Another streaming service means another vast library of titles to sift through to find what you want to watch. Max is the streaming service from WarnerMedia, hosting not just titles from the pay cable channel HBO, but a bevy of films from the Warner Bros. library and other studios. There’s a great selection of classics, fairly new releases, quirky indies, and yes, superhero movies. The studio behind The Dark Knight and Man of Steel has a solid number of DC films available to stream. But if you’re daunted by all the good movies on Max to choose from, we’ve got your back. Below, we’ve put together a curated list of the absolute best movies on Max. Films that will be well worth your time, with our writers making the case for why each film is special.

So check out our list of the best movies on Max streaming below. And for more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows on Max, best drama movies on Max, and best horror movies on Max.

'La Strada' (1954)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.0/10

la strada poster
La Strada
Drama
Release Date
September 6, 1954
Director
Federico Fellini
Cast
Anthony Quinn , Richard Basehart
Runtime
1 hr 48 min

La Strada stars the dazzling Giulietta Masina as a young woman sent to live with a brutish street performer (Anthony Quinn), joining his traveling act as a clown, as well as his wife. The often uncomfortable yet absolutely unforgettable parable from director Federico Fellini explores themes of identity, strength, and compassion through fantastic acting and harsh scenes, co-written by Fellini, Tullio Pinelli, and Ennio Flaiano.

La Strada’s initial release on the festival circuit garnered immense criticism and controversial reactions, setting a foundation for Fellini's creative flair in his subsequent films. Highlighted by Quinn’s charisma and Masina’s wide-eyed naivety, La Strada devastatingly captures the audience's attention. - Yael Tygiel

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'Judas and the Black Messiah' (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.4/10

Judas and the Black Messiah poster
Judas and the Black Messiah
History
Biography

Release Date
February 12, 2021
Director
Shaka King
Runtime
126

Directed by Shaka King, Judas and the Black Messiah is a powerful film. Inspired by a true story, it shines a light on an important part of American history. This biographical crime drama co-stars Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and LaKeith Stanfield as William O'Neal, a reluctant FBI informant tasked with infiltrating the party in late-1960s Chicago. Judas and the Black Messiah also features Jesse Plemons and Dominique Fishback.

Judas and the Black Messiah not only earned a handful of Oscar nominations for the film, but Kaluuya won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, competing against co-star Stanfield. While the acting, soundtrack, and production are truly stellar, the harsh realities of revolution exposed in the film are triumphant and moving. - Yael Tygiel

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'8 1/2' (1963)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.0/10

8 1:2 poster
8 1/2
Comedy
Drama
Release Date
May 29, 1963
Director
Federico Fellini
Cast
Marcello Mastroianni , Claudia Cardinale , Anouk Aimee
Runtime
2 hr 18 min

Directed by Federico Fellini, who co-wrote the film with Ennio Flaiano, Tullio Pinelli, and Brunello Rondi, 8 1/2 delightfully blends comedy, drama, and avant-garde surrealism. An Italian film about movie making, 8 1/2 focuses on a frustrated filmmaker attempting to direct his epic sci-fi movie. Starring Marcello Mastroianni as the harried director who finds himself withdrawing into his own mind, electing to live in memories and fantasies rather than reality, 8 1/2 imaginatively explores the creative mind in honest and dream-like ways.

A classic film that utilizes clever practical effects to explore dreamscapes, 8 1/2 gorgeously touches sensuality, the plight of artists, and both internal and external pressure when pursuing greatness. 8 1/2 has earned awards and critical praise, but the film’s respect from modern visionaries like Guillermo del Toro is an endorsement on its own. - Yael Tygiel

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'Bicycle Thieves' (1948)

Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 8.3/10

The Bicycle Thieves poster
Bicycle Thieves
Drama

Release Date
November 24, 1948
Director
Vittorio De Sica
Runtime
89 minutes

Vittorio De Sica directs Bicycle Thieves, an Italian neorealist film starring Lamberto Maggiorani as a desperate father in post-World War II Rome. Bicycle Thieves co-stars Enzo Staiola as the man’s plucky son, who joins him on his journey to recover his stolen bicycle, a necessity for employment and to keep his family afloat. Writer Cesare Zavattini adapted Luigi Bartolini’s novel for the screen, allowing for grounded performances and torrid emotional turmoil to be showcased above all else.

