Weekend Streaming Picks: Martial Arts, Finance, and Horror
If you are planning to spend your weekend in front of the screen, HBO Max has updated its library with a diverse selection of films. Whether you are in the mood for supernatural combat, a high-stakes financial underdog story, or a legendary horror flick, this weekend’s lineup has you covered.
1. Mortal Kombat II (2026)
Following the 2021 reboot, which struggled under the constraints of a global pandemic, the franchise returns with a focus on pure, unadulterated action. While the previous installment felt like a long-winded setup, Mortal Kombat II leans into the chaotic, fun spirit of the original 90s games.
The film centers on a series of intense showdowns between warriors wielding magical abilities and various weapons. Karl Urban stands out in his role as the vanity-stricken Johnny Cage, bringing a fresh energy to the screen as he navigates a world filled with ninjas and monsters.
2. Dumb Money (2023)
For those interested in real-world drama, Dumb Money offers a gripping look at the GameStop stock phenomenon. The narrative follows Keith Gill (Paul Dano), a middle-class analyst whose online influence leads to a massive surge in GameStop shares, challenging the status quo of hedge fund investors.
Often compared to The Big Short, the film masterfully humanizes the complexities of the stock market. With an impressive ensemble cast including Seth Rogen, Pete Davidson, and America Ferrera, it highlights the stark divide in the American economy and how an ordinary individual with a social media platform can shift the tides.
3. Evil Dead II (1987)
No weekend watchlist is complete without a classic. In Evil Dead II, Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) hopes for a quiet romantic getaway in a secluded cabin, only to find himself trapped in a supernatural nightmare. After a tragic confrontation with his possessed girlfriend, Ash must battle both demonic spirits and, quite famously, his own sentient, severed hand.
«Ash has no choice but to decapitate her with a shovel and bury her in a shallow grave nearby, but that’s just the beginning of a nightmare that seemingly has no end,» according to the film’s premise.