Hunter) are sympathetic toward Taylor, Dr. Zaius (Maurice Evans) and other ape extremists will go to any lengths to silence Taylor and suppress the evidence that men once ruled the world. The iconic ending is still a Twilight Zone-level twist that has been endlessly imitated, but it still works.
Eve’s Bayou (1997)
Genre Drama
Stars Samuel L. Jackson, Jurnee Smollett, Lynn Whitfield, Debbi Morgan, Vondie Curtis-Hall
Directed by Kasi Lemmons
109m
There are a lot of supernatural overtones to Eve’s Bayou, but it doesn’t overpower the emotional impact of this period drama. In one of her breakout roles, Jurnee Smollett stars as Eve Batiste, a 10-year-old girl whose psychic gift emerges during one tumultuous summer in the ‘60s. While Eve’s parents, Louis (Samuel L. Jackson) and Roz Batiste (Lynn Whitfield), seemingly have a happy marriage, even Eve begins to see through the cracks when she witnesses Louis’s infidelity. Eve’s older sister, Cisely (Meagan Good), also accuses her father of an unforgivable crime. And in Eve’s quest for justice and vengeance, she goes too far to discover what really happened.
Gandhi (1982)
Genre Drama
Stars Ben Kingsley, Candice Bergen, Edward Fox, John Gielgud, Trevor Howard
Directed by Richard Attenborough
191m
Gandhi won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, for its accurate and compelling take on the life of Mahatma Gandhi (Ben Kingsley). As a young man, Gandhi realizes that Indians are treated as less than full citizens within the British empire. In response, Gandhi organizes a nonviolent resistance movement that eventually helps India win its independence. But not even Gandhi can unite all religious extremists behind a single cause, and the resulting strife leads to tragedy for Gandhi himself.
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
Genre Comedy
Stars Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn, Slim Pickens
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
98m
Chances are very good that you’ve already seen the famous ending of Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. Director Stanley Kubrick’s deliciously dark comedy features Peter Sellers in three leading roles: Group captain Lionel Mandrake, President Merkin Muffley, and Doctor Strangelove himself. When the deranged Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper (Sterling Hayden) goes rogue and orders a nuclear attack on Russia, the President desperately tries to prevent the impending end of the world. If you’re looking for a heroic and happy ending, you won’t find it here. But there are a lot of laughs on the way to the apocalypse.
The City of Lost Children (1995)
Genre Sci-fi, Fantasy
Stars Ron Perlman, Daniel Emilfork, Judith Vittet, Dominique Pinon, Jean-Claude Dreyfus
Directed by Marc Caro, Jean-Pierre Jeunet
112m
American audiences may get a bit of culture shock when they see the French sci-fi film, The City of Lost Children. It’s not a typical story, and the visuals are otherworldly. Ron Perlman stars as One, a carnival strongman whose adoptive younger brother, Denree (Joseph Lucien), is kidnapped by a madman named Krank (Daniel Emilfork). Krank has taken Denree and several other children to literally steal their dreams for himself. One finds an unlikely ally in Miette (Judith Vittet), an orphan girl who accompanies him on his quest to free his brother. Unfortunately, One’s carnival won’t let him go without a fight.
The Grifters (1990)
Genre Thriller
Stars John Cusack, Anjelica Huston, Annette Bening, Pat Hingle, Henry Jones
Directed by Stephen Frears
110m
There are three main characters in The Grifters who live up to the title of the movie. Lilly Dillon (Anjelica Huston) is by far the most impressive of the three, and a gifted con artist who has been at it for decades. Lily’s son, Roy Dillon (John Cusack), is also a grifter, but far less talented than his mother. In her eyes, Roy just doesn’t have the stomach to pull off the big cons. Finally, there’s Myra Langtry (Annette Bening), Roy’s girlfriend and Lily’s rival. Myra’s younger and more hungry for a score than Lily, and she takes an instant dislike for her. Their conflict may destroy them, and Roy as well.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Genre Comedy
Stars Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, Seth Rogen
Directed by Judd Apatow
116m
Judd Apatow’s film The 40-Year-Old Virgin went a long way toward making Steve Carell a leading man in the movies. Carell plays Andy Stitzer, the titular virgin who has spent most of his life without romantic entanglements. After Andy’s status as a virgin is exposed at his day job, his friends David (Paul Rudd), Jay (Romany Malco), and Cal (Seth Rogen) go to great lengths to get him past his personal issues. A single mother, Trish Piedmont (Catherine Keener), may hold the key to winning Andy’s heart, but only if he can bring himself to finally take the next step.
