‘Elf’ Tops HBO Max’s Top 10 Most-Watched Movies List of the Week

This week’s streaming charts show people are split between enjoying classic holiday movies and checking out new releases. Several Christmas favorites are popular again, even as big movies from 2025 become available to stream. This mix shows viewers want both the comfort of familiar films and the excitement of seeing recent hits. The top ten includes everything from action and horror to family comedies, offering something for everyone. The streaming service remains a popular place to watch both new and classic films, especially during the holidays.

‘Materialists’ (2025)

I just saw Celine Song’s new movie, and it’s fantastic! It’s a really smart and funny romantic comedy set in New York City, and it follows a matchmaker – played by Dakota Johnson – who’s amazing at her job, but her own love life gets super complicated. She ends up caught between a rich client and an actor she used to know, and it’s fascinating to watch her try to figure things out. The movie really makes you think about what’s real in relationships versus what’s just…convenient. Plus, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal are both incredible – they make it so hard to root for just one guy! It’s a really well-done film.

‘Four Christmases’ (2008)

Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon play a couple who usually skip family gatherings by going on holiday trips. But this year, their travel plans are derailed by fog, forcing them to visit all four of their divorced parents in one day. The movie follows the funny and messy situations that arise when dealing with complicated families, and how the couple discovers more about each other’s histories. Each parent’s home brings new challenges that put their relationship to the test.

‘Eddington’ (2025)

Ari Aster’s new film is a darkly comedic and unsettling take on the Western genre, set in a small New Mexico town during the start of the pandemic. Joaquin Phoenix stars as a sheriff at odds with the town’s progressive mayor, played by Pedro Pascal. The story quickly becomes a strange and nightmarish exploration of how divided we’ve become as a society. Viewers are praising the powerful acting and the film’s distinctive look, which combines elements of classic Westerns with a modern sense of unease.

‘Christmas with the Kranks’ (2004)

Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis star as a couple who try to avoid Christmas to save up for a cruise. This decision upsets their very enthusiastic neighbors and causes quite a stir in their town. Things get even more chaotic when their daughter unexpectedly announces she’s coming home for the holidays, forcing them to quickly decorate and pretend they celebrated all along. The movie is a holiday favorite because of its funny, over-the-top humor and how it captures the stress of trying to keep up with holiday traditions.

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ (2025)

In the final installment of the main series, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren face their most frightening and personal case yet. Actors Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as the Warrens to confront a dangerous evil linked to a haunted object, putting their own family at risk. The film offers the intense scares fans love, while also giving a heartfelt farewell to these well-known characters. It’s a chilling reminder of why this series has been a horror favorite for over ten years.

‘Flight Risk’ (2025)

Okay, so I just finished watching this movie directed by Mel Gibson, and wow, it was intense! It’s about a pilot – Mark Wahlberg plays him – who’s flying a fugitive and an Air Marshal through the Alaskan wilderness. The whole thing takes place in this tiny plane, and it’s seriously claustrophobic. You quickly start to wonder who’s telling the truth and what everyone’s really up to, especially when you’re thousands of feet in the air! It’s a really fast-paced movie, and the survival aspects feel so real and gritty. Honestly, it’s a non-stop thrill ride and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.

‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ (1989)

Clark Griswold just wants to create a classic, cozy Christmas for his family. But everything goes wrong – his relatives are difficult, the decorations don’t work, and he doesn’t get the Christmas bonus he was counting on! Chevy Chase is hilarious as Clark tries to hold it all together while dealing with chaotic houseguests and constant mishaps. This beloved movie perfectly shows the wild energy and deep love that are often part of family Christmases.

‘The Polar Express’ (2004)

As a total film buff, I absolutely loved this movie! It tells the story of a little boy who’s starting to question if Santa is real, and on Christmas Eve, he’s taken on an incredible train ride to the North Pole. What really blew me away was the animation – it’s groundbreaking motion-capture that makes everything feel so real and magical. He meets some amazing new friends along the way, and it’s a beautiful story about learning to believe again. Plus, Tom Hanks is fantastic – he plays several characters, including the train conductor who really helps the boy discover himself. It’s a really special film that balances big, exciting visuals with a sweet message about keeping the magic of being a kid alive.

‘The Family McMullen’ (2025)

Edward Burns revisits the characters who made him famous in this eagerly anticipated follow-up to his beloved independent film. The story jumps forward thirty years, focusing on the children of the McMullen family as they deal with love, life, and their own challenges. Viewers who enjoyed the original are excited to see Connie Britton and the rest of the cast portray how families change over time. The film beautifully combines familiar feelings with new storylines, offering a touching look at what it means to be Irish-American today.

‘Elf’ (2003)

Elf stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole. He goes to New York City to meet his real father. The movie is funny because Buddy is so innocent and cheerful, which is a stark contrast to the often-cynical people he meets. He tries to connect with his busy, work-focused dad, and the film has become a beloved holiday classic thanks to its memorable lines and heartwarming story. Ultimately, Buddy’s positive spirit helps his family and the whole city rediscover the joy of Christmas.

Tell us which of these movies you are planning to stream this weekend in the comments.

2025-12-06 21:45