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
Gone Girl
In this dizzying thriller, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) and his glamorous wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) are the picture of a happy couple. But when Amy goes missing on their anniversary, Nick becomes the prime suspect; police pressure and media frenzy soon cause the Dunnes’ public image to crumble, leading to mysterious questions about Nick and Amy’s true feelings for each other.
Hereditary
When the matriarch of the Graham family passes away, her daughter and grandchildren begin to unravel horrific secrets about their ancestry. Will they be able to outrun the sinister fate they have inherited? Toni Collette stars.
Interview with the Vampire
In this 90s classic, Louis (Brad Pitt) is a bicentennial vampire who tells his life story to a biographer. Devastated after the death of his family, Louis meets Lestat (Tom Cruise), a vampire who persuades him to choose immortality over death. Eventually, hesitant Louis resolves to leave Lestat, but Lestat guilts him into staying by turning a young girl, whose presence begets even more conflict.
Shame
New Yorker Brandon (Michael Fassbender) seems to live an successful life, but he’s hiding a stressful secret: He’s a sex addict. But, when Brandon’s needy sister (Carey Mulligan), unexpectedly blows into town, crashes at his apartment ,and invades his privacy, Brandon is finally forced to confront his addiction.
The Lobster
In a dystopian society, single people must enter into a romantic relationship within a strict time limit of 45 days or be transformed into an animal of their choice.
The Shining
Celebrate spooky season with this timeless horror classic. Jack (Jack Nicholson) takes a life-saving job as winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel; while he’s there, he hopes to cure his writer’s block. His wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and son, Danny (Danny Lloyd) — who endures psychic premonitions — join him. As Jack’s writing stalls and Danny’s visions become more horrifying, Jack discovers the hotel’s dark secrets and begins to unravel into a homicidal maniac.
Bring Her Back
A brother and sister witness a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother.
The Substance (October 10)
In this Oscar-nominated film, wilting actress Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) becomes distressed when her chauvinistic boss fires her from her aerobics show. She soon injects herself with a mysterious serum that promises a younger, better version of herself, but things go horribly wrong.
The Alabama Solution (October 10)
Documentary lovers, listen up: This is your must-watch movie of the month. In 2019, filmmakers visit an Alabama prison to record a revival meeting. Off camera, the prisoners whisper a message: Terrible things are happening here. This sparks a six-year investigation to discover the reality behind the walls of one of the nation’s deadliest prison systems. Through unprecedented direct access and video shot on contraband cell phones, the filmmakers learn from the men inside about a suspicious and violent death.
Sorry, Baby (October 30)
Something bad happened to Agnes. But life goes on… for everyone around her, at least. When a beloved friend visits on the brink of a major milestone, Agnes starts to realize just how stuck she’s been, and begins to work through how to move forward.
Not finding what you’re craving? Sign up for HBO Max for even more options.