Clueless (1995)
Genre Comedy
Stars Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd, Wallace Shawn
Directed by Amy Heckerling
97m
Did you know that Clueless was loosely based on Jane Austen’s Emma? And we mean very loosely. In the modern setting of 1995, director and screenwriter Amy Heckerling made the story her own by reimagining the heroine as Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone), a rich and beautiful high school student in Beverly Hills. While Cher seemingly has it all, her step-brother, Josh Lucas (Paul Rudd), challenges her to take a closer look at her existence. Over time, Cher realizes that she has truly been “clueless” about the important things in life and strives to find a purpose of her own.
The Green Mile (1999)
Genre Drama, Fantasy
Stars Tom Hanks, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, Michael Clarke Duncan, James Cromwell, Michael Jeter
Directed by Frank Darabont
189m
Stephen King is best known for his tales of terror, but The Green Mile is something else entirely. It’s a prison drama with supernatural flourishes set in 1935. Tom Hanks stars as Paul Edgecomb, a guard at Cold Mountain Penitentiary’s death row. Much to Paul’s amazement, the gentle giant, John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), is capable of performing divine miracles and other fantastic feats. However, John is scheduled to die because he was falsely accused of raping and murdering children. After witnessing John’s actions and his private moments, Paul becomes convinced that killing him would be a needless tragedy. And yet, Paul seems powerless to prevent John from walking “the Green Mile” and facing his fate.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Genre Drama, Thriller
Stars Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Sydney Pollack, Marie Richardson
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
159m
The late Stanley Kubrick’s final film, Eyes Wide Shut, had the novelty of casting a real-life married couple, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, to play a couple in a deeply troubled marriage. Dr. William “Bill” Harford (Cruise) is greatly disturbed by his wife, Alice (Kidman), when she admits to being tempted to stray from fidelity. As Bill struggles with his feelings, he runs into an old friend, Nick Nightingale (Todd Field), who tells him about a secretive group of rich people who engage in ritualistic sex. When Bill is caught at their ceremony and unmasked, he is forced to wonder if the group will make good on its threats to destroy his life if he reveals what he has seen.
Shazam! (2019)
Genre Action, Superhero
Stars Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Djimon Hounsou
Directed by David F. Sandberg
132m
There’s no shortage of superhero movies on HBO Max. But Shazam! is one of the few that is truly family-friendly. Asher Angel stars as Billy Batson, an orphan who is placed with a new foster family. When Billy lashes out, he inadvertently encounters the wizard, Shazam (Djimon Hounsou), who passes Billy his power before he dies. Now, Billy can become the new Shazam (Zachary Levi), and he shares his good fortune with his new foster brother, Frederick “Freddy” Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer). Unfortunately for Billy, the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong) wants Shazam’s power for himself. And he’s willing to go through Billy’s new family to get it.
Lethal Weapon (1987)
Genre Action, Comedy
Stars Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Mitchell Ryan, Tom Atkins
Directed by Richard Donner
132m
Lethal Weapon is the quintessential action buddy cop movie of the ‘80s. A middle-aged police sergeant, Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover), is partnered with Sergeant Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), whom Roger suspects is crazy. But Martin has good reasons for his deteriorating mental state, as he struggles to move past the death of his wife. And when Martin is contacted by his old friend, Michael Hunsaker (Tom Atkins), he and Roger soon find themselves way over their heads in a deadly drug conspiracy. Lots of explosions, shootings, and fistfights ensue. But it’s the comedic chemistry of Gibson and Glover that made this flick into a franchise.
