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

Streaming audiences are currently diving into a mix of high-octane action films and beloved holiday classics on HBO Max. The current lineup reflects the seasonal shift toward Christmas favorites alongside interest in recent theatrical releases that have made their way to the platform. Viewers are revisiting nostalgic comedies from the early 2000s while also checking out the latest installments in major horror and thriller franchises. The diversity of the list showcases a broad range of tastes from intense spy dramas to family-friendly adventures.

‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017)

Lorraine Broughton is a top-level MI6 spy who is dispatched to Berlin during the Cold War to recover a missing list of double agents. She must investigate the murder of a fellow agent while navigating a city teeming with traitors and shifting alliances. The mission becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse that requires her to utilize lethal combat skills. Charlize Theron performs intense stunt work throughout the stylish action sequences that define the visual style of the film. The narrative unfolds through a series of flashbacks during a tense debriefing session with her superiors.

‘Wedding Crashers’ (2005)

John Beckwith and Jeremy Grey are divorce mediators who spend their free time crashing wedding receptions to meet women. Their routine hits a snag when they attend the high-profile wedding of the Secretary of the Treasury’s daughter. John falls unexpectedly in love with the maid of honor while Jeremy deals with a clingy romantic interest. The duo finds themselves invited to the family’s expansive estate for a chaotic weekend full of awkward encounters. This comedy explores themes of friendship and the eventual desire for genuine connection amidst the hilarity.

‘Bad Santa’ (2003)

Willie T. Soke is a depressed and alcohol-dependent con man who poses as a department store Santa Claus. He partners with his associate Marcus to rob shopping malls on Christmas Eve every year. Their routine is disrupted when Willie befriends a troubled young boy who believes he is the real Santa. The criminal encounters strict store managers and a suspicious security chief who threaten to expose the operation. Billy Bob Thornton delivers a performance that challenges traditional holiday movie tropes with dark humor.

‘The Polar Express’ (2004)

A young boy who has grown skeptical of Santa Claus boards a mysterious train late on Christmas Eve. The conductor guides him and other children on an extraordinary journey to the North Pole. Passengers encounter various magical events and challenges as the train chugs through dangerous terrain. The adventure helps the protagonist rediscover his belief in the spirit of the holiday season. Robert Zemeckis utilized performance capture technology to bring the animated characters to life in a unique visual format.

‘The Brothers McMullen’ (1995)

Three Irish-Catholic brothers from Long Island struggle to navigate their complex romantic lives and career aspirations. They grapple with commitment issues while living under the same roof after the death of their father. Each brother faces a unique dilemma regarding marriage and fidelity that forces them to reevaluate their values. The film offers an intimate look at family dynamics and brotherly bonds in a suburban setting. Edward Burns wrote and directed this low-budget independent feature that resonated with audiences upon its release.

‘Flight Risk’ (2025)

An Air Marshal must transport a fugitive across the Alaskan wilderness in a small plane. Tensions rise when the pilot reveals a hidden agenda that threatens the safety of everyone on board. The confined setting intensifies the psychological game between the law enforcement officer and the criminal. Mel Gibson directs this suspenseful thriller that keeps audiences guessing until the final descent. The narrative focuses on survival against both human deception and the harsh elements.

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ (2025)

Ed and Lorraine Warren return to face their most personal and terrifying supernatural challenge yet. The paranormal investigators are called to handle a case involving a demonic entity that targets their own family history. They must utilize every spiritual tool at their disposal to banish the evil before it claims a soul. This installment serves as the final chapter in the main storyline of the renowned horror franchise. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles as the dedicated demonologists facing ultimate darkness.

‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ (1989)

Clark Griswold attempts to create the perfect traditional Christmas for his family despite numerous setbacks. His plans for a quiet holiday are ruined by the arrival of uninvited relatives and a series of comedic disasters. He faces mechanical failures and financial stress while waiting for a crucial holiday bonus check. The situation spirals out of control when his cousin Eddie arrives in a dilapidated recreational vehicle. This holiday staple highlights the chaos and humor often found in family gatherings.

‘Christmas with the Kranks’ (2004)

Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip Christmas festivities and spend the money on a tropical cruise instead. Their neighbors react with hostility and attempt to pressure the couple into decorating their home. Panic ensues when their daughter announces a surprise visit home for the holiday at the last minute. The Kranks must rush to organize a party and decorate their house before she arrives on Christmas Eve. The story adapts a John Grisham novel about the social pressures of holiday traditions.

‘Elf’ (2003)

Buddy is a human who was raised by elves at the North Pole after crawling into Santa’s sack as a baby. He travels to New York City to find his biological father who is on the naughty list. The childlike man struggles to adapt to the cynical human world while trying to build a relationship with his new family. His infectious enthusiasm eventually wins over his stepmother and half-brother. Will Ferrell stars in this comedy that has become a modern holiday classic.

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