‘The Substance’ Tops HBO Max’s Top 10 Most-Watched Movies List This Week

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This week on HBO Max, there’s something for everyone – from brand new shows and movies to beloved classics. You’ll find superhero reboots, spooky horror films, beautifully animated stop-motion features, and a documentary that feels especially relevant right now. Here’s a list of what people are watching, so you can discover something new, re-watch an old favorite, or plan your next movie night.

10. ‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)

Tim Burton’s funny and spooky movie stars Michael Keaton as a quirky ghostbuster hired by a married couple who’ve passed away to scare away the living from their house. Winona Ryder plays a teenage girl who can see the ghosts. The film is famous for its unique look, created with impressive practical effects and makeup – it even won an Oscar for Best Makeup! Because it’s still so popular, a sequel was made many years later, solidifying the original film’s place in movie history.

9. ‘Bring Her Back’ (2025)

Following their hit horror film, Danny and Michael Philippou are back with another scary movie. Like their previous work, this one promises to be intense and full of creative scares. While details were kept secret during filming, the project quickly gained buzz thanks to the filmmakers’ quick success. It was even listed as one of the year’s most awaited horror releases.

8. ‘Practical Magic’ (1998)

This romantic fantasy film, based on Alice Hoffman’s novel, tells the story of the Owens sisters (played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) who are dealing with a family curse and their magical powers. Directed by Griffin Dunne, the movie also stars Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest as their aunts. It’s a charming blend of small-town life, sisterly bonds, and witchcraft, and has become a beloved yearly tradition for many viewers. The film’s music perfectly captures its warm and mystical atmosphere.

7. ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ (2003)

The long-awaited clash between horror icons Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees finally happens, with a group of teenagers caught in the crossfire. Directed by Ronny Yu, the film features Robert Englund reprising his role as Freddy and Ken Kirzinger taking on the role of Jason. The story connects the two popular slasher franchises by showing Freddy trying to regain his power, but ultimately facing off against the unstoppable Jason. The film was a box office success worldwide and remains a standout entry in both the Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th series.

6. ‘The Alabama Solution’ (2025)

This nearly two-hour documentary, directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, offers a look inside Alabama’s prison system. It shares the stories of people incarcerated there, as well as those working within the system, to examine the challenges and attempts at reform. The film, which first premiered at Sundance, connects historical context, policy, and personal experiences to shed light on this often-criticized system.

5. ‘Corpse Bride’ (2005)

Corpse Bride is a stop-motion animated fantasy film directed by Tim Burton and Mike Johnson. It tells the story of a timid groom who mistakenly proposes to a lively bride from the Land of the Dead. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter provide the voices for the main characters, accompanied by a beautiful and original soundtrack and songs composed by Danny Elfman. The film is celebrated for its incredibly detailed animation and its unique blend of spooky and charming visuals, making it a favorite among those who enjoy dark and romantic fairytales.

4. ‘It’ (2017)

Andrés Muschietti’s film brings Stephen King’s novel to life, following a group of friends—the Losers’ Club—as they battle a terrifying, shape-shifting monster in the town of Derry. Bill Skarsgård delivers a chilling performance as the monster, Pennywise. The movie was a huge hit, breaking box office records for horror films and earning over $500 million worldwide. Its success quickly led to a sequel, which continues the story with the characters all grown up.

3. ‘Scooby-Doo’ (2002)

This live-action movie takes the Scooby-Doo gang to Spooky Island, with Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, and Linda Cardellini playing the familiar characters. Directed by Raja Gosnell, the film combines silly detective work with spooky, supernatural fun, making it perfect for families. Rowan Atkinson plays the unusual owner of the island, adding to the mystery. The movie was a big success and helped introduce Scooby-Doo to a new generation of fans.

2. ‘Superman’ (2025)

James Gunn’s new Superman movie brings back the classic hero with David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. This film kicks off a new direction for DC Studios and acts as a clean slate for future movies. A sequel, ‘Man of Tomorrow,’ is already planned, showing the franchise is moving forward with exciting new possibilities.

1. ‘The Substance’ (2024)

Coralie Fargeat’s chilling thriller, ‘The Substance,’ follows Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley as two women who risk everything to undergo a secret anti-aging treatment. Dennis Quaid also stars in the film, which gained critical acclaim and performed well at the box office despite its low production cost. It first generated excitement at film festivals before being released to a wider audience.

Have you been watching anything good lately? Share your current favorites and what you plan to watch next in the comments below!

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2025-10-25 20:45