HBO has been delivering fantastic movies and shows for many years, andits streaming platform,HBO Max, is currently home to some of the hottest movie picks and new releases. Still, some unfortunate few are going overlooked, due to the ever-growing library of great watches on the platform. These films are awaiting returning viewers and a new generation of fans to fall in love with their epic stories.
Movies likeZack Snyder’s Justice League— a four-hour film that transformed a lukewarm watch into something completely thrilling — and the 2000 romanceIn the Mood for Love, which is so visually stunning and emotionally devastating that it has become the foundation for a great many films, have the misfortune of being counted among the forgotten gems on HBO Max.Compiled on this list are movies that either never got the traction they deserved initially and then faded into the background or were simply forgotten in the wave of brilliant films that took the spotlight.
8’The Last House on the Left' (2009)
Thisbrutal horror-thrilleris sitting on the HBO Max shelf, silently waiting for unsuspecting viewers to take a peek into its shocking, relentlessly suspenseful, and chilling plot.The Last House on the Leftdebuted in 2009 as a remake of Wes Craven’s 1972 cult film, following Mari (Sara Paxton) and her friend Paige (Martha MacIsaac), who are kidnapped and assaulted by a gang of violent and sadistic criminals. After a narrow escape, Mari — beaten but not broken — finds her way back to her parents' house, only for the gang of thugs who hurt her to seek shelter there as well.
AlthoughThe Last House on the Leftdidn’t receive much attention during its debut, it did find new life on the HBO Max platform and now stands as a horror hit.What begins as a story featuring a harrowing ordeal suddenly transforms into a tense and thrilling tale of vengeance as Mari’s parents go above and beyond to protect her. For its gritty realism and nerve-shredding final act,The Last House on the Leftdefinitely deserves its shine in the spotlight, standing as a rediscovered gem that proves that remakes can surpass their originals, even if it happens years later.
7’Laggies' (2014)
Laggiespremiered in2014 as a romantic comedymixed with a touching coming-of-age story, but it just couldn’t make the splash it intended at the box office.The film follows 28-year-old Megan (Keira Knightley), whose life is in a bit of a rut. After randomly (and quite impulsively) befriending a teenager named Annika (Chloë Grace Moretz) and her single father Craig(Sam Rockwell),Megan embarks on a tough journey of self-discovery.
Laggiesis a relatable watch that is warm and quietly funny. The film explores the difficulties of adulthood and does so without any judgment. The performances are quite enthralling, and the actors' chemistry is a sight to behold. The underrated film deserves much more attention for its authenticity, romance, and offbeat spark of brilliance.On HBO Max,Laggieshas the chance of attracting new viewers who are craving a rom-com that wields an emotional depth and characters that feel truly relatable.
6’Speed Racer' (2008)
Speed Raceris an exciting and colorful watch that is quietly sitting on the HBO Max platform, waiting for an audience to appreciate its uniqueness.The film centers around the fearless Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch), who, alongside his loving family — Pops Racer (John Goodman), Mom Racer (Susan Sarandon), and younger brother Spritle (Paulie Litt) — and loyal girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci), dazzlingly fights against the corruption in the high-speed world of racing.
Instead of acclaim,Speed Racerwas met with more confusion than anything.With itsvibrant visuals and cartoonish style, it left audiences heavily divided, unsure whether it was pure brilliance or an over-the-top dud. As time has passed, more people are recognizing the film’s more entertaining qualities. With its blend of CGI and live-action, along with its very comic-book, colorful style,Speed Racerdefinitely deserves rediscovery, as it wasn’t truly made for 2008’s audience, but rather for viewers of today.
5’Zack Snyder’s Justice League' (2021)
This exclusive hit took the world by storm, giving fans of the DC Universe a unique treat — a gritty, more expansive version of a film they had already likely seen.Zack Snyder’sJustice Leagueis an extended cut of the 2017Justice Leaguefilm that unitesSuperman(Henry Cavill), Batman(Ben Affleck),Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), The Flash (Ezra Miller), and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) as they take on the alien warlord Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds) and tackle the looming challenge of Darkseid (Ray Porter).
