Oscar-Nominated Drama Tops HBO Max’s Top 10 Most-Watched Movies List of the Week

Streaming habits continue to shift as audiences revisit modern classics and discover new documentary features. The current lineup on HBO Max highlights a diverse range of genres, from Academy Award-winning dramas to satirical comedies. This week’s most-watched films include a mix of romantic staples, high-octane action, and insightful portraits of cultural icons. Subscribers are currently gravitating toward both star-studded ensemble casts and intimate independent stories.

‘Valentine’s Day’ (2010)

This ensemble romantic comedy follows the lives of several Los Angeles residents as they navigate the pressures of the titular holiday. Directed by Garry Marshall, the film features a massive cast including Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, and Bradley Cooper. The narrative weaves together multiple storylines that explore various stages of romantic relationships, from first dates to long-term commitments. It utilizes a fast-paced structure to capture the chaos and sentimentality associated with February 14th.

‘The Notebook’ (2004)

Based on the popular novel by Nicholas Sparks, this drama depicts a timeless love story between Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton. The film is framed as a story being read from a notebook by an elderly man to a woman in a nursing home. Set primarily in the 1940s, the plot focuses on how the couple overcomes social differences and the trials of war. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams lead the cast in what has become a definitive entry in the romantic genre.

‘The Shape of Water’ (2017)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this fantasy drama is set in 1962 Baltimore during the Cold War era. The story follows a mute custodian who works at a high-security government laboratory and discovers a mysterious aquatic creature. As she develops a deep emotional connection with the being, she enlists her friends to help rescue it from a cruel government agent. The film received critical acclaim for its visual style and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

‘Robin Hood’ (2018)

In this high-energy retelling of the classic outlaw tale, Taron Egerton portrays the legendary archer who returns from the Crusades. Robin of Loxley discovers that his estate has been seized and his people are being oppressed by the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham. He joins forces with a skilled Moorish warrior to lead a bold rebellion against the English crown. The film utilizes modern action choreography and stylized production design to offer a contemporary perspective on the medieval hero.

‘I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not’ (2024)

This documentary feature explores the extensive career and complex personal life of the ‘Saturday Night Live’ icon. The film uses archival footage and interviews to track his rise through the ranks of National Lampoon and his subsequent movie stardom. It delves into his roles in comedy classics like ‘Caddyshack’ and the ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’ series. Viewers gain insight into the influence he had on American comedy and the challenges he faced throughout his decades in the spotlight.

‘MacGruber’ (2010)

Will Forte stars as the titular special operations agent who must come out of retirement to save the world from a nuclear threat. The character originated as a sketch parody of ‘MacGyver’ on ‘Saturday Night Live’ before being adapted into this feature-length film. MacGruber assembles a team to hunt down his arch-nemesis, Dieter Von Cunth, portrayed by Val Kilmer. The movie is known for its absurdist humor and its subversion of standard action movie tropes from the 1980s.

‘Best in Show’ (2000)

This mockumentary, directed by Christopher Guest, follows five dog owners as they travel to the prestigious Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. The narrative focuses on the eccentric personalities and intense rivalries of the handlers as they prepare their pets for competition. The ensemble cast features comedy veterans such as Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, and Jane Lynch. Through improvised dialogue, the film satirizes the competitive world of professional dog shows and the unique bonds between humans and their animals.

‘Masterminds’ (2016)

Based on the real-life Loomis Fargo robbery of 1997, this heist comedy stars Zach Galifianakis as an unassuming armored truck driver. David Ghantt is lured into participating in one of the largest cash robberies in American history by a manipulative coworker. The plot follows the bumbling criminals as they attempt to evade the FBI and a hitman while mismanaging millions of dollars. The film also features performances by Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, and Jason Sudeikis.

‘The Smashing Machine’ (2002)

This documentary provides a raw and unfiltered look at the life of mixed martial arts legend Mark Kerr. It chronicles his rise to prominence in the early days of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and the Pride Fighting Championships. The film explores the physical toll of the sport, Kerr’s struggle with addiction, and the personal relationships that shaped his journey. It remains a significant piece of sports media for its honest portrayal of the internal and external battles faced by professional fighters.

‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ (2024)

This documentary focuses on the life and artistic achievements of Mary Lovelace O’Neal, a prominent figure in abstract expressionism. The film examines her journey as a Black woman navigating the competitive and often exclusionary art world of the 20th century. It highlights her resilience in the face of physical ailments and her continued commitment to creating large-scale, impactful works of art. Through interviews and showcases of her pieces, the film celebrates her enduring legacy as a creative pioneer.

Share your thoughts on which of these movies you plan to watch this weekend in the comments.