Matchstick Men (2003)
Genre Drama, Comedy
Stars Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Alison Lohman, Bruce McGill
Directed by Ridley Scott
116m
What’s a Matchstick Man? In the context of Matchstick Men, it’s just another way to say “con men.” Roy Waller (Nicolas Cage) is a veteran con man with his partner and protégée, Frank Mercer (Sam Rockwell). When Roy’s mental health deteriorates, he begins seeing a therapist, Dr. Harris Klein (Bruce Altman). With his doctor’s blessing, Roy reaches out to the daughter he never met: Angela (Alison Lohman). And much to Roy’s surprise, Angela takes to his grifter lifestyle and asks him to teach her the tips of the trade as he and Frank pursue a long con.
3 Days of the Condor (1975)
Genre Thriller
Stars Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson, Max von Sydow
Directed by Sydney Pollack
118m
Robert Redford built his reputation as an actor in the ‘70s by starring in tense thrillers. And 3 Days of the Condor is one of his best. Within the film, Redford plays Joseph Turner, a.k.a. Condor, a low-level CIA analyst. After noticing an unusual piece of intelligence, Joseph’s entire office is murdered, and he’s next on the hit list. Despite his escape, Joseph is also framed for murdering his colleagues. To hide from both his enemies and the CIA, Joseph takes Kathy Hale (Faye Dunaway) as his hostage and hides in her home. But with few options and no one else to turn to, Kathy may be the only ally that Joseph can trust as the walls close in on him.
Klute (1971)
Genre Thriller
Stars Jane Fonda, Donald Sutherland, Charles Cioffi, Roy Scheider
Directed by Alan J. Pakula
114m
In the movie Klute, Donald Sutherland stars as a private investigator named John Klute. After an executive, Tom Gruneman (Robert Milli), goes missing, John is hired to find out what happened to him. The trail soon leads to Bree Daniels (Jane Fonda), a high-priced call girl with links to Tom and other suspicious characters. John goes undercover in Bree’s apartment building in order to keep an eye on her for his investigation. But they soon develop real feelings for each other, and both of them are drawn into an increasingly dangerous investigation.
Cinderella Man (2005)
Genre Drama, Sports
Stars Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti, Craig Bierko, Bruce McGill, Paddy Considine
Directed by Ron Howard
144m
Cinderella Man is the nickname of James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe), one of the iconic boxers of the Great Depression era. In this biopic, James is forced to retire from boxing after breaking his right hand. Years later, and much to the consternation of his wife, Mae (Renée Zellweger), James realizes that his recovery has made him an even more formidable fighter. James’ boxing comeback opens several doors, including a match with world champion Max Baer (Craig Bierko). This is a wonderful underdog story that has the added benefit of having some truth within this Hollywood-infused fable. Even the setbacks can’t hold James down for long.
Greenland (2020)
Genre Thriller, Disaster
Stars Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, David Denman, Hope Davis, Roger Dale Floyd, Andrew Bachelor
Directed by Ric Roman Waugh
119m
It’s the end of the world as we know it in Greenland, but this is no Roland Emmerich-style disaster movie. Instead, it’s a very personal story of survival about John (Gerard Butler) and Allison Garrity (Morena Baccarin), as well as their son, Nathan (Roger Dale Floyd). John’s family is selected for emergency shelter when an extinction-level event heads toward Earth. But reaching sanctuary is much easier said than done — there are people who are more than willing to kill in order to improve their own chances of survival. Keeping the family together has never been more difficult.
