Black Adam

Black Adam has built a real following in the US on HBO Max Amazon Channel and YouTube TV, and in the UK on HBO Max Amazon Channel among viewers who want their sci-fi to think as hard as it looks. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. 7,095 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Dwayne Johnson anchors it with a performance that grounds the bigger ideas in something human. Put it on tonight on HBO Max Amazon Channel and see for yourself.

There is a reason Black Adam keeps coming up in conversation. The world-building is meticulous, but it is the characters who carry Black Adam through its more ambitious moments. Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods—and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world. Dwayne Johnson and Aldis Hodge lead a cast that keeps the bigger ideas grounded in something human. It hit screens in 2022. What separates Black Adam from lesser genre entertainment is a willingness to let the concept cost the characters something. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Black Adam is satisfying on multiple levels — something to watch and something to think about after. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Dwayne Johnson's performance is the anchor the more ambitious moments need. The world-building pays off in ways you will not anticipate on a first watch.