Although Zack Snyder’sJustice League, more commonly known as the Snyder Cut, saw instant fame as it riled fans into heated debates on which of the two films was better, it quickly faded into the background as new and bigger blockbuster hits stole the spotlight.Now, the 2021 movie sits underneath the epic pile of other thrilling movies on the HBO Max platform.Even standing as a forgotten gem, Snyder’s Cut is still hailed as a rarity that redeems its original film and deserves a revival of appreciation, attention, and acclaim.
4’Death Becomes Her' (1992)
Death Becomes Heris adark fantasy comedy filmthat wields cutting satire on vanity and is a surprisingly great comfort movie. The dark comedy follows two highly vain women, actress Madeline Ashton (Meryl Streep) and writer Helen Sharp (Goldie Hawn), who drink a magic potion that guarantees them eternal youth, although with some rather sinister side effects.
Though it was met with mixed reviews during its theatrical run,Death Becomes Hergarnered a cult following. It’s a wickedly fun movie that has memorable leads who perform brilliantly.While the 1992 audience didn’t quite know just what to make of this film, with all its slapstick comedy and macabre fantasy, modern audiences are sure to get a kick out of its timelessly campy charm, dark humor, and over-the-top antics.Even as the oldest entry on this list of movies that deserve to be rediscovered on HBO Max, it still stands the test of time.
3’Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole' (2010)
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hooleis an underrated andepic animated fantasyadventure that too many still don’t know about.The fantasy adventure is set in a world of anthropomorphic owls and follows a young barn owl, Soren(Jim Sturgess), whose life is irrevocably changed when he and his brother are kidnapped by a sinister group called the Pure Ones.
This work of fantasy art is one of the legendary Zack Snyder’s earlier-directed films and boasts incredible visuals.Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoolewas met with mixed reviews after its debut in 2010 and then quietly faded into the background for mainstream audiences. Those who saw it during its theatrical run were thrilled to find it discreetly waiting for its fans on the HBO Max movie shelf. It’s an epic tale that blends emotional storytelling, world-building, and an all-around cinematic experience that deserves to be seen by a newer generation of fantasy lovers.
2’In the Mood for Love' (2000)
In the Mood for Loveis set in 1960s Hong Kong and follows two neighbors, Chow Mo-wan (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) and Su Li-zhen (Maggie Cheung), who, after forming a deep bond while both suspecting their spouses are having an affair, navigate an unspoken and restrained romance blossoming between them.As the two struggle with societal expectations and their growing feelings, their connection turns into a tender story of loneliness, longing, and a love that goes denied.
Thisromantic dramais filled with romantic tension and immaculate period detail, underscored by haunting cinematography.Despite being one of the oldest on this list of forgotten gems on HBO Max,In The Mood for Lovehas been lauded as pure romantic cinema that stands as a masterpiece. The film features a dreamlike atmosphere, stunning visuals, and flawless acting, yet despite its acclaim by most cinephiles who’ve indulged, it remains unseen by most mainstream audiences. The movie is a definite must-see for anyone who’s craving a devastating portrayal of love and loneliness, wrapped up in elegant filmmaking.
1’Spirited Away' (2001)
Claiming the number 1 spot on this list is the forgotten andhighly beloved anime movieSpirited Away. The film centers around 10-year-old Chihiro Ogino (Rumi Hiiragi), who finds herself in a world of magic and spirits after her parents are transformed into pigs by the witch Yubaba (Mari Natsuki).
Spirited Awayis an epic journey that becomes one of identity, compassion, and courage, all the while being brilliantly stunning.The film is emotional and a bit haunting, and it is considered a cherished classic, albeit a forgotten one. Now on the HBO Max platform,Spirited Awayawaits its chance to enchant a new wave of viewers and remind long-time fans just why they fell in love with it in the first place. Standing as a timeless gem with dreamlike storytelling and beautiful visuals,Spirited Awaydeserves the recognition it eagerly claimed so long ago.
Spirited Away
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