Igby Goes Down (2002)
Genre Comedy, Drama
Stars Kieran Culkin, Claire Danes, Jeff Goldblum, Amanda Peet, Ryan Phillippe
Directed by Burr Steers
97m
Money doesn’t solve everything in Igby Goes Down. Kieran Culkin stars as Jason “Igby” Slocumb, Jr., a teenager who is desperate to get away from his wealthy and toxic family. That’s why he intentionally fails in multiple schools and squanders opportunities in order to create more physical distance between them. After finally being sent away to spend time with his godfather, D.H. Banes (Jeff Goldblum), Igby befriends D.H.’s mistress, Rachel (Amanda Peet). And yet Igby can’t seem to stop himself from sabotaging those relationships as well. Unfortunately for Igby, there are some family secrets that even he doesn’t know about. And if he wants to make a true break from his family, it’s going to take more than failure to get away.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Genre Musical, Fantasy
Stars Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear, Julie Dawn Cole. Leonard Stone
Directed by Mel Stuart
100m
Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, received a slight name change for the big screen. Instead, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory wisely put Gene Wilder’s mischievous candy factory owner in the title. It’s just as well, because Wilder’s manic performance carries the movie through Willy’s wild shifts in tone and attitude. Peter Ostrum also stars in the film as Charlie Bucket, one of five children from around the world who have located one of Wonka’s golden tickets. The winner will get a lifetime supply of chocolate, but first Charlie and the rest of the kids have to pass Willy’s demented morality tests. Spoiler alert: Most of the children don’t pass, and Willy seems to delight in their bizarre and outlandish fates.
Happy Feet (2006)
Genre Musical, Comedy
Stars Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman
Directed by George Miller
108m
Would you believe that Mad Max director George Miller helmed the animated film Happy Feet? Not only did Miller expand into new, all-ages territory, but it’s a great example that other studios beyond Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks can make terrific animated movies as well. Elijah Wood stars as Mumble, a penguin born without the ability to sing. Fortunately, Mumble was also born with the gift of dance, and he uses it to pursue the penguin of his dreams, Gloria (Brittany Murphy). Mumble’s elders may not understand his dancing gestures, but they can’t stifle his moves forever.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
Genre Biography, Documentary
Stars Fred Rogers, François Clemmons, Yo-Yo Ma, Joe Negri, David Newell
Directed by Morgan Neville
93m
For several generations of television viewers, Fred Rogers wasn’t simply the host of a children’s TV show. He was “Mister Rogers,” a beloved icon of public television who had a unique gift for connecting with a young audience. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood also taught kids valuable life lessons and didn’t shy away from difficult topics. Morgan Neville’s documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor, is a wonderful look at not only the legacy of that show, but the man behind it. Fred Rogers was a rare individual who practiced what he preached. His warmth and kindness are still evident through his archival appearances here.
Dreamgirls (2006)
Genre Musical, Drama
Stars Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover, Anika Noni Rose, Jennifer Hudson
Directed by Bill Condon
130m
Dreamgirls is an adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name, and it plays just as well on the silver screen as it did on the stage. The story is loosely inspired by the history of Motown, and it focuses on the rise of a girl group called the Dreams. Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx) quickly realizes that the trio of Effie White (Jennifer Hudson), Deena Jones (Beyoncé), and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) can become major stars. The Dreams’ success soon eclipses their associated act, Jimmy “Thunder” Early (Eddie Murphy). However, Curtis’ manipulations also splinter the unity of the Dreams when he elevates Deena at Effie’s expense.
Jackie Brown (1997)
Genre Drama, Crime
Stars Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton, Robert De Niro
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
154m
Pop quiz: What’s the best Quentin Tarantino movie? The director’s earliest films and his most recent hits have their ardent defenders. Yet his third movie, Jackie Brown, is arguably his greatest. This adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s novel Rum Punch features Blaxploitation star Pam Grier in the title role as Jackie Brown. Jackie’s a flight attendant who is in a tough situation. Ray Nicolette (Michael Keaton) and the feds catch Jackie smuggling money for Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson). With her life and her freedom on the line, Jackie teams up with bail bondsman Max Cherry (Robert Forster) to con the men holding her strings.
Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
Genre Drama, Comedy
Stars Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker, Tung Thanh Tran, Chintara Sukapatana, Bruno Kirby
Directed by Barry Levinson
121m
The late Robin Williams received an Oscar nomination for his performance as Adrian Cronauer in Good Morning, Vietnam. In 1965, the real Adrian was a DJ for the Armed Forces Radio Service in Saigon. Instead of toeing the official military line, Adrian’s unique brand of comedy and his willingness to tell the truth quickly earns him a following. He also forms an unlikely friendship with a local, Tuan (Tung Thanh Tran), while romantically pursuing Tuan’s sister, Trinh (Chintara Sukapatana). Naturally, Adrian’s antics enrage his superior officer, Sgt. Maj. Phillip Dickerson (J. T. Walsh), who plots to get rid of Adrian in a way that endangers his life.
Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Genre Comedy
Stars Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Lauren Holly, Karen Duffy, Mike Starr, Charles Rocket
Directed by Peter Farrelly
106m
Dumb and Dumber isn’t exactly a cinematic masterpiece. However, it is a very funny movie with Jim Carrey at the height of his comedic powers. Carrey stars as Lloyd Christmas, a clueless limo driver who develops a crush on Mary Swanson (Lauren Holly) after chauffeuring her to the airport. Lloyd inadvertently ruins Mary’s attempt to pay a ransom for her husband, and soon finds himself flush with cash. That’s why Lloyd and his best friend, Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels), go on a cross-country road trip to reunite with Mary. But they fail to realize that the kidnapper has sent hired killers to take them out.
All Is Lost (2013)
Genre Drama
Stars Robert Redford
Directed by J. C. Chandor
105m
Robert Redford is the only actor who appears in All Is Lost, and we never learn the name of his character. In fact, he barely even speaks in the entire film. Yet that doesn’t diminish the drama at all, If anything, it heightens the life-or-death struggle of the man whose solo trip across the Indian Ocean becomes derailed after his ship collides with a shipping container. Redford is riveting as his character battles for survival while fighting the elements and his own despair. The human spirit can overcome almost any adversity, but this is a harrowing tale that may make you glad that you’re still on dry land.
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Genre Drama
Stars Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Justin Henry, Jane Alexander, Petra King
Directed by Robert Benton
105m
Kramer vs. Kramer is an acclaimed family drama that successfully humanizes both sides of the conflict. Dustin Hoffman’s Ted Kramer suddenly finds himself a single father to his son, Billy (Justin Henry), when his wife, Joanna (Meryl Streep), walks out on both of them. Although Ted and Billy eventually overcome Joanna’s absence, her sudden return throws their lives into turmoil. The subsequent court battle for custody of Billy also pushes the bonds of this family to their breaking point. There can be no winner in this war, but there is some hope for empathy from the former spouses.
Rachel Getting Married (2008)
Genre Drama
Stars Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie DeWitt, Bill Irwin, Anna Deavere Smith, Tunde Adebimpe, Debra Winger
Directed by Jonathan Demme
114m
Don’t let the title of Rachel Getting Married fool you. Rachel Buchman (Rosemarie DeWitt) may be the titular character, but this movie belongs to her sister, Kym (Anne Hathaway). Hathaway has a powerhouse performance as an addict who has lost 10 years of her life to rehab and addiction relapses. On the weekend of Rachel’s wedding, Kym gets a temporary discharge to reunite with her family. Yet old grudges and simmering distrust openly erupt between the sisters, in addition to the lingering resentment between Kym and her mother, Abby (Debra Winger). The Buchman family drama threatens to overshadow Rachel’s wedding, but it’s a reckoning that has been coming for years.
Goodfellas (1990)
Genre Drama, Crime
Stars Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino
Directed by Martin Scorsese
146m
Where would we be without the crime epics of Martin Scorsese? Cinema would certainly be less interesting if films like Goodfellas didn’t explore such dark and compelling territory. This movie was based on the life of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a criminal who was part of the Gambino crime family for 25 years. Henry’s illegally obtained wealth helps him woo his wife, Karen (Lorraine Bracco), and gives him a taste of the good life alongside his friends, Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci). Yet even these bonds of friendship can be shattered when money and power are at stake.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)
Genre Comedy
Stars John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, Tim Meadows, Kristen Wiig
Directed by Jake Kasdan
96m
Think about every musical biopic you’ve ever seen. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story is essentially a parody of all of the previous biographical films about musicians. Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly) has a ridiculous life story that weaves in and out of different musical eras and styles. Following a family tragedy, Dewey has a rapid rise to fame and an equally fast fall into infamy. Along the way, he finds love with both Edith (Kristen Wiig) and Darlene (Jenna Fischer), as well as a deadly grudge held by his father, Pa Cox (Raymond J. Barry).
