HBO Max top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now

Michael B. Jordan as Stack and Smoke in "Sinners" movie
(Image credit: Warner. Bros Pictures)

Hope y'all are surviving this heat wave alright. As for me, I've been hiding out in my air-conditioned living room, catching up on what's new on the best streaming service. But figuring out what to watch next can quickly turn into a headache with so many new movies coming and going all the time.

That's why we regularly comb through Max's top 10 list of most-watched movies to see what's got everyone buzzing, but there's bound to be some duds that don't live up to the hype. So we're highlighting the best of the bunch to help you put your precious streaming time to good use.

Leading the pack this week is Ryan Coogler's must-watch vampire thriller, a blockbuster video game adaptation that kids everywhere are obsessed with, and a powerful documentary from one of TV's greatest detectives.

So without further ado, let's dive into the best three movies in HBO Max's top 10 list.

This article is based on the HBO Max top 10 movies in the U.S. as of 3:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 12.

Best movies in HBO Max's top 10

'Sinners'

Sinners | Official Trailer - YouTube Sinners | Official Trailer - YouTube
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I'll admit, I was late to the "Sinners" train. But I'm happy to report it's every bit as good as everyone says. Director Ryan Coogler's vampire horror blockbuster feels more like church than a movie; its sound design is so spell-binding and stunningly electric, you can't help but get swept up in the fever. Honestly, maybe it's for the best that I didn't catch this movie in theaters. I'd have been shoutin' down the aisles.

Set in 1930s Mississippi, "Sinners" tells the story of twin brothers (both played by long-time Coogler collaborator Michael B. Jordan), who return to their hometown to convert an abandoned sawmill into a lively juke joint. Opening night is a roaring success, until a gang of vampires crashes the party hellbent on siphoning the talents and vitality of their community. Blending horror and thrills with a cinematic flair and a haunting score, "Sinners" is an absolute must-watch for horror and music fans alike.

Watch it now on Max

'My Mom Jayne: A Film by Mariska Hargitay'

Mariska Hargitay is one of television’s most beloved detectives, and as it turns out, she's also a gifted storyteller behind the camera. In a deeply personal and emotional documentary, Hargitay turns the lens on her own past, sharing the story of her mother, Hollywood star Jayne Mansfield, who died in a car crash when Hargitay was just three years old.

The film traces Hargitay’s journey as she finally confronts a legacy she was once told to avoid, and reclaims her mother's story on her own terms. As she unpacks the carefully crafted image of Mansfield's Hollywood persona, Hargitay shines a light on how the "dumb blonde" facade was a carefully calculated performance. She also uncovers long-buried truths, including revelations about her biological father. The result is a poignant and powerful film, where the honesty and vulnerability of Hargitay and her family resonate with heartbreaking clarity.

Watch it now on Max

'A Minecraft Movie'

A Minecraft Movie | Official Trailer - YouTube A Minecraft Movie | Official Trailer - YouTube
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Surprising no one, "A Minecraft Movie" is still holding strong in the Max top 10 after Minecraft fever swept the world this summer. Packed with meme-worthy moments, vibrant visuals, and over-the-top characters, this sugar rush of a film could prove delightful or tooth-achingly annoying depending on your tastes.

This chaotic adventure follows a misfit crew (Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Sebastian Hansen) who stumble through a portal into the blocky, unpredictable Minecraft Overworld. To get home, they'll need to join forces with Steve (Jack Black), a seasoned crafter with a few screws loose who's been stuck there for decades, and put their imagination to the test.

Watch it now on Max

HBO Max: Starts at $9.99/month

HBO Max: Starts at $9.99/month
Our favorite streaming service combines quality and quantity. Its library contains HBO prestige shows like "House of the Dragon" and "White Lotus," blockbuster movies from Warner Bros. and DC, plus reality TV and true crime docs from Discovery's family of networks.

HBO Max top 10 movies right now

  1. 'Sinners' (2025)
  2. 'A Minecraft Movie' (2025)
  3. 'Opus' (2025)
  4. 'My Mom Jayne: A Film by Mariska Hargitay' (2025)
  5. 'Minecraft Block Party' (2025)
  6. 'The Great Wall' (2017)
  7. 'In Time' (2011)
  8. 'Napoleon Dynamite' (2004)
  9. 'Get Out' (2017)
  10. 'Better Off Dead' (1985)

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Alyse Stanley
News Editor

Alyse Stanley is a news editor at Tom’s Guide, overseeing weekend coverage and writing about the latest in tech, gaming, and entertainment. Before Tom’s Guide, Alyse worked as an editor for the Washington Post’s sunsetted video game section, Launcher. She previously led Gizmodo’s weekend news desk and has written game reviews and features for outlets like Polygon, Unwinnable, and Rock, Paper, Shotgun. She’s a big fan of horror movies, cartoons, and roller skating. She's also a puzzle fan and can often be found contributing to the NYT Connections coverage on Tom's Guide

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