‘One Battle After Another’ Is HBO Max’s Most-Watched Movie This Week

The current streaming landscape on Max is dominated by a mix of holiday classics and recent international blockbusters that are drawing significant viewership. As the winter season progresses audiences are gravitating toward nostalgic favorites that define the festive period alongside major cinematic sequels. These trending titles reflect a diverse range of genres including animated fantasies and historical dramas that appeal to global subscribers. The following list highlights the films currently capturing the most attention from viewers across the platform.

‘A Christmas Story’ (1983)

Ralphie Parker dreams of receiving a Red Ryder air rifle for Christmas despite warnings that he might shoot his eye out. The story follows his humorous attempts to convince his parents and a local department store Santa of the gift’s importance. This holiday classic captures the nostalgia of childhood through various vignettes involving his eccentric family and schoolyard bullies. It has become a seasonal staple for viewers due to its relatable portrayal of middle class American life.

‘Elf’ (2003)

Buddy is a human who grew up in the North Pole among Santa’s elves before traveling to New York City to find his biological father. He struggles to adapt to the cynical atmosphere of the city while attempting to spread Christmas cheer to everyone he encounters. His father is a gruff book publisher who initially rejects the idea of having a grown son dressed as an elf. The film explores themes of family connection and the importance of maintaining a childlike wonder during the holiday season.

‘Ne Zha 2’ (2025)

This animated sequel continues the journey of the powerful deity Ne Zha as he faces new challenges within the celestial realm. The narrative delves into his struggle with destiny while he attempts to protect his people from emerging supernatural threats. High production values and intricate visual effects define this latest entry in the popular Chinese fantasy franchise. It expands the mythological lore established in the original film while introducing a new cast of divine adversaries.

‘Gremlins’ (1984)

A young man receives a mysterious creature called a Mogwai as a Christmas gift with three very specific rules for its care. When these rules are inadvertently broken a group of mischievous and destructive monsters begins to terrorize the small town. The plot blends elements of horror and comedy as the residents fight to reclaim their community from the chaotic swarm. It remains a notable example of genre blending cinema from the eighties that subverts traditional holiday themes.

‘Bad Santa 2’ (2016)

Willie Soke returns as the cynical con man who dons a Santa Claus suit to pull off a heist at a Chicago charity. This time he is joined by his mother and his former partner to execute a plan during the height of the Christmas festivities. The story explores the dysfunctional family dynamics while he navigates his own self destructive tendencies. It serves as a gritty follow up to the original cult classic by maintaining its signature brand of dark humor.

‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ (2001)

Young Harry Potter discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard and has been invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He makes loyal friends and learns about the dark past surrounding the death of his parents at the hands of Lord Voldemort. The plot follows his first year of education where he uncovers a secret plot involving a legendary magical artifact. This film launched one of the most successful cinematic franchises in history and introduced audiences to a vast wizarding world.

‘Bad Santa’ (2003)

A miserable con man and his partner pose as Santa and his Little Helper to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. Their plan encounters a complication when the main character befriends a troubled boy who believes he is the real Santa Claus. The narrative uses dark comedy to critique holiday consumerism and explore the possibility of redemption for a deeply flawed protagonist. It became a significant box office success and is often cited as a standout in the holiday comedy genre.

‘Christmas with the Kranks’ (2004)

Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip Christmas and go on a cruise because their daughter is away in the Peace Corps. Their decision sparks outrage among their neighbors who take holiday traditions very seriously in their suburban community. The couple must frantically organize a celebration at the last minute when their daughter unexpectedly announces she is coming home for the holidays. This film explores the social pressures and logistical chaos often associated with seasonal festivities.

‘A Christmas Story Christmas’ (2022)

Now an adult Ralphie returns to his childhood home on Cleveland Street to give his own children a magical Christmas like the ones he experienced. He must navigate the complexities of adulthood and the loss of his father while trying to fulfill holiday expectations. The story features several returning cast members and pays tribute to the original film through various callbacks and similar thematic elements. It serves as a direct sequel that bridges the gap between generations of the Parker family.

‘One Battle After Another’ (2025)

This movie combines intense action sequences with a deep emotional drama that resonates with a broad audience. The story explores the complexities of conflict through its well developed characters and high stakes plot. It serves as a central highlight for subscribers looking for contemporary hits on the platform.

Tell us which of these popular movies you plan to stream next by sharing your thoughts in the comments.