New Max movies: the biggest films to stream in July 2023

A ton of new Max movies have joined Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) primary streamer since July began. And, if you’re curious to know which ones you should watch on one of the world’s best streaming services, we’re here to help.

Below, our entertainment experts have compiled a list of the biggest new movies to land on Max since May 2023. That includes box office behemoths like Avatar 2, the latest entries in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), and a bunch of classic Warner Bros. Pictures flicks throughout the decades.

If you want an even more comprehensive rundown of the best movies that are available on HBO Max’s successor, our best Max movies guide is packed with other excellent alternatives. But, if you’re only in the market for the newest releases on the streaming platform, you’ll want to stay right here and read on.

New Max movies: July 2023

300

Release date: July 1

Before he threw himself into the superhero movie world (and then struck an exclusive deal with Netflix to make films and shows for Max’s rival), Zack Snyder delivered a visually arresting, compelling historical epic in the form of 2006’s 300.

Gerard Butler stars as Leonidas I, a Spartan King who leads, well, 300 of his finest soldiers into battle to stop the advancing Persian ‘God King’ Xerxes from bulldozing his way across the European continent. The problem for Leonidas and his charges, though, is that they’re facing a 300,000-strong army. In this David versus Goliath story, then, they’ll have to use all their cunning, fighting skills, and intellect to stop Xerxes and his seemingly unstoppable forces.

300 received decidedly mixed reviews upon its initial release and it’s been criticized for some historical inaccuracies in the years that have followed. Still, if you’re searching for a narrative full of heroism in the face of certain destruction, as well as a visual feast for the eyes (and plenty of slow-mo camera shots), this is the film for you.

American Sniper

Release date: July 1

Bradley Cooper doesn’t get enough credit for his acting talents, but his outstanding performance in 2014’s American Sniper is a stellar example of how impressive he truly is.

In this biographical war flick from legendary actor-director Clint Eastwoord, Cooper plays Chris Kyle, whose name was written into folklore for being the most successful marksman in US military history. Celebrated as a hero by his nation, Kyle’s 255 kills (from four tours during the Iraq War) heavily impacted his mental well being, resulting in Kyle taking his frustrations out on those who he loved most deeply.

Hailed for Eastwood’s sensitive and considered direction, plus Cooper’s stunningly emotional turn as Kyle, American Sniper delivered on its depiction of the horrors of war, the isolation veterans feel upon their return from active duty, and the inevitable PTSD that follows. A tough watch but a worthy inclusion on our best Max movies list.

Dunkirk

Release date: July 1

Christopher Nolan might have ended his long association with Warner Bros. in the wake of the studio’s decision to releases its 2021 slate in theaters and on HBO Max at the same time. That included Tenet, Nolan’s latest flick, with the decision causing Nolan to strike a new deal with Universal Pictures instead.

As Nolan and Universal prepare to release Oppenheimer, the acclaimed director’s new film that arrives on July 21, Warner Bros. has opted to release Dunkirk, Nolan’s World War II epic, on Max to “celebrate” Oppenheimer’s arrival.

Depicting the events of the Dunkirk evacuation in mid-1940, the movie tells a suspenseful, nonlinear story from the perspectives of those involved in the evacuation by land, air, and sea. Described as one of the best war movies of all-time – despite criticisms over its sound design and historical errors – Dunkirk is a must-see for all Nolan fans. Be sure to see where it placed in our Christopher Nolan movies ranked guide while you’re here.

Good Will Hunting

Release date: July 1

Gus Van Sant’s psychological drama won numerous awards, including two Oscars, on the 1998 awards circuit – and rightfully so. 

Co-written by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, the unmissable movie stars the duo alongside the late Robin Williams (giving a career best performance), Minnie Driver, and Stellan Skarsgard. Damon plays the film’s protagonist Will Hunting, a 20-year-old self-taught genius who chooses to hide his talents and work as an MIT janitor. It isn’t long before he’s discovered by the university’s professors, though, thus setting the movie’s plot in motion.

A powerfully emotive movie, Good Will Hunting is undeniably one of the greatest movies ever made. A timeless classic that you’ll want to watch again and again.

Pulp Fiction

Release date: July 1

A nonlinear crime thriller that follows three interrelated narratives, Pulp Fiction is arguably Tarantino’s finest film (Kill Bill aficionados may argue otherwise). To give you a brief overview: hitmen Vincent (John Travolta) and Jules (Samuel L Jackson) arrive at an apartment to retrieve a briefcase for their boss, only for events to quickly spiral out of control in ultraviolent fashion. Hey, it’s a Tarantino movie, what did you expect?

