in my opinion, HBO makes some of the best made for TV movies of all time. these films are often very well acted, well written, and look extremely cinematic for made for TV movies. they also frequently talk about lesser known parts of history that are fascinating to learn about. i'm a big fan of HBO original movies and, as such, i have decided to count down my top 10 favorite ones. my only rule is that miniseries do not count. so, as much as i like angels in america, Chernobyl, and watchmen, they will not be on this list.
10: too big to fail(2011)
9: deadwood the movie(2019)
8: paterno(2018)
7: wizard of lies(2017)
6: you don't know jack(2010)
5: confirmation(2016)
4: behind the candelabra(2013)
3: all the way(2016)
2: game change(2012)
1: citizen X(1995)
Insane star cast, including a young Tom Hiddleston as a radio operator.
1
Tontine_ChampMar 22, 2026
+8
And The Band Played On. It's a while since I've seen it but it jumps out whenever I think of an HBO movie.
8
leafairadayhMar 22, 2026
+6
Live from Baghdad, 61*, and By Dawn’s Early Light
6
tibbles1Mar 22, 2026
+6
Something The Lord Made
6
fresh_9OOOMar 22, 2026
+3
“I have a God, it’s Johan Sebastian Bach!”
3
King_Fantastic1Mar 22, 2026
+3
Cast A Deadly Spell
3
Human_Drummer4378Mar 22, 2026
+5
I really appreciate the clear delineation between movies and limited series/shows. So many Redditors can't parse out the obvious difference. That being said, my favorite HBO movie is "Boycott"(2001) a great civil rights movie (Montgomery bus boycotts) featuring Jeffery Wright in a brilliant performance as MLK.
5
lostatsea_againMar 23, 2026
JW is a screen legend. One of the few Americans who can hang with the British and Irish greats.
0
ChiefStrongbonesMar 22, 2026
+2
no taking chance?
2
AltitudedogMar 22, 2026
+2
Deadwood 10 times
2
chaptoddMar 23, 2026
+2
Love this. Was just talking to someone about how good hbo original movies are.
On the flip side, there are a bunch of old HBO Sports documentaries that I can’t find anymore that I’d love to watch again like the Cherry Hills US Open & Villanova basketball ones.
2
Go_Plate_326Mar 23, 2026
+2
Gotta see Conspiracy.
2
reedzkeeMar 23, 2026
+2
behind the candelabra is the best movie nobody has seen. it's seriously so good.
2
starlightpicturesMar 22, 2026
+4
Bad Education (2019) is great
4
Shot-Philosopher1750Mar 22, 2026
+2
why did you get downvotes? I'll never get this place.
**Citizen X** was very good.
there's an oldie called **Finnigen Begin Again** with Mary Tyler Moore and Robert Preston.
A good thriller called **Fortress** set in Australia of a teacher protecting her students in the wild from killers.
Before Randy Quid went insane he did a golf movie called **Dead Solid Perfect**
The fact that I don’t know any except Deadwood (which was ok but mid) doesn’t tell me much
3
Freddy-PhilmoreMar 22, 2026
+3
you could look up some and maybe find some new things to watch
3
julianitonftMar 23, 2026
+3
Definitely, I’m actively glad for the list but I’m surprised I know none of them (bar one)
3
lostatsea_againMar 23, 2026
+1
I watch Too Big to Fail every couple of years to remind me about what pure evil exists in ‘merica and that money is their god
1
CakeMadeOfHamMar 22, 2026
+1
[Pretty When You Cry (an e***** thriller starring Sam Elliott and Jamie Kennedy)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretty_When_You_Cry)
1
lostatsea_againMar 23, 2026
+1
You Don’t Know Jack is such a wonderful film. Love it.
Also, Too Big to Fail is such a legendary movie. Top marks.
Also, respect for Tyson for being one of my first HBO movies. Probably was my first. Michael Jai White was excellent 👌🏽 in it.
1
TheLastSalamancaMar 23, 2026
+1
Didn’t realize Cit X was an HBO movie. Great flik.
1
BrododicarneMar 23, 2026
+1
Against The Wall about the Attica riots and Sunset Limited written by Cormac Mcarthy
1
PropJoe421Mar 23, 2026
+1
Some older ones, The Pentagon Wars and The Late Shift.
1
seestars9Mar 22, 2026
-5
Ah, I wish this was about tv shows.
-5
Human_Drummer4378Mar 22, 2026
+5
Try r/television instead of r/movies and your wish may very well come true.
5
dogsonbubnuttMar 22, 2026
-1
tbh this sub generally doesn't make a distinction
-1
Human_Drummer4378Mar 22, 2026
+1
Yes, well aware. The "tbh" I'd like to share is that the people who fail to make a distinction are incorrect in their thinking. There is a clear and factual distinction between feature films and episodic television shows. It is not a matter of opinion, it is a matter of fact.
31 Comments