3 underrated movies on HBO Max you should watch this weekend (July 31-August 2)

Looking for hidden cinematic gems to watch on HBO Max this weekend? You're in luck. Max boasts a treasure trove of underrated movies that deserve your attention. Get ready to dive into three fantastic films currently streaming on Max, including a dark comedy, a heartfelt drama, and an unforgettable Studio Ghibli masterpiece.

First up, "The Silent Patient" offers a compelling dark comedy with an IMDb rating of 7.1/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%. Literature professor Agnes Ward, played by Eva Victor, grapples with rebuilding her life in Maine after a deeply traumatic event at her university. The arrival of her pregnant best friend Lydie, played by Naomi Ackie, forces Agnes to confront her isolation and grief, creating a powerful friendship dynamic that drives the film.

Next, "The Florida Project" is a heartwarming drama with a stellar rating of 7.6/10 on IMDb and a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This enchanting story follows six-year-old Moonee, played by Brooklynn Prince, who lives with her mother Halley in a motel outside Walt Disney World. As Halley's financial situation worsens, Moonee's carefree summer turns into a poignant exploration of childhood wonder amidst adult struggles.

Director Sean Baker captures the film's dual beauty, showcasing both the innocence of youth and the harsh realities of poverty with a tender spirit.

Finally, "Whisper of the Heart" is an unforgettable Studio Ghibli masterpiece with a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb and a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This coming-of-age drama follows twelve-year-old Shizuku, portrayed by Nagisa Oshima, as she discovers that the books she checks out from the library have been borrowed by the same boy, Seiji. Her quest to find him leads her to reflect on her own desires and ambitions, exploring themes of artistic ambition and personal growth against the backdrop of ordinary Tokyo.