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Extended Edition (2001)
Genre Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Stars Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Sean Bean
Directed by Peter Jackson
228m
Nearly two decades ago, Peter Jackson unleashed the first film in his adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. But this isn’t The Fellowship of the Ring that you experienced in theaters. The Extended Edition is a nearly four-hour affair that greatly expands on the early story of Frodo (Elijah Wood), the young Hobbit who comes into possession of the One Ring. To keep this malevolent object out of enemy hands, Frodo and his eight companions embark on a dangerous quest to destroy the ring. Yet the greatest threat to the Fellowship may come from within.
Ted (2012)
Genre Fantasy, Comedy
Stars Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane, Joel McHale, Giovanni Ribisi
Directed by Seth MacFarlane
112m
The titular talking teddy bear of Ted would probably find it hilarious that his film has a 69% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In the world of the film, John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) wished his favorite bear into sentience when he was a young child. Years later, Ted (Seth MacFarlane) and John are still close friends, much to the annoyance of John’s girlfriend, Lori Collins (Mila Kunis). When Ted goes too far, John and Lori try to set him up with an independent life of his own. But these friends just can’t stay separated for long, regardless of the consequences.
Black Dynamite (2009)
Genre Action, Comedy
Stars Michael Jai White, Tommy Davidson, Salli Richardson
Directed by Scott Sanders
84m
Black Dynamite is a modern sendup of ‘70s blaxploitation films, but it’s also a really terrific example of the genre. Michael Jai White stars as Black Dynamite, a Vietnam veteran and former CIA operative who comes home and takes it upon himself to avenge his brother and clean up the streets. Alongside his new love, Gloria Gray (Salli Richardson), and his ally, Cream Corn (Tommy Davidson), Black Dynamite discovers a government plot that sends him off to Kung Fu Island to confront an old nemesis. And the film only gets wilder as it goes along.
A League of Their Own (1992)
Genre Comedy, Drama, Sports
Stars Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Madonna, Lori Petty, Jon Lovitz
Directed by Penny Marshall
128m
A League of Their Own is the fictionalized story of the women’s baseball league that emerged during World War II. Geena Davis stars as Dorothy “Dottie” Hinson, a catcher who would have turned away from her chance at baseball stardom if not for her sister and fellow player, Kit Keller (Lori Petty). Former Cubs player Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks) is tasked with managing the sisters on the Rockford Peaches, which also includes Doris Murphy (Rosie O’Donnell) and Mae Mordabito (Madonna). Just remember, there’s no crying in baseball. But there is a lot of heart.
Gone Baby Gone (2007)
Genre Drama, Thriller
Stars Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, John Ashton
Directed by Ben Affleck
114m
Ben Affleck’s comeback hit its stride with Gone Baby Gone, his feature-length directorial . However, it’s Affleck’s younger brother, Casey Affleck, who headlines the film as private investigator Patrick Kenzie. Patrick and his partner, Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan), are drawn into the case of a kidnapped four-year-old girl, Amanda McCready (Madeline O’Brien). Amanda’s mother has connections to organized crime, which forces Patrick and Angie to enlist Remy Bressant (Ed Harris) and his partner, Nick Poole (John Ashton), to back them up. But the case is anything but straightforward, and finding Amanda proves to be far more complicated than anyone expected.
