10 Hidden HBO Max Movies You Need to Stream Right Now!

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Hey there again, HBO Max! It’s great to have you back under your original name, a familiar title that reminds us that change is often an illusion in the world of entertainment. After all, it’s not just about television; it’s about HBO. As for HBO Max, with its connections to Warner Brothers, it continues to stand out among streaming services, offering an impressive collection of top-notch movies.

When it comes to standout films available on HBO Max, there’s no denying the appeal of highly acclaimed titles like “Sinners,” set to debut on July 4th. However, this streaming service is also home to a wealth of lesser-known or underappreciated masterpieces. The fact that it houses a TCM hub and Studio Ghibli collection, along with other top-tier properties, only underscores its value as a treasure trove for movie enthusiasts seeking their next favorite film. Here are 10 underrated movies currently streaming on HBO Max that you might not have discovered yet.

1) M (Lang, 1931)

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’d like to share my thoughts on Fritz Lang’s masterpiece, “M,” a film that marked his final creative venture in Europe before his journey across the Atlantic. Interestingly, while it wasn’t his last European production, it was the last one he could experience without the looming censorship of the rising Nazi party in Germany.

“M” was also a significant milestone as Lang’s first sound film. While he went on to create numerous sound films, “M” stands out for its innovative and subtle use of this emerging technology. Lang’s cinematic prowess is evident throughout his filmography, but “M” offers a unique blend of technical excellence and streamlined efficiency that sets it apart.

Peter Lorre, in one of his earliest roles, shines brilliantly in this movie. Despite his peculiar appearance, he manages to evoke sympathy from the audience, even as he portrays a character of questionable morals. “M” is indeed a crime thriller, but it’s noteworthy for its chilling atmosphere rather than raw grittiness. In contrast to some of its louder American counterparts from the same era, “M” still manages to send a shiver down one’s spine, just as it must have done back in 1931.

2) I Married a Witch (Clair, 1942)

If you tune into TCM via cable during Halloween season, chances are you’ve caught the whimsical comedy “I Married a Witch.” This film cleverly incorporates fantasy elements and offers a playful take on historical witch hunts to maximize its mischievous charm. Veronica Lake, one of the early screen sirens, portrays Jennifer – an almost immortal witch who transforms into a woman reminiscent of Lake herself, casting spells (or enchantments, as she might say) over a pitiful descendant of those who once pursued her, played by Fredric March. Despite its intricate plotline, the film maintains an endearing quality due to the captivating performances of Lake and March. They embrace the film’s absurdities with enthusiasm, even though some of the script was revised by esteemed writers like Dalton Trumbo. Renowned French director René Clair took on the task of directing “I Married a Witch,” following instructions from screwball legend Preston Sturges. Although they may have disagreed on the final product, the film’s magic endures more than eighty years later.

3) Invasion of the Body Snatchers (Richter, 1978)

In the 70s, there was a strong desire for movies that revisited nostalgic genres; for instance, Star Wars drew inspiration from Buck Rogers serials, while Star Trek experienced its first significant revival. The classic film Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) underwent a remake with Donald Sutherland leading the cast, and Leonard Nimoy and a young Jeff Goldblum providing support. At this point, both versions of Invasion of the Body Snatchers have been over-referenced on the internet, but the 1978 remake is still considered one of the best remakes ever made. Interestingly enough, you can watch the original version for free on The Roku Channel. It’s a great opportunity to observe the contrast between 1950s and 1970s paranoia by watching them together.

4)Withnail and I (Robinson, 1987)

The film “Withnail and I” gained its status as a cult classic primarily due to being a modest British black comedy, produced on a small budget and featuring two actors with little prior recognition – Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann. Notably, McGann appeared briefly as the Eighth Doctor in the brief reboot of “Doctor Who” in 1996, while Richard E. Grant would later be recognized as Classic Loki. At the time of the film’s release, McGann was somewhat known, making it Grant’s debut in the film industry. The movie’s somber comedy is largely supported by the chemistry between these two young actors portraying two unemployed and depressed actors. Although it wasn’t completely ignored upon its initial release, it mainly garnered praise from critics like Roger Ebert. When it was released on home video in the 1990s, its reputation began to expand. It’s an excellent choice for a rainy day when one is stuck at home.

