Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on HBO Max, Including a Beloved Children’s Movie

HBO Max continues to expand its library with a diverse selection of biographical dramas, family favorites, and award-winning romances. This weekend’s lineup offers a mix of newly released streaming exclusives and established cinematic classics. From the gritty world of professional fighting to whimsical tales of animated adventures, subscribers have access to a wide range of storytelling genres. Whether you are looking for a high-stakes heist or a heartfelt period piece, these selections provide ample entertainment options for any viewing preference.

‘The Smashing Machine’ (2025)

Dwayne Johnson portrays Mark Kerr in this biographical drama centered on the legendary MMA fighter. The narrative tracks Kerr’s competitive rise within the UFC while simultaneously detailing his personal struggles with substance abuse. Emily Blunt stars alongside Johnson, with Benny Safdie directing the production for A24. This film marks a significant dramatic shift for Johnson, moving away from his typical blockbuster roles to explore a raw portrayal of athletic excellence and human vulnerability.

‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ (2025)

This dark comedy features Rose Byrne and Conan O’Brien in a story about a family facing an unconventional crisis. The plot follows a mother as she attempts to navigate her daughter’s mysterious medical condition while her own personal life begins to unravel. Mary Bronstein directs this project, which explores the complexities of caregiving and domestic instability. The film balances sharp humor with the emotional weight of a crumbling household as the characters deal with their changing reality.

‘Paddington 2’ (2017)

Paddington Brown finds himself in a difficult situation when he is wrongfully accused and imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. The real culprit is Phoenix Buchanan, a washed-up actor played by Hugh Grant, who steals a rare pop-up book ‘Paddington’ intended to purchase for his Aunt Lucy. While the Brown family works to clear his name, the bear brings his signature optimism to the prison population. This sequel received critical acclaim for its visual storytelling and heartfelt themes of kindness and community.

‘The Shape of Water’ (2017)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this film tells the story of Elisa Esposito, a mute woman working as a janitor in a high-security government facility. Her life changes when she discovers a mysterious amphibious creature being held captive for Cold War research. Despite the barriers between them, Elisa and the creature develop a deep bond and plan a daring escape from the facility. The production earned several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, for its unique blend of fantasy, drama, and romance.

‘Masterminds’ (2016)

Zach Galifianakis stars as David Ghantt, an armored truck driver who becomes embroiled in a massive criminal plot. Motivated by his feelings for a co-worker, Ghantt is persuaded to participate in one of the largest cash heists in United States history. The plan quickly spirals out of control as the amateur criminals attempt to evade the authorities while navigating internal betrayals. Based on the 1997 Loomis Fargo robbery, ‘Masterminds’ uses absurdist humor to recount the true events of the theft.

‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked’ (2011)

The third installment in the live-action franchise follows the Chipmunks and Chipettes as they embark on a luxury cruise with Dave Seville. A series of mishaps leads the musical group to become stranded on a remote tropical island, forcing them to use their wits to survive. While Dave searches for his missing companions, the trio discovers that they are not alone on the island. ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked’ features the signature high-pitched musical covers and family-friendly humor that defined the series.

‘Robin Hood’ (2010)

Director Ridley Scott reunites with Russell Crowe to provide an origin story for the legendary English outlaw in ‘Robin Hood’. Following the death of King Richard the Lionheart, an archer named Robin Longstride travels to Nottingham to return a fallen knight’s sword. He soon finds himself leading a rebellion against a corrupt sheriff and the oppressive taxation of the new crown. The film focuses on a more grounded, historical approach to the folklore surrounding the Sherwood Forest hero and his band of merry men.

‘Valentine’s Day’ (2010)

This ensemble romantic comedy explores the interconnected lives of several Los Angeles residents over the course of a single holiday. The narrative weaves together multiple storylines involving first dates, long-term marriages, and the pressures of romantic expectations. Directed by Garry Marshall, the film features a massive cast including Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, and Bradley Cooper. Each character’s journey in ‘Valentine’s Day’ highlights the various ways people experience love and heartbreak on February 14th.

‘Monster-in-Law’ (2005)

Jennifer Lopez stars as Charlie, a woman who believes she has finally found the perfect man in Kevin Fields. However, her happiness is challenged by Kevin’s overbearing mother, Viola, played by Jane Fonda, who is determined to stop the wedding at any cost. Viola employs a series of increasingly elaborate schemes to drive Charlie away and reclaim her son’s primary attention. ‘Monster-in-Law’ focuses on the escalating battle of wits between the two women as they compete for dominance in the family.

‘The Notebook’ (2004)

Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, this romantic drama follows the lifelong love affair between Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton. The story is told through a series of flashbacks read from a notebook to an elderly woman in a nursing home by a fellow resident. Despite the social class differences and the intervention of Allie’s parents, the pair struggles to remain together through the 1940s. ‘The Notebook’ stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as the young couple whose devotion faces the ultimate test of time and memory.

Tell us which of these HBO Max titles you are planning to stream first in the comments.