Did you hear the news? HBO changed its name…again. It’s now back to HBO Max, and they announced the change through a slew of hilarious memes and videos making fun of themselves. The identity crisis and the ever-evolving library of content are impossible to keep up with, but we’re making the latter a little easier. (We can’t help you remember the name — we’ll probably just call it HBO forever.)
While HBO Max is known for having some amazing limited series, especially as of late — The Last of Us, The White Lotus, Hacks, to name just a few — it’s also a prime destination for movies. (It originated as Home Box Office, after all.) So let us be your guide to the best movies on HBO Max this month, in no particular order. And if you don’t have an HBO Max account already, you’ll be convinced it’s worth the investment after reading this.
The 10 Best Movies on HBO Max Right Now
Paris is Burning
This landmark documentary from the 1980s chronicles the ball culture of New York City and the Black, Latino, gay, and transgender communities involved in it. If you’ve never experienced the film, expect a visual feast infused with extremely moving, intimate narratives. If you’ve already seen it, maybe consider a rewatch.
Ponyo
Who says cartoons can’t be deep, rich, and utterly gorgeous? In this Ghibli classic, a goldfish princess travels to the surface world and encounters a human boy named Sosuke, who gives her the name Ponyo. Ponyo wants to become human, but when she’s forced to return to her ocean kingdom, a calamitous series of events ensues.
Mickey 17
A disposable employee is sent on an expedition to colonize the ice world Niflheim. But whenever he dies (and yes, he perishes multiple times), a new body is regenerated with most of his memories intact. Admittedly, that sounds like a pretty grim situation, but you can expect some solid laughs from this science fiction black comedy.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Toula (Nia Vardalos) is an unhappily unmarried 30-year-old who works at Dancing Zorba’s, the Greek restaurant owned by her traditional parents. After taking steps to boost her self-esteem, she falls in love with a very non-Greek suitor (John Corbett). When they get engaged, Toula must work overtime to get her family to accept her new love.
I Love You Forever
A subversive romantic comedy gone wrong follows a young woman into and out of an emotionally abusive relationship.
Barbershop
This classic comedy chronicles a day in the life of a barbershop on the south side of Chicago. Calvin (Ice Cube), who inherited the business from his deceased father, views the shop as a burden. But when he sells it to a local loan shark, Calvin slowly begins to see his father’s vision and legacy and struggles with the notion that he just sold it out.
It’s Always Fair Weather
After returning from World War II, three soldiers (Gene Kelly, Dan Dailey, Michael Kidd) share a drink in a New York City bar. They all agree to return to the same location in 10 years. When the appointed date arrives, the three men reunite, only to discover that none of them has achieved his goals.
Freaky Tales (August 8)
An NBA star, a corrupt cop, a female rap duo, teen punks, neo-Nazis, and a debt collector embark on a collision course in 1987 Oakland, California — and all the while, the city is lit with a mysterious green glow…
The Woman King (August 13)
In the 1800s, a group of all-female warriors protects the African kingdom of Dahomey with remarkable skills. Faced with a new threat, a general trains the next generation of recruits to fight against a foreign enemy that’s determined to destroy their way of life. Viola Davis stars.
The Legend of Ochi (August 15)
A girl learns to never go outside after dark because of mysterious forest creatures known as the ochi. However, when she finds a baby ochi left behind by its pack, she decides to reunite it with its family.
Not finding what you’re craving? Sign up for HBO Max for even more options.
