‘Elf’ Tops HBO Max’s Top 10 Most-Watched Movies List of the Week

The streaming charts this week reveal a fascinating tug-of-war between holiday nostalgia and the allure of brand-new releases. Audiences are clearly in the festive spirit as several beloved Christmas classics have surged back into heavy rotation alongside major 2025 blockbusters that have just made their digital debut. This eclectic mix highlights how viewers are balancing the comfort of familiar seasonal favorites with the excitement of catching up on recent theatrical hits. From high-octane thrillers and supernatural horror to heartwarming family comedies, the current top ten offers something for every mood. The platform continues to be a go-to destination for both premium cinema and the films that define the holiday season.

‘Materialists’ (2025)

Celine Song returns with this sharp romantic comedy set against the backdrop of New York City’s elite dating scene. Dakota Johnson stars as a high-end matchmaker whose professional control unravels when she becomes entangled in a love triangle involving a wealthy client and a struggling actor from her past. The film uses wit and emotional intelligence to explore the conflict between transactional relationships and genuine connection. Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal deliver charismatic performances that make the protagonist’s choice increasingly difficult.

‘Four Christmases’ (2008)

Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon star as a couple who typically avoid family obligations by traveling to exotic locations during the holidays. Their plans are ruined when a fog bank cancels all flights and forces them to visit all four of their divorced parents in a single day. The film navigates the chaotic and often hilarious dynamics of dysfunctional families as the couple learns more about each other’s pasts. Each household presents a new set of comedic hurdles that ultimately tests the strength of their relationship.

‘Eddington’ (2025)

Ari Aster directs this dark neo-Western satire set during the early days of the pandemic in a small New Mexico town. Joaquin Phoenix plays a sheriff whose aspirations clash with a progressive mayor played by Pedro Pascal. The narrative spirals into a surreal nightmare that examines political polarization and social breakdown through a distorted lens. Audiences have been captivated by the intense performances and the unique visual style that blends classic western tropes with modern anxiety.

‘Christmas with the Kranks’ (2004)

Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis play a couple who decide to skip the traditional holiday festivities to save money for a cruise. Their plan to boycott Christmas draws the ire of their obsessionally festive neighbors and creates a community-wide scandal. Panic sets in when their daughter announces a surprise visit home and forces them to scramble to decorate the house at the last minute. The movie remains a seasonal staple for its slapstick humor and the relatable pressure of meeting social expectations during the holidays.

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ (2025)

Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren return for their final and most personal case in this concluding chapter of the main franchise. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their iconic roles to battle a malevolent entity attached to a cursed object that threatens their own family. The film delivers the signature tension and jump scares that fans expect while providing an emotional sendoff to the beloved characters. It stands as a terrifying reminder of why this series has dominated the horror genre for over a decade.

‘Flight Risk’ (2025)

Mel Gibson directs this claustrophobic action thriller featuring Mark Wahlberg as a pilot transporting a fugitive and an Air Marshal across the Alaskan wilderness. Tension mounts when the true identities and motives of the passengers are called into question thousands of feet in the air. The film utilizes the confined setting of a small aircraft to create a relentless sense of suspense and paranoia. Viewers have praised the high-stakes pacing and the grit of the survival elements in this intense ride.

‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ (1989)

Clark Griswold wants nothing more than to provide the perfect old-fashioned family Christmas for his wife and children. His best efforts are continually thwarted by uncooperative relatives, failing holiday lights, and a boss who cancels the holiday bonus. Chevy Chase delivers a legendary comedic performance as his sanity slowly unravels amidst the chaos of houseguests and disasters. This enduring classic captures the manic energy and ultimate love that often characterizes family gatherings.

‘The Polar Express’ (2004)

A young boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus embarks on a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. The revolutionary motion-capture animation brings the story to life as he meets new friends and learns the importance of believing. Tom Hanks performs multiple roles including the conductor who guides the children on their journey of self-discovery. The film deftly combines spectacle with a gentle message about holding onto the wonder of childhood.

‘The Family McMullen’ (2025)

Edward Burns returns to the characters that launched his career in this long-awaited sequel to his indie classic. The story picks up thirty years later as the next generation of the McMullen clan navigates their own romantic entanglements and existential crises. Fans of the original have tuned in to see Connie Britton and the rest of the ensemble cast explore how family dynamics evolve over decades. The film blends nostalgia with fresh drama to create a poignant portrait of Irish-American life in the modern era.

‘Elf’ (2003)

Will Ferrell stars as Buddy who is a human raised by elves at the North Pole who travels to New York City to find his biological father. His childlike innocence clashes hilariously with the cynicism of the modern world as he attempts to build a relationship with his workaholic dad. The film has become a modern standard due to its quotable dialogue and genuine heart. Buddy’s journey to spread Christmas cheer eventually wins over his skeptical new family and the entire city.

Tell us which of these movies you are planning to stream this weekend in the comments.