‘Elf’ Is HBO Max’s Most-Watched Movie This Week Again

Viewers are diving into a mix of holiday classics and high-stakes thrillers as the streaming charts heat up this week. The current lineup features a heavy dose of festive favorites alongside recent theatrical hits that have just landed on the platform. From the supernatural investigations of the Warrens to the chaotic comedic energy of the Griswold family, there is something for every type of audience member. This selection reflects a blend of nostalgic comfort viewing and the excitement of catching up on the year’s biggest suspense films.

‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017)

Lorraine Broughton is an elite MI6 agent sent to Berlin during the Cold War to recover a priceless dossier and dismantle a ruthless espionage ring. She navigates a deadly web of double agents and betrayal while showcasing her lethal hand-to-hand combat skills. The film is celebrated for its stylish visuals and intricate action sequences that keep the tension high from start to finish. Charlize Theron delivers a powerhouse performance in this gritty spy thriller set against the backdrop of the falling Berlin Wall.

‘Wedding Crashers’ (2005)

John Beckwith and Jeremy Grey are divorce mediators who spend their free time crashing wedding receptions to meet women. Their proven system of fake identities and charm hits a snag when they infiltrate the high-profile wedding of the Secretary of the Treasury’s daughter. Complications arise as John falls for the bridesmaid Claire, forcing the duo to navigate the eccentric and wealthy Cleary family. This comedy explores themes of friendship and love amidst a series of chaotic and hilarious social blunders.

‘Bad Santa’ (2003)

Willie T. Soke is a con man who poses as a department store Santa Claus to rob shopping malls on Christmas Eve. His plan is complicated by his alcoholism, his erratic behavior, and a friendship with a bullied young boy named Thurman Merman. The film offers a dark, cynical take on the holiday season, contrasting traditional festive cheer with gritty criminal antics. Billy Bob Thornton’s portrayal of the anti-hero creates a unique blend of crude humor and unexpected emotional depth.

‘The Polar Express’ (2004)

A young boy who has grown skeptical of Santa Claus embarks on a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. During the journey, he meets a mysterious conductor and other children who are also seeking to rediscover their belief. The adventure challenges the passengers to find courage, friendship, and the true spirit of Christmas. This animated feature utilizes motion-capture technology to bring a classic storybook world to life with stunning visual detail.

‘The Brothers McMullen’ (1995)

Three Irish-Catholic brothers from Long Island are forced to navigate their complicated love lives while living under the same roof. After the death of their father, they struggle with commitment, infidelity, and the pressure of family expectations. The film offers a grounded and dialogue-driven look at the relationships between siblings and their romantic partners. It remains a significant entry in independent cinema, known for its realistic portrayal of brotherly dynamics.

‘Flight Risk’ (2025)

A pilot is tasked with transporting an Air Marshal and a fugitive across the treacherous Alaskan wilderness in a small plane. Tensions escalate rapidly when the pilot’s true identity and intentions come into question, turning the routine flight into a deadly game of cat and mouse. The confined setting heightens the suspense as the passengers must fight for survival against both the elements and each other. This psychological thriller keeps audiences guessing until the final descent.

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ (2025)

Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren return to face one of their most terrifying cases involving a dark entity attached to a dying man. The couple must delve into the history of a cursed bloodline and perform a dangerous ritual to prevent a soul from being dragged to hell. The stakes are personal as the demonic force threatens to tear the Warren family apart. This chapter expands the supernatural universe with new lore and relentless scares.

‘National Lampoon”s Christmas Vacation’ (1989)

Clark Griswold is determined to create the perfect old-fashioned family Christmas, but his plans are constantly thwarted by disasters. From faulty exterior lights to the arrival of uninvited and eccentric relatives, the holiday quickly spirals into comedic chaos. Clark tries to maintain his sanity while waiting for a much-needed holiday bonus to cover his expenses. The film has become a seasonal staple, celebrated for its slapstick humor and memorable quotes.

‘Christmas with the Kranks’ (2004)

Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip the stress of the holiday season and spend the money on a Caribbean cruise instead. Their plan to boycott Christmas draws the ire of their obsessionally festive neighbors, leading to a community-wide conflict. Panic sets in when their daughter Blair decides to come home at the last minute, forcing the couple to scramble and create a perfect Christmas in just a few hours. This comedy highlights the pressure of social expectations and the chaotic nature of holiday traditions.

‘Elf’ (2003)

Buddy is a human who was raised by elves at the North Pole and travels to New York City to find his biological father. His innocent and childlike enthusiasm for Christmas clashes hilariously with the cynical attitude of his businessman father, Walter Hobbs. Buddy attempts to bond with his new family and help the city rediscover the holiday spirit. The movie is widely regarded as a modern classic, driven by its heartwarming message and energetic humor.

Let us know in the comments which of these movies you are planning to watch this weekend.