With a depressing setting and heavy plot, Bicycle Thieves is, at its core, a powerful film about desperation and resilience, expressed through a heart-wrenching story. Although set in a particular time and place, it is devastatingly relatable regardless of history and location. - Yael Tygiel

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'The 400 Blows' (1959)

Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 8.1/10

400 blows poster
The 400 Blows
Drama
Release Date
May 4, 1959
Cast
Jean-Pierre Léaud , Albert Remy , Claire Maurier
Runtime
1 hr 39 min

Serving as the directorial debut of François Truffaut, who co-wrote the film with Marcel Moussy, The 400 Blows is a French coming-of-age drama about a rebellious pre-teen boy in Paris who turns to petty crime and delinquency when neglected. Starring Jean-Pierre Léaud, Albert Rémy, and Claire Maurier, The 400 Blows is considered a defining film of French New Wave filmmaking.

While many films explore adolescence and coming-of-age stories are a dime a dozen, The 400 Blows beautifully and sympathetically offers a raw perspective at a transitional time period with an honest reflection on the sometimes heartbreaking realities of growing up. - Yael Tygiel

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'Stalker' (1979)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.1/10

Stalker poster
Stalker
Sci-Fi
Drama

Release Date
May 25, 1979
Director
Andrei Tarkovsky
Cast
Alexander Kaidanovsky
Runtime
162 minutes

A mesmerizing sci-fi masterpiece from director Andrei Tarkovsky, Stalker was written by Arkady Strugatsky and Boris Strugatsky and based on their trippy 1972 novel Roadside Picnic. The film stars Aleksandr Kajdanovsky as the illegal guide journeying across a postapocalyptic landscape where the laws of physics seem irrelevant, bringing a writer (Anatoliy Solonitsyn) and scientist (Nikolay Grinko) to a mythical place believed to grant wishes.

Stalker explores a variety of existential themes through haunting scenes and stunning shots, which slowly draw in audiences to dive into complex philosophical conundrums. With a unique approach to narrative, sound design, and humanity, Stalker’s influence expands beyond cinema by inspiring the evolution of the annual festival known as Burning Man. - Yael Tygiel

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'Wages of Fear' (1953)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.2/10

wages of fear poster
Wages of Fear
Thriller
Release Date
April 22, 1953
Director
Henri-Georges Clouzot
Cast
Yves Montand , Charles Vanel , Folco Lulli
Runtime
2 hr 33 min

Wages of Fear is an intense existential thriller from director Henri-Georges Clouzot. Adapted from Georges Arnaud’s 1950 novel and starring Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, Peter van Eyck, and Véra Clouzot, Wages of Fear follows four European men in a South American jungle who are hired by an American oil company to transport nitroglycerine. Through gritty shots and spine-tingling extended suspense sequences, Wages of Fear includes countless scenes that will leave viewers holding their breath.

Wages of Fear continues to captivate audiences, particularly with its balance of biting satire and heart-pumping intensity. It comes as no surprise that Netflix is currently in the process of remaking the French movie. - Yael Tygiel

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'Stagecoach' (1939)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.8/10

Poster for Stagecoach-1
Stagecoach
Western

Stagecoach

Release Date
March 2, 1939
Director
John Ford
Cast
John Wayne , Andy Devine , John Carradine
Runtime
1 hr 36 min

Considered John Wayne’s legendary breakout role, Stagecoach is an exciting Western that follows a group of strangers traveling via stagecoach through Apache territory. Based on Ernest Haycox’s short story The Stage to Lordsburg, Stagecoach was directed by John Ford (The Grapes of Wrath) and features an ensemble cast alongside Wayne, including Claire Trevor, Andy Devine, and John Carradine (The Ten Commandments).

