The 25 movies or TV shows you should stream first on HBO Max

The Covid-19 pandemic cut short filming of the first season of "Batwoman"; however, it's all there to relive on HBO Max. Ruby Rose stars as Kate Kane, cousin of Bruce Wayne (aka Batman), who returns to Gotham looking for purpose. However, it's a city in disarray while under a military-like rule (sound familiar?), and needs a leader with Batman gone AWOL. Can Kate, and her alter ego, fill the void?

"Big Bang Theory" lovers might have found heaven — in the form of HBO Max, that is. The entire 12 seasons of the massively popular CBS hit sitcom is available here. If one really wanted to take on a Herculean task, try binge watching this over a weekend. That might require a lot of caffeine, but it would be quite the accomplishment — and obviously immensely fun spending that time with Sheldon and Co. 

One of the most celebrated films of all time is available for the taking on HBO Max. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman star in this time-honored, Oscar-winning classic from 1942. The anytime access to this movie offers an obvious chance to introduce a new generation of film lovers to one of the greatest cinematic works of all time and some of the best lines in cinema history. 

This is a highly acclaimed, five-part dramatic miniseries chronicling the Chernobyl disaster, and the day after. It's a gripping and dramatic story that is easily bingeable over one day — or a weekend if needed. The show earned the Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Television Film, and veteran actor Stellan Skarsgård won for a best supporting actor performance. 

The popular Larry David vehicle is here for the taking. Ten seasons worth of this hilarious, yet often exhausting, brand of comedy. For those rather new to "Curb," it's a more in-depth example of the neurosis of David's character. For "Seinfeld" fans, think George Costanza times 50. not surprising, since David was one of the masterminds of that legendary show about nothing.

This group of DC Comic underdog superheroes strut their stuff via HBO Max. For those not familiar with the "Doom Patrol," it's made up of those who each earned super powers following a physical accident who are then thrust into dealing with issues and strange phenomenons. It's a somewhat inspiring series, giving hope to a team of outcasts looking for a positive purpose.  

A staple of 1990s prime-time television. It's the sitcom that turned Will Smith into a bona fide Hollywood superstar and opened the door for him to start making blockbuster films. However, Smith had a solid supporting cast. No doubt, his cousin Carlton (played memorably by former child star Alfonso Ribeiro) stood above the rest, perhaps, because of his silky dance moves — particularly to one popular Tom Jones song. 

The inclusion of "Friends" to the HBO Max catalog might be the highlight of this platform. Now, keep in mind, "Friends" is rather accessible for those who still prefer the basic cable option. However, the entire 10-season run of this pop culture-defining series — that gave the world Ross, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey, Monica and Rachel — is all there for the immediate taking so old and new fans can enjoy. Ladies, go out and get that Rachel hairdo then sip some coffee on the couch.

Similar to that of "The Big Bang Theory," fans of this monster HBO hit should be excited about this viewing opportunity. Regular HBO subscribers get the Max platform free for a year, but those who do not subscribe to the cable service now have the chance to get their immediate "GOT" fix anytime via this new streaming service. All eight seasons are here. Let the "Games" begin. 

Wow! This is a monster moment for fans of the "Harry Potter" films and a great way for anybody else new to the international phenomenon — whether via books or movies — to experience it. All seven of the "Potter" films are available on HBO Max, from "The Sorcerer's Stone" to "The Deathly Hollows - Part 2." That's a lot of time to spend with Harry, Ron and Hermione. 

Entertainment pundits consider this to be some of multi-Academy Award nominee Mark Ruffalo's best work . Ruffalo stars as identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey in this dark and, often, fragmented miniseries that debuted in early May. Kathryn Hahn, Melissa Leo and Juliette Lewis also deliver stellar support to Ruffalo's featured role. 

Smart and well-developed comedy drama created by and starring Issa Rae. She plays Issa, appropriately, who along with best friend Molly (Yvonne Orji), navigate the professional and personal ups and downs of life in Los Angeles. Rae won two Golden Globes and received a Primetime Emmy nomination for the show, which features each of the first four seasons on this new platform.  

