‘One Battle After Another’ Tops HBO Max’s Top 10 Most-Watched Movies List of the Week

HBO Max is currently offering a diverse range of content, from classic holiday movies to exciting shows and films from around the world, and viewers are tuning in. As the holiday season hits full swing, the platform is seeing more people watching both comforting family comedies and unique, less traditional holiday films. These rankings show what’s most popular right now, based on recent viewing numbers and how audiences are responding in different countries. From fantasy adventures to new installments of familiar favorites, these titles represent the best of what’s available to stream.

‘A Christmas Story’ (1983)

A young boy named Ralphie Parker desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, even though everyone keeps telling him he’ll shoot his eye out! The story follows his funny adventures leading up to the holidays in a small town in 1940s Indiana. Along the way, he faces memorable challenges like getting stuck to a frozen flagpole and dealing with a tough neighborhood bully. This heartwarming and funny movie has become a holiday tradition for countless families.

‘Elf’ (2003)

Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole, goes to New York City to meet his real father. He has a hard time adjusting to the city’s grumpy attitude, especially while dressed in his colorful elf clothes. But his cheerful personality and love of Christmas treats eventually help him connect with his family and spread holiday cheer. Will Ferrell’s funny performance is a big reason why the movie has become a beloved modern Christmas classic.

‘Ne Zha 2’ (2025)

This animated movie picks up where the first ‘Ne Zha’ left off, following the powerful god as he deals with new dangers threatening the human world and his own future. The story explores how he manages his wild side while trying to be a hero. With stunning animation and based on classic Chinese legends, the film shows the characters developing and growing emotionally. It was a huge hit in theaters and builds upon the world introduced in the original ‘Ne Zha’.

‘Gremlins’ (1984)

I remember when this movie first came out – it was wild! It’s about a guy who gets this adorable, fuzzy creature called a Mogwai for Christmas. But there were very specific rules about how to take care of it, and he just didn’t follow them. Of course, disaster struck! The Mogwai got wet and suddenly there were tons of these little monsters running around, causing all sorts of chaos in town. It was scary, but also really funny, and it just felt different from other holiday movies. It was a huge hit, and it really changed how they made monsters in movies, especially with those amazing animatronics. It even got a sequel, and I still think about it whenever Christmas rolls around.

‘Bad Santa 2’ (2016)

Willie Soke is back as the grumpy, professional thief who dresses up as Santa Claus to commit a Christmas robbery. This time, he joins forces with his old partner Marcus and reconnects with his mother to target a charity in Chicago on Christmas Eve. Like the first ‘Bad Santa’ movie, this sequel keeps the same dark and edgy humor and mature themes, focusing on the complicated relationships between the characters and offering a realistic, rather than cheerful, look at the holidays.

‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ (2001)

On his eleventh birthday, a boy learns he’s the son of powerful wizards and has magic himself. He’s taken to Hogwarts, a school for witches and wizards, to learn about magic and discover his family’s history. With his friends Ron and Hermione, he finds out about a dangerous plan surrounding a magical stone that could give anyone eternal life. This movie started a hugely popular series and brought a world of magic to the big screen.

‘Bad Santa’ (2003)

This darkly funny movie follows a down-on-his-luck grifter and his accomplice as they disguise themselves as Santa Claus and an elf to rob stores during the busy Christmas season. Their scheme gets complicated when the grifter unexpectedly connects with a young boy who still believes in the spirit of Christmas. The film playfully twists classic holiday themes with its edgy humor and unusual lead character, becoming a favorite for those who enjoy a less traditional, more cynical take on the holidays.

‘Christmas with the Kranks’ (2004)

Luther and Nora Krank decide to forgo their usual Christmas traditions and take a Caribbean cruise when their daughter goes away for the holidays. However, their neighbors, who are very enthusiastic about Christmas, strongly pressure them to participate in local festivities. Things get complicated when their daughter unexpectedly announces she’s coming home, forcing the Kranks to quickly throw together a Christmas celebration with very little time. The movie humorously examines the pressures of community expectations and the often-chaotic nature of the holiday season.

‘A Christmas Story Christmas’ (2022)

Okay, so ‘A Christmas Story Christmas’ brings us back to Cleveland Street with an adult Ralphie, and honestly, it felt like coming home. He’s bringing his kids back to experience the magic he had, and it’s a really sweet story about reconnecting with old friends and the ups and downs of being a parent during the holidays. It’s a direct sequel to the original, thankfully bringing back a lot of the original cast, and it does a great job of blending that warm, nostalgic feeling with a more modern take on family and traditions. It’s not just a rehash; it feels like a natural continuation of Ralphie’s story.

‘One Battle After Another’ (2024)

This thrilling action movie follows soldiers facing impossible challenges in battle. The story highlights the tough choices and personal costs they endure during a crucial mission. With its raw and realistic depiction of war and the bonds between soldiers, the film offers a powerful experience for fans of the genre. The filmmakers used practical effects and massive sets to truly put viewers in the middle of the conflict.

Share your favorite movies from this list in the comments.

2025-12-27 17:45