Earning two Academy Awards as well as a slew more nominations, Stagecoach has been adapted for radio, as well as remade quite a few times. Although a fun ride, the historical inaccuracies and blatant prejudices portrayed in the movie, particularly pertaining to indigenous cultures, are undeniable and should not be overlooked. - Yael Tygiel

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'Tokyo Story' (1972)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.1/10

Tokyo Story Film Poster
Tokyo Story
Drama

Release Date
March 13, 1972
Director
Yasujirô Ozu
Cast
Chishû Ryû , Chieko Higashiyama , Sô Yamamura , Setsuko Hara
Runtime
136 minutes

Yasujirō Ozu’s Tokyo Story is a gorgeous drama that follows a retired couple on their journey to visit their grown children in the Japanese capital. Starring Chishū Ryū and Chieko Higashiyama, Tokyo Story is a slow burn as it cleverly weaves a story through dialogue, with many key scenes not being shown on screen. Highlighted by a unique use of camera angles, Tokyo Story leans into the generational tale with a rich emotional complexity.

While the technical aspect of Tokyo Story is captivating, the true draw is the generational story, focusing on themes of Westernization. While this film is specifically about a traditional Japanese family as they recover from World War II, these types of shifts within societies are relatable to a multitude of cultures around globe. - Yael Tygiel

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'Battleship Potemkin' (1925)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.9/10

battleship potemkin
Battleship Potemkin
Drama
Release Date
December 21, 1925
Cast
Aleksandr Antonov , Grigori Aleksandrov
Runtime
1 hr 17 min

Battleship Potemkin is a truly unique film from writer-director Sergei Eisenstein. A silent film that unfolds over five separately titled acts, Battleship Potemkin focuses on the 1905 naval mutiny of an Imperial Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet’s battleship. Battleship Potemkin features a collection of non-actors, including Aleksandr Antonov, Vladimir Barksy, and Grigori Aleksandrov, as Eisenstein opted for specific looks and vibes over identifiable movie stars.

Bringing history to the screen, Battleship Potemkin cleverly shares the gruesome realities of revolution, resulting in just over an hour of cinematic brilliance. Over the years, Battleship Potemkin has been praised for its clever montage editing techniques, which earned the film a place within the top ranks of many "best films" lists. - Yael Tygiel

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'Pulp Fiction' (1994)

Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 8.9/10

pulp-fiction-poster
Pulp Fiction
Crime
Drama
Thriller

Release Date
September 10, 1994
Cast
John Travolta , Samuel L. Jackson , Tim Roth , Amanda Plummer , Eric Stoltz , Bruce Willis
Runtime
154

Read Our Review

Pulp Fiction, directed by Quentin Tarantino, follows several interconnected storylines. One follows Vincent Vega (John Travolta), a hitman in the employ of gangster Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames). His encounters with Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman), Marsellus's wife, result in a sequence of intense and unpredictable events. Another narrative thread focuses on Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent Vega as they carry out their assignments. The last one centers on Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis) and his decision to defy Marsellus Wallace's orders, which sets off a chain reaction of events that intertwine with the other characters.

