15 HBO Max Original Movies That Should Be Getting a Lot More Attention
HBO Max is packed with blockbusters and classics, but some of its original movies slip under the radar. These films, made specifically for the platform, offer fresh stories and bold ideas that deserve more love. From gritty dramas to quirky comedies, they showcase diverse talent and creative storytelling.
We’ve rounded up HBO Max original movies that aren’t getting the attention they should. These picks span genres and vibes, perfect for anyone looking to discover something new. Let’s dive into these overlooked gems and why they’re worth your next movie night.
Moonshot (2022)
A fizzy, futuristic rom-com with its head in the stars and its heart on its sleeve, this one follows two very different college kids who sneak onto a shuttle to Mars for all the wrong reasons—and, predictably, stumble into the right kind of chemistry. It’s breezy, colorful, and refreshingly low-stakes sci-fi that uses the cosmos as a backdrop for messy feelings and second chances.
What makes it click is the tone: sincere without being sappy, quippy without trying too hard. If you want something charming, lightweight, and a little off-planet for date night, this is an easy win.
Father of the Bride (2022)
This lively reimagining leans into culture, music, and family dynamics, centering a bighearted Cuban-American clan as wedding plans collide with generational expectations. It’s familiar comfort—dad woes, chaotic parties, heartfelt speeches—delivered with a fresh, sun-drenched Miami vibe.
Beyond the laughs, the film taps into the tug-of-war between tradition and modern love. It’s the rare remake that justifies itself by finding new angles—and plenty of warmth—inside a classic.
LFG (2021)
An urgent, propulsive documentary about the U.S. Women’s National Team’s equal-pay fight, this unfolds like a legal thriller powered by world-class athletes. You get locker-room candor, courtroom strategy, and the gut-level stakes of labor rights in real time.
It’s accessible even if you’re not a soccer diehard because the story is bigger than the sport. By the end, you’re not just cheering goals—you’re cheering a blueprint for change.
Women Is Losers (2021)
Set in 1960s San Francisco, this indie drama follows a young woman determined to carve out a future in a world stacked against her. The filmmaking blends stylized flourishes with grounded emotion, giving the period setting a punchy, contemporary snap.
It’s a small film with big empathy—quietly radical in how it centers work, money, and survival as acts of defiance. If you like character-driven stories that actually say something, put this on your radar.
On the Trail: Inside the 2020 Primaries (2020)
A behind-the-scenes look at campaign reporters chasing a historic election, this doc captures the adrenaline and exhaustion of life on the road. Think 4 a.m. coffees, cramped buses, and split-second calls that shape the news cycle.
It’s catnip if you love process stories; instead of grand speeches, you get the day-to-day grind that makes them happen. Sharp, observational, and surprisingly human.
Bama Rush (2023)
Sorority recruitment at the University of Alabama became a viral spectacle, and this documentary peels back the glitter to show what’s underneath. Between outfit checks and whisper-network politics, it traces how belonging, image, and pressure collide during one very intense week.
It’s part sociology lesson, part coming-of-age snapshot. Whether you’re fascinated or skeptical, you’ll walk away with plenty to chew on.
Glitch: The Rise & Fall of HQ Trivia (2023)
Remember that app that turned weeknights into live game-show madness? This doc rewinds the rocket-ship ascent—and turbulent crash—of HQ Trivia, threading together startup euphoria, messy leadership, and the strange economics of virality.
It’s a brisk, addictive watch about our attention economy: how fast hype builds, how faster it breaks, and what’s left when the notifications stop buzzing. Tech fable, pop-culture time capsule—both boxes checked.
Turtles All the Way Down (2024)
A tender YA drama that treats teenage mental health with real care, it follows a smart, funny 17-year-old navigating first love while living with intrusive, looping thoughts. The film lets you in on her internal weather without reducing her to it.
What lingers is the gentleness—toward its characters and its audience. It’s honest about struggle and generous about hope, making it an easy recommendation beyond YA fans.
Am I OK? (2024)
A low-key, luminous story about late-blooming self-discovery, this centers two best friends whose relationship wobbles when one finally names a truth about herself. The film thrives on small moments—awkward confessions, tender missteps, the kind of jokes only best friends can make.
