10 Classic Movies to Watch on HBO Max
Credit: Getty Images
Ladies and gentlemen, start your playlists.
HBO, to me, has always been the “fancy network.” The one you gotta pay extra for with all the big-budget shows. ‘Twas but a pipe dream for a media-obsessed youth. But in the age of streaming, everyone’s had to readjust their standards a bit, including HBO. They’ve had their own streaming services for a while now, but they never really garnered any notable attention, presumably due to a lack of notable classics or interesting exclusives besides what they were already known for. I guess that’s why they’ve been eagerly gobbling up licenses for the launch of HBO Max tomorrow.
You’re probably thinking to yourself, “do I really need another streaming subscription?” No, probably not, but this ain’t about what you need, it’s about what you want. And if you’re like me, what you want is big ol’ back catalog of movies and shows old and new. While Netflix and Hulu have pretty good libraries of classic movies, HBO Max has the backing of Warner Bros. and the Criterion Collection, which is a pretty sick ace up their sleeve. If you want an incentive, here are some classic films from decades past that I know I’d love to watch again.
Citizen Kane
Credit: RKO Radio Pictures/Mercury Productions
Even though everyone and their grandma already knows the big twist to this movie (though I’ll refrain on the off chance you don’t), it’s still a masterpiece of film making. It’s a fascinating story of a man with almost too much power and charisma, and how it all came tumbling down. Definitely one of Orson Welles’ best roles.
Little Shop of Horrors
Credit: Warner Bros.
You wouldn’t think a monster flick could double as a musical, but by gosh, they made it work. I didn’t even know Rick Moranis could sing, but I guess he’s just a multi-talented guy. Might wanna skip the dentist song if you’re squeamish about that sort of thing, though.
Casablanca
Credit: Warner Bros.
If there was a record for quotable lines in a movie, Casablanca would definitely be the holder, or at least a contender. There are few classic actors with a voice and mannerisms as smooth as Humphrey Bogart. I’d buy a tape of him reading the phone book.
Godzilla vs. Megalon
Credit: Toho
This particular Godzilla movie is a bit divisive among fans, due a weird story and low budget. Personally, I love how schlocky it is, not to mention the fact that it gave us one of the best Godzilla monsters ever, Jet Jaguar. Yeah, he’s the best, fight me.
The Cat Returns
Credit: Toho/Studio Ghibli
If you’re in the mood for something whimsical and well-animated, you can never go wrong with a Ghibli picture. This particular movie has some truly breathtaking animated sequences, and even a few spiffy action scenes. I wish I looked even half as good in a suit as Baron does.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Credit: New Line Cinema
In the neverending debate of practical effects versus CG, I always hold up the 1990 Ninja Turtles as a shining example of the former. Yeah, they’re dudes in big, dumb rubber suits and masks, but that doesn’t stop it from being a great, funny action romp.
The Mighty Ducks
Credit: Walt Disney Pictures
One of the quintessential sports movies, this was the film that launched an entire hockey brand of its own. While I can’t say for sure that it was the progenitor of many sports movie tropes, I do think it’d be accurate to say The Mighty Ducks was the movie to popularize the formula.
The Neverending Story
Credit: Warner Bros.
Now here’s a fantasy classic. The Neverending Story is a great family picture that’ll give your kids a little something to think about the next time they read a book. Just… don’t watch the other two movies. Just don’t.
Gremlins
Credit: Warner Bros.
No one can seem to agree whether this is a horror movie or not. The Gremlins are definitely off-putting and might not be suitable for young kids, but for the most part, it’s a traditional adventure movie. Don’t be surprised if you end up wanting a Gizmo plushie by the end of it.
Police Academy
Credit: Warner Bros.
Police Academy is a great example of what I like to call the era of “no-plot comedy.” Movies like this, as well as Airplane and Meatballs, focused more on stringing funny bits together than keeping a coherent plot. They ain’t gonna win any writing awards, but you can’t deny they’re all hilarious.
