An Action Spin-Off Is HBO Max’s Most-Watched Movie This Week Again

The streaming landscape continues to shift as audiences revisit cinematic classics and embrace high-octane releases on Max. This week’s most-watched list features a diverse blend of science-fiction epics, action-packed adventures, and fan-favorite comedies. From the desert sands of Arrakis to the high-fashion corridors of New York City, viewers are engaging with both modern blockbusters and nostalgic hits. These rankings highlight current viewing trends and the enduring popularity of major film franchises on the platform.

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

Anne Hathaway stars as Andy Sachs, a young aspiring journalist who takes a job as an assistant to a formidable fashion magazine editor. Miranda Priestly, the powerful leader of ‘Runway’ magazine, subjects her staff to impossible demands and a high-stress work environment. As Andy adapts to the glamorous yet cutthroat industry, she finds her personal life suffering under the weight of her professional ambitions. Meryl Streep delivers an iconic performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of the perfectionist editor. The film remains a cultural touchstone for its exploration of professional integrity and high-fashion aesthetics.

‘Alien’ (1979)

Directed by Ridley Scott, this science-fiction horror masterpiece follows the crew of the commercial starship Nostromo as they investigate a mysterious signal on a remote moon. After a crew member is attacked by a parasitic life form, they inadvertently bring a predatory extraterrestrial organism aboard their vessel. Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, must lead the fight for survival against the nearly indestructible creature within the ship’s claustrophobic corridors. The film is celebrated for its atmospheric tension and the groundbreaking visual design created by artist H.R. Giger. It successfully launched a massive multi-media franchise and redefined the horror genre in a futuristic setting.

‘Dune’ (2021)

Director Denis Villeneuve brings the first half of Frank Herbert’s complex space opera to the screen, centering on the noble House Atreides. After being granted stewardship of the desert planet Arrakis, the family is thrust into a deadly political trap set by their rivals, the Harkonnens. Young Paul Atreides must navigate the treacherous environment while discovering his own unique powers that could change the future of the galaxy. The film is celebrated for its immersive sound design, grand scale, and the cinematography of Greig Fraser. It provides a grounded yet epic foundation for the conflict over the universe’s most precious resource, spice.

‘AVP: Alien vs. Predator’ (2004)

In this crossover spectacle, a team of archaeologists and scientists is sent to Antarctica to investigate a mysterious heat signature originating from a buried pyramid. They soon discover they have entered a ritualistic battleground where young Predators hunt Xenomorphs as a rite of passage. As the human team becomes trapped between the two warring species, they must fight to prevent the conflict from reaching the surface. The film features Sanaa Lathan as the lead explorer who must navigate the lethal traps within the ancient structure. It serves as a major cinematic event that combines two of the most iconic creatures in science-fiction history.

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Continuing the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel, Paul Atreides joins forces with Chani and the Fremen people to launch a war against the House Harkonnen. As he masters the ways of the desert, Paul must choose between his love for Chani and the fate of the known universe. The story focuses on the struggle for control over the planet Arrakis and the fulfillment of a long-standing prophecy. This epic science-fiction sequel features large-scale battles and explores the weight of Paul’s burgeoning messianic influence. Critics and audiences have praised the film for its visual effects and the performances of Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya.

‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001)

Set ten years after the original film, Rick and Evelyn O’Connell are now living a peaceful life in London with their young son, Alex. Their peace is shattered when the resurrected high priest Imhotep returns to the living world to locate the legendary Oasis of Ahm Shere. The O’Connells must race against time to stop him and prevent the awakening of the terrifying Army of Anubis. This sequel introduces the character of the Scorpion King and expands on the supernatural mythology established in the previous movie. The film is known for its high-energy action sequences and the return of its core ensemble cast.

‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2023)

Keanu Reeves returns as the legendary hitman who finds a definitive path to defeating the High Table once and for all. To earn his freedom, Wick must face off against the Marquis de Gramont, a high-ranking official with unlimited resources and global influence. The pursuit takes the audience across various international cities, featuring intricate action sequences in Tokyo, Berlin, and Paris. This installment is widely praised for its expansive world-building and the introduction of new allies and enemies within the criminal underworld. At nearly three hours long, it serves as one of the most ambitious entries in the modern action genre.

‘Hop’ (2011)

This hybrid of live-action and animation follows E.B., the teenage son of the Easter Bunny, who runs away to Hollywood to pursue his dream of becoming a drummer. After being accidentally struck by a car, he convinces the driver, Fred O’Hare, to take him in while he recovers from his injuries. Meanwhile, a power-hungry chick named Carlos attempts to stage a coup back on Easter Island to take over the holiday. The two unlikely friends must team up to save Easter from being ruined by the rebellious birds. The film features voice work by Russell Brand and a live-action performance by James Marsden.

‘The Mummy’ (1999)

An American adventurer named Rick O’Connell leads an expedition to the ancient Egyptian city of Hamunaptra in search of legendary treasure. Along with librarian Evelyn Carnahan and her brother Jonathan, they accidentally awaken Imhotep, a cursed high priest with terrifying supernatural powers. The group must find a way to stop the resurrected priest before he completes a ritual that would bring about a global apocalypse. This film successfully rebooted the classic monster franchise by blending horror with swashbuckling action and humor. The undeniable chemistry between Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz helped make the film a lasting fan favorite.

‘Ballerina’ (2025)

The film stars Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, an assassin training at a ballet school run by the Ruska Roma crime syndicate. Set between the events of ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ and ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’, the narrative follows her quest for revenge against those who murdered her family. This expansion of the ‘John Wick’ universe introduces new lethal characters while featuring appearances by established figures like Winston and Charon. The story explores the high-stakes world of elite killers through the eyes of a woman seeking her own brand of justice. It represents a significant step in growing the franchise’s lore beyond the primary titular protagonist.

Tell us which of these films you have been streaming lately in the comments.