Pulp Fiction is a landmark neo-noir crime film that gained widespread acclaim for its unique narrative structure and impactful storytelling. Almost 30 years later, it remains a cultural touchstone and a testament to Tarantino's influence on contemporary filmmaking. Furthermore, the dialogue is razor-sharp, the performances are flawless, and the twists consistently deliver surprises. Notably, iconic dance moves serve as the film's signature, enduring the test of time. The film was also crafted as a satirical commentary on the themes of contingency and redemption, foundational elements often found in more conventionally typical Hollywood productions. As lively as it is gripping, Pulp Fiction is a thrilling blend of pop culture and pulp, and it undeniably stands out as one of the finest movies of the 1990s. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Eighth Grade' (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 7.4/10

Eighth Grade Film Poster
Eighth Grade
Drama
Comedy
Documentary

Release Date
August 3, 2018
Director
bo burnham
Cast
Josh Hamilton , Elsie Fisher , Emily Robinson , Missy Yager , Greg Crowe , Deborah Unger
Runtime
93 minutes

Read Our Review

Directed and written by Bo Burnham, Eighth Grade follows Kayla (Elsie Fisher), a teenager navigating the challenges of middle school, grappling with anxiety while striving for social acceptance in the final week of eighth grade. To cope, she creates video blogs offering motivational advice, but her fixation on social media strains her relationship with her otherwise supportive father (Josh Hamilton), who desires to be an active presence in her life as her sole parent.

In his directorial debut, Eighth Grade is Burnham’s meticulously crafted ode to the tumultuous and bewildering middle school years, offering reassurance to those experiencing it that things will ultimately get better. Eighth Grade is also one of those rare movies that, despite its subjective individuality, appeals to both adolescent and adult audiences by teaching universal life lessons that everyone must experience and master in order to become an adult. In addition, viewers truly experience Kayla's awkwardness, embarrassment, and cringe-worthy nature as she and other schoolchildren attempt to appear older than they actually are, demonstrating Fisher's true talent and the potential impact of their future. Additionally, Burnham's comedy experience comes through, as his comedic timing both eases the tension and warmly welcomes the audience to the plot. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Room' (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 8.1/10

room-poster
Room
Drama
Documentary
Thriller

Release Date
October 16, 2015
Director
Lenny Abrahamson
Cast
Brie Larson , Megan Park , William H. Macy , Joan Allen , Amanda Brugel , Sean Bridgers
Runtime
113 minutes

Based on Emma Donoghue's 2010 novel of the same name, Room is directed by Lenny Abrahamson and adapted for the screen by Donoghue. The movie follows Ma, played by Brie Larson, a young woman who has endured seven years of captivity, during which her five-year-old son (Jacob Tremblay) was born. Their escape finally grants the boy his first experience of the outside world.

Room presents both the highest and lowest facets of humanity within a captivating narrative that delves into the boundless resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of the most daunting challenges. In this examination of loneliness, identity, and the illusion of protection, Larson showcases her most vulnerable state and also displays the height of her talent. She was then awarded an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the portrayal. Jacob Tremblay's performance is also exceptional, indicating his potential to become a prominent star in the future. Additionally, director Lenny Abrahamson and cinematographer Danny Cohen, in collaboration with Donoghue's screenplay, present a distressing story through the lens of the most innocent perspective, resulting in a truly distinctive cinematic experience. Rather than avoiding the harsh realities, Room confronts them directly and unflinchingly. - Jessie Nguyen

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'The Devil Wears Prada' (2006)

Rotten Tomatoes: 75% | IMDb: 6.9/10

The Devil Wears Prada poster
The Devil Wears Prada
Comedy
Documentary
Drama
Romance

Release Date
June 30, 2006
Director
David Frankel
Runtime
109 minutes

Based on Lauren Weisberger's 2003 novel of the same name, The Devil Wears Prada follows Andy (Anne Hathaway), a recent college graduate with ambitious dreams. When she secures a job at the renowned Runway magazine, she becomes the assistant to the formidable editor, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). Andy then embarks on a challenging journey, questioning her ability to endure her demanding role as Miranda's assistant without getting burned.

