Looking for something critically acclaimed but not visible in your HBO Max library? You're not alone. HBO Max's catalog varies dramatically by country, creating a global treasure trove of hidden gems. From The Spanish Princess in France to Gladiator II in Singapore, these 10 underrated titles represent the best of HBO Max's regional exclusives this year.
This gripping historical drama based on the early life of Catherine of Aragon offers lavish Tudor court intrigue, sharp female perspectives, and political power plays. With only HBO France streaming it, this one's a must-watch for fans of The Crown and Wolf Hall. The production design is sumptuous, and Charlotte Hope delivers a compelling performance as the determined young queen who would change English history.
Bryan Cranston plays a judge caught between morality and his son's survival in this intense legal-crime thriller. When his son is involved in a hit-and-run, Cranston's character must navigate a dangerous web of lies and mob connections. The show's moral complexity and Cranston's powerhouse performance make it standout television. Surprisingly, this Showtime original is streaming exclusively on HBO Max in select European countries.
A follow-up to The White Queen, this historical epic delves into the marriage that united the warring houses of York and Lancaster through Elizabeth of York (Jodie Comer) and Henry VII (Jacob Collins-Levy). The political maneuvering is razor-sharp, and the production values are exceptional. Currently streaming only in France via HBO Max, it's a hidden gem for fans of sophisticated historical fiction.
Christopher Nolan's Oscar-winning masterpiece explores J. Robert Oppenheimer's role in developing the atomic bomb. Cillian Murphy delivers a career-defining performance as the brilliant, tormented physicist. The film's innovative storytelling and stunning practical effects make it a cinematic landmark. While not yet available on U.S. HBO Max, it's currently streaming in Argentina and Mexico - a must-watch for film enthusiasts.
Each season of this Coen Brothers-inspired anthology presents a new Midwestern crime saga with stellar casts including Billy Bob Thornton, Kirsten Dunst, and Ewan McGregor. The show's blend of quirky humor and sudden violence stays true to the original film's spirit while expanding the universe. While unavailable on U.S. HBO Max, it's a hidden gem for Spanish subscribers who appreciate sophisticated crime storytelling.
This haunting survival thriller follows a girls' soccer team stranded after a plane crash, alternating between their 1996 ordeal and present-day aftermath. The show masterfully blends psychological horror with coming-of-age drama, featuring standout performances from Melanie Lynskey and Juliette Lewis. Only available on HBO Portugal, this show's international exclusivity makes it a true hidden gem.
Samantha Morton stars as Catherine de' Medici in this darkly witty take on her rise to power in the French court. The series combines historical intrigue with modern sensibilities, making the 16th century feel thrillingly contemporary. With its stylish production and bold storytelling, it's streaming exclusively in Belgium and France on HBO Max - a treat for historical drama fans.
Ridley Scott returns to the Colosseum with this long-awaited follow-up to his Oscar-winning epic. Paul Mescal stars as Lucius, the grown son of Lucilla, caught in a new struggle for power in ancient Rome. The film delivers spectacular action sequences while maintaining the original's emotional depth. While U.S. streaming rights remain in limbo, Gladiator II is already live in Southeast Asia on HBO Max.
This shocking true crime drama follows the horrifying case of Dr. Christopher Duntsch (Joshua Jackson), a neurosurgeon whose patients kept dying or being maimed. The series explores the medical system's failures that allowed his malpractice to continue. Jackson delivers a chilling performance in this gripping drama currently streaming only in select HBO Max regions.
Seth MacFarlane's raunchy teddy bear returns in this prequel series set in 1993, following 16-year-old John Bennett and his foul-mouthed stuffed companion. The show retains the films' crude humor while adding nostalgic 90s references. A surprising HBO Max exclusive in Asian territories only, it's perfect for fans of boundary-pushing adult animation.
Check out our guides to Prime Video hidden gems and underrated Netflix shows for more overlooked treasures.