Here Are the Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on HBO Max, Including an Acclaimed Sports Biopic

With the weekend approaching, HBO Max has updated its library with a mix of highly anticipated new releases and beloved classics perfect for a movie marathon. From intense psychological thrillers and gritty biographical dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, the current lineup offers something for every type of viewer. Whether you are looking for the latest 2025 hits or want to revisit a romantic favorite, this selection covers the best options available for streaming right now.

‘Dead of Winter’ (2025)

Emma Thompson stars in this intense psychological thriller as a widow fighting for her life in the harsh Minnesota wilderness. While traveling to scatter her husband’s ashes, she encounters a dangerous couple and discovers a kidnapped young woman held captive in their remote cabin. The film transforms Thompson into a gritty survivalist who must utilize her outdoor skills to outwit her pursuers in freezing conditions. Judy Greer delivers a chilling performance as the antagonist in this suspenseful game of cat and mouse. The story combines high-stakes action with a character-driven narrative about grief and resilience.

‘The Smashing Machine’ (2025)

Dwayne Johnson delivers a transformative performance as legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr in this biographical drama directed by Benny Safdie. The film chronicles Kerr’s dominant rise in the UFC during the late 1990s and his subsequent battle with opioid addiction. Emily Blunt co-stars as his wife, providing the emotional anchor as Kerr navigates the physical and psychological toll of the sport. Safdie utilizes a raw, unflinching style to depict the brutal reality of professional fighting outside the ring. This A24 production explores the vulnerability behind the tough exterior of a combat sports icon.

‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ (2025)

Rose Byrne stars as a burnt-out psychotherapist struggling to keep her life together amidst a family medical crisis. The narrative follows her chaotic journey through a hostile healthcare system while she attempts to care for her ill daughter and manage a strained relationship with her own therapist. Directed by Mary Bronstein, the film balances dark comedy with intense emotional drama to critique bureaucratic absurdity. Conan O’Brien and A$AP Rocky appear in supporting roles that add to the film’s unique and eccentric tone. It is a stressful yet compelling portrait of a woman pushed to her absolute limits.

‘My Cousin Rachel’ (2017)

Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier, this dark romance follows a young Englishman named Philip who plots revenge against his mysterious cousin. He believes she is responsible for the death of his guardian, but his plans are complicated when he falls under her beguiling spell. Rachel Weisz and Sam Claflin lead the cast in a story filled with ambiguity, obsession, and psychological tension. The film masterfully maintains the question of Rachel’s innocence or guilt until the very end. Its lush cinematography and period setting enhance the moody, atmospheric tone of the mystery.

‘Masterminds’ (2016)

This crime comedy recounts the true story of the 1997 Loomis Fargo robbery, one of the largest cash heists in American history. Zach Galifianakis plays David Ghantt, an armored car driver who is manipulated by a work crush and her criminal cohorts into stealing $17 million. The film features an ensemble of comedic talent, including Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, and Jason Sudeikis, who bring absurdity to the real-life events. Director Jared Hess leans into slapstick humor and eccentric character work to depict the bumbling nature of the criminals. It serves as a lighthearted and ridiculous take on a serious federal crime.

‘The Notebook’ (2004)

Adapted from Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling novel, this romantic drama chronicles the enduring love story between Noah and Allie. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams play the young couple who fall deeply in love in the 1940s despite their disparate social backgrounds and the intervention of her wealthy parents. The narrative shifts between their youthful courtship and their lives as elderly residents in a nursing home, portrayed by James Garner and Gena Rowlands. It remains a quintessential tearjerker that explores themes of memory, destiny, and the power of lifelong commitment. The film is widely regarded as a defining entry in the modern romance genre.

‘Best in Show’ (2000)

Christopher Guest directs this hilarious mockumentary that satirizes the highly competitive world of dog shows. The film follows several eccentric dog owners from across the country as they travel to the prestigious Mayflower Dog Show in Philadelphia. The ensemble cast, featuring Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, and Fred Willard, relies heavily on improvisation to create memorable and bizarre characters. Each storyline converges at the main event, highlighting the obsession and neuroses of the participants. It is celebrated for its dry wit and affectionate yet ridiculous portrayal of canine enthusiasts.

‘Robin Hood’ (2010)

Ridley Scott reimagines the legend of the English folklore hero with a gritty, historical approach focused on political intrigue. Russell Crowe stars as Robin Longstride, an archer in King Richard’s army who returns to England to find a nation crippled by debt and threatened by French invasion. Cate Blanchett plays a spirited Marion Loxley, who aids Robin in his fight against corruption and tyranny. The film emphasizes large-scale medieval warfare and the origins of the Magna Carta rather than the traditional merry adventures. It offers a more grounded and action-heavy interpretation of the outlaw’s rise to infamy.

‘Valentine’s Day’ (2010)

Director Garry Marshall weaves together multiple storylines featuring an all-star ensemble cast in this romantic comedy set in Los Angeles. The film tracks the interconnecting lives of various couples and singles as they navigate the expectations and pressures of February 14th. Stars such as Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Bradley Cooper, and Anne Hathaway portray characters dealing with breakups, proposals, and secret crushes. The narrative structure mimics a day in the life of the city, highlighting the different ways people experience love and heartbreak. It is a light, festive movie designed to celebrate the holiday with charm and star power.

‘MacGruber’ (2010)

Based on the Saturday Night Live sketch, this action-comedy parody stars Will Forte as a bumbling special operations agent. MacGruber is brought out of retirement to stop his arch-nemesis, Dieter Von Cunth, from using a stolen nuclear warhead. The film embraces over-the-top violence, crude humor, and 1980s action tropes to lampoon the genre. Kristen Wiig and Ryan Phillippe co-star as the competent team members forced to rely on MacGruber’s questionable gadgets and distractions. It has gained a cult following for its absurdity and commitment to its ridiculous premise.

Let us know which of these movies you are most excited to stream this weekend in the comments.