Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on HBO Max, Including ‘Elf’

Max offers a diverse selection of films this weekend ranging from holiday favorites to brand new 2025 releases. The streaming platform features several titles that are currently trending at the top of the viewing charts worldwide. Viewers can choose between classic animated adventures and gritty action thrillers to suit their weekend mood. This list highlights the most popular and recently added movies available for subscribers right now.

‘Elf’ (2003)

‘Elf’ remains a staple of the holiday season on Max as it follows a human raised by elves at the North Pole. Buddy travels to New York City to find his biological father and discover his true identity. Along the way he experiences a variety of mishaps while attempting to bring Christmas cheer to a cynical world. Will Ferrell delivers an iconic performance that anchors the story in both humor and heart. The film currently tops the streaming charts as viewers prepare for the upcoming festivities.

‘The Polar Express’ (2004)

‘The Polar Express’ uses motion capture technology to bring a magical train journey to life on Christmas Eve. A young boy travels to the North Pole and learns about the spirit of the holidays through various encounters. Tom Hanks provides the voice for several characters including the conductor and Santa Claus himself. The visual style and festive theme keep this film at the top of the viewing charts every December. It remains a popular choice for families looking to celebrate the season through animation.

‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ (1989)

‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ follows the Griswold family as their plans for a big traditional holiday spiral into chaos. Clark Griswold deals with malfunctioning lights and uninvited relatives while waiting for his annual work bonus. This film has become a staple of the winter season and consistently trends on Max during December. The slapstick humor and relatable family dynamics have maintained its popularity for over three decades. It is currently one of the most watched comedies on the platform this week.

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ (2025)

The fourth installment of the main franchise sees Ed and Lorraine Warren returning for one final supernatural investigation. This entry explores a terrifying case that serves as the conclusion to the storied paranormal series. The film has quickly risen to the top of the trending list upon its recent arrival on the platform. Fans of the series can expect the signature jumpscares and atmospheric dread that defined the previous entries. It continues to attract a massive audience seeking a break from the standard holiday fare.

‘Flight Risk’ (2025)

Mark Wahlberg stars in this high stakes thriller directed by Mel Gibson about a pilot transporting a dangerous criminal. The story unfolds within the confined space of a small plane where tensions rise as the true motives of the characters are revealed. Critics have praised the intense atmosphere and the performances that keep audiences guessing until the final moments. This film has become a major hit on Max following its theatrical run earlier this year. It offers a gripping alternative to the lighthearted movies currently dominating the holiday lists.

‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017)

‘Atomic Blonde’ stars Charlize Theron as a top level spy sent to Berlin during the final days of the Cold War. She must recover a sensitive list of double agents while navigating a dangerous world of espionage and betrayal. The film is recognized for its stylish cinematography and meticulously choreographed hand to hand combat sequences. It is currently trending on the Max most watched list as viewers revisit its high energy action. The soundtrack and 1980s aesthetic provide a unique viewing experience for fans of the thriller genre.

‘Wedding Crashers’ (2005)

‘Wedding Crashers’ features Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn as two mediators who spend their weekends sneaking into weddings to meet women. Their routine is disrupted when they attend a high profile event and fall for members of a prominent family. The movie remains a fan favorite on streaming services due to its improvisational humor and chemistry between the leads. It has reappeared on the Max trending charts as audiences seek out lighthearted comedy during the weekend. The supporting performances contribute to the film being a standout in the mid 2000s comedy wave.

‘Bad Santa’ (2003)

‘Bad Santa’ presents a dark and cynical take on the holiday season through the eyes of a professional thief posing as a mall Santa. Billy Bob Thornton plays Willie T. Soke as he plans a heist with his partner while dealing with a persistent young boy. The film offers a significant departure from standard sentimental Christmas movies with its crude humor and mature themes. It currently holds a spot on the most watched list as an alternative for those seeking an unconventional festive story. This cult classic continues to draw viewers who enjoy its unique blend of comedy and drama.

‘Ne Zha 2’ (2025)

‘Ne Zha 2’ continues the epic saga of the legendary figure from Chinese mythology as he faces new celestial challenges. This highly anticipated sequel arrives on Max this weekend after achieving significant success at the international box office. The animation features vibrant visuals and elaborate action sequences that expand the scope of the original film. It tells a powerful story about destiny and the struggle between good and evil. Fans of the first installment can finally stream the next chapter in this acclaimed animated series.

‘The Family McMullen’ (2025)

Edward Burns returns to the world of his breakout debut with this long awaited sequel set decades after the original events. The narrative revisits the McMullen brothers as they navigate the complexities of life and family in their older years. It captures the same independent spirit and dialogue driven storytelling that made the first film a cult classic. Viewers are flocking to the movie on Max to see how the characters have evolved over the last thirty years. This release highlights the enduring appeal of character focused indie dramas in the streaming era.

Tell us which of these films you plan to stream by sharing your thoughts in the comments.