Streaming on Max: The 23 best movies you should definitely watch

There’s plenty of extreme violence in this DC film about a group of supervillains who agree to cooperate with the U.S. government in exchange for a cut from their prison sentences. Their mission: to destroy something called “Project Starfish,” which is hidden on the fictional island nation of Corto Maltese. Featuring a notable cast that includes Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, and John Cena, 2021’s The Suicide Squad is a wicked, entertaining, and darkly gory story that’s a departure from the norm in superhero movies. (The spinoff TV series, The Peacemaker, is also available to watch on Max.)

Robert Pattinson stars as Batman in this dystopian superhero movie directed by Matt Reeves. Set in a perpetually grey, rain-soaked Gotham City, the movie sees Bruce Wayne on the hunt for a murderer with a penchant for solving mysteries. Along the way, he meets the dashing Catwoman, played by Zoe Kravitz. A dark and satisfying mystery, The Batman will also be getting a spinoff series, The Penguin, in 2024.

This comedy-drama begins with 32-year-old Lucy (Dakota Johnson) confessing to her longtime best friend Jane that she likes women. But when that friend (House of the Dragon’s Sonoya Mizuno) moves to London, Lucy has more obstacles to overcome. If you like stories about late-blooming female friendships, then Am I OK? is definitely one to check out – funny and touching.

Max’s “Father of the Bride” depicts a Cuban-American family, including Billy, a traditional man who is impatient to receive surprising news from his eldest daughter: She has met a man, wants to marry him and move in with him. The third film adaptation of Edward Streeter’s 1949 novel of the same name is an enjoyable film, featuring stars such as Andy Garcia and singer Gloria Estefan.

Meryl Streep plays an eccentric writer in Steven Soderbergh’s comedy. What more do you want to know? To find out more, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Hughes (Streep) is being hounded by her literary agent (Gemma Chan) and struggling to finish her next book. She boards a cruise ship with old friends who inspired her most famous work. The tension is intense. The visuals are stunning (Soderbergh uses crisp natural lighting) and most of the dialogue is improvised. Just look at how Dianne Wiest, Candice Bergen, Lucas Hedges, and the rest of the impeccable cast have fun with it.

This prequel to Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, starring Dune’s Timothée Chalamet, is a real treat. With songs new and familiar, a dedicated cast, and plenty of quirkiness, the film gives audiences the chance to get to know a young Willy Wonka with the ambition of a giraffe and undeniable chocolate-making skills. From Paddington director Paul King, this quirky, heartwarming film is a must-see.

The musical version of The Color Purple is based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel and Broadway show. Set in the early 1900s, the film tells the story of Celie, a Black woman living in the South who faces obstacles but finds strength in the connections she makes in life. The cast includes Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Halle Bailey, and Danielle Brooks, who is nominated for a 2023 Academy Award for her role as Celie’s stepdaughter, Sophia.

In the Heights stars Anthony Ramos (best known for his role as John Lawrence in Hamilton) as Usnavi, a bodega owner struggling to keep his shop afloat as a heatwave hits Washington Heights. Secretly in love with his neighbor Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), who dreams of leaving the salon and leaving the neighborhood, Usnavi treats the residents of Washington Heights to loads of love, lottery tickets, and cafe con leche. Between choreographed twirls and fireworks, In the Heights examines wealth disparity, immigration, classism, and the importance of culture.

This thrilling prequel to the 2015 film Mad Max: Fury Road stars Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit, Menu) as a younger version of Charlize Theron’s General Furiosa, whose life changes when she finds herself lost in the wilderness rather than in the green land of her mother. Our resourceful heroine fights for survival, facing off against villains including General Dementus, played by Chris Hemsworth. Visually striking and intense, Furiosa: The Mad Max Saga is packed with post-apocalyptic action that you won’t want to miss a minute of.

Unless you live in Barbieland (or anywhere else that isn’t real life), you’re probably already familiar with this pink comedy. The highest-grossing Warner Bros. movie of all time brings together an all-star cast for a hilarious, heartwarming adventure, directed by Greta Gerwig, starring Margot Robbie and featuring Ryan Gosling belting out some great power ballads as Ken.

Packed with unforgettable footage, this captivating documentary centers on two brothers who run an avian hospital in New Delhi specializing in black kites, essential birds of prey in the skies. It has been shortlisted for the 2023 Academy Awards for Best Documentary Feature.

