Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on HBO Max, Including an Acclaimed New Thriller

HBO Max continues to expand its library with a diverse selection of high-octane action, gripping dramas, and award-winning cinema. Whether you are looking for the latest streaming hits from A24 or classic superhero origin stories, the current catalog offers variety for every type of film enthusiast. This weekend provides the perfect opportunity to catch up on recent releases that have dominated the cultural conversation and returning favorites that defined their genres.

‘Chris Fleming: Live at The Palace’ (2026)

Comedian Chris Fleming brings his unique brand of high-energy physical comedy to this stand-up special filmed at the historic Palace Theatre. The performance explores a variety of surreal everyday observations, ranging from specific dog breeds to the complexities of different types of cheese. Fleming utilizes his theatrical background to animate his storytelling with frantic movements and distinct vocal impressions. This special has quickly become a trending title on HBO Max due to its unconventional approach to traditional stand-up structures.

‘The Smashing Machine’ (2025)

This biographical sports drama depicts the life and career of mixed martial arts pioneer Mark Kerr during the no-holds-barred era of the UFC. The narrative explores Kerr’s struggle with immense professional success alongside his private battles with addiction and personal relationships. Set in the late 1990s, ‘The Smashing Machine’ highlights the physical and emotional toll of the combat sports world. Produced by A24, the film provides a raw look at the rise and fall of one of the sport’s most dominant figures.

‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ (2025)

A psychotherapist finds her life in disarray after her apartment ceiling collapses, forcing her into a makeshift life in a dilapidated motel. While navigating this environmental crisis, she must provide constant care for her daughter, who has significant medical vulnerabilities. The story examines the psychological strain of caregiving under extreme financial and physical pressure. ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ presents a gritty portrayal of a mother fighting to maintain her family’s dignity against overwhelming odds.

‘Dead of Winter’ (2025)

During a catastrophic blizzard, a grieving widow seeking solitude in an isolated cabin becomes the unexpected protector of a kidnapped teenage girl. To save the young woman, she must engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a murderous couple who have tracked them through the snow. The film utilizes its claustrophobic setting to heighten the tension of the survivalist conflict. ‘Dead of Winter’ combines elements of home invasion thrillers with the harsh realities of wilderness survival in a race against time.

‘2073’ (2024)

This genre-bending film from director Asif Kapadia blends documentary elements with a fictional narrative set in a dystopian future New San Francisco. A lone survivor recounts the societal collapse caused by climate change, total surveillance, and the rise of global authoritarianism. The project uses contemporary news footage to illustrate how current global trends could lead to the bleak future depicted on screen. ‘2073’ serves as both a cinematic warning and a meditation on the fragility of modern democracy.

‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ (2024)

The iconic titans Godzilla and Kong are forced to set aside their ancient rivalry to face a mysterious new threat emerging from the depths of the Hollow Earth. This entry in the MonsterVerse delves deeper into the histories of these creatures and the origins of Skull Island. The story follows the humans of Monarch as they uncover a hidden colossus that threatens the existence of both monsters and mankind. ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ features large-scale battles and explores the uncharted territories of a subterranean world.

‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2023)

Professional assassin John Wick continues his quest for vengeance and freedom by targeting the most powerful members of the High Table. The journey spans multiple continents, including high-stakes confrontations in New York, Berlin, and Paris. As the price on his head continues to rise, Wick must rely on old allies and face off against a new, formidable enemy with vast resources. ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ is noted for its elaborate action choreography and expansion of the franchise’s underground mythology.

‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ (2023)

Inspired by the real-life files of Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican’s chief exorcist, this supernatural horror film follows a terrifying investigation in Spain. Amorth travels to an ancient abbey to perform an exorcism on a young boy who has been possessed by a powerful demon. During the ritual, he uncovers a long-hidden conspiracy that the Vatican has desperately tried to keep secret for centuries. ‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ combines historical mystery with traditional religious horror tropes.

‘V for Vendetta’ (2005)

Set in a future where a fascist regime has taken control of the United Kingdom, a masked revolutionary known only as V begins a campaign to topple the government. He recruits a young woman named Evey Hammond to assist him in his mission to inspire a public uprising. The narrative follows their efforts to dismantle the oppressive systems of control through strategic strikes against the state. ‘V for Vendetta’ remains a culturally significant work for its depiction of resistance against totalitarianism.

‘Spider-Man’ (2002)

After being bitten by a genetically modified spider, high school student Peter Parker develops superhuman strength, agility, and the ability to scale walls. He initially uses these powers for personal gain but learns the importance of responsibility following a tragic family loss. As the costumed hero Spider-Man, he must protect New York City from the Green Goblin, a scientist transformed by a failed experiment. ‘Spider-Man’ was instrumental in establishing the modern superhero film genre at the beginning of the 21st century.

Tell us which of these films is at the top of your watchlist in the comments.