The 33 Best Movies and Shows on HBO Max Right Now

Succession creator Jesse Armstrong returns with a biting dark comedy, Mountainhead. Directed by Armstrong himself, this film immerses viewers in the lives of four ultra-wealthy individuals-portrayed by Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, and Ramy Youssef-who retreat to a remote, snow-covered mansion as the world faces an AI-driven apocalypse. The narrative offers a sharp critique of the super-rich’s detachment and the dystopian fears surrounding artificial intelligence.

The prequel to Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, continued its captivating run last summer. Building on its promising debut, the second season plunges into a fierce Targaryen civil war, with dragons soaring over a kingdom torn apart by internal strife. The series boasts a substantial budget and delivers intense political intrigue, epic battles, and fiery dragons-captivating fans of high fantasy and political drama alike.

Among numerous attempts to adapt video games into television, The Last of Us stands out as the most successful to date. Featuring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the series chronicles the journey of two unlikely companions navigating a post-apocalyptic America ravaged by a fungal outbreak that turns humans into zombie-like creatures. Its compelling storytelling and faithful adaptation have set a new standard for video game adaptations.

Following a bizarre murder in Alaska, police chief Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and detective Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) delve into a web of enigmas and supernatural phenomena to identify the culprit. Night Country reinvents the crime anthology format, sparking widespread online speculation and theories. Its fresh approach and atmospheric storytelling have reinvigorated the detective genre for modern audiences.

Blending documentary elements with stand-up comedy, Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show offers an unfiltered glimpse into the comedian’s personal life, featuring candid conversations and behind-the-scenes moments. The series explores Carmichael’s complex relationships with friends, family, and former lovers, serving as a form of personal catharsis. As Carmichael explained to Esquire, “It’s my attempt at healing and understanding myself better.”

The White Lotus has become a cultural phenomenon, satirizing the luxurious yet superficial lifestyle of the wealthy elite. Set in a fictional tropical resort, the series features a star-studded cast including Jennifer Coolidge, Aubrey Plaza, and Michael Imperioli. Its sharp wit, biting social commentary, and intriguing mysteries have captivated viewers, making it one of the most talked-about shows of recent years..

Shinichirō Watanabe, renowned for classics like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, returns with Lazarus, a high-octane sci-fi crime drama set in the near future. The story follows a diverse team of freelance agents hunting down a mysterious scientist whose revolutionary drug doubles as a deadly weapon capable of killing all its users worldwide. The series combines Watanabe’s signature style with intense action and thought-provoking themes.

Discover how the show explores themes of power, morality, and technological peril.

Originating from James Gunn’s 2021 film The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker follows John Cena’s character as he attempts to genuinely pursue peace, often through chaotic and humorous means. With Gunn now overseeing the entire DC franchise, this irreverent action-comedy series has gained significant popularity, blending over-the-top humor with superhero antics and social commentary.

While The White Lotus satirizes contemporary luxury, The Gilded Age transports viewers back to the opulent world of 1882’s American aristocracy. Created by Julian Fellowes, the series features an ensemble cast including Nathan Lane, Louisa Jacobson, Carrie Coon, Cynthia Nixon, and Christine Baranski. It offers a humorous yet critical look at the social ambitions and scandals of America’s Gilded Age elite.

Scavengers Reign is a visually stunning, transcendental science fiction miniseries that challenges genre conventions. Set on an uncharted planet, it follows the survivors of a spaceship crash as they grapple with the mysteries of their new environment. The series encourages viewers to slow down, reflect, and contemplate the universe’s vastness, blending lush animation with philosophical themes. It’s a modern take on survival and existential wonder, reminiscent of Lost and Cosmos.

HBO’s Industry offers a gritty, provocative look into the cutthroat world of investment banking, filled with scandal, seduction, and intense workplace drama. Echoing the tone of Euphoria, the series explores the pressures faced by young professionals vying for success in a high-stakes environment. Notably, Kit Harington joins the cast in season 3, adding further star power to this intense series.

Concluding its acclaimed run in 2023, Succession captivated audiences with its sharp portrayal of a media conglomerate’s family drama. Centered on CEO Logan Roy and his children vying for control, the series combines biting wit, complex characters, and intense power plays. Starring Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, Alan Ruck, and Matthew Macfadyen, it remains a quintessential exploration of legacy, greed, and family loyalty.

Even after over a decade, Last Week Tonight remains a vital source of satirical news analysis. Each week, John Oliver and his team dissect current events, global issues, and political developments with humor and depth. Its blend of investigative journalism and comedy continues to resonate with audiences seeking both entertainment and insight.

Adapting Viet Thanh Nguyen’s debut novel, The Sympathizer stars Hoa Xuande as a North Vietnamese spy embedded in the South Vietnamese army during the final days of the Vietnam War. The series explores themes of identity, loyalty, and trauma, with Robert Downey Jr. portraying multiple antagonists. It offers a nuanced, often humorous look at a complex chapter of history from a Vietnamese viewpoint.

Featuring Bill Hader, Barry tells the story of a professional assassin who seeks to leave his violent past behind and pursue a career in acting. As his old life begins to catch up with him, chaos and comedy ensue, blending dark humor with poignant moments. The series explores themes of redemption, identity, and the absurdity of violence.

Based on the legendary rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, Winning Time dramatizes the rise of the Showtime Lakers, highlighting iconic figures like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Produced by Adam McKay, the series captures the glamour, drama, and intense competition that defined an era of basketball greatness.

Produced by Josh and Benny Safdie, Telemarketers offers an investigative look into the manipulative tactics of the telemarketing industry. Through interviews with former employees, the series uncovers the dark underbelly of a sector often dismissed as harmless, revealing scams and psychological tricks used to deceive unsuspecting victims.

Starring Kate Winslet with her distinctive Philadelphia accent, Mare of Easttown is a gripping crime drama centered on a detective investigating the murder of a local sports hero. Although initially conceived as a limited series, rumors suggest a potential spinoff set in Delco, with Mark Ruffalo possibly taking a lead role. The series combines compelling storytelling with nuanced characters and atmospheric tension.

Created by comedian Julio Torres, Fantasmas is a surrealist comedy miniseries that explores life in contemporary New York City. The show humorously critiques government bureaucracy and societal restrictions, featuring Torres’s quest for a “proof of existence” document amid encounters with unhelpful robots, robotic customer service agents, and celebrity cameos. Its bizarre humor and inventive storytelling have garnered a dedicated following.