Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on HBO Max, Including an Oscar-Nominated Drama

Finding the perfect film to stream during the weekend can often be a daunting task when faced with an overwhelming number of choices. HBO Max offers a diverse catalog that spans across multiple genres, featuring everything from intense psychological thrillers and gripping biographical dramas to lighthearted comedies and sweeping romances. This curated selection highlights ten notable features currently available on the platform to suit a wide variety of cinematic preferences. Whether you are looking for a true-crime heist, a satirical mockumentary, or a medieval battle epic, this weekend’s viewing lineup provides plenty of engaging narratives.

‘Dead of Winter’ (2025)

In ‘Dead of Winter’, Emma Thompson stars as Barb, a Minnesota widow who embarks on a journey to scatter her late husband’s ashes in the snowy wilderness. Her introspective trip takes a terrifying turn when she stops at an isolated cabin and discovers a dangerous couple holding a young girl hostage. Refusing to abandon the kidnapped teenager, Barb must rely on her resourcefulness and survival skills to outwit her ruthless pursuers. Director Brian Kirk crafts a tense psychological thriller that pits an ordinary woman against extreme elements and violent criminals.

‘The Smashing Machine’ (2025)

Dwayne Johnson undergoes a dramatic transformation in ‘The Smashing Machine’ to portray legendary mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr during the early days of the sport. Directed by Benny Safdie, this biographical drama chronicles Kerr’s dominating rise through the heavyweight tournaments of the late 1990s. The narrative simultaneously explores the athlete’s intense personal struggles, including his battle with addiction and the strain on his relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn Staples. By focusing on both his physical dominance and private vulnerabilities, the film offers an unflinching look at the severe physical and mental tolls of combat sports.

‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ (2025)

Rose Byrne delivers a powerful performance in ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ as Linda, a burnt-out psychotherapist whose life begins to unravel amidst a series of personal crises. While trying to manage her daughter’s severe and mysterious illness, she must also deal with an emotionally distant husband and the sudden collapse of her apartment’s ceiling. Forced into a temporary motel, Linda struggles to maintain her professional composure while attending sessions with her own deeply unsympathetic therapist. Filmmaker Mary Bronstein directs this intense psychological drama, capturing the claustrophobia and escalating panic of a mother pushed to her absolute breaking point.

‘My Cousin Rachel’ (2017)

Based on the classic novel by Daphne du Maurier, ‘My Cousin Rachel’ follows a young Englishman named Philip who seeks retribution for his guardian’s sudden death. Philip strongly suspects that his older cousin’s mysterious new wife, Rachel, is directly responsible for the fatal illness that claimed his life. His plans for vengeance become dangerously complicated when he finally meets the enigmatic widow and quickly falls under her beguiling spell. As Philip’s infatuation deepens, the narrative blurs the lines between manipulation and genuine affection, keeping her true motives obscured until the very end.

‘Masterminds’ (2016)

Based on the true story of the 1997 Loomis Fargo robbery, ‘Masterminds’ follows a naive armored car driver who gets caught up in a massive heist. Zach Galifianakis plays David Ghantt, a well-meaning employee who is easily manipulated by his former work crush into stealing $17 million in untraceable cash. After successfully pulling off the robbery and fleeing to Mexico, David soon discovers that his greedy accomplices have set him up to take the fall. Forced to evade Interpol agents and a hitman hired by his former partners, the bumbling thief must find a way to turn the tables and clear his name.

‘The Notebook’ (2004)

Set primarily in the 1940s, ‘The Notebook’ chronicles the passionate and turbulent love story between mill worker Noah Calhoun and wealthy heiress Allie Hamilton. Their blossoming summer romance is abruptly derailed by Allie’s disapproving parents and the looming outbreak of the Second World War. After years of separation and unanswered letters, the two cross paths once again, forcing Allie to choose between her socially acceptable fiancé and her first true love. The enduring nature of their bond is framed by modern-day sequences in a nursing home, where an elderly man reads their sweeping love story to a fellow resident suffering from dementia.

‘Best in Show’ (2000)

Christopher Guest directs ‘Best in Show’, a heavily improvised mockumentary that provides a satirical look at the highly competitive world of prestigious dog shows. The comedy follows a colorful ensemble of eccentric pet owners, trainers, and handlers as they travel to Philadelphia for the fictional Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. From an intense yuppie couple terrified of traumatizing their Weimaraner to a fly-fishing bloodhound owner who aspires to be a ventriloquist, the competitors display extreme neurotic behaviors. The chaotic preparations and intense rivalries culminate in the final exhibition, narrated by an incredibly unqualified and completely oblivious color commentator.

‘Robin Hood’ (2010)

Ridley Scott directs ‘Robin Hood’, a gritty historical interpretation of the legendary English outlaw starring Russell Crowe as an archer named Robin Longstride. Following the death of King Richard the Lionheart, Robin travels to Nottingham, where he discovers a town crippled by heavy taxation and corrupt leadership. He soon assumes the identity of a fallen knight and crosses paths with the fierce Lady Marion, who remains highly skeptical of his true motives. As political intrigue and the threat of a French invasion threaten the fracturing country, Robin must rally a band of unlikely fighters to defend England and challenge the tyrannical King John.

‘Valentine’s Day’ (2010)

Directed by Garry Marshall, ‘Valentine’s Day’ features a massive ensemble cast and weaves together multiple interconnected storylines occurring over a single day in Los Angeles. The narrative explores the highs and lows of modern romance, following various couples and singles as they navigate first dates, longtime commitments, and unexpected heartbreak on February 14th. Characters ranging from a florist dealing with a sudden marriage proposal to a military captain flying home to see a loved one highlight different facets of affection. As the day progresses, the intersecting lives of these diverse individuals culminate in a series of surprising reunions, romantic gestures, and comedic misunderstandings.

‘MacGruber’ (2010)

Born from a popular sketch, ‘MacGruber’ is an action-comedy parody starring Will Forte as an incredibly inept but highly decorated special operations agent. Ten years after the tragic death of his fiancée, the mullet-wearing hero is pulled out of a peaceful retirement to locate a stolen nuclear warhead. Forced to face his sworn enemy, Dieter Von Cunth, the bizarre protagonist assembles a ragtag team of experts to help him infiltrate the villain’s compound. Using highly unorthodox methods and displaying a sheer lack of practical skills, he bumbles his way through a mission filled with explosive mishaps and absurd action movie tropes.

Please share your thoughts on which of these diverse films you are planning to watch this weekend in the comments.