HBO Max is not immune from reality shows. However, this original is more fun than obnoxious. This is one of HBO's most recent additions, and the competition highlights the vogue and dance ball culture. A $100,000 prize is on the line for the winning "house." MC Dashaun Wesley is your host, with a panel of judges including British entertainer Jameela Jamil and Leiomy Maldonado, aka the "Wonder Woman of Vogue." 

Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety Bird and the rest of the "Looney Tunes" gang are all on HBO Max to enjoy. Whether it's the "Looney Tunes Cartoons," "Baby Looney Tunes: Musical Adventures" and "Looney Tunes: Back in Action," cartoon fans of all ages have plenty of options to enjoy this classic brand of comedy and fun. It's quite impressive just how much of this variety is available on HBO Max. 

Here's one show that's getting quite a bit of buzz and being extensively hyped by HBO Max. The multi-talented Anna Kendrick stars as Darby Carter, a young woman trying to make her way professionally and socially through New York City. The romantic comedy series is among the new original programming on HBO Max and perhaps the anchor for that aspect of the platform. 

This is a fun idea and probably one any member of the family can appreciate. "Sesame Street's" loveable Elmo takes his crack at hosting a talk show. That makes sense, right? Some of Elmo's guests include country music star Kacey Musgraves, Lil Nas X and the Jonas Brothers. Plus, Cookie Monster in the Ed McMahon role is pretty spectacular. 

There are many options to enjoy this acclaimed miniseries starring Winona Ryder and Zoe Kazan and created by David Simon and Ed Burns. In addition to all six parts detailing an alternate timeline during World War II — where a fascist Charles Lindbergh is running the country — being available, fans of the series can enjoy various podcasts related to the show. 

The widely celebrate animated series has eternal life on HBO Max. Consider Rick Sanchez to be a more of an unhinged Doc Brown from "Back to the Future." His crazy gadgets and adventures with grandchildren Morty and Summer are highly entertaining. It's a smart animated effort that was a major hit for the Cartoon Network's Adult Swim lineup.   

Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge is one of the producers of this dark comedy drama, so it must be worth watching, It actually is, and subscribers can see for themselves. The first season (seven episodes) of this fast-paced story with an edgy rom-com feel about friends Ruby (Merritt Wever) and ex-boyfriend Billy (Domhnall Gleeson) trekking across America is available right now on HBO Max.

Much along the line of "Games of Thrones," "The Sopranos" has become a part of television iconography. Tony Soprano (the late James Gandolfini) and Co. obviously had their moments of ruthlessness, but there was also plenty of subtle humor mixed in with their underworld dysfunction. The entire series is here for the taking - and gives new viewers the opportunity to see what all the fuss was about. 

Simply put — "Veep" is hilarious. It's raunchy, inappropriate and downright vulgar at times, so plenty of discretion should be advised when watching. Julia Louis-Dreyfus delivers another award-winning performance as the cut-throat yet dysfunctional Selina Meyer, who tries to navigate her way through the political climate of Washington D.C. while also dealing with all the other aspects of her crazy life. 

Damon Lindelof ("Lost") is responsible for this other-world drama with a superhero flare — courtesy of DC Comics. Oscar winner Regina King stars is a police detective in Tulsa, which is a haven for vigilantes. For those fans of Lindelof (also responsible for "The Leftovers" on HBO), this follows in the line of his other projects, leaving plenty for the mind to process and enjoy.   

From the alternative narrative of Watchmen to the futuristic wild west  of "Westworld." Starring Anthony Hopkins, Evan Rachel Wood and James Marsden, three seasons of "Westworld" are available on HBO Max. J.J. Abrams, who teamed with Damon Lindelof on "Lost," was an executive producer, so there's enough out-of-the-box storylines that fill the series. Most, however, are highly entertaining.     

Crime and drama series lovers can't go wrong with "The Wire." And those who made it one of the biggest watches in the history of HBO should be glad the entire series is available on this new format. Arguably the most extensive TV crime drama of all time, "The Wire" tackles it all from a law enforcement, government and criminal standpoint, with the city of Baltimore as a backdrop. 

Another Hollywood classic — and one the entire family can enjoy. Go "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," with Dorothy (Judy Garland), The Tin Man, The Scarecrow and The Cowardly Lion down the yellow brick road in search of the great and wonderful Oz. Though released in 1939, the film still holds up and resonates quite well today. It's obviously something well worth cherishing.