10 Hidden Gems: Underrated Movies on Max You’ve Likely Missed

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Max has emerged as a formidable contender in the realm of streaming platforms. Equipped with content from HBO and Warner Bros., Max boasts some of the most exceptional TV series and films ever produced. This streaming service is brimming with cherished, highly-regarded shows, ranging from timeless classics such as The Sopranos, Sex and the City, Six Feet Under, to modern sensations like Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, and The White Lotus.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that Max’s collection is simply staggering in its scope! It spans from the silent masterpieces of Charlie Chaplin in the 1920s to the eagerly anticipated ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ of 2024, with virtually everything in between. There are so many iconic films to choose from on Max that it feels like a dream come true!

From timeless classics such as ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Casablanca’, ‘Gone with the Wind’, and ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, to modern hits like ‘Barbie’, Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’, ‘Call Me by Your Name’, and ‘Joker’, Max has them all! It’s a treasure trove for any film lover like myself.

Additionally, you might find some hidden treasures – movies that didn’t get much attention but deserve a watch. If you’re searching for an undiscovered masterpiece, here are ten films available on Max, listed in order of their release year, which could be right up your alley.

10
‘Priscilla’ (2023)

In a different way of saying, Priscilla serves as a spiritual counterpart to this year’s Elvis. Directed by renowned filmmaker Sophia Coppola, this intimate movie primarily revolves around the ex-spouse of the iconic rock and roll artist, offering a deep exploration into their relationship – encompassing both its brightest moments and its most somber, introspective ones.

In a different vein compared to the Baz Luhrmann version, the movie featuring Priscilla didn’t create quite as much buzz as Elvis did. However, it still attracted favorable comments from critics, many of whom commended Cailee Spaeny’s portrayal of Priscilla and Jacob Elordi’s performance as Elvis.

9
‘Reality’ (2023)

In this scenario, “Reality” is originally produced by HBO, making it accessible on Max. In the storyline, a young woman encounters an unexpected visit from the FBI due to her actions of disclosing confidential documents to an online news platform.

The movie is grounded in a genuine account of an FBI interrogation in 2017. The leading role is played by the current IT sensation, Sydney Sweeney, who portrays the title character. The film garnered significant praise, notably for Sweeney’s outstanding acting.

8
‘Dream Scenario’ (2023)

Imagine if it were me, and I suddenly found myself the subject of countless strangers’ dreams – people who have never even met me! This peculiar occurrence befalls Paul Matthews, an ordinary evolutionary biology teacher. Despite having no extraordinary qualities about him, this strange turn of events thrusts Paul into the limelight as a media sensation.

An intriguing and amusing movie titled “Dream Scenario” could be a fitting match for an A24 production due to its distinctive idea and charming humor.

7
‘The Florida Project’ (2017)

Prior to his success with the movie “Anora”, Sean Baker had previously directed a small independent film titled “The Florida Project”. Much like “Anora”, this movie centers around a woman working in the sex industry who is striving to survive and care for her six-year-old daughter. The grim realities of their life in Kissimmee, Florida are vividly contrasted with the nearby glamour of Disney World, highlighting the stark difference between the magical world of Disney and the characters’ grim circumstances.

In “The Florida Project,” several of its actors made their first film appearance, but it’s Willem Dafoe who is also part of the cast. This remarkable movie serves as a compelling coming-of-age tale that rivals, if not surpasses, the excellence of “Anora.

6
‘Jackie’ (2016)

Jackie” is a dramatic portrayal of one of America’s renowned First Ladies, Jacqueline Kennedy. The film chronicles her time at the White House and also delves into the days following the tragic assassination of her husband.

In a striking portrayal, Natalie Portman brilliantly captures Jackie Kennedy’s essence, flawlessly imitating her distinctive speech rhythms and gestures. The film Jackie garnered three Academy Award nominations, one of which was for Natalie Portman’s outstanding performance in the Best Actress category.

5
‘Gloria Bell’ (2018)

The 2013 film titled “Gloria” is a unique Chilean-Spanish drama that boasts a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Later in 2018, the original movie’s director, Sebastian Lelio, created an English-language remake of his own production, which he named “Gloria Bell.

Titled “Gloria Bell,” the movie features Julianne Moore and John Turturro in leading roles. The story revolves around Gloria Bell, a divorced woman nearing middle age who embarks on a passionate romance with a man she meets at a dance club in Los Angeles. Despite not achieving a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes like its predecessor, “Gloria Bell” garnered an impressive 90% approval from critics.

4
‘Big Eyes’ (2014)

The movie titled “Big Eyes” is a biographical drama, skillfully directed by the renowned filmmaker Tim Burton. It portrays the damaging relationship between American artist Margaret Keane and her husband, Walter Keane, who falsely claims credit for Margaret’s well-known paintings featuring subjects with oversized eyes.

The movie features renowned actors such as Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz in leading roles. Compared to most of Tim Burton’s movies, Big Eyes is relatively normal in terms of its content, and it ranks among his finest works.

3
‘Another Earth’ (2011)

This film titled “Another Earth” deviates from the norm of high-budget, special effects-laden sci-fi movies. Instead, it offers introspective themes and was produced on a modest budget of just $100,000, making it a unique gem in the genre.

As I sat in the dimly lit theater, I found myself immersed in the thought-provoking tale of “Another Earth.” This film presents an extraordinary event – the sudden appearance of a second Earth, aptly named Earth 2, within our own galaxy. A young woman, burdened by her past, is given an unprecedented opportunity to be among the first to journey to this new world.

While the narrative occasionally falters due to its deliberate pacing, “Another Earth” stands out as a distinct sci-fi offering that prioritizes a poignant storyline over flashy special effects. It’s a compelling exploration of second chances and redemption set against the backdrop of an intriguing scientific phenomenon.

2
‘American Splendor’ (2003)

American Splendor is yet another original movie produced by HBO. It’s based on the namesake comic book series created by Harvey Pekar, a renowned underground comic book writer known for his gloomy outlook on life and significant influence in altering how graphic novels are perceived. American Splendor, whether the comic book series or the movie, serves as an autobiographical portrayal of Pekar’s life, encompassing both its triumphs and tribulations.

In the movie “American Splendor,” Paul Giamatti plays the character Pekar in one of his early leading roles. The film carries an A24-like aesthetic, blending live-action scenes, real-life documentary elements, and animation to produce a captivating depiction of a largely unacknowledged comic book industry titan.

1
‘Blood Simple’ (1984)

As a cinephile, I bet you’ve crossed paths with the Coen brothers’ work, and if you haven’t, where have you been hiding? Masterpieces like Fargo, The Big Lebowski, and No Country for Old Men are likely part of your collection. But here’s a gem you might have missed – Blood Simple. Have you given it a watch yet?

Blood Simple, being the debut work by the Coen Brothers, unfolds a series of misinterpretations leading to turbulent incidents. It revolves around the owner of a small-town Texas bar who learns about an employee’s affair with his wife. This film is quintessential Coen brothers – a darkly humorous and intense rollercoaster ride, now widely recognized as one of their masterpieces.

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2025-05-04 02:33