A Lauded Action Spin-Off Tops HBO Max’s Top 10 Most-Watched Movies List of the Week Again

HBO Max continues to attract a massive global audience by offering a diverse selection of high-budget blockbusters, timeless science fiction classics, and lighthearted family entertainment. This week’s trending titles showcase a significant interest in expansive cinematic universes, ranging from the desert landscapes of Arrakis to the high-stakes underworld of professional assassins. Subscribers are currently revisiting foundational action franchises while also catching up on the latest theatrical hits now available for home viewing. The following list represents the most popular cinematic choices on the platform based on current viewership data.

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

Andrea Sachs is a recent college graduate who lands a high-profile job as a junior personal assistant to Miranda Priestly, the formidable editor-in-chief of Runway magazine. Despite having no initial interest in the fashion industry, Andrea must navigate a demanding and cutthroat work environment to prove her professional worth. The film is an adaptation of Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel and provides a satirical look at the complexities of luxury publishing. Meryl Streep’s performance as the icy executive earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.

‘Alien’ (1979)

Director Ridley Scott’s seminal science fiction horror film follows the crew of the commercial starship Nostromo after they intercept a mysterious distress signal from a distant planet. The narrative centers on Ellen Ripley as she and her colleagues are hunted by a highly aggressive extraterrestrial life form that infiltrates their vessel. Renowned for its claustrophobic atmosphere and the biomechanical creature designs by artist H.R. Giger, the film became a landmark of the genre. It successfully blended elements of slasher cinema with futuristic exploration to launch a multi-media franchise spanning decades.

‘Dune’ (2021)

This adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic 1965 novel follows Paul Atreides, a brilliant young man born into a great destiny, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe. Arrakis is the only source of the “spice,” a precious resource that grants heightened consciousness and facilitates interstellar travel. As noble houses clash for control over the desert world, Paul is thrust into a galactic conflict that tests his survival instincts and leadership. The film received ten Academy Award nominations and is praised for its sweeping visuals and intricate world-building.

‘AVP: Alien vs. Predator’ (2004)

Bringing together two of cinema’s most iconic extraterrestrial species, this crossover film follows a team of scientists who discover an ancient pyramid buried deep beneath the Antarctic ice. The explorers soon realize they are caught in the middle of a ritualistic battle between the Xenomorphs and the Yautja warriors. As the humans struggle to survive the crossfire, they uncover the long history of the Predators’ presence on Earth. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the movie serves as a spin-off that bridges the lore of both the ‘Alien’ and ‘Predator’ universes.

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

The saga of Paul Atreides continues as he unites with Chani and the Fremen to wage a war of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future that only he can foresee. The sequel expands on the political and religious themes of the first installment while introducing new characters like the ruthless Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. This chapter concludes the adaptation of the original novel with large-scale battles and deeper explorations of Fremen culture.

‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001)

Set ten years after the events of the previous film, Rick and Evelyn O’Connell are now living in London with their son when the mummified body of Imhotep is resurrected. The plot involves a race against time to reach the lost oasis of Ahm Shere and prevent the awakening of the legendary Scorpion King. The protagonists must navigate ancient traps and supernatural armies to save their son and stop a global catastrophe. This sequel features the cinematic debut of Dwayne Johnson and significantly expanded the mythology of the adventure series.

‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2023)

John Wick uncovers a path to defeating the High Table, but before he can earn his freedom, he must face a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe. The journey takes the legendary hitman from New York to Osaka, Berlin, and Paris, featuring some of the most complex stunt work in the franchise. With the bounty on his head constantly increasing, Wick relies on his lethal skills and a few loyal allies to survive the relentless pursuit of professional assassins. The film is noted for its lengthy runtime and highly choreographed action sequences that push the boundaries of the genre.

‘Hop’ (2011)

This live-action and computer-animated hybrid tells the story of E.B., the teenage son of the Easter Bunny, who decides to pursue his dream of becoming a rock drummer rather than taking over the family business. After arriving in Hollywood, E.B. meets Fred O’Hare, an unemployed slacker who ends up helping the rabbit navigate the human world. Meanwhile, back on Easter Island, an ambitious chick named Carlos plots a coup to seize control of the holiday operations. The film combines whimsical humor with musical performances and features the voice talent of Russell Brand.

‘The Mummy’ (1999)

In 1923, adventurer Rick O’Connell and librarian Evelyn Carnahan travel to the City of the Dead, Hamunaptra, where they accidentally awaken a cursed high priest named Imhotep. The resurrected mummy begins to regenerate his physical form and unleashes a series of ancient plagues upon Egypt to reclaim his lost love. The group must find the Book of Amun-Ra to strip the creature of his immortality and return him to the underworld. Blending elements of action, comedy, and horror, the film revitalized the classic Universal Monsters property for a modern audience.

‘Ballerina’ (2025)

This upcoming expansion of the ‘John Wick’ universe stars Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a young woman training to be an elite assassin within the Ruska Roma traditions. The story focuses on her quest for vengeance as she hunts down the individuals responsible for the murder of her family. Set between the events of ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ and ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’, the film explores the origins of the mysterious ballet school seen in the main series. The narrative promises to maintain the franchise’s signature style of intense combat and intricate underworld mythology.

Tell us which of these trending hits is your favorite by sharing your thoughts in the comments.