Here Are the Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on HBO Max, Including ‘Warfare’

There’s a wide mix of new and library films landing on the service across the latest weekly drops—from a headline-grabbing modern war drama to award-season historical epics, festival-circuit animation, studio comedies, cult horror, and music-world biographies. If you’re carving out a weekend watchlist, these ten picks come straight from this week’s roundup articles and earlier recent lists, with the newest arrivals prioritized first so you can start with the freshest additions.

Below, each entry gives you a quick plot primer plus key credits—directors, writers, producers, and principal cast—so you know exactly what you’re queuing before you hit play. Titles are written exactly as listed on the platform, and every selection here is a movie pulled from those weekly lineups.

‘Warfare’ (2025)

A modern war drama that embeds viewers with a small U.S. unit during a single high-stakes mission, ‘Warfare’ plays out largely in real time as the team navigates reconnaissance, changing orders, and split-second choices under fire. The story is built around ground-level radio chatter, squad tactics, and the ripple effects of each decision across the operation.

Developed with A24 and produced by DNA Films, the feature anchors its tension in close-quarters camerawork and immersive sound design. The cast is led by a young ensemble, with the production drawing on veterans’ experiences to shape the unit’s perspective and on-the-ground authenticity.

‘The Woman King’ (2022)

Set in the West African kingdom of Dahomey, ‘The Woman King’ follows the Agojie—an elite, all-female military regiment—as they train recruits, protect their homeland, and confront geopolitical pressures. The plot tracks leadership decisions inside the palace and the regiment’s battlefield strategies as rival powers close in.

The film is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, written by Dana Stevens from a story by Maria Bello and Stevens, and stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, and John Boyega. TriStar Pictures released the production, which stages large-scale combat with spear and sword formations choreographed around the unit’s command structure.

‘Lonely Castle in the Mirror’ (2022)

Seven students escaping troubles at school discover a portal to a castle ruled by a masked girl, where puzzles, rules, and a promise of a wish tie their fates together. As the group searches for a hidden key, the story weaves friendship, secrecy, and the consequences of breaking the castle’s conditions.

Directed by Keiichi Hara and based on Mizuki Tsujimura’s bestselling novel, the animated feature was produced by A-1 Pictures and released domestically by Toho before expanding internationally. Detailed background art and a mystery-driven structure support the ensemble voice cast through each reveal.

‘The House’ (2017)

When suburban parents lose their college fund, they turn their home into an underground casino, pulling neighbors and small-town regulars into a risky side hustle. ‘The House’ follows the operation’s escalating schemes, security headaches, and clashes with local authorities as the stakes grow.

Directed by Andrew J. Cohen from a screenplay by Cohen and Brendan O’Brien, the studio comedy stars Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler, with Jason Mantzoukas, Nick Kroll, and Michaela Watkins in key supporting roles. The production comes from New Line Cinema and Gary Sanchez Productions.

‘Fireworks’ (2017)

A seaside school day spirals into time-bending what-ifs after a boy finds a mysterious orb that rewinds events, letting him attempt different choices with a classmate who’s about to leave town. ‘Fireworks’ uses repeated moments to reorder cause and effect as each small decision reshapes the outcome.

An animated feature from studio Shaft, it is directed by Akiyuki Shinbo with Nobuyuki Takeuchi and adapts the premise of Shunji Iwai’s television drama. The screenplay is by Hitoshi Ōne, with stylized lighting and long musical passages distinguishing each reset.

‘Almost Christmas’ (2016)

A widower brings his sprawling family together for the holidays, hoping everyone can honor old traditions while making room for new relationships and long-simmering disagreements. Across one long weekend, ‘Almost Christmas’ tracks kitchen mishaps, reunion tensions, and a path toward reconciliation.

Written and directed by David E. Talbert and produced by Will Packer, the ensemble includes Danny Glover, Kimberly Elise, Mo’Nique, Gabrielle Union, Romany Malco, J.B. Smoove, Nicole Ari Parker, Omar Epps, and Jessie T. Usher. Universal Pictures released the film, which blends family-drama beats with broad comic set pieces.

‘Veronica Mars’ (2014)

Years after leaving her hometown, Veronica returns to Neptune to help Logan Echolls when a scandal turns deadly, pulling her back into a case that overlaps with old social divides and powerful local interests. ‘Veronica Mars’ reconnects familiar faces from the original series as the investigation deepens.

Written and directed by series creator Rob Thomas with co-writer Diane Ruggiero-Wright, the film stars Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, Enrico Colantoni, Chris Lowell, Ryan Hansen, and Tina Majorino. The project was produced and released by Warner Bros. after a record-setting crowdfunding campaign reassembled the core ensemble.

‘The Cabin in the Woods’ (2012)

Five friends head to a remote getaway where hidden mechanisms begin steering events toward a ritualized outcome. ‘The Cabin in the Woods’ intercuts the cabin with a control facility whose technicians influence choices and unleash a catalog of creatures.

Directed by Drew Goddard from a screenplay by Goddard and producer Joss Whedon, the film stars Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Fran Kranz, Richard Jenkins, and Bradley Whitford. Lionsgate distributed the feature after a delayed rollout tied to industry-wide financing issues.

‘Splinter’ (2008)

A couple and an ex-con are trapped at a gas station when a parasitic organism turns hosts into spiked, contorted predators. ‘Splinter’ stays tight on containment tactics inside the store while the biological threat escalates outside.

Directed by Toby Wilkins, the independent production stars Jill Wagner, Paulo Costanzo, and Shea Whigham. Practical creature effects and a compact, single-location setup drive the film’s tension from scene to scene.

‘Selena’ (1997)

This biographical drama chronicles the life and career of Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla, following her family’s role in her musical rise and the milestones that made her a crossover figure. ‘Selena’ traces rehearsals, tours, and recording sessions through the singer’s close partnership with her father-manager.

Directed by Gregory Nava, the feature stars Jennifer Lopez as Selena with Edward James Olmos as Abraham Quintanilla and supporting turns from Jon Seda and Constance Marie. Released by Warner Bros., the production incorporates authorized family accounts and performance recreations to chart the artist’s path.

Share your own weekend picks from these weekly additions in the comments!