Max is one of the best streaming services because it’s constantly adding new, critically acclaimed movies, and this August is no exception.
I must admit, though, that this month’s selection is smaller than most. Only five newly added films this month hit the 85% “fresh” mark on Rotten Tomatoes – only two surpass the 90% mark. So you’re going to need our help narrowing down what you want to watch on your next movie night.
The good news is that despite the limited selection, these five films offer a wide range. There’s everything from foreign romantic comedies to psychological thrillers and even a popular animated fantasy film suitable for the whole family.
So, without further ado, here are the five new Max movies with 85% or more on Rotten Tomatoes this month.
“Amelie” (2001)
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I know that after watching “French-language romantic comedy,” some of you might scroll to the next movie, but I promise you shouldn’t. Yes, there is a lot of accordion use in the trailer, but rest assured, this is one of the most successful French films of all time.
In Amélie, Audrey Tautou plays the titular Amélie Poulain, a lonely Parisian waitress who grew up in tragically sheltered circumstances. One day, she discovers an old metal box filled with childhood mementos in the wall of her apartment and sets out to find the boy who owns it, bringing joy to everyone she meets on her journey. Come for the Oscar-nominated, heartwarming story. Stay to see Amélie’s complex plans to make people happy.
Genre: French-language romantic comedy
Rating at Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Stream now on Max
“A Bigger Splash” (2015)
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Starring Tilda Swinton as world-famous rock singer Marianne Lane, “A Bigger Splash” is a must-see for fans of director Luca Guadagnino’s latest hit “Challengers.”
In this thrilling drama full of love triangles and romances from old and new times, Swinton’s Lane is recovering from an operation that cost her her voice in Italy with her lover Paul (Matthias Schoenaerts). Their romantic getaway begins idyllic, but the arrival of Lane’s former lover – and Paul’s former mentor – Harry (Ralph Fiennes) turns paradise into hell. Complicating matters further is Harry’s daughter Pen (Dakota Johnson), who comes with Harry to Marianne and Paul’s Italian island villa.
Genre: Psychodrama
Rating at Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Stream now on Max
“Beetlejuice” (1988)
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It’s never too early to bring a little spookiness into your life. And with the sequel to that film, “Beetlejuice,” premiering at the Venice Film Festival later this month, you’ll want to see this Tim Burton classic faster than you can say “Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse.”
Starring Michael Keaton in the role of the titular Betelgeuse (pronounced Beetlejuice), this film is chock full of acting talent. Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis play Adam and Barbara Maitland, a recently deceased couple forced to spend the next 125 years haunting their country home in Winter River, Connecticut. When Charles Deetz (Jeffrey Jones), Delia Deetz (Catherine O’Hara), and Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) suddenly move in and change everything, the Maitlands call Betelgeuse to free them from the Deetzes. This spooky comedy is a must-see on Max this month, or any month it’s available.
Genre: Fantasy horror comedy
Rating at Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Stream now on Max
“Down Terrace” (2009)
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In Down Terrace, real-life father-son duo Robin and Robert Hill play fictional father and son Karl and Bill. Any story about father-son dynamics is bound to have a little drama, but when your dad is a local crime boss just released from prison and you’re in the family business, it’s definitely a complicated relationship.
Rest assured, this crime thriller isn’t just about family dynamics. There’s plenty of betrayal, violence and even murder in the film’s 93 minutes. While you probably haven’t seen Down Terrace, given its box office gross of $9,812, it’s not one to miss. Critics overwhelmingly praised it as a surprisingly comedic and effective crime drama.
Genre: Crime Drama
Rating at Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Stream now on Max
“How to Train Your Dragon” (2010)
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This month I saved the best film for last. In “How to Train Your Dragon,” Jay Baruchel plays Hiccup, the 15-year-old son of the Viking chief Stoic (Gerard Butler). Their village Berk is often attacked by dragons. But when Hiccup meets Toothless, he adopts the cute Night Fury dragon against his father’s wishes.
This fantasy adventure is a touching story about finding a friend in an unlikely place and overcoming your fears and prejudices. It is one of the best animated films of all time. For some reason, three critics said it wasn’t good, which prevented it from getting 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. They are wrong, and after watching this animated film, you will know why.
Genre: Animated fantasy
Rating at Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
Stream now on Max
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