When it comes to streaming movies, two services keep coming up in conversations: Max is a streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery that combines HBO, Warner Bros., DC, Discovery, and Cartoon Network content under one roof. Also known as Max Streaming, it launched in May 2023 after merging HBO Max and Discovery+. It now offers over 10,000 hours of film and TV content, including more than 1,200 movies. Meanwhile, Prime Video is Amazon’s video streaming platform that bundles original films, licensed content, and add-on channels like MGM and Lionsgate. It has been around since 2006 and currently holds a catalog of over 20,000 titles, with roughly 3,500 of them being feature films. But which one actually has the better movie selection? Let’s break it down.
Original Movies: Where Max Shines
If you care about critically acclaimed original films, Max is the clear winner. It owns the exclusive streaming rights to nearly every HBO Films production since 2000. That means you get Marriage Story, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Nomadland, and Oppenheimer - all of which were Oscar-nominated or won awards. Max also produces its own originals like The Last of Us: The Movie (a 2025 cinematic release), Chernobyl: The Final Warning, and House of the Dragon: The Rise of the Targaryens, a feature-length prequel to the hit series.
Prime Video has original films too - The Tomorrow War, One Night in Miami, and The Boys in the Band - but they’re fewer and often lack the same prestige. Amazon’s film strategy leans more toward action, sci-fi, and mid-budget dramas. It rarely competes with Max’s award-season heavy hitters.
Classics and Catalog Titles: Prime Video Wins by Volume
Max has a strong selection of modern classics - The Godfather, Goodfellas, Psycho, Blade Runner 2049 - but its library is tightly curated. You won’t find obscure 1970s Italian horror or 1990s indie gems unless they’re part of a curated collection.
Prime Video, on the other hand, has a massive, sprawling catalog thanks to its licensing deals with MGM, Lionsgate, Sony Pictures, and others. It’s the only place to stream Dirty Harry, The Silence of the Lambs, Reservoir Dogs, Con Air, and Clueless in the U.S. If you’re into cult films, foreign cinema, or forgotten 80s blockbusters, Prime Video is the better choice.
Genre Strengths: What Each Service Excels At
Here’s how the two services stack up across popular genres:
| Genre | Max | Prime Video |
|---|---|---|
| Drama | Excellent - HBO’s prestige films dominate | Good - solid selection, fewer awards contenders |
| Horror | Moderate - mostly recent studio releases | Strong - includes Hereditary, The Witch, It Follows |
| Sci-Fi & Fantasy | Good - Dune, Blade Runner, Matrix trilogy | Excellent - Arrival, Annihilation, Alien series, Star Trek films |
| Comedy | Weak - limited classic comedies | Strong - Groundhog Day, Amadeus, Monty Python films |
| Documentaries | Very Strong - HBO docs like 13th, My Octopus Teacher | Moderate - mostly Amazon Originals |
Max dominates in high-quality drama and documentaries. Prime Video wins in genre diversity, especially horror, sci-fi, and classic comedies.
Availability and Exclusivity
Max is the only place to stream the full HBO film library - and that’s a big deal. If you want to rewatch The Sopranos: The Movie (a 2024 extended cut) or Succession: The Final Season (a feature-length finale), Max is your only option.
Prime Video doesn’t have HBO, but it does have exclusive deals with other studios. For example, all 24 James Bond films are streaming on Prime Video in the U.S. as of 2025. That’s something Max can’t offer. Prime also has exclusive rights to recent MGM releases like Creed III and John Wick: Chapter 4 for the first year after theatrical release.
Price and Value
Max costs $15.99/month for the ad-free plan. Prime Video is included with Amazon Prime, which costs $14.99/month - but that also gives you free shipping, music, and other perks. If you already have Amazon Prime, Prime Video is effectively free. If you don’t, adding Prime Video as a standalone costs $9.99/month.
Max gives you more cinematic depth. Prime Video gives you more quantity and convenience. If you’re a movie buff who values quality over quantity, Max wins. If you want variety and don’t mind a few filler titles, Prime Video is the smarter buy.
Who Should Choose What?
Choose Max if:
- You want award-winning films with HBO’s signature tone
- You’re a fan of documentaries, war dramas, or character-driven stories
- You care about watching new releases the same day they hit theaters
- You already subscribe to HBO or Discovery+ and want to consolidate
Choose Prime Video if:
- You want a massive library of classics and cult films
- You love sci-fi, horror, action, or 90s comedies
- You already have Amazon Prime
- You’re okay with occasional ads on lower-tier plans
Final Verdict
There’s no single "best" service - it depends on what kind of movies you watch. Max is the choice for cinephiles who want the best of modern cinema. Prime Video is the choice for casual viewers who want variety and value.
But if you had to pick one based on movie catalog alone? Prime Video wins on volume and breadth. Max wins on quality and exclusivity. For most people, Prime Video’s wider selection and lower cost make it the more practical pick. But if you’re willing to pay extra for HBO-level storytelling, Max delivers a richer experience.
Is Max better than Prime Video for movies?
It depends. Max has higher-quality, award-winning films - especially HBO originals and documentaries. Prime Video has more titles overall, including cult classics, horror, and sci-fi. If you want prestige, choose Max. If you want variety and value, choose Prime Video.
Can I watch HBO movies on Prime Video?
No. HBO movies, including all films from HBO Films and HBO Max originals, are exclusive to Max. Prime Video does not carry HBO content under any subscription tier.
Does Prime Video have James Bond movies?
Yes. As of 2025, all 24 James Bond films are available to stream on Prime Video in the U.S. This is one of Prime Video’s biggest movie catalog advantages over Max.
Which service has more documentaries?
Max has significantly more documentaries, especially those produced by HBO Documentary Films. Titles like 13th, My Octopus Teacher, and The Social Dilemma are exclusive to Max. Prime Video has some docs, but mostly Amazon Originals.
Is Max worth $16 a month just for movies?
Only if you’re a fan of HBO-style storytelling. Max’s movie catalog is small compared to Prime Video, but it’s curated for quality. If you watch fewer than 2-3 movies a month, it’s probably not worth it. But if you love deep dramas, documentaries, and Oscar-nominated films, then yes - it’s a solid investment.
What’s Next?
If you’re still unsure, try both services’ free trials. Max offers a 7-day trial. Prime Video offers a 30-day trial if you’re new to Amazon Prime. Use that time to binge your favorite genres. You’ll quickly see which catalog fits your taste better.
And remember - streaming libraries change all the time. What’s on Max today might be gone next month. Prime Video rotates titles frequently too. Your best move? Pick the service that matches your current movie habits, not the one with the biggest catalog.