TL;DR
Wired staff compiled a list of 40 recommended films currently available on HBO Max, spanning documentaries, recent festival hits, studio fare, and genre fare. Selections include new releases and classic titles, with highlights such as One Battle After Another, Spinal Tap II, and the Jeff Buckley documentary.
What happened
Wired published a curated list of 40 films available on HBO Max as of December 25, 2025. The roundup mixes high-profile new releases, festival standouts, genre entries, and documentaries. Examples featured in the story include Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, Amy Berg’s documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley, and the long-awaited mockumentary sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. The piece emphasizes the breadth of HBO Max’s library—studio blockbusters, indie films (including titles from A24), and thoughtful nonfiction work—and highlights performances and filmmakers driving interest in these titles. Wired frames the list as a guide for viewers seeking notable movies to stream, and it points readers toward related lists covering top shows on HBO Max and film selections on other streaming platforms.
Why it matters
- Helps viewers navigate a large streaming catalog by spotlighting 40 standout films across genres.
- Brings attention to recent festival hits and indie titles that may be harder to discover.
- Highlights HBO Max’s mix of studio content, documentaries, and curated indie partnerships.
- Offers a single reference for finding both new releases and established favorites on one service.
Key facts
- Article author: Jennifer M. Wood (Wired staff).
- Published December 25, 2025.
- The piece lists 40 recommended movies available to stream on HBO Max.
- Featured films include One Battle After Another, It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley, and Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.
- Wired’s selection covers documentaries, recent theatrical releases, festival hits, and genre films.
- The article notes HBO Max’s continued partnership with A24, which brings indie titles into the service’s library.
- Selections highlight both notable performances (for example, actors named in several entries) and acclaimed directors.
- Wired links to related roundups for best shows on HBO Max and film lists on other streaming services.
What to watch next
- One Battle After Another — recommended as a major new film on the list.
- It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley — a documentary spotlighted for its archival footage and interviews.
- Spinal Tap II: The End Continues — presented as a long-awaited sequel to the 1984 mockumentary.
Quick glossary
- Streaming service: A platform that delivers video content—movies, TV shows, or live programming—over the internet for on-demand viewing.
- Documentary: A nonfiction film or program that explores real people, events, or issues, often using interviews and archival material.
- Mockumentary: A fictional film or show presented in the style of a documentary, often for satirical or comedic effect.
- Festival hit: A film that gained notable attention or awards during film festivals such as Cannes, Sundance, or Toronto.
Reader FAQ
How many films are on Wired’s list?
Forty films.
Who wrote the roundup and when was it published?
The piece was written by Jennifer M. Wood and published December 25, 2025.
Are these films currently streaming on HBO Max?
Wired presents them as titles available to watch on HBO Max at the time of publication.
Is the list presented as a ranked chart?
not confirmed in the source
JENNIFER M. WOOD WIRED STAFF CULTURE DEC 25, 2025 3:00 PM The 40 Best Movies on HBO Max Right Now One Battle After Another, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,…
Sources
- The 40 Best Movies on HBO Max Right Now (January 2026)
- The 50 Best Shows on HBO Max Right Now
- The 45 Best Movies on HBO Max Right Now (December …
- The 48 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now
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