Movies Coming to Max on December 1: What to Binge, Skip, or Save for Later
Max is ringing in December with a lineup of movies to keep your playlist busy as the holidays roll in. We’ve got everything from treasure-hunting kids and giant mythological monsters to quirky comedies and animated supervillains. Here’s the definitive Johnny Spoiler ranking for these titles based on the Binge-Watchers Podcast scale: Binge Now, Binge Later, or Binge Never.
The Goonies – Binge Now
It’s hard to top The Goonies, a revered 1980s classic about a group of misfit kids who discover a treasure map and embark on an adventure to save their homes from foreclosure. Directed by Richard Donner and written by Chris Columbus (from a story by Steven Spielberg—what a team!), the movie balances humor, heart, and enough booby traps to inspire a generation of thrill-seekers.
The cast—led by Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, and Josh Brolin—delivers unforgettable performances, and there’s no shortage of quotable lines (“Hey, you guys!”). If you’ve never seen it, fix that now. It’s a timeless coming-of-age story that only gets more endearing with every rewatch.
Sadly, the long-hoped-for sequel or series adaptation may never happen, but maybe that’s for the best. Can lightning strike twice?
Cedar Rapids – Binge Later
This quirky comedy from 2011 features Ed Helms as Tim Lippe, a small-town insurance agent attending a conference in the "big city" of Cedar Rapids. What starts as a mundane business trip quickly turns into a journey of self-discovery, thanks to the antics of his colorful colleagues, played by John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, and Isiah Whitlock Jr.
The humor leans into awkward charm, with Helms delivering his signature blend of naivety and sincerity. Cedar Rapids is a hidden gem for cinephiles who appreciate offbeat comedies with a heartwarming core. It doesn’t demand immediate viewing, but it’s worth adding to your “someday” list.
Clash of the Titans (2010) – Binge Now
Let’s face it: not all remakes live up to the originals, but Clash of the Titans delivers a visual spectacle worthy of its mythological roots. Sam Worthington stars as Perseus, a demigod tasked with saving humanity from vengeful gods and monstrous titans. The film’s highlight? Liam Neeson as Zeus commanding “Release the Kraken!”—a line that has become as iconic as the original 1981 version.
While the plot can feel a little formulaic, the action sequences and visual effects make this a worthy addition to your fantasy viewing. And don’t sleep on its sequel, Wrath of the Titans; it ups the stakes with even bigger monsters and more epic battles.
Megamind – Binge Later
This 2010 animated flick flips the superhero genre on its head, focusing on the titular supervillain (voiced by Will Ferrell) who suddenly finds himself bored after defeating his archenemy. The film cleverly explores redemption and identity, with standout vocal performances from Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, and Jonah Hill.
While Megamind delivers humor and heart, the stakes don’t quite match its lofty ambitions. That said, the redemption angle keeps it compelling. It’s fun, family-friendly, and worth a watch, but maybe save it for a lazy Sunday.
Results – Binge Now
Results is a quirky indie gem from 2015, directed by Andrew Bujalski, about fitness, relationships, and self-improvement. It stars Guy Pearce as an ambitious gym owner, Cobie Smulders as a no-nonsense trainer, and Kevin Corrigan as their eccentric, newly wealthy client who upends their lives.
The film’s charm lies in its understated humor and poignant character moments. It’s not your typical rom-com or indie drama—it’s somewhere in between, making it a must-watch for cinephiles seeking something offbeat yet deeply relatable.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're revisiting classics like The Goonies or diving into underrated gems like Results, Max's December lineup has something for everyone. While Clash of the Titans delivers the mythical goods, Megamind offers laughs and heart, even if it doesn’t quite soar. And for those in the mood for quirky comedy, Cedar Rapids and Results won’t disappoint.
Want more in-depth takes and behind-the-scenes chatter? Catch the latest episode of the Binge-Watchers Podcast where we rank, rave, and roast all things movies, streaming, and pop culture!