So you’re stuck in scrolling purgatory again, huh? Endlessly thumbing through HBO Max, hoping something jumps out. We’ve been there. That’s why we pulled together the Top 10 Movies you would actually want to watch this week—no fluff, no filler. Whether you’re into thrillers, rom-coms, or indie gems, there’s something worth hitting play on. Here’s your movie cheat sheet for June 22-28, 2025—because your time is too valuable for another “meh” movie night.
Surviving Ohio State (2025)
This one’s not easy to watch—and that’s the point. Surviving Ohio State dives headfirst into one of the largest sexual abuse scandals in U.S. sports history. Over 170 former students allege abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss during his decades at the university, and this documentary gives them the microphone they never had.
It’s not just about the crimes—it’s about the silence. The culture of denial. The systems that looked the other way. You’ll hear from former athletes, including UFC legend Mark Coleman, and see just how long justice has been delayed. There’s anger, heartbreak, and a quiet kind of strength that builds across every interview.
If you think you’ve already heard this story—you haven’t. Not like this. This one lingers.
Cleaner (2025)
If Die Hard had a sister, it’d be Cleaner. Daisy Ridley stars as a window cleaner—yes, really—who ends up 50 stories in the air when a corporate gala is taken hostage by radical activists. And oh yeah, her little brother is inside.
What follows is classic action chaos: climbing, dodging bullets, outsmarting bad guys with only a harness and sheer nerve. Ridley sells every beat. She’s intense, scrappy, and surprisingly funny under pressure. The film’s got that old-school, single-location tension you don’t see much anymore.
Is it a little ridiculous? For sure. But it also totally works. You’ll have a blast.
The Hunger Games (2012)
The one that started the revolution—both in Panem and at the box office. The Hunger Games took a grim, dystopian world and turned it into a cultural moment. Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen? Instantly iconic.
Set in a future where teens fight to the death on live TV, the story somehow balances survival horror with coming-of-age urgency. The Capitol is pure spectacle, the games are brutal, and the themes hit harder than most “YA” fare dares to go. It’s bleak, sure—but there’s hope in every arrow Katniss fires.
Rewatching it now, the tension still holds. The world-building still slaps. And the message? Still painfully relevant.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
Catching Fire isn’t just a good sequel—it’s a game-changer. This time, the stakes go way beyond survival. Katniss and Peeta are now reluctant symbols of rebellion, and the Capitol is pissed.
What follows is a new Hunger Games, a new set of rules, and a lot more fire. The arena’s deadlier. The politics are messier. And Jennifer Lawrence levels up with every scene. The introduction of Johanna, Finnick, and that clock arena? Unforgettable. Plus, the fashion in this one deserves its own award.
It’s bigger, smarter, and sets up the next two movies perfectly. Probably the best of the bunch.
Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)
The Games are over—but the real war’s just beginning. Mockingjay – Part 1 dials down the action and turns up the psychological warfare. Katniss is now the face of a revolution she barely understands, and everyone wants to use her.
The pacing slows a bit here, but the emotional weight picks up. You feel the trauma. The manipulation. The rage simmering under Katniss’s surface. This is the chess game before the battle—and it’s compelling in a completely different way. Also: that haunting “Hanging Tree” scene? Still chills.
It’s more political thriller than action movie, but don’t sleep on it. It’s the setup that makes the finale hit.
Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015)
This is it—the end of the rebellion, the Capitol, and the girl on fire. Mockingjay – Part 2 brings everything to a head, with Katniss leading a full-on assault into Snow’s territory. But this isn’t your typical action finale. It’s darker. Messier. And way more personal than you might expect.
There are traps, deaths, betrayals—and one heartbreaking twist you don’t see coming. The emotional stakes are brutal. The action? Gritty and claustrophobic. And Lawrence, once again, absolutely owns every scene. It’s not a victory march. It’s a reckoning.
If you made it this far in the series, you owe it to yourself to finish it. Just don’t expect a fairytale ending.
Spaceballs (1987)
There’s parody. And then there’s Spaceballs. Mel Brooks takes aim at Star Wars, Star Trek, and every sci-fi cliché in the book—and the result is a glorious, chaotic mess of a comedy that somehow still works nearly 40 years later.
Rick Moranis is perfect as Lord Dark Helmet. John Candy is a delight as Barf. And the jokes? Relentless. Some are genius, some are groan-worthy, but they all hit with that goofy, ‘80s energy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Plus, it gave us one of the best fake merchandise scenes in movie history.
If you’ve never seen it, you’re overdue. If you have? It’s still funny. May the Schwartz be with you.
The Alto Knights (2025)
Two mob legends. One city. Zero trust. The Alto Knights tells the story of Frank Costello and Vito Genovese—once allies, now enemies in a war for control of New York’s criminal underworld. Robert De Niro plays both roles, and honestly, that’s half the reason to watch.
The other half? Classic gangster drama. Betrayals, body counts, smoky backrooms, and simmering vendettas. It’s not The Godfather—don’t expect that level of elegance. But it does hit the beats you want from a mob movie: power, ego, downfall. De Niro chewing scenery as two different men is just icing.
If you’re a sucker for old-school crime stories, this one scratches the itch.
Bullet Train (2022)
A bunch of assassins, one speeding train, and more chaos than you can track—that’s Bullet Train. Brad Pitt plays Ladybug, a reluctant hitman with the worst luck imaginable. He just wants a peaceful job. Instead, he gets caught in a web of revenge, stolen briefcases, and very stylish violence.
The movie is fast, ridiculous, and has a wicked sense of humor. Every assassin has their own backstory, vibe, and weapon of choice. Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the “twin” killers are comedy gold. And the fight scenes? Choreographed like anime come to life.
It’s a blast. Don’t overthink it—just hang on and enjoy the ride.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Let’s end with a classic. Singin’ in the Rain isn’t just a great musical—it’s the musical. Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor dance through the awkward transition from silent films to talkies, and every number is an absolute banger.
The energy is electric. The colors pop. The humor still lands. And that title scene? Iconic doesn’t even begin to cover it. It’s movie magic in its purest form—joyful, theatrical, and impossibly charming.
Whether you’re a die-hard musical fan or just curious why this movie shows up on every “Best Of” list ever made, give it a spin. You’ll leave smiling.
And That’s a Wrap
There it is—ten HBO Max picks that bring a little bit of everything. You’ve got real-world reckoning (Surviving Ohio State), big-budget rebellion (The Hunger Games saga), bullet-fueled chaos (Bullet Train), and even a little old-Hollywood charm (Singin’ in the Rain).
Whether you’re in the mood for survival, satire, shootouts, or show tunes, this week’s lineup doesn’t disappoint. Some movies will make you think. Some will make you laugh. A few might hit harder than expected.
So if your queue’s been looking thin, or you’re just tired of endless scrolling, this list’s got you. Hit play and let it rip.
