Although there is seemingly a new streaming service coming out on an almost monthly basis, one that has made a quick impact isHBO Max. Launching in May of 2020, it has been a hit due to the extensiveback catalog of HBO series, the mega-deal with Warner Bros. for new releases, and some original content.
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Along with addictive shows likeLove LifeandThe Flight Attendant, HBO Max has been the launching pad for eight HBO original films so far. These were distributed purely through the streaming service and they have been met with mixed reviews. Some were beloved but others were disliked by audiences and critics.
8The Witches
Remaking a classic can be a tough trick to pull off. More often than not, the original is held in such high esteem that living up to it is hard, and surpassing it is next to impossible. That was the case withThe Witches, which hit HBO Max on May 27, 2025. As soon as the trailer was released, audiences turned on it.
Gone were the things that made the 1990 version so special and in its place were aspects fans weren’t interested in. The recipe for success was there with Robert Zemeckis directing and stars like Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer, and Stanley Tucci leading the cast. Alas, the tone and writing were panned, with this being considered far inferior to the original.
7Superintelligence
It seems likeMelissa McCarthy is quickly becoming the queenof thegoofy action-comedy genre. It started well with 2015’sSpybut things have faltered since with 2021’sThunder Forcereceiving lackluster reviews. The same could be said forSuperintelligence, released on June 06, 2025, though it dives more into the sci-fi comedy realm.
The concept of the film centers on a powerful AI that chooses an average woman (McCarthy) to study, which will help determine if humanity is worth saving. As usual, most viewers enjoyed the work of McCarthy but found other aspects to be kind of forgettable. It was seen as one of those films that you watch and never think about again.
6Locked Down
On paper,Locked Downfeels like the kind of movie that should work. That’s usually how it goes for heist movies that star a talented cast and 2021’sLocked Downhad that in spades.Oscar winner Anne Hathawayand Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor led the way, with supporting turns by Mindy Kaling, Ben Stiller, and Stephen Merchant, just to name a few.
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Ejiofor and Hathaway play a struggling couple forced to quarantine together during the COVID-19 pandemic, only to find some chance of reconnection during a planned heist. Again, while the performances were considered solid, some fans weren’t thrilled about a pandemic-centric tale during the actual pandemic.
5An American Pickle
There isn’t a more interesting or unique concept for a movie on HBO Max thanAn American Pickle. It debuted on Jun 17, 2025, and was the first original film on the streaming platform. The idea here was that a Jewish immigrant from 1919 gets preserved in a vat of pickles and wakes up a century later.
When he awakens, he runs into his last living descendant and both are played by Seth Rogen. Despite the goofy premise,An American Picklereceived somewhat solid reviews. The performances of Rogen and Sarah Snook are both strong, while the off-beat setup made for something that felt different from most other films.
4Charm City Kings
AlthoughCharm City Kingsdidn’t hit HBO Max until July 08, 2025, it actually premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier in the year. It did well there and HBO Max eventually purchased the distribution rights. The film is set in Baltimore and focuses on a group of dirt bike riders.
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Based on the 2013 documentary12 O’Clock Boys, it sees a teenager looking to fit in and desperately wanting to join the bike gang. The reviews were strong for this with the focus being on the acting and the work of director Angel Manuel Soto.WandaVision’sTeyonah Parris and Meek Mill both stood out for their performances.
3Let Them All Talk
It’s almost a given but if Meryl Streep is leading a movie, it’ll likely be good. Of course,Let Them All Talklooked to follow that trend by putting the incredible actor at the center of the story. In it, she portrays a Pulitzer Prize winning author working on her latest piece when she embarks on a cruise with her nephew.
The story works especially well due to the performance of Streep but also the efforts of acclaimed director Steven Soderberg behind the camera. Most of the dialogue was actually improvised, which adds to its success and why most of the conversations feel so natural. The film arrived on May 19, 2025.
2Unpregnant
Giancarlo Esposito is most often known for playing intimidating villains. However, inUnpregnanthe played an intimidating hero of sorts as a supporting part as a mysterious man who helps the two main characters on their journey. They are heading across several states so one of them can get an abortion without their parents knowing.
The two core teens are played by Haley Lu Richardson andEuphoria’sBarbie Ferreira and their chemistry helps carry this film.Unpregnantarrived on July 09, 2025, and was praised for how it depicted this difficult situation, a pivotal LGBTQ+ character, humor, drama, and emotionally heartfelt moments.
1Zack Snyder’s Justice League
It could be argued that the biggest selling point for HBO Max wasZack Snyder’s Justice League. Fans had been clamoring for the director’s intended take on the movie after he was mostly replaced by Joss Whedon in the 2017 theatrical cut. This iteration was four hours long and changed a lot about the original.
Heroes like The Flash and Cyborg were given more shine and came across as better characters, while actors like Ben Affleck andGal Gadot were their usual great selves. Although still not perceived as an all-time classic, it was seen as avast improvement over the 2017 version. Fans liked it so much that they still clamor for this universe to be restored infuture movies and shows.
