Max may not always have the vast selection that its streaming rivals enjoy, but it does have a lot of movies to enjoy. And some of these films deserve a lot more love than they received in theaters. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the three underrated movies on Max that you need to watch in February.
Our first pick is a fantastic comic-book–inspired action flick that barely anyone saw in America, followed by a touching dramedy and a spy thriller with a terrific cast.
Need more recommendations? We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.
Dredd (2012)
Fans of The Raid: Redemption will recognize a lot in Dredd, the 2012 adaptation of one of the United Kingdom’s most popular comic book icons. Judge Dredd (The Boys‘ Karl Urban) may look like a hero, but he’s an authoritarian with a badge who offers little flexibility while serving as judge, jury, and executioner on the dangerous streets of Mega-City One in the future.
Dredd’s temporary partner, Cassandra Anderson (Olivia Thirlby), will be by his side for the duration of her evaluation as a judge. Cassandra will get her test by fire when she and Dredd are locked in a sprawling apartment complex filled with criminals who are out to kill them.
Watch Dredd on Max.
Waitress (2007)
There’s an inherent tragedy in Waitress because this is the only film written and directed by Adrienne Shelly before she was murdered. Shelly also co-stars in the movie as Dawn, one of the few friends of Jenna Hunterson (The Diplomat’s Keri Russell). Jenna is trapped in a loveless marriage with her abusive husband, Earl (Jeremy Sisto). And to make things even harder for her, Jenna is pregnant.
As Jenna tries to find a way to break out of the prison of her life, she’s romantically drawn to her obstetrician, Dr. Jim Pomatter (Nathan Fillion). Jim is also married. Yet the real threat to Jenna’s dreams and desires is Earl’s intense jealousy and his apparent ability to uncover her plans before she can escape.
Watch Waitress on Max.
Traitor (2008)
Although comedian Steve Martin co-wrote Traitor with director Jeffrey Nachmanoff, this is no comedy. Instead, it’s an intense spy thriller with Don Cheadle as Samir Horn, an army veteran with extensive knowledge about explosives who has been recruited by terrorists Omar (Saïd Taghmaoui) and Fareed (Alyy Khan) for a lethal bombing campaign.
FBI Special Agent Roy Clayton (Guy Pearce) immediately deduces that Samir has been radicalized, but he doesn’t know the truth. Samir is actually deep undercover in the terrorist organization on behalf of a defense contractor named Carter (Jeff Daniels). But even the best of intentions can’t keep Samir’s explosives from harming innocent people.
Watch Traitor on Max.