The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)
Genre Drama, Biography
Stars Woody Harrelson, Courtney Love, Edward Norton
Directed by Miloš Forman
130m
The real Larry Flynt passed away recently, and he seemed like an odd choice to be a free speech icon. But the founder of Hustler was the subject of The People vs. Larry Flynt, with Woody Harrelson in the title role. By challenging the complaints against his porn magazine in court, Larry pushed the boundaries of what could be put into print. Courtney Love also stars as Althea Leasure, Larry’s longtime lover. Additionally, Edward Norton has a terrific turn as Larry’s lawyer, Alan Isaacman. Love him or hate him, Larry Flynt left an impact on this film and beyond.
The Color Purple (1985)
Genre Drama
Stars Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Adolph Caesar, Oprah Winfrey, Margaret Avery, Rae Dawn Chong
Directed by Steven Spielberg
153m
Steven Spielberg adapted Alice Walker’s seminal novel The Color Purple to great acclaim in the mid-’80s. Whoopi Goldberg stars as Celie, an African American woman who has been abused and put-upon for her entire life. As Celie endures the abuse of her husband, Mister (Danny Glover), she finds solace and inspiration from two women in her life: Sofia (Oprah Winfrey) and a singer named Shug Avery (Margaret Avery). Through the relationships that Celie forms, she finds the strength to stand up for herself and chart her own path.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Genre Drama, Comedy
Stars James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rain, Edward Arnold
Directed by Frank Capra
126m
What if a politician was everything that he or she claims to be? Frank Capra’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is an iconic take on that idea. James Stewart stars as Jefferson “Jeff” Smith, an idealistic young man who is named to the Senate following his predecessor’s unexpected death. Jeff finds a mentor in Senator Joseph Harrison “Joe” Paine (Claude Rains), unaware of the older man’s corruption. When Jeff’s reputation is destroyed by lies and innuendo, he pleads his case on the Senate floor in a classic filibuster scene. This is definitely a fantasy, but it’s nice to believe that happy endings can happen in the political arena.
Risky Business (1983)
Genre Comedy
Stars Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay, Joe Pantoliano, Nicholas Pryor
Directed by Paul Brickman
99m
Who likes that old-time rock and roll? Everyone! The iconic scene of Risky Business may have Tom Cruise dancing in his briefs, but it’s still a great teen comedy after that sequence. Cruise plays Joel Goodson, an overachieving who takes full advantage of his parents’ extended absence. Joel soon befriends a prostitute named Lana (Rebecca De Mornay) and begins a relationship with her. However, Lana’s unsavory pimp, Guido (Joe Pantoliano), causes complications for the young lovers and threatens to derail Joel’s plans for college and his parents’ trust.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Genre Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Drama
Stars Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, Hugo Weaving
Directed by Peter Jackson
263m
Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy was capped off with The Return of the King, which won Best Picture at the Oscars. The Extended Version of the film is now on HBO Max, and it includes several scenes that didn’t make it into the theatrical cut. For example, Saruman’s fate is no longer ambiguous. This is also a thrilling and satisfying wrap-up to the story that began during The Fellowship of the Ring. Just be sure to pace yourself along the way. This one clocks in at nearly four and a half hours, so it can be an endurance test for some. But it’s well worth the commitment.
The Departed (2006)
Genre Crime, Thriller
Stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen
Directed by Martin Scorsese
151m
Would you believe that Martin Scorsese finally won a Best Director Oscar for The Departed? It’s another Best Picture winner on this list as well as a thrilling crime drama starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Billy Costigan Jr. and Matt Damon as Colin Sullivan. Billy is a cop under deep cover within the crime family led by Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). But Frank also has Colin as a well-placed mole within the police department. As Billy and Colin become aware of each other, it becomes a race to see who can uncover their counterpart’s identity first.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Genre Crime, Comedy
Stars John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Tim Roth
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
154m
Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction doesn’t have a traditional narrative, but it does feature some of the most unforgettable characters of the ‘90s. Hitmen Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) just can’t seem to stay out of trouble even in the aftermath of an apparent miracle. In another storyline, aging boxer Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis) tries to skip town after ripping off mob boss Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames). Uma Thurman also steals the movie as Marsellus’ wife, Mia. These seemingly disjointed storylines come together beautifully in Tarantino’s incredibly quotable film, which remains one of his very best.
