Here Are the Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on HBO Max, Including ‘Ne Zha 2’

by

Max offers a wide variety of movies and shows, from timeless holiday favorites to the newest releases. You can find everything from exciting action films to heartwarming comedies, including popular franchises and trending hits. This weekend is a great time to watch something new or revisit a classic. Max is always adding more content, with both exclusive premieres and well-loved favorites, so there’s something for everyone.

‘Elf’ (2003)

‘Elf’ stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a man raised at the North Pole who goes to New York City to meet his real dad. The movie follows Buddy as he tries to share the joy of the holidays with people who aren’t always so cheerful. James Caan and Zooey Deschanel also star, adding both humor and heart to the story. Thanks to its silly physical comedy and upbeat feel, ‘Elf’ has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families who watch it every year.

‘The Polar Express’ (2004)

‘The Polar Express’ tells the story of a boy who takes a fantastical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, hoping to renew his faith in Santa Claus. The movie uses advanced motion capture to create realistic characters, with Tom Hanks playing several roles. Along the way, the train passengers face challenges that strengthen their bonds of courage and friendship. Known for its beautiful animation and based on a beloved book, ‘The Polar Express’ remains a popular holiday favorite thanks to its enchanting mood and timeless Christmas spirit.

‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ (1989)

In ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,’ Clark Griswold desperately tries to create an idyllic Christmas for his family, but everything goes wrong. A flood of quirky relatives and constant problems with the Christmas lights turn his home into a hilarious disaster zone. Chevy Chase is fantastic as the dad trying to keep it all together. The movie is a beloved winter classic because it perfectly captures the chaos and stress of family holidays, and many fans consider it one of the best in the ‘National Lampoon’ series.

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ (2025)

Ed and Lorraine Warren are back with another chilling case in this new horror film. They’re facing their most terrifying challenge yet, battling a strong demonic force. This movie expands on the stories from previous films and delves into the history of the hauntings. It focuses on the strong relationship between the Warrens while still delivering the scares that fans love. For those familiar with the series, this is the newest addition to the collection.

‘Flight Risk’ (2025)

‘Flight Risk’ is a gripping thriller about a pilot tasked with flying a dangerous criminal through the Alaskan wilderness. As the journey becomes increasingly perilous, secrets are revealed and the passengers’ true intentions come to light. The story delves into the psychological conflict between the characters, trapped together in a small plane. The director expertly uses the remote setting to build a feeling of isolation and mounting suspense. With its fast-paced plot, ‘Flight Risk’ will keep you on the edge of your seat.

‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017)

Charlize Theron plays a top spy for MI6 who is sent to Berlin during the Cold War to look into the death of a colleague. The story quickly becomes a tangled game of espionage, with various spy organizations battling for control of a crucial list of double agents. The film is a visually striking action thriller, known for its gritty hand-to-hand fights and a vibrant, 80s-inspired look. Set against the historical backdrop of the Berlin Wall coming down, ‘Atomic Blonde’ also features a memorable soundtrack from the era and is celebrated by action fans for its unique fight choreography and stunning visuals.

‘Wedding Crashers’ (2005)

Okay, so this movie is seriously hilarious! It’s about these two guys who are divorce mediators – basically, they help people split up – but they have this crazy side hustle where they crash weddings just for the free food and to soak up the romantic vibes. Things get really interesting when they end up at this super fancy wedding with a lot of political bigwigs, and they both start falling for the daughters of an important official. Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson are perfect in it, and it’s funny, but also surprisingly sweet as they both start to grow up and realize they want something real. It’s a really classic comedy from the early 2000s and was a huge hit – definitely one of the most successful of that time!

‘Bad Santa’ (2003)

I absolutely love ‘Bad Santa’! It’s not your typical Christmas movie, that’s for sure. Billy Bob Thornton is brilliant as this really grumpy, cynical thief who decides to rob malls while dressed as Santa. But then, something unexpected happens – he connects with this sweet, troubled little boy who genuinely believes Thornton is the real Santa Claus. It’s a really funny, but also surprisingly touching story, and it definitely isn’t afraid to be a little edgy and different. Plus, the supporting cast, with Bernie Mac and Lauren Graham, is fantastic. It’s one of those movies that’s stayed popular over the years, and I totally get why – it’s a true cult classic!

‘Ne Zha 2’ (2025)

The long-awaited sequel to the animated hit ‘Ne Zha’ picks up the story of the powerful god as he faces a challenging future. After a successful run in theaters, the film is now available to stream this weekend and expands on the mythology introduced in the first movie. Known for its stunning visuals and epic action, ‘Ne Zha 2’ sees its characters battling new enemies from the heavens while grappling with questions of who they are and what they’re responsible for. International animation fans have been eagerly awaiting this release for years.

‘The Family McMullen’ (2025)

This film, directed by Edward Burns, is a sequel to his popular independent film from the 1990s. It revisits the original characters years later, showing how they navigate family issues and the challenges of middle age. Like the first film, it’s a character-driven story that relies on realistic conversations and relationships. It offers a genuine look at what it’s like to be Irish American today, with believable characters and a familiar setting. Essentially, it picks up the story where the 1995 film left off.

Share your favorite movie choice for the weekend in the comments.

Read More

2025-12-20 00:17