Here Are the Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on HBO Max, Including an Acclaimed Sports Biopic

As the weekend starts, HBO Max has added a bunch of new movies and brought back some old favorites – perfect for a binge-watching session. They’ve got everything from suspenseful thrillers and powerful true stories to hilarious comedies, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to check out the latest films from 2025 or re-watch a beloved classic, HBO Max has you covered with the best streaming options right now.

‘Dead of Winter’ (2025)

In this gripping thriller, Emma Thompson plays a widow battling for survival in the unforgiving Minnesota wilderness. While on a journey to scatter her late husband’s ashes, she stumbles upon a dangerous couple and finds a young woman they’re holding captive in a secluded cabin. Thompson transforms into a resourceful and determined survivalist, using her wits and outdoor skills to evade her pursuers in the freezing cold. Judy Greer is chilling as the villain in this suspenseful and heart-pounding story, which blends intense action with a moving exploration of grief and the strength of the human spirit.

‘The Smashing Machine’ (2025)

Dwayne Johnson gives a powerful performance as Mark Kerr, a famous MMA fighter, in this biographical drama from director Benny Safdie. The film tells the story of Kerr’s incredible success in the UFC during the late 1990s and his difficult struggle with opioid addiction. Emily Blunt plays his wife, offering a strong emotional center as Kerr deals with the physical and mental challenges of the sport. Director Safdie uses a gritty and realistic style to show the harsh realities of professional fighting beyond the matches themselves. This A24 film reveals the hidden vulnerability beneath the tough image of a combat sports legend.

‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ (2025)

Rose Byrne plays a psychotherapist who is completely overwhelmed, trying to cope with a family health scare and her own personal struggles. The film follows her frustrating experiences navigating a difficult healthcare system as she cares for her sick daughter and deals with a complicated relationship with her therapist. Director Mary Bronstein blends dark humor and powerful emotion to highlight the ridiculousness of bureaucracy. With appearances by Conan O’Brien and A$AP Rocky, the film has a quirky and distinctive feel. It’s a tense but captivating story about a woman stretched to the breaking point.

‘My Cousin Rachel’ (2017)

This atmospheric romance, inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s novel, centers on a young man named Philip who seeks revenge on his enigmatic cousin. He’s convinced she caused the death of his benefactor, but his plans become tangled when he finds himself falling for her. Starring Rachel Weisz and Sam Claflin, the film is a suspenseful story of obsession and uncertainty, skillfully keeping the audience guessing about Rachel’s true nature until the very end. Beautiful visuals and a detailed historical setting add to the film’s mysterious and captivating mood.

‘Masterminds’ (2016)

This funny crime movie is based on the unbelievable true story of the 1997 Loomis Fargo robbery, which was one of the biggest cash thefts ever. Zach Galifianakis stars as David Ghantt, an armored car driver who gets tricked into stealing $17 million by a woman he likes at work and her criminal friends. The movie is full of hilarious actors like Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, and Jason Sudeikis, who play up the ridiculousness of the actual events. Director Jared Hess uses silly physical comedy and quirky characters to show how clumsy and inept the robbers were. It’s a light and over-the-top take on a serious federal crime.

‘The Notebook’ (2004)

This beloved romantic film, based on Nicholas Sparks’ popular novel, tells the story of Noah and Allie, a couple whose passionate love blossoms in the 1940s. Despite coming from different worlds and facing opposition from Allie’s parents, they share a deep connection. The movie beautifully weaves together their youthful romance with scenes of them as an elderly couple, played by James Garner and Gena Rowlands, in a nursing home. Known for being a deeply emotional experience, the film explores themes of love, memory, and lasting commitment, and is considered a classic of the modern romance genre.

‘Best in Show’ (2000)

I absolutely love this movie! It’s a brilliantly funny mockumentary directed by Christopher Guest, and it perfectly pokes fun at the incredibly competitive world of dog shows. It follows a group of wonderfully quirky dog owners as they journey to the Mayflower Dog Show in Philadelphia. What’s amazing is that the actors – like Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, and Fred Willard – mostly made up their characters on the spot, which makes them so memorable and hilarious! All their individual stories come together at the big show, really showing just how obsessed and a little bit crazy these dog show people can be. It’s celebrated for being really dryly funny, but also surprisingly sweet in how it portrays people who are passionate about their dogs – even if it is totally ridiculous.

‘Robin Hood’ (2010)

Ridley Scott’s take on the Robin Hood story is a realistic and politically charged historical drama. Russell Crowe plays Robin Longstride, an archer fighting for King Richard who returns home to a country facing financial ruin and the threat of a French invasion. Alongside Cate Blanchett as the strong-willed Marion Loxley, Robin battles corruption and injustice. This film focuses on epic medieval battles and the beginnings of the Magna Carta, moving away from the classic, lighthearted adventures. It presents a more realistic and action-packed origin story for the legendary outlaw.

‘Valentine’s Day’ (2010)

Garry Marshall’s romantic comedy follows the love lives of several people in Los Angeles on Valentine’s Day. With a fantastic cast including Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Bradley Cooper, and Anne Hathaway, the movie shows how different couples and singles cope with relationships – from falling in love to dealing with breakups. The story unfolds like a snapshot of a day in the city, capturing the many ways people experience love and heartbreak. It’s a charming and fun movie perfect for celebrating the holiday.

‘MacGruber’ (2010)

Inspired by a popular Saturday Night Live sketch, MacGruber is a hilarious action-comedy starring Will Forte as a clumsy secret agent. He’s pulled out of retirement to stop his greatest enemy, Dieter Von Cunth, from detonating a stolen nuclear bomb. The movie playfully mocks classic 80s action films with exaggerated violence, silly humor, and familiar tropes. Kristen Wiig and Ryan Phillippe play the capable teammates who unfortunately have to depend on MacGruber’s unreliable inventions and chaotic plans. Over time, the film has become a fan favorite for its sheer ridiculousness and dedication to its over-the-top concept.

2026-02-20 22:20