Top HBO Max Picks: Tim Burton Classic and Two A24 Favorites Shine with High Rotten Tomatoes Scores

October brings HBO Max subscribers three must-watch films, each earning over 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting both iconic and emerging titles.

Tim Burton’s Magical Classic

Among this month’s standout films on HBO Max is Edward Scissorhands, a quintessential Tim Burton creation that continues to capture hearts with its whimsical yet poignant storytelling. Johnny Depp embodies the gentle, misunderstood Edward, a man pieced together by an inventor who gifted him scissors for hands. After his creator’s passing, Edward finds refuge with Peg Boggs, played by Dianne Wiest, and her family.

Edward’s journey of tolerance and love is complicated by his affection for Kim (Winona Ryder), which faces obstacles when Kim’s boyfriend, Jim (Anthony Michael Hall), and the scheming Joyce Monroe (Kathy Baker) incite the neighborhood to ostracize him. Despite the trials, the tale remains an evergreen exploration of humanity and empathy. Edward Scissorhands is now streaming on HBO Max.

\\”Edward Scissorhands is perhaps the most faithful vision of director Tim Burton’s work outside of animation.\\”

Family Fun with an Animated Touch

For a movie that melts hearts with humor and charm, look no further than the critically acclaimed Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. Boasting a 98 percent Rotten Tomatoes score, this A24 release merges animation and live-action to tell the tale of Marcel (voiced by Jenny Slate), an adorable shell living with Nana Connie (Isabella Rossellini). The story, centered on Marcel’s quest to reunite with his family, highlights themes of fame and personal fulfillment, while navigating the pitfalls of viral internet stardom.

Brought to life with touching performances and narrated by Dean Fleischer Camp as himself, the whimsical yet profound journey is perfect for audiences seeking laughter mixed with heartfelt reflection. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is available on HBO Max.

\\”Marcel the Shell with Shoes is perhaps the most family-friendly movie that A24 has ever released.\\”

Horror’s Bold Answer from A24

Delve into the eerie and atmospheric world of Robert Eggers’ The Witch, where Anya Taylor-Joy earned her breakthrough role. The film, set in 17th-century New England, stands out with a 91 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating as it chronicles the harrowing experiences of Thomasin (Taylor-Joy) and her family after they are exiled from their colony due to religious conflicts.

This tension-filled horror paints a stark picture of isolation and paranoia as a witch (Bathsheba Garnett) preys on the family, and Thomasin must endure her mother’s (Kate Dickie) unfounded accusations. With its chilling narrative and compelling character arcs, The Witch offers a gripping exploration of fear and belief — a true modern horror staple. It is currently streaming on HBO Max.

\\”Anya Taylor-Joy became a star after her debut movie, The Witch, was a hit in 2016.\\”

Reporting based on the original article; quotes reproduced verbatim.