It's a rare film that not only matches but surpasses the quality of its source material. Viewers continue to ponder the movie's valuable lessons long after the laughter has faded, as these lessons are well-founded, enduring, and skillfully conveyed by the talented actors who bring genuine depth to the material. The Devil Wears Prada continues to be a frontrunner in people's minds when it comes to the most stylish films. However, it goes beyond that, offering a captivating and often comedic peek into the high-speed and alluring realm of high fashion. It also provides viewers with a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes operations of a prestigious fashion magazine. Furthermore, the characters, especially the formidable Miranda Priestly, have achieved icon status in popular culture, solidifying the film's position as a classic. Streep's performance also earned her another Oscar nomination, further recognizing her outstanding portrayal. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Seven Samurai' (1956)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.6/10

Seven Samurai Movie Poster
Seven Samurai
Drama
Action

A poor village under attack by bandits recruits seven unemployed samurai to help them defend themselves.

Release Date
November 19, 1956
Director
Akira Kurosawa
Cast
Toshiro Mifune , Takashi Shimura
Runtime
207 minutes

Read Our Review

Set in 1586 Japan, Seven Samurai focuses on farmers in a small mountain village who make a desperate plea to rogue samurai to help them defend themselves from a merciless gang of bandits that frequently terrorizes them. Unable to pay for protection, the farmers are aided by a veteran warrior who, along with just six other ronin, train the farmers to resist the bandits and fight alongside them.

At 207 minutes, the period epic is a defining masterpiece from legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa and is an iconic highlight of Japan’s samurai cinema. Its engrossing story works in its broad strokes as a heroic action adventure, but nestled within are insightful observations on cultural divides that thrive amid Kurosawa’s meticulous pacing. Also enhanced by some striking acting performances and stunning combat sequences, Seven Samurai remains one of the most influential films ever made and one of the most awe-inspiring movies of all time. - Ryan Heffernan

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'The Conjuring' (2013)

Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.5/10

the-conjuring-poster
The Conjuring
Editor's Choice

Created by
James Wan
Cast
Vera Farmiga , Patrick Wilson , Taissa Farmiga , Storm Reid , Jonas Bloquet , Steve Coulter , Mckenna Grace

Read Our Review On top of being one of my favorite movies in general, The Conjuring is easily one of my favorite horror movies of all time (beat only by its sequel). What gives The Conjuring franchise an edge is that each installment is based on the very real case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, Ed and Lorraine operate as agents of the church as they help families and individuals escape the grip of demonic possession. In The Conjuring, the couple is approached by a young mother whose family has found themselves the target of an evil spirit linked to the country home they just moved into.

What truly sets The Conjuring apart for me is not the scare factor — though director James Wan certainly doesn’t pull any punches in that regard — it’s the strength of the characters and their relationships, which is baked into the script by Chad Hayes and Carey W. Hayes. The Conjuring works so well because, at its heart, it’s a story about love. Ed and Lorraine are driven, first and foremost, by their love for each other, but their love for helping people comes in at a close second. Meanwhile, Lili Taylor’s Carolyn Perron is driven by the love for her family, and even when a demonic spirit intends to use that against her, it’s love that ultimately saves the day. If you’re new to horror or just looking for a heart-pounding thriller with a heart of gold, check out The Conjuring. - Samantha Coley, News Editor

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'I, Tonya' (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.5/10

I Tonya Film Poster
I, Tonya
Biography
Documentary
Release Date
January 19, 2018
Director
Craig Gillespie
Runtime
119 minutes

Read Our Review Led by the incredible Margot Robbie in one of her best roles to date, I, Tonya is based on American figure skater Tonya Harding and, through potentially unreliable retellings of her life thanks to Harding and her ex-husband Jeff Gillooly’s interviews, depicts the infamous 1994 assault on her rival Nancy Kerrigan. Despite having been at the top of her game for most of her career, which included breaking records and competing at the Olympics, Tonya was always judged based on her “abnormal” figure skating look. As the plot unfolds, Tonya’s struggle in life is emphasized, leading to an outburst heard not just around the world of figure skating but the world entirely.

