3 Hidden Gem Movies on HBO Max to Check Out in September 2025
HBO Max serves as the streaming platform for numerous high-profile films, ranging from Sinners to the Harry Potter series. Yet, it also features a variety of underrated treasures you may have missed.
If you’re on the hunt for a new flick to enjoy, the Watch With Us team has curated three suggestions that may have flown under your radar during their theatrical releases.
From one of the greatest Batman narratives to an underrated rom-com starring Dev Patel, plus a poignant biopic, these three selections are sure to suit your mood.
‘The Iron Claw’ (2023)
This wrestling biopic, featuring Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Holt McCallany, and Harris Dickinson, seemed destined for awards recognition, yet it was largely ignored by the Oscars, Golden Globes, and other major awards in 2023.
The Iron Claw chronicles the tragic lives of the Von Erich wrestling family. Remarkably, instead of escalating the drama, the director chose to omit a character’s death to make the narrative less devastating. While its heavy themes might have deterred awards, the performances, especially Efron’s, are profoundly impactful.
‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ (2012)
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was popular enough to spawn a sequel, yet it deserves more recognition; this delightful romantic comedy showcases an ensemble cast of older characters.
The story revolves around a group of British retirees who relocate to a retirement home in India, only to discover that it’s not quite as glamorous as advertised. Yet, thanks to the infectious enthusiasm of hotel manager Sonny (Patel), these seniors carve out a makeshift home in their new surroundings. With an all-star cast led by Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and more, this charming film is a delight in every moment.
‘Batman: Mask of the Phantasm’ (1993)
True Batman enthusiasts recognize that one of the most celebrated portrayals of the Dark Knight is found not in live action but animation. Spun off from Batman: The Animated Series, this film features the iconic voices of Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker, along with the sleek Art Deco animation style beloved since the 1990s.
This movie delves into a young Bruce Wayne’s romance with fellow Gotham University student Andrea Beaumont (Dana Delany) and the difficult decisions that lead him to become the Caped Crusader. Years later, Andrea’s return to Gotham forces Bruce to face both his past and a new lethal vigilante haunting the city. Beautifully animated and rich in emotion, this film was unfairly overlooked during its theatrical release due to a rushed launch, but it remains essential viewing for DC aficionados.
Whether you’re in the mood for comedy, tragedy, or superhero action, make sure to check out one of these underrated HBO Max films this month.