It’s funny, nervy, and beautifully empathetic about change arriving “off schedule.” If you love intimate comedies that feel like conversations, this one’s a gem.
A Hollywood Christmas (2022)
A meta holiday rom-com where a filmmaker making a Christmas movie finds herself living inside one—complete with a handsome exec, ticking-clock deadlines, and a town that really loves hot cocoa. It winks at the tropes while embracing them, delivering exactly the cozy beats you came for.
The charm is in the self-awareness: jokes about meet-cutes and snow machine magic sit right alongside sincere, cinnamon-spiced romance. Queue it up when you want festive comfort with a playful twist.
An American Pickle (2020)
Herschel Greenbaum, a Jewish immigrant in 1919, falls into a pickle vat and wakes up in modern-day Brooklyn. Played by Seth Rogen, who also stars as his great-grandson Ben, Herschel navigates a world that’s changed beyond recognition. The comedy blends slapstick with heartfelt moments as the two connect over their shared heritage.
This fish-out-of-water tale explores family, identity, and adapting to change. Rogen’s dual performance is both funny and touching, making ‘An American Pickle’ a unique mix of humor and heart. It’s a light yet meaningful watch that’s easy to miss but hard to forget.
Kimi (2022)
Zoë Kravitz shines as Angela, an agoraphobic tech worker who uncovers a crime while analyzing audio for a smart device. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this thriller keeps you on edge as Angela faces danger and her own fears to expose the truth. The film’s sleek visuals and tight pacing amplify the suspense.
‘Kimi’ feels like a modern twist on classic paranoia thrillers, with technology driving the tension. Kravitz’s raw performance and Soderbergh’s sharp direction make it a gripping watch. It’s a hidden gem for anyone craving a smart, intense ride.
Let Them All Talk (2020)
Meryl Streep stars as a celebrated author taking a cruise with old friends, played by Candice Bergen and Dianne Wiest, in this Steven Soderbergh comedy-drama. The improvised dialogue gives the film a natural, lived-in feel as they navigate old grudges and new bonds. It’s a quiet story about friendship and time.
The stellar cast brings warmth and wit to every scene, making ‘Let Them All Talk’ a cozy yet poignant watch. Soderbergh’s light touch lets the characters shine. This one’s perfect for those who enjoy character-driven stories over flashy plots.
No Sudden Move (2021)
Set in 1954 Detroit, ‘No Sudden Move’ follows small-time crooks, led by Don Cheadle and Benicio del Toro, hired for a simple job that spirals into chaos. Steven Soderbergh directs this stylish crime thriller, packed with double-crosses and a gritty retro vibe. The plot keeps you guessing until the end.
Cheadle and del Toro’s chemistry anchors the film, supported by a stacked cast including Jon Hamm. Its sharp script and moody visuals make it a standout. If you love twisty heist movies, this one’s a must-see.
The Fallout (2021)
Jenna Ortega and Maddie Ziegler play high schoolers bonding after surviving a school shooting in this indie drama. ‘The Fallout’ focuses on their emotional aftermath, exploring grief, friendship, and healing with raw honesty. Director Megan Park crafts a sensitive yet unflinching look at trauma.
Ortega’s breakout performance carries the film, showing a teen finding her way through pain. It’s not about heroics but real, messy emotions. This quiet powerhouse deserves more eyes for its bold take on a tough topic.
Unpregnant (2020)
A 17-year-old Veronica, played by Haley Lu Richardson, teams up with her friend Bailey (Barbie Ferreira) for a road trip to get an abortion in this heartfelt comedy. The journey tackles heavy themes like reproductive rights while keeping a light, buddy-comedy vibe. Their friendship drives the story.
‘Unpregnant’ balances humor with serious issues, never feeling preachy. Richardson and Ferreira’s chemistry makes the trip fun and emotional. It’s a fresh take on coming-of-age stories that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Superintelligence (2020)
Melissa McCarthy stars as Carol, an ordinary woman chosen by a super-smart AI, voiced by James Corden, to test humanity’s fate. This sci-fi comedy blends goofy humor with a touch of heart as Carol tries to save the world. Bobby Cannavale adds charm as her love interest.
