HBO Max Just Added One of the Best Movies of 2025 (& It’ll Mess You Up)

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2025’s cinematic storyline has been marked by blockbuster hits thus far. Titles like “Lilo & Stitch,” “A Minecraft Movie,” “Jurassic World Rebirth,” “Superman,” and “How to Train Your Dragon” have been the talk of the town, and they’ve certainly made a significant impact at the box office. However, as with many years, the spotlight on big franchises tends to overshadow smaller, more daring films. It’s these underdog movies that often provide a deeper, more heartfelt experience, ones that resonate rawly, urgently, or emotionally specifically. Thankfully, HBO Max is giving everyone a chance for a re-watch, ensuring these lesser-known gems don’t slip through the cracks.

Alex Garland’s film, titled “Warfare,” stands out as one of the most striking cinematic experiences this year, and has recently become available on HBO Max, several months after its initial theater release. This intense war movie has received widespread acclaim, boasting a stellar critics’ and audience rating of 93% each on Rotten Tomatoes, and garnering a modest box office revenue of $33 million. Although it doesn’t reach the same financial heights as the year’s major blockbusters, I firmly believe it surpasses most in terms of lasting impact. Unlike many popular films, “Warfare” prioritizes delivering an almost unparalleled, breathtaking portrayal of the true nature of war. Moreover, the cast is arguably one of the strongest ever assembled. Below you’ll find the trailer:

[Trailer inserted here]

Why Warfare Demands You Watch It, Right Now

When it comes to deciding what to stream on HBO Max, “Warfare” stands out as one of your top choices. It’s quite possible that this is the best among all the titles added in September. This isn’t just a collection of flashy battles and explosions; instead, Garland’s masterpiece is an uninterrupted narrative of exceptional camaraderie that never pauses to delve into character development. From the very beginning, you’re right there with a Navy SEAL platoon, living through the events in near real-time. Ray Mendoza, who co-wrote and directed the film, is a former SEAL who served in the Iraq War, so many of the scenes – the long, tense hours, the difficult decisions made in the dark, fear – are based on his personal experiences.

I can’t help but sing praises for this method’s effectiveness while simultaneously acknowledging its intensity, reminiscent of the suffocating atmosphere in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk. The cinematic experience of Warfare, however, manages to create such tension and dread with a fraction of the cost. Unlike other films, it doesn’t merely depict war; it immerses you in the grit, the stench of blood, the taste of fear, and sounds that echo hauntingly, much like nothing you’ve ever encountered. Even from the comfort of home, the impact remains palpable.

Simultaneously, the film delves deeper than just raw violence, encouraging thought as top-tier war movies often do. It places you in the moral dilemma of command choices, while also highlighting the tragic impact on both soldiers and civilians, subtly emphasized by a charismatic cast featuring Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, Michael Gandalfini, Noah Centineo, Joseph Quinn, and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Mendoza. The film taps into their endearing personalities to evoke empathy, despite the oppressive weight of war looming overhead.

If you prefer war movies that offer something unique, departing from the conventional action-packed ones designed to be uncomfortable to watch, then this movie could be right up your alley. Rest assured, it’s so compelling that it will likely have a profound impact on you. Its quality is truly exceptional.

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2025-09-14 00:14