Genre movie fans have a lot to look forward to by the end of 2025! Theaters will be showing big releases like James Cameron’s new sci-fi film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, the animated comedy Zootopia 2, and a new take on Anaconda. But after catching those in theaters, there’s still plenty to watch at home. Many people will be finishing up Stranger Things – everyone will want to talk about the final season! However, there’s no need to stop there; keep the entertainment going!
Instead of simply responding to what everyone else is doing with streaming services, platforms could also focus on showcasing more niche or genre films. They often promote their most popular titles to attract viewers, but there are always lesser-known, high-quality movies available. Here are seven excellent genre films currently available on HBO Max as of December 2025.
7) The Watchers
M. Night Shyamalan is known for his movies with unexpected twists, and it seems his daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan, inherited that talent. Her new fantasy film, The Watchers, centers around a group of people trapped in a bunker, trying to hide from dangerous creatures. But the story takes a turn when the biggest danger isn’t what’s outside—it’s the conflict that arises among the survivors themselves. In her first time directing a feature film, Ishana demonstrates she’s skilled at creating suspense, just like her father, and delivering a satisfying conclusion.
6) Evil Dead Rise
Sam Raimi originally launched the Evil Dead series in the 1980s, but keeping it fresh and popular has been challenging for him recently. Luckily, letting Lee Cronin take over was a great decision. Cronin successfully revived the franchise with Evil Dead Rise. The film centers on two sisters trying to save their family and delivers scares beyond typical jump scares, pushing the series into new and terrifying territory.
5) The Fate of the Furious
The Fast & Furious films are often criticized for being mindless entertainment, and there’s probably some truth to that. However, the franchise has become incredibly massive and impressive. In The Fate of the Furious, Dom Toretto shockingly betrays his crew and starts working with a villain. The eighth movie is full of unbelievable twists, including a chase involving a nuclear submarine – you really have to see it to believe it.
4) Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
Alien movies consistently prove popular, perhaps because they make us think about our place in the universe. Regardless of the reason, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a worthy addition to the genre, largely due to its incredibly unique and imaginative setting – something truly new for cinema. While it’s not flawless, the stunning visuals alone make it worth watching on HBO Max.
3) Shazam!
HBO Max has a huge collection of DC movies, which makes sense since Warner Bros. Discovery, the company that owns HBO Max, also owns DC Comics. But not all DC films are featured prominently. You’ll have to search a bit to find Shazam!, the story of a boy who gets superpowers from a wizard. What makes Shazam! different is its heartwarming story and positive message about the importance of chosen family.
2) Kong: Skull Island
The battles between Kong and Godzilla often steal the spotlight, but the strongest film in the Monsterverse actually focuses solely on Kong. In Kong: Skull Island, a military team travels to a distant, uncharted island to find a mysterious creature. They quickly discover the island holds far more dangers than they anticipated, and they must fight for survival. Beyond its impressive visuals, Kong: Skull Island stands out thanks to its talented cast, featuring stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson, Tom Hiddleston, and John Goodman.
1) Companion
Artificial intelligence is here to stay, and the movie Companion serves as a timely reminder of its potential downsides. The sci-fi thriller follows Iris and her boyfriend, Josh, on a weekend trip where she discovers a shocking truth: she’s not a human, but a robotic companion. This revelation deeply unsettles her, and things take a darker turn when she realizes the man she loves might be the true threat.
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2026-01-01 02:10