‘One Battle After Another’ Tops HBO Max’s Top 10 Most-Watched Movies List of the Week

The streaming landscape on HBO Max continues to evolve with a mix of seasonal holiday favorites and high energy international releases capturing the attention of viewers worldwide. As winter celebrations reach their peak the platform has seen a surge in viewership for nostalgic family comedies and gritty alternative holiday films. These rankings reflect the most popular cinematic choices based on recent streaming data and audience engagement trends across various regions. From magical wizarding adventures to modern sequels of beloved classics these titles represent the current top tier of on demand entertainment.

‘A Christmas Story’ (1983)

Ralphie Parker dreams of receiving a Red Ryder air rifle for Christmas despite the constant warnings from adults that he will shoot his eye out. The story follows his humorous misadventures in a small Indiana town during the 1940s as the holiday approaches. He navigates a series of iconic challenges including a frozen flagpole incident and an encounter with a neighborhood bully. This nostalgic comedy has become a staple of seasonal broadcasting and remains a beloved classic for many families.

‘Elf’ (2003)

Buddy is a human who was raised by elves at the North Pole and decides to travel to New York City to find his biological father. He struggles to adapt to the cynical atmosphere of the city while wearing his bright green elf costume. His infectious enthusiasm and love for Christmas candy eventually win over his skeptical family and the general public. The film features a comedic performance by Will Ferrell that helped establish the movie as a modern holiday favorite.

‘Ne Zha 2’ (2025)

This animated sequel continues the journey of the powerful deity Ne Zha as he faces new threats to the mortal realm and his own destiny. The film follows the protagonist as he balances his chaotic nature with the responsibilities of a protector. High quality visual effects and traditional Chinese mythology provide a backdrop for the emotional growth of the main characters. It broke box office records upon its release and expanded the cinematic universe established in ‘Ne Zha’.

‘Gremlins’ (1984)

A young man receives a strange creature called a Mogwai as a Christmas gift but fails to follow the strict rules for its care. When the creature accidentally gets wet it produces a horde of mischievous and destructive monsters that terrorize a small town. The plot blends elements of horror and comedy to create a unique holiday atmosphere. Its success led to a sequel and significant cultural influence regarding animatronics and monster design in cinema.

‘Bad Santa 2’ (2016)

Willie Soke returns as the cynical professional thief who disguises himself as a department store Santa to pull off a holiday heist. He teams up with his former partner Marcus and his estranged mother to rob a Chicago based charity on Christmas Eve. The sequel maintains the dark humor and adult themes found in the original ‘Bad Santa’. It explores the dysfunctional relationships of the main characters while delivering a gritty take on festive celebrations.

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

A young boy discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses magical powers of his own. He is whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to begin his education and uncover the truth about his past. Along with his new friends Ron and Hermione he uncovers a plot involving a legendary stone that can grant immortality. This film launched one of the most successful franchises in cinematic history and brought the magical world to life.

‘Bad Santa’ (2003)

A miserable conman and his partner pose as Santa and his Little Helper to rob department stores during the peak of the holiday shopping season. Their plan hits a snag when the protagonist befriends a troubled boy who still believes in the magic of Christmas. The dark comedy subverts traditional holiday tropes with its profane dialogue and unconventional main character. It became a cult classic for viewers who prefer a more cynical approach to festive entertainment.

‘Christmas with the Kranks’ (2004)

Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip Christmas festivities and go on a Caribbean cruise after their daughter leaves for a holiday mission. Their plans are met with intense social pressure from their holiday obsessed neighbors who insist they participate in local traditions. When their daughter announces a surprise visit at the last minute the couple must frantically organize a celebration in just a few hours. The film explores themes of community and the chaos that often accompanies the holiday season.

‘A Christmas Story Christmas’ (2022)

Ralphie Parker is now an adult who returns to his childhood home on Cleveland Street to give his own children a magical Christmas. He reconnects with old friends and navigates the challenges of being a parent during the most stressful time of the year. The movie serves as a direct sequel to the original ‘A Christmas Story’ and features many of the same cast members. It balances nostalgia with a modern perspective on the enduring themes of family and tradition.

‘One Battle After Another’ (2024)

This high stakes action film depicts a series of intense conflicts where the protagonists must survive overwhelming odds on the battlefield. The narrative focuses on the tactical decisions and personal sacrifices made by soldiers during a critical military operation. Its gritty portrayal of combat and brotherhood provides a visceral experience for fans of the war genre. The production utilizes realistic practical effects and large scale set pieces to immerse the audience in the chaos of war.

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