Watch HBO’s documentary for gravity-defying skateboarding stunts, a time capsule of the 80s skateboarding scene, and a side of Hawk you’ve probably never seen before. The famous athlete was a lanky, stubborn, but determined kid who developed his own unique skateboarding style. Hawk’s tenacity is incredible, along with the amazing skateboarding moves packed into the film. It’s an unforgettable experience.

The film about beloved author, chef, and globetrotting TV host Anthony Bourdain comes from documentary filmmaker Morgan Neville, whose previous works include 2018’s Won’t You Be My Neighbor? and the Oscar-winning Twenty Feet from Stardom. Through interviews with those who knew Bourdain, including friends, former partners, and longtime colleagues, the documentary explores his career trajectory, relationships, and personal struggles. Bourdain fans and those unfamiliar with the star will both enjoy this two-hour look at his life.

Steven Soderbergh directs this riveting tech thriller set during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neon-blue-haired Zoe Kravitz plays Seattle tech employee Angela, who has agoraphobia and can’t even walk through the front door of her apartment building. But when she discovers a disturbing recording at work, she decides to take the plunge. Kimi is a stylish thriller with eye-catching cinematography, a solid score, and a protagonist you can root for.

A film from Steven Soderbergh, the legendary director behind Erin Brockovich, Ocean’s 11, and most recently Logan Lucky. Set in 1950s Detroit, this crime thriller is full of plot twists, thrills, and desperate characters. When a seemingly simple job gets out of hand, a group of criminals must work together to uncover the truth. Enjoy a great cast that includes Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, David Harbour, Jon Hamm, and Amy Seimetz. The story is a bit convoluted, and some may not be able to stand the fisheye cinematography, but Soderbergh’s sense of humor and immersive direction make this crime thriller a fun way to spend an evening.

Even if you normally steer clear of the young adult genre, you won’t want to miss Turtles All the Way Down, based on John Green’s 2017 novel of the same name. The film stars Isabella Merced (Madame Web, upcoming sci-fi film Alien: Romulus) as a teenage girl struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. With elements of romance and Merced’s captivating performance, this streaming film deserves more attention.

Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, about Priscilla’s relationship with Elvis Presley, is now streaming on Max along with other new films from entertainment company A24. The stylish film stars Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi and is told from Priscilla’s perspective. If you like A24’s new releases, Max’s collection also includes Iron Claw, Zone of Interest, Dream Scenario, Love Lies Bleeding and Civil War.

After a shooting at her high school, 16-year-old Vada Cavell must navigate her friendships, school and family. Fallout expertly tackles serious themes with realistic dialogue and compassion for its characters. Powerful performances from Jenna Ortega as Vada and Maddie Ziegler as Vada’s new friend Mia Reed keep the film glued to the screen for the entire 90-minute runtime.

King Richard is a heartwarming biopic about the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. The film takes us back to the sisters’ pre-fame days, offering glimpses into their Compton upbringing and their days practicing on rundown courts with their father, Richard Williams (Will Smith). Confident that his daughters will be successful, Richard works tirelessly to get professional coaches to recognize their star potential. A complex and wonderful character, Richard is fascinating to get to know and his unwavering belief in Venus and Serena is inspiring.

Remember when Warner Bros. movies were available on HBO Max on the same day they premiered in theaters in 2021? Those exciting times may be over, but at least we’ll have the memories of watching Denis Villeneuve’s incredible sci-fi blockbuster Dune at home. If you haven’t seen the movie yet or need a refresher on what “spice” is before watching part two (also available on Max), stream part one now.

What can we say about the acclaimed Japanese drama “Drive My Car”? It won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film in 2022. It’s also a three-hour long film, and people sit through it until the very end. To me, that alone says a lot. But seriously, “Drive My Car” is a powerful film that explores loss and letting go. If you missed it, you can stream it now.

A rare 90-minute film these days, the American-Mexican drama Son of Monarchs will stay with you long after the end credits roll. This deep character study follows two brothers who are changed in strikingly different ways by childhood trauma. The story weaves together elements of magical realism to chart their journey through life, including powerful use of butterfly metaphors, such as when biologist Mendel returns to his hometown surrounded by a forest of majestic monarch butterflies.

Based on a magazine article by journalist Robert Kolker, this story about a public school embezzlement case and the student journalists who broke the story is gripping from start to finish. Allison Janney and Hugh Jackman are fantastic as the school officials involved in the scheme. The show also won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie in 2020.