Top 7 Movies to Watch on HBO Max This May

A Guide to the Best Movies Streaming on HBO Max in May

If you're eager to watch more of "The Batman" after Matt Reeves' social media posts, or if a movie currently in theaters has made you want to revisit an early 2000s classic, or even if a recent horror movie has sparked your interest in a '90s adventure, then HBO Max has something for you. Here are the seven best movies streaming on HBO Max this month.

"The Batman"

Matt Reeves has been keeping fans excited with his social media posts featuring gifs of actors set to appear in "The Batman: Part II." This includes returning players like Robert Pattinson and new additions such as Sebastian Stan, Scarlett Johansson, and Brian Tyree Henry. The enthusiasm around these posts is evident, with the first post receiving over 151,000 likes and the last one sitting at 103,000.

It's hard to imagine such excitement if the first film wasn't as exceptional as it is. "The Batman" takes a different approach than previous films in the franchise, focusing on a Bruce Wayne who is already in the cowl but hasn't fully grasped what it means to be Gotham's Dark Knight. The story follows Bruce as he transitions from a vengeful vigilante to a true superhero, offering a patient and rewarding narrative that deeply understands the character. It might just be the best Batman movie yet.

"The Devil Wears Prada"

Few films encapsulate the essence of the 2000s like "The Devil Wears Prada." Directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, this film is based on Lauren Weisberger's novel and follows an aspiring journalist (Anne Hathaway) who lands her first job as an assistant to a harsh editor (Meryl Streep) of a fashion magazine. The film features stunning costumes, excellent performances, and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether or not you've seen "The Devil Wears Prada 2," now is the perfect time to revisit the original.

"Marie Antoinette"

For those who appreciate beautiful dresses and Academy Award-winning performances, "Marie Antoinette" is a must-watch. The film, directed by Sofia Coppola, features a standout performance from Kirsten Dunst and exceptional production design by K. K. Barrett and Véronique Melery. Additionally, the soundtrack is top-notch, making it a cinematic experience worth watching.

"The Mummy" (1999)

If the recent release of "Lee Cronin's The Mummy" didn't grab your attention, consider revisiting Stephen Sommers' 1999 version of "The Mummy." This film reimagines the iconic horror franchise with an adventurous twist, starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in leading roles. It's a big-budget action film that offers a thrilling experience. Watch it now before the actors reunite again in May 2028.

"Shin Godzilla"

If Godzilla ever attacked, some people would probably need to hold a bunch of meetings to figure out what to do. This idea lies at the center of Shinji Higuchi and Hideaki Anno's "Shin Godzilla," a film that meticulously details the bureaucratic procedures of a country facing a kaiju attack. While it may sound dull at times, the film builds up to a masterful and moving finale that is well worth the wait.

"Sing Sing"

Before Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar received a Best Picture nomination for "Train Dreams," they collaborated on "Sing Sing," a film that earned several Academy Award nominations. Directed by Kwedar and written by the duo alongside Clarence Maclin and John "Divine G" Whitfield, the film tells the true story of a group of men who find healing and inspiration through theater while incarcerated. It features exceptional performances from Colman Domingo and Maclin, who plays himself in the film and delivers a powerful performance.

"A Woman Under the Influence"

Another film that deserves more recognition is John Cassavetes' "A Woman Under the Influence." The film received two Academy Award nominations—one for its direction and another for Gena Rowlands' outstanding performance. Both are well-deserved, as the film is a remarkable family drama that stands among the greatest films of all time.