A simply stunning set of lead performances is matched by a nuanced script from Steven Rogers in a movie that rightfully won both public and critical acclaim. Pulling no punches in diving deep into the psyche of a deeply flawed but always ambitious woman, director Craig Gillespie neatly captures the subtle influences that may have led to the infamous incident. Despite being a film about a woman many of us may feel we cannot relate to, I, Tonya is deeply relatable with a story that excels by holding a contemplative mirror up to its audience. - Jake Hodges

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'Shiva Baby' (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.1/10

Shiva Baby Film Poster
Shiva Baby
Comedy
Drama
Cast
Rachel Sennott , Fred Melamed , Polly Draper , Molly Gordon
Release Date
April 2, 2021
Director
Emma Seligman
Runtime
77 minutes

Written and directed by Emma Seligman, in her feature debut no less, Shiva Baby centers on the life of Danielle (Rachel Sennott); in particular, one fateful week in which she and her family attend a shiva (Jewish week of mourning). To her surprise, the attendees at the event seem to be a who’s who of Danielle’s life, including everyone from her ex-girlfriend Maya (Molly Gordon), her sugar daddy Max (Danny Deferrari), and his wife Kim (Dianna Agron). All hell breaks loose as Danielle is pushed to the edge trying to put out everyone else’s fires, although it is perhaps her life that is currently ablaze the most.

Based on her short film of the same name, Emma Seligman does a magnificent job translating this story into a feature, with the witty comedic style of the dialogue never overshadowing the nuanced analysis of both the Jewish faith and bisexuality. As the plot spirals into absurdity, an unnerving sense of claustrophobia creeps up on you, with Seligman clearly inspired by techniques used in psychological horror films. Delightfully cunning and terrifically performed, Shiva Baby is a biting tale that will live long in the minds of its viewers. - Jake Hodges

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'Avatar: The Way of Water' (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 76% | IMDb: 7.6/10

Avatar The Way of Water Movie Poster
Avatar: The Way of Water
Action
Sci-Fi
Adventure
Fantasy

Release Date
December 16, 2022
Director
James Cameron
Runtime
192 minutes

Read Our Review A sequel to the box office smash hit from 2009, Avatar: The Way of Water picks up the story of Jake Scully (Sam Worthington) a few years on from the defeat of the RDA, with him and his new family now living happily on Pandora. However, happiness was never meant to last, as the villainous RDA has been plotting another attempt to claim Pandora. With an invasion afoot, Jake and others form a guerrilla group to try and fend off the pending attack and restore peace to their land.

As always, Avatar: The Way of Water is, above all, a visual masterpiece. One of the best at building awe-inspiring worlds within his films, James Cameron produces possibly his best aesthetic career work to date alongside cinematographer Russell Carpenter. With the original Avatar earning itself millions of fans (and dollars), Cameron made sure to use a similar formula that worked so well in the first film in The Way of Water, providing viewers with a reminder of just why this sequel’s predecessor was such a universal success. - Jake Hodges

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'Being Mary Tyler Moore' (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.5/10

being mary tyler moore
Being Mary Tyler Moore
Cast
Mary Tyler Moore
Release Date
March 13, 2023
Runtime
1 hr 59 min
Main Genre
Documentary

Read Our Review Actress, producer, social advocate, and all-round performer Mary Tyler Moore is the subject of this documentary from director James Adolphus. Using footage of her professional work as well as interviews with loved ones, Being Mary Tyler Moore takes a deep dive into an enormously successful career of both entertainment and activism and looks at what may have been her biggest influences.

Throughout her 80 years of life, Mary Tyler Moore was an actress at the very top of her game, winning seven Primetime Emmys and three Golden Globe Awards. However, as this documentary discusses, it was her work within the progression of feminism that would solidify her legacy. Moving and powerful, Being Mary Tyler Moore really feels like a behind-the-curtain look at the life of a fascinating woman, with this award-winning film not simply documenting her life but also paying homage to it both generously and fairly. - Jake Hodges

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