The film’s light tone and McCarthy’s comedic chops make ‘Superintelligence’ a fun, easy watch. It’s not deep, but it’s clever enough to keep you smiling. Perfect for a low-stakes movie night with big laughs.
8-Bit Christmas (2021)
Set in the 1980s, ‘8-Bit Christmas’ follows a young boy, played by Winslow Fegley, on a quest to score a Nintendo Entertainment System. Neil Patrick Harris narrates as the adult version, weaving a nostalgic comedy about childhood dreams. The retro vibe is spot-on.
This family-friendly flick captures the magic of holiday wishlists and 80s gaming culture. It’s funny, warm, and surprisingly touching. If you grew up chasing the perfect Christmas gift, this one’s for you.
Reality (2023)
Sydney Sweeney delivers a gripping performance as Reality Winner, a whistleblower interrogated by the FBI for leaking a classified document. Based on real transcripts, this tense drama unfolds in one location, focusing on the chilling back-and-forth. It’s a stark look at truth and consequences.
‘Reality’ is lean and powerful, with Sweeney’s raw emotion driving every moment. The real-life story adds weight, making it a compelling watch. It’s a quiet thriller that punches above its weight.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
This four-hour epic reimagines the 2017 ‘Justice League’ with Zack Snyder’s original vision. Batman, Wonder Woman, and other DC heroes unite to face a cosmic threat. With deeper character arcs and stunning visuals, it’s a superhero saga that feels grand and personal.
Snyder’s cut is a fan-driven triumph, packed with heart and spectacle. It’s long but rewarding, especially for DC lovers. This version proves why we rallied for it, delivering a bold, emotional ride.
Roald Dahl’s The Witches (2020)
Anne Hathaway hams it up as the Grand High Witch in this vibrant remake of Roald Dahl’s classic. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, it follows a young boy uncovering a witchy plot in 1960s Alabama. The colorful visuals and spooky charm make it a wild ride.
‘The Witches’ is fun for families, with Hathaway’s over-the-top performance stealing the show. It’s got just enough creepiness to keep kids and adults hooked. This one deserves more love for its playful energy.
Locked Down (2021)
Anne Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor play a couple stuck together during a COVID lockdown, plotting a diamond heist to shake up their lives. This quirky mix of romance, comedy, and crime keeps things light despite the heavy backdrop. Their chemistry sparks the screen.
‘Locked Down’ captures the weirdness of early pandemic life with humor and heart. It’s a bold experiment that mostly works, thanks to its leads. A great pick for something offbeat and relatable.
Charm City Kings (2020)
A Baltimore teen, played by Jahi Di’Allo Winston, gets drawn into a dirt-bike gang in this coming-of-age drama. Mentored by a rider (Meek Mill), he faces tough choices between dreams and danger. The film’s raw energy and urban setting feel alive.
‘Charm City Kings’ blends gritty realism with youthful heart, showcasing a world rarely seen on screen. Winston’s performance is a standout, making it a gripping watch. It’s a powerful story that deserves more buzz.
On the Record (2020)
This documentary dives into the story of Drew Dixon, a former music executive who speaks out about sexual assault in the industry. It’s a bold, unflinching look at systemic abuse and the courage to challenge it. The film’s impact lingers long after.
‘On the Record’ is both heartbreaking and inspiring, giving voice to survivors with clarity and care. It’s a must-watch for its raw honesty and relevance. This one’s a hidden gem in HBO Max’s lineup.
Class Action Park (2020)
This documentary uncovers the wild, dangerous history of Action Park, a 1980s New Jersey amusement park known for its risky rides and lax rules. Through interviews and archival footage, it’s a jaw-dropping tale of chaos and nostalgia.
‘Class Action Park’ is equal parts funny and shocking, capturing a bygone era of reckless fun. It’s a wild ride for anyone who loves quirky, real-life stories. This one’s too good to stay overlooked.
Which HBO Max original movie are you excited to check out, or did we miss one you love? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
