The Best Movies on HBO Max Provide a Masterclass in Cinema History

As the Esquire writer who put together this list you're reading—a compilation of the best movies on the newly-launched HBO Max—I'll admit one thing. Before I tell you about that thing, know that I'm not out on the corner, stopping every other person who walks by, shilling out free trials for HBO Max. But: HBO Max really does have the most wide-ranging selection of films you'll ever see on a streaming service. Bar none. Seriously.

Sci-Fi, classic cinema, sports documentaries, Studio Ghibli (!). It's all here. If you need more convincing, know that Mechagodzilla, Arrietty, Jesus Shuttleworth, Frodo, David Byrne, and Ma (from the movie Ma), all make cameos on this list. It's beautiful. It's weird. It's great. Now read up—and watch all that you possibly can before this is updated with Richard Linklater's entire Before trilogy.