From 'Wit' to 'Temple Grandin': Here are 6 best HBO original movies for your weekend enjoyment

HBO has produced a range of outstanding original movies that are perfect for binge-watching
PUBLISHED MAR 19, 2024
From 'Wit' to 'Temple Grandin': Discover 6 best HBO original movies to enjoy your weekends (@HBO Max)
From 'Wit' to 'Temple Grandin': Discover 6 best HBO original movies to enjoy your weekends (@HBO Max)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: HBO Max has cemented its status as a trailblazer in creating top-tier television shows and movies, consistently setting new benchmarks for exceptional storytelling, production quality, and performances.

HBO has produced a wide range of critically acclaimed series and movies across various genres due to its dedication to innovative creativity and storytelling.

Whether you're seeking gripping dramas, hilarious comedies, or thought-provoking documentaries, HBO provides a diverse selection to cater to all preferences.

With HBO offering such a vast array of movies, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.  Here are six HBO Original movies known for their exceptional storytelling.

'Something the Lord Made' (2004)

Alan Rickman and Yasiin Bey in a still from 'Something the Lord Made' (HBO Max)
Alan Rickman and Yasiin Bey in a still from 'Something the Lord Made' (@HBO Max)

'Something the Lord Made', a 2004 American biographical drama film, explores the revolutionary partnership between Dr Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman) and his assistant, Vivien Thomas (Mos Def).

Set in the Depression Era, the HBO movie explores their relationship amid racial segregation, highlighting their determination and challenges to achieve groundbreaking medical advancements.

The movie has an IMDb rating of 8.1 out of 10, indicating its strong reception among viewers and critics alike.

'Wit' (2001)

Emma Thompson in a still from 'Wit' (HBO Max)
Emma Thompson in a still from 'Wit' (@HBO Max)

'Wit,' a 2001 American television drama film directed by Mike Nichols, stands as one of the finest HBO original movies. 'Wit' is based on the 1999 Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Margaret Edson. 

The film follows Vivian Bearing, an English professor, whose life is dramatically altered by a Stage IV ovarian cancer diagnosis.

The diagnosis prompts her to reassess her life, career, and the poetry of John Donne, which becomes her strength as she battles her illness.

With an IMDb rating of 8.0 out of 10, this movie is highly regarded by viewers.

'Sometimes in April' (2005) 

A still from
A still from 'Sometimes in April' (@HBO Max)

'Sometimes in April', a 2005 American made-for-television historical drama film about the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, is a must-watch HBO movie.

Starring Idris Elba, Oris Erhuero, Carole Karemera, and Debra Winger in pivotal roles, the movie follows Augustin Muganza, a Hutu who witnesses the brutal killing of almost 1 million Tutsis and moderate Hutus in just 100 days. 

With an IMDb rating of 7.8/10, this movie is well-regarded by the viewers.

'Stuart: A Life Backwards' (2007)

Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch in a still from 'Stuart: A Life Backwards' (HBO Max)
Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch in a still from 'Stuart: A Life Backwards' (@HBO Max)

'Stuart: A Life Backwards,' a 2007 HBO film, is inspired by true events. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as writer Alexander Masters and Tom Hardy as Stuart Shorter, the movie delves into Stuart's tumultuous life, spanning from his challenging childhood to his battles with homelessness.

The film also centers on Stuart's friendship with Alexander Masters, a writer who becomes deeply interested in Stuart's life story.

With an IMDb rating of 7.7 out of 10, 'Stuart: A Life Backwards' has garnered positive reviews for its compelling storytelling and strong performances.

'Temple Grandin' (2010)

Claire Danes and Catherine O'Hara in a still from 'Temple Grandin' (HBO Max)
Claire Danes and Catherine O'Hara in a still from 'Temple Grandin' (@HBO Max)

'Temple Grandin', a 2010 American biographical drama television film directed by Mick Jackson, focuses on Temple Grandin, played by Claire Danes, a woman with autism whose innovative ideas transformed the livestock industry.

Temple Grandin's deep empathy for animals and her unique perspective motivated her to develop humane methods for handling livestock.

With an IMDb rating of 8.2/10, 'Temple Grandin' has been widely praised for its powerful portrayal of an extraordinary woman overcoming challenges.

'The Normal Heart' (2014)

Matt Bomer and Mark Ruffalo in a still from 'The Normal Heart' (HBO Max/Jojo Whilden)
Matt Bomer and Mark Ruffalo in a still from 'The Normal Heart' (@HBO Max/Jojo Whilden)

'The Normal Heart,' a 2014 American television drama film directed by Ryan Murphy, centers on Ned Weeks, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, and his relentless efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, a disease ravaging the gay community in New York City.

The film is an adaptation of Larry Kramer's play that delves into the early years of the AIDS crisis.

With an IMDb rating of 7.9/10, 'The Normal Heart' is a must-watch HBO movie.

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