Editorials10 Hidden Gem Shows and Movies on Max You Can't Miss!

10 Hidden Gem TV Shows and Movies on Max You Can't Miss!

Written by Serena Baker & Likewise Pix | Sep 27, 2024 Uncover some of the best hidden gems on Max and dive into a world of captivating stories and unforgettable characters.

1. Ikiru

Ikiru
© Photo: Provided by Likewise

Released in 1952, "Ikiru" is a poignant exploration of life and death. Directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa, this film follows Kanji Watanabe, an aging bureaucrat who, upon discovering he has cancer, embarks on a quest for meaning in his monotonous existence. The film offers a profound meditation on the human condition, underscored by Kurosawa’s masterful storytelling. Don't miss this heartfelt narrative.

Watch Ikiru

2. The Tale of The Princess Kaguya

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya
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Isao Takahata’s "The Tale of The Princess Kaguya" is a stunningly beautiful animated film that tells the story of a tiny girl found in a bamboo stalk who grows into a mysterious and enchanting princess. Released in 2013, this Studio Ghibli masterpiece captivates with its breathtaking hand-drawn animation and poignant tale of destiny and identity.

Watch The Tale of The Princess Kaguya

3. Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off

Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off
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For fans of extreme sports and inspiring life stories, "Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off" offers an unparalleled look at the skateboarding legend's career. The 2022 documentary features first-hand accounts from Tony Hawk and other iconic figures in the sport, providing unprecedented access and never-before-seen footage.

Watch Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off

4. Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke
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Hayao Miyazaki's 1997 epic "Princess Mononoke" is a mesmerizing tale of war and peace, nature and humanity. Ashitaka, a young prince cursed by a demon, navigates a conflict between industrial expansion and the mystical spirit world, seeking harmony. With breathtaking animation and deep environmental themes, it's a must-see.

Watch Princess Mononoke

5. The Great Dictator

The Great Dictator
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Charlie Chaplin’s "The Great Dictator" (1940) is a powerful satire of totalitarian regimes that remains relevant today. Chaplin plays both a ruthless dictator and a persecuted Jewish barber, skillfully mixing humor with poignant social commentary.

Watch The Great Dictator

6. The Florida Project

The Florida Project
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Released in 2017, "The Florida Project" is a heartwarming yet harrowing look at childhood innocence in the shadow of poverty. Directed by Sean Baker, the film revolves around six-year-old Moonee and her friends, capturing their adventures during a summer in a budget motel near Disney World.

Watch The Florida Project

7. Gattaca

Gattaca
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"Gattaca" is a 1997 science fiction classic that imagines a future where genetic engineering determines your fate. Vincent Freeman, played by Ethan Hawke, defies his genetic destiny to pursue his dream of space travel in this thought-provoking tale of ambition and identity.

Watch Gattaca

8. Los Espookys

Los Espookys
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For a dose of dark comedy, "Los Espookys" is an absolute gem. Premiering in 2019, this series follows a group of friends who turn their passion for horror into an unusual business venture. Set in a dreamlike Latin American country, the show brilliantly blends humor with the supernatural.

Watch Los Espookys

9. Night Is Short, Walk On Girl

Night Is Short, Walk On Girl
© Photo: Provided by Likewise

Masaaki Yuasa's "Night Is Short, Walk On Girl" (2017) is an eccentric animated journey through a single night in Kyoto. Following "The Girl with Black Hair" and her surreal encounters, this film is a whimsical blend of romance and fantasy that is as visually stunning as it is narratively unique.

Watch Night Is Short, Walk On Girl

10. The Other Two

The Other Two
© Photo: Provided by Likewise

"The Other Two" is a sharp comedy series that began in 2019. It centers on siblings Brooke and Cary, who are struggling to find their path as they deal with their teenage brother's sudden rise to social media fame. The show masterfully balances humor with heartfelt moments.

Watch The Other Two

From the heart-wrenching explorations of life and death in "Ikiru" to the fantastical, surreal world of "Night Is Short, Walk On Girl," these hidden gems on Max offer a diverse range of storytelling that caters to various tastes. Whether you're in the mood for poignant dramas, animated wonders, or something that defies genre conventions, Max has something worth exploring. Dive into these remarkable films and shows and discover your next favorite!