This article was produced in partnership with HBO Max.
It’s that time of year again! And by that time we mean: grab the dog blankets and toys, bake some yummy dog treats (pop yourself some popcorn, too), and get ready for some good old-fashioned comfort viewing with your favorite furry BFF.
Packed with award-winning shows and movies, HBO Max’s current streaming lineup has something for everyone. And with your best friend cuddled by your side, they’ll be there for the thrills, the laughs, and all the special moments you love to share together.
From old classics to addictive new series, action-packed flicks to feel-good comedies, check out our top 10 HBO Max titles to watch now: they’re the best can’t-miss viewing for you and allow for even more time spent with your dog.
The Best Binge-Worthy, Snuggle-Up-With-the-Pup Shows Streaming on HBO Max
Wonder Woman
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Can’t wait for Wonder Woman 1984? You and your dog can bone up on Diana Prince’s adventures with the first installment in the series, 2017’s Wonder Woman; it’s the best way to prep for the new film (debuting on HBO Max and in theaters on Christmas day). Relive, or watch for the first time, as Wonder Woman manages to save Steve’s life, charge into battle at No Man’s Land, and go head-to-head with Ares—all without breaking a sweat. (Wonder Woman 1984 will be available for streaming on HBO Max for 31 days from its theatrical release.)
A Christmas Carol
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Love a classic black and white film of a classic tale? Streaming on HBO Max, the 1938 version of this timeless Christmas story by Charles Dickens stars Reginald Owen as the unforgettable curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge, who’s visited by four ghosts set on helping him rediscover his generosity and the Christmas spirit. Sure, the old camera tricks and less-than-scary ghosts look dated next to the CGI blockbusters of our time, but that’s all part of this film’s charm that never fails to warm hearts.
12 Dates of Christmas
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Get ready as impossibly beautiful singles, Chad, Faith (both straight), and Garret (gay) arrive at an Austrian castle to find equally impossibly beautiful respective dates to bring home for the holidays. Sparks fly and drama ignites as the castle begins to fill up with potential love interests. And while bringing home someone new is a big pandemic no-no right now, it’s much safer (and dare we say more fun?) to watch other people do the work of dating. All eight episodes of this Max Original are up and streaming on HBO Max.
Superintelligence
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We love Melissa McCarthy after her dynamite performance in Bridesmaids (2011) where she played hilarious BFF, Megan (and displayed some major enthusiasm for puppies, which we can all get behind). McCarthy’s latest action-comedy flick, streaming on HBO Max, is based in Seattle (fun fact: also Rover’s HQ) and sees her character, Carol, tasked with proving to an A.I. entity that humanity is worth saving. Do hijinks ensue? You betcha! James Corden, Bobby Cannavale, Brian Tyree Henry, and Jean Smart also star.
Batman Returns
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It’s arguable this 1992 installment from the Batman universe, currently streaming on HBO Max, was really just a platform for Michelle Pfeiffer’s epic portrayal of Catwoman (a.k.a. Selina Kyle). Dogs rule, but even the most committed of canines will side with the feline fatale as she exacts revenge on her boss (Christopher Walken), teaming up with the ghoulish Penguin (Danny DeVito). Set in Gotham City during the Christmas holiday, this stylishly gothic Batman (played in this iteration by Michael Keaton) is a classic from the Tim Burton canon.
Selena + Chef
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Like the rest of us, Selena Gomez has been cooped up for Stay-at-Home, suddenly needing to make a lot of meals, but lacking the necessary kitchen skills. For each episode of this Max Original, the singer, actress, and producer teams up with a renowned chef via video to awkwardly and hilariously learn how to make a range of dishes. Now in its second season, recipes include everything from cranberry chutney to seafood tostadas. Psst, don’t miss Season 1, Episode 10 with chef Nyesha Arrington—dog biscuits are on the menu, which we’re sure your four-legged viewing partner will appreciate.
The Vow
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Time to load up on dog treats and snacks—you’re going to be couch-bound for awhile. The dreary weather is a perfect excuse to stay in and catch up on the HBO Original documentary series everyone is talking about. Over nine episodes, the series follows the former members of a multilevel self-improvement marketing company (with very cult-like tendencies), NXIVM, as they reconcile their past involvement, attempt to get other members out, and legally take down the group and its leader.
Last Christmas
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Looking for a modern-day holiday movie that you can laugh and cry to? Now on HBO, Last Christmas is just the ticket. Set in London, Kate (Emilia Clarke) works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. But it’s not just the forced cheer of her workplace that has her down during the holidays, she’s also reconciling a past trauma and navigating her relationship with her family—immigrants from the former Yugoslavia. Things start coming up candy canes when Kate meets kind (and super-handsome) stranger, Tom (Henry Golding), who becomes her confidant. The final twist is sure to make you want to snuggle your doggo extra tight. Also starring Emma Thompson and Michelle Yeoh.
Craftopia
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Pile up on the sofa for the HBO Max Original kids crafting competition show hosted by crafting expert and YouTube celebrity, LaurDIY. See creative ideas come to life as three contestants, age 10-14, raid craft supplies and use their imaginations in two rounds of competition. Season 1 includes delightful projects from creating pet beds to repurposing backpacks, and also has specially themed episodes for the holidays (we’ve got one word for you: glitter). Friendly and fun, the whole family is sure to enjoy (perhaps inspiring some handcrafted dog accessories?).
Key & Peele
Courtesy of HBO Max
Winter can be rough, and sometimes all you need is a good dose of humor. If you’re ready to tune out the news, lounge on the sofa and guffaw, binge away on five seasons of Key & Peele, streaming on HBO Max. Still deliciously irreverent and pointed, this comedy sketch show, hosted by and starring Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, will have you wincing on the floor with laughter. Watch for the first time or revisit old character favorites like Mr. Garvey and Obama with his anger translator, Luther.
Start Streaming HBO Max Now
You can find all the titles above—along with over 10,000 hours of other entertainment options—streaming on HBO Max this season on your tablet, phone, watch, laptop, e-reader, and other devices.
LIMITED TIME! SAVE OVER 20% FOR 6 MONTHS WHEN YOU PREPAY. Offer valid from December 3, 2020 to January 15, 2021. Terms and conditions apply. For complete details, including eligibility restrictions and auto-renewal terms that apply after your discounted subscription period expires, visit HBOMax.com.