Leonardo DiCaprio’s Controversial Thriller Tops HBO Max Before Awards Season
As the Golden Globes approach, a polarizing Leonardo DiCaprio film has unexpectedly surged to the top of HBO Max’s streaming charts. Discover how this sleeper hit, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is captivating audiences and stirring up awards buzz.
With the Golden Globes just around the corner, a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio has taken HBO Max by storm, becoming the platform’s most-watched title. Despite its mixed reception in theaters, this intense drama, helmed by Paul Thomas Anderson, has found new life online, drawing in viewers across the country.
Streaming Success After a Lukewarm Box Office Run
DiCaprio leads the cast as Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary haunted by his past. The movie, One Battle After Another, didn’t make a huge splash at the box office, but it ’s now dominating the streaming charts. According to recent data, it’s held the number one spot on HBO Max in the U.S. for 18 consecutive days, outpacing action favorites like John Wick .
The story follows Ferguson as he’s forced to confront old enemies and personal demons when his daughter disappears. The film explores themes of paranoia, political intrigue, and the weight of past choices, resonating with audiences who may have missed it during its theatrical run.
A Sleeper Hit Finds Its Audience
Though critics praised One Battle After Another for its gripping narrative and strong performances, it struggled to attract large crowds in theaters. Now, with the movie available to stream, viewers are discovering its depth and emotional impact from the comfort of home. The film’s rise in popularity comes at a pivotal moment, as awards season buzz intensifies.
Key details about the film include direction by Paul Thomas Anderson, a cast featuring DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Regina Hall, and a September 26, 2025 release date. It boasts a 7.8/10 IMDb rating and a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a worldwide box office total of $206 million. Produced by Ghoulardi Film Company, it’s currently streaming exclusively on HBO Max.
Golden Globes Showdown: DiCaprio vs. Chalamet
As anticipation builds for the Golden Globes, both DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet are nominated for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. DiCaprio’s role in One Battle After Another and Chalamet’s performance in Marty Supreme have set the stage for a high-profile competition.
DiCaprio, already a three-time Golden Globe winner, faces stiff competition this year. With his latest film surging in popularity just as voting heats up, there’s speculation that One Battle After Another could make a strong showing during awards season. Whether it will sweep the trophies or not remains to be seen, but its streaming success is undeniable.