‘The Secrets We Bury’ Tops HBO Max’s Top 10 Most-Watched Movies List of the Week

Max is currently offering a wide range of popular shows and movies, including both new documentaries and seasonal favorites. This week, you’ll find everything from suspenseful thrillers to classic holiday movies, plus long-awaited sequels and revealing documentaries about music icons. These trending titles show just how much variety Max offers as the year ends.

‘Music Box: Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately?’ (2025)

This episode of the ‘Music Box’ series tells the story of the band Counting Crows, with a special focus on lead singer Adam Duritz. Director Bill Simmons examines Duritz’s personal experiences and how they shaped the band’s biggest hits. The film combines old footage and new interviews to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Counting Crows and the alternative rock world, offering fans a close-up view of the band’s growth over the years.

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ (2025)

In the fourth installment of the hit horror series, Ed and Lorraine Warren take on one last, terrifying case. The famous paranormal investigators are pushed to their limits as they confront a frightening entity that threatens both their beliefs and their lives. This film wraps up the main story arc that has captivated audiences for years, and is produced by James Wan, bringing the series to a dramatic conclusion.

‘Flight Risk’ (2024)

Flight Risk, starring Mark Wahlberg and directed by Mel Gibson, is a tense thriller about a pilot tasked with flying an air marshal and a fugitive through perilous airspace. As they journey, the crew begins to suspect someone onboard is concealing their true identity. The film creates a gripping, confined atmosphere, highlighting the intense pressure of a life-or-death situation inside a small plane.

‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ (1989)

In the hilarious holiday movie, Clark Griswold tries his best to create a perfect Christmas for his family, but everything goes wrong. Unexpected guests and a lost paycheck throw his plans into complete disarray. It’s become a beloved winter tradition, often streamed during the holidays, and Chevy Chase is fantastic as a dad desperately trying to stay cheerful amidst all the chaos.

‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’ (2025)

I’m so excited! Spinal Tap is back! Decades after the original documentary, the band is reuniting for a world tour in ‘Spinal Tap II’. Rob Reiner, the director of the first film, is back too, and it’s amazing to see him capturing what it’s like for these guys to try and make it in today’s music world. Christopher Guest and Michael McKean are reprising their roles, and I’m expecting the same hilarious, spot-on satire that made the first movie a classic. It’s going to be really interesting to see how the band members interact and if they can recapture their past success.

‘This Is Spinal Tap’ (1984)

This hilarious fake documentary tells the story of a British heavy metal band’s incredibly chaotic American tour. The film playfully mocks the excesses of rock stardom with over-the-top situations and spontaneous conversations. It’s become a beloved cult classic thanks to its innovative documentary style and its send-up of common music clichés. Viewers still enjoy following the misadventures of David St. Hubbins and Nigel Tufnel, complete with exploding drummers and ridiculously small Stonehenge replicas.

‘The Polar Express’ (2004)

On Christmas Eve, a young boy experiences a wondrous train journey to the North Pole. Tom Hanks lends his voice and acting skills to several characters throughout the adventure. The movie uses cutting-edge technology to create a realistic and immersive digital world. At its heart, the story celebrates the power of friendship and the magic of believing in the unseen.

‘Elf’ (2003)

In the beloved holiday film, Buddy the Elf, Will Ferrell plays a human who was raised as an elf. He journeys from the North Pole to New York City to meet his real father. The movie hilariously follows Buddy as he tries to adjust to the human world and share the joy of Christmas with his newfound family. Its heartwarming story and cheerful spirit have made it a modern Christmas classic.

‘Christmas with the Kranks’ (2004)

Luther and Nora Krank make a surprising decision: they plan to skip Christmas and take a cruise instead! But their relaxing getaway is thrown into chaos when their daughter unexpectedly announces she’s coming home for the holidays. Now, they’re scrambling to quickly throw a Christmas party and decorate their house to meet their neighborhood’s expectations. This funny movie shows how crazy the holidays can be, and how much we rely on our community during that time.

The Secrets We Bury’ (2025)

Patricia E. Gillespie’s new documentary explores a fascinating and complicated mystery, revealing long-hidden truths. The film delves into the powerful emotional impact of family secrets and how they ripple through generations. By carefully researching the past and speaking with those involved, the documentary brings a forgotten story to light. Gillespie’s unique filmmaking style, which combines the intrigue of true crime with a compassionate understanding of people, is on full display.

Tell us which of these films you are planning to stream first in the comments.

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2025-12-20 20:45