5)The Cat Returns (Morita, 1992)

Delightfully, having Studio Ghibli’s movies move to HBO Max means you can discover hidden treasures amidst the popular ones like “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro”. One lesser-known gem is “The Cat Returns”, a spin-off from the 1995 movie “Whisper of the Heart”. Both the original Japanese version and the English dub, featuring Anne Hathaway, Cary Elwes, and Tim Curry, are available on Max. If you appreciate feline characters leading you on quirky journeys, then “The Cat Returns” is just the movie for you, brimming with captivating visuals.

6) Einstein and Eddington (Martin, 2008)

The film, titled “Einstein and Eddington,” isn’t immediately striking from its summary – it’s about Albert Einstein during World War I connecting with a British scientist that would reshape physics. However, what sets this movie apart is its stellar cast. David Tennant, known for his role as the Tenth Doctor at the time, plays Eddington, while Andy Serkis, famous for his motion capture work in “Lord of the Rings” and later “Planet of the Apes,” portrays a younger Einstein. This isn’t the worn-out Einstein we see in “Oppenheimer”; instead, it’s the one developing his theory of relativity. This well-acted depiction of a historically significant event is often overlooked but deserves your attention.

7) This Means War (McG, 2012)

In a nutshell, this movie doesn’t require deep thought; instead, it presents a humorous love triangle involving Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Tom Hardy. Pine and Hardy are CIA agents with a complex friendship-rivalry dynamic, while Witherspoon is an outsider who catches their eyes. Originally, the script faced difficulties in production but eventually proved to be successful due to its exceptional cast. The three leads – Witherspoon, Pine, and Hardy – are all gifted actors, although they might seem an unusual fit for this story. Witherspoon gets to showcase her romantic comedy skills, Pine exudes his natural charm, and Hardy uses his intense persona to counteract Pine’s allure. The film is packed with gadgets, but don’t expect any world-saving missions. The plot often feels exaggerated, which only amplifies its comedic aspects, even in the year 2025.

8) Bad Education (Finley, 2019)

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t imagine this gem, “Bad Education,” not gracing the big screen had it not been for the streaming wars. Starring Hugh Jackman post-Wolverine, this film delves into a scandalous affair in a public school that caused quite a stir at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival. It seemed like a cinematic spectacle perfect for theaters and even had potential to generate Oscar buzz. However, HBO Films snapped it up, making it one of the enticing offerings when HBO Max launched in May 2020. Sadly, “Bad Education” never graced the silver screen; instead, it premiered on HBO in April 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic was unfolding. Though it received Emmy recognition later that year, the awards never felt quite right.

Despite being a TV movie, “Bad Education” is far from ordinary, even for HBO standards. Director Cory Finley, known for his impressive debut with “Thoroughbreds” in 2017, crafts visually appealing, big-screen worthy films that are also backed by compelling scripts. So, while the fact that “Bad Education” is on this list implies a recommendation to watch it at home on HBO Max, if you missed it amidst the chaos of 2020, this dark comedy is definitely worth a view.

9) Tuesday (Oniunas-Pusić, 2023)

As a fervent admirer, I’ve been thrilled to witness Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s creative journey, from crafting Selina Meyer and breathing life into Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine in the MCU, to her current role in an exceptional series of indie films. Recently, a captivating debut feature titled “Tuesday” by Daina Oniunas-Pusić graced both US and UK festival circuits before a limited release. Although it didn’t garner widespread viewership, it was critically acclaimed. This film offers Louis-Dreyfus an opportunity to showcase her dramatic prowess, delving into a magical realist narrative about a mother, her terminally ill daughter, and their enigmatic bond with Death’s avatar. A unique production that feels authentically A24 in its depth and quirkiness, it’s heartening to see it find a suitable home on HBO Max.

10) The Iron Claw (Durkin, 2023)

The film “The Iron Claw,” released in 2023, recounts the heart-wrenching tale of the Van Erich family, a lineage of wrestlers who seemed to be under a constant curse. Starring a remarkable ensemble cast, with Zac Efron impressively portraying the main character, this movie has an aura that could have made it a potential Academy Award contender, were it not for its undeniable quality.

Before directing “The Iron Claw,” Sean Durkin had previously worked on films like “Martha Marcy May Marlene” and “The Nest.” Typically, thriller directors are not known for creating ordinary biopics. “The Iron Claw” was successful at the box office and even made some end-of-year critics’ lists, but due to the overwhelming tragedy of its storyline, it may have become one of 2023’s overlooked masterpieces.

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2025-06-28 21:10