The Top 7 Must-Watch Movies on Max in November 2023

Spooky season has come to an end, signaling the arrival of the holiday season. Max (formerly known as HBO Max) has a delightful collection of Christmas content lined up for November, featuring beloved classics like Elf and Four Christmases. However, if you prefer to postpone the Christmas cheer until December, fear not! Max's lineup also includes other intriguing titles that are sure to capture your attention, such as Uptown Girls and The Intern.

While you eagerly await Chuck Lorre's upcoming series, How to Be a Bookie, on the streaming service, here are some other films worth keeping in mind for those moments when you don't want to spend too much time searching for your next watch.

Now You See Me (2013)

Image via Lionsgate

Available on: November 1

Director: Louis Leterrier | Runtime: 1 h 55 min

Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, and Woody Harrelson, Now You See Me showcases a group of illusionists who captivate audiences with their incredible magic tricks and captivating stunts. However, their success takes a sinister turn when they are implicated in a bank heist investigation led by FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (played by Mark Ruffalo) and Interpol detective Alma Dray (played by Mélanie Laurent). Directed by Louis Leterrier, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat with its mind-bending plot twists.

Misery (1990)

Available on: November 1

Director: Rob Reiner | Runtime: 1 h 47 min

Cast: James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagan

Based on a Stephen King novel, Misery is a gripping thriller revolving around a renowned writer, Paul Sheldon (James Caan), who is rescued by a devoted fan named Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) after a car accident. While one might expect Paul to be forever grateful for Annie's aid, the situation takes a dark turn when he is held captive in her home, finding himself as her ultimate target. The escalating violence stems from the author's decision to kill off Annie's beloved character from his novels. As Paul strategizes his escape, he is compelled to alter his writing in order to fulfill his fan's most twisted demands.

Uptown Girls (2003)

Image via MGM

Available on: November 1

Director: Boaz Yakin | Runtime: 1h 32m

Cast: Brittany Murphy, Dakota Fanning, Heather Locklear, Jesse Spencer

A heartwarming tale, Uptown Girls is a timeless coming-of-age classic that revolves around the friendship between Molly (Brittany Murphy) and Ray (Dakota Fanning). When Molly loses her entire inheritance from her famous musician father, she is thrust into adulthood overnight, forced to shoulder responsibilities and find a job to settle her mounting bills. The perfect opportunity presents itself when Roma (Heather Locklear) hires Molly as Ray's new nanny. Although taking care of a child can be challenging, Ray is not your typical kid. She is incredibly organized, impeccably clean, and has always been independent. As this unlikely duo grows closer, they discover valuable lessons from each other's strengths and weaknesses.

The King’s Speech (2010)

Image by The Weinstein Company

Available on: November 1

Director: Tom Hooper | Runtime: 1 h 58 min

Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Boham Carter, Derek Jacobi

This four-time Oscar winner centers around the challenge faced by King George VI (portrayed by Colin Firth) as he grapples with a debilitating stutter while speaking in public. Despite this hurdle hindering his role as monarch to a significant extent, the king finds an opportunity to conquer his speech impediment with the assistance of speech therapist Lionel Logue (played by Geoffrey Rush). Initially reluctant to fully embrace the process and take his sessions with Lionel seriously, the ruler gradually develops confidence in both himself and his ability to deliver speeches without the stammer impeding his progress. This is a compelling narrative that is highly recommended for both initial viewers and those keen on revisiting it.

Elf (2003)

Image via New Line Cinema

Available on: November 1

Director: Jon Favreau | Runtime: 1 h 37 min

Cast: Will Farrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Jon Favreau

November marks the start of the holiday season, allowing us to indulge in Christmas classics like Elf even before December arrives. This beloved holiday film traces the journey of Buddy (portrayed primarily by Will Farrell) as he grows up among elves in the enchanting North Pole, having been accidentally transported there as an infant. Battling with a feeling of not belonging, adult Buddy embarks on a quest to New York City to seek out his biological father. A DNA test confirms that the protagonist's dad is Walter Hobbs (played by James Caan), a businessman, and the two strive to build their relationship, although chaos often ensues.

The Intern (2015)

Available on: November 22

Director: Nancy Meyers | Runtime: 2 h 1 min

Cast: Robert DeNiro, Anne Hathaway, Adam Devine, Rene Russo

Finding employment can be a challenging task, especially when you fall outside the typical age range for hiring. In the movie "The Intern," Robert DeNiro's character, Ben Whittaker, finds himself retired but unfathomably bored, leading him to seek a return to the workforce in his seventies. Upon applying for a senior intern role at a fashion start-up, Ben forms an unexpected connection with his youthful colleagues and the CEO, Jules Ostin, portrayed by Anne Hathaway. Initially doubtful of Ben's ability to adapt to the ever-evolving e-commerce industry, Jules is pleasantly surprised by his charm, eagerness to learn, and invaluable wisdom, which he freely shares with the team.

Her (2014)

Image via Warner Bros.

Available on: November 29

Director: Spike Jonze | Runtime: 2 h 6 min

Cast: Joaquim Phoenix, Spike Jonze, Olivia Wilde, Scarlett Johansson

In this 2014 film directed by Spike Jonze, AI was already a captivating subject. The story follows Theodore (portrayed by Joaquim Phoenix), a writer grappling with feelings of loneliness following his divorce. His life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers an operating system capable of forming genuine connections. Engaging in lengthy conversations with the virtual assistant named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), Theodore finds himself irresistibly drawn to this non-existent yet alluring AI. A friendship slowly blossoms into a platonic romance, defying the boundaries of reality.