Oscar-Nominated Drama Tops HBO Max’s Top 10 Most-Watched Movies List of the Week Again

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This week on Max, viewers are enjoying a diverse selection of movies, from grand historical stories to modern love stories. People are watching both classic films and new releases, covering many years of cinema. It’s clear audiences like both exciting action movies and films that focus on interesting characters. Here’s a look at the most popular movies people are watching right now.

‘Robin Hood’ (2010)

This historical adventure takes place in 12th-century England, following a skilled archer who arrives in Nottingham after the death of King Richard. He pretends to be a deceased knight to deliver a sword and unexpectedly becomes the leader of a revolt against injustice. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe as Robin Hood and Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian, the film presents a realistic and politically charged take on the well-known legend, showing how he inspires a local uprising to resist a French invasion.

‘My Cousin Rachel’ (2017)

As a critic, I found this film to be a beautifully shot, yet deeply unsettling romantic drama. It centers on a young man convinced his cousin killed his guardian, and his attempts at revenge. However, things get complicated – and fascinating – when he starts to fall for her and begins to question everything he thought he knew. It’s based on a classic Daphne du Maurier novel, and really digs into themes of obsession, guilt, and how unreliable our perceptions can be. Rachel Weisz is absolutely captivating in the lead, delivering a performance that truly drives the tense, psychological atmosphere, and Sam Claflin is equally strong. The cinematography is gorgeous, creating a visually rich and immersive experience.

‘Best in Show’ (2000)

This funny, documentary-style film follows five dog owners as they compete in the Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show in Philadelphia. Directed by Christopher Guest, known for his improvisational style, the movie showcases the owners’ quirky personalities and their serious commitment to their dogs. It’s a playful and satirical look at the often-intense world of competitive dog shows and breeding, highlighted by its unique characters and realistic presentation.

‘MacGruber’ (2010)

This funny action movie is based on a popular ‘Saturday Night Live’ sketch. It’s about a highly skilled agent who’s pulled out of retirement to prevent a nuclear disaster. He needs to gather a team to defeat his biggest enemy, the evil Dieter Von Cunth. The film playfully spoofs the TV show ‘MacGyver’ and many classic action movie clichés from the 80s and 90s. It stars Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, and Ryan Phillippe. While it didn’t do huge numbers in theaters at first, it’s become really popular thanks to streaming and home video.

‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked’ (2011)

The third movie in the popular Alvin and the Chipmunks series sends Alvin, Simon, Theodore, and the Chipettes on a cruise with Dave Seville. After a mishap with a kite sends them tumbling into the ocean, they find themselves stranded on a deserted island. While trying to get back home, they meet a fellow castaway and quickly realize the island isn’t as idyllic as it seems. Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Jesse McCartney provide the voices for the characters in this fun, family-friendly film filled with music and humor.

‘The Notebook’ (2004)

The film tells the beautiful and heartbreaking love story of Noah and Allie, spanning their entire lives. We see their romance unfold through memories recounted from a notebook, starting with a chance meeting in the 1940s. Despite facing challenges and being separated by societal pressures, they eventually find their way back to each other. Based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel, the movie became a huge hit and is considered a classic romance, starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as the young couple. At its heart, the story celebrates lasting love and the importance of cherished memories.

‘Masterminds’ (2016)

This funny movie is inspired by the true story of a massive 1997 bank robbery in North Carolina. It centers around a security guard who’s tricked into stealing a huge sum of money. He then finds himself in a series of ridiculous situations while being chased by both a quirky hitman and the FBI. Directed by Jared Hess and starring Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, and Owen Wilson, the film highlights how unbelievably clumsy the robbers were, turning one of the biggest cash thefts in US history into a comedic tale. It mixes slapstick humor with a dramatized retelling of the actual events.

‘Valentine’s Day’ (2010)

I absolutely loved this movie! It’s a really sweet and funny romantic comedy that follows a bunch of different people in Los Angeles on Valentine’s Day. It’s not just about finding love, though – it shows all sides of relationships, from that first spark to the ups and downs of being together for a long time, and even dealing with heartbreak. Garry Marshall did a fantastic job bringing it all together with an amazing cast – you’ve got Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, Anne Hathaway… so many stars! What I really liked is how all these different stories connect – you see how everyone’s paths cross throughout just one day. It’s a really feel-good movie, designed to be a fun celebration of Valentine’s Day with lots of different romantic moments.

‘The Smashing Machine’ (2025)

This movie tells the true story of Mark Kerr, a champion mixed martial artist, during the rough and early days of the UFC. It shows his rise to the top of the fighting world alongside his personal battles with addiction and complicated relationships. Starring Dwayne Johnson in a dramatic role unlike anything he’s done before, and directed by Benny Safdie, the film is a raw and honest look at the physical and mental toll of professional fighting. Produced by A24, it’s gaining attention for its realistic depiction of the sport’s beginnings.

‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ (2025)

This film tells the story of a man facing personal struggles and physical challenges. Directed by Mary Bronstein and produced by A24, it’s a character-focused drama that explores the complexities of relationships and what it means to be human. Starring Rose Byrne and A$AP Rocky, the movie delves into the emotional lives of its characters as they adjust to life’s changes, offering a modern take on overcoming adversity and navigating relationships.

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2026-02-14 21:22