To say much more would spoil Pulp Fiction‘s fantastically twisty-turny story. But, with outstanding performances from Travolta, Jackson, Uma Thurman, and Bruce Willis – plus Tarantino’s flair of filmmaking and penchant for black comedy – Pulp Fiction is a classic that deserves multiple rewatches, and a place on our best Max movies list. Read our Quentin Tarantino movies ranked piece to see where it placed among its siblings.

The Rush Hour trilogy

Release date: July 1

The Rush Hour movies are the quintessential buddy cop flicks that all other likeminded film series are compared to. Starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, the franchise sees mismatched cops Chief Inspector Lee and Detective James Carter thrust together to solve various police cases in comical fashion.

None of the three Rush Hour films have earned ratings higher than 62% on review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes. However, all of them (or, at least the first two) are cult classics and regularly find themselves serving as inspiration for similar genre far. A film series that might feel outdated at this point, but they’re still a fun watch.

New Max movies: June 2023

Evil Dead Rise

Release date: June 23

The latest entry in the cult favorite supernatural horror film series, Evil Dead Rise found a satisfying balance between honoring what’s come before and moving the franchise forward in new, unexpected ways.

Starring Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland as estranged sisters Beth and Ellie, Evil Dead Rise tells the story of the siblings as they try to save their family from a new breed of deadites.

Unsurprisingly, Evil Dead Rise is full of wince-inducing gore, terrifying jump scares, exciting narrative twists, and numerous call backs and references to previous films in the series. A gratuitously violent, scary addition to our new Max movies list that horror fans will eat up.

A Star Is Born

Release date: June 8

The latest of three remakes of the original 1937 romantic drama, 2018’s A Star Is Born *ahem* stars Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga as Jack and Ally Maine. Jack is an established singer-songwriter (he’s also an alcoholic) who discovers and falls for Ally. Jack takes Ally under his wing and mentors her to become the next big thing. Oh, and the pair go on to date and eventually marry.

Fans and critics lauded the newest remake upon release, with many noting Cooper’s (in his directorial debut) deft direction, the flick’s moving love story, and its charismatic leads. This version of A Star Is Born is a film remake done right, and it showed in the outstanding 108 gongs it won on the 2019 awards circuit, including an Oscar for Best Original Song.

Avatar: The Way of Water

Release date: June 7

Six months after it originally swam into theaters, James Cameron’s multi-billion dollar sci-fi flick has debuted on Max. We knew Avatar 2 would eventually be making its way to WBD’s primary streamer (and Disney Plus) on this date, but it’s nonetheless terrific to see it finally arrive on two of the world’s best services.

Taking place 16 years after Avatar, The Way of Water reunites viewers with Jake Sully and the rest of the Na’vi as they look to thwart a renewed effort from the Resources Development Administration (RDA) to take control of Pandora. You can read our Avatar: The Way of Water spoiler-free review for more details on what we thought about Cameron’s latest big-screen epic. But, to give you a brief hint, we called it a “phenomenal feat of filmmaking” and that “most will walk away from The Way of Water feeling stung by the disappointment of having to leave Cameron’s mesmerizing world”.

Once you’ve read that (and watched one of 2022’s undisputed best movies), make sure you see where Avatar 2 placed in our best James Cameron movies piece.

Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy

Release date: June 1

Film erotica isn’t a genre that’s recently appeared in the mainstream, but few movies in this space have been as eagerly anticipated (and, ultimately, as disappointing) as Fifty Shades of Grey was upon release in 2015.

Based on E.L. James’ novel of the same name, it tells the story of Anatasia Steele (Daktoa Johnson), a college graduate who begins a sadomasochistic relationship with Christian Grey (James Dornan), a billionaire entrepeneur.

Criticized by many for its glacial pacing, lack of chemistry between its leads, and curiously adapted screenplay, Fifty Shades of Grey wasn’t as well received as many expected it to be. Even so, it made $500 million-plus at the box office, proving that adult-positioned romantic films can still attract an audience.

The first movie in the trilogy originally debuted on HBO Max on May 3. With its sequels Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed joining Max’s film library in early June, though, we’ve moved this entry up our list.

New Max movies: May 2023

Shazam! Fury of the Gods

Release date: May 23

Five years after Shazam! delivered a suitably great movie for the magic-imbued DC superhero, Fury of the Gods tries to ratchet up the drama and action-based tension with a more mature but no less humorous take on the Shazamily.

Set two years after events in its predecessor, Shazam! 2 sees Billy Batson and his fellow foster kids tackle the vengeful Daughters of Atlas, who seek to destroy the world in retaliation over the Wizard – the individual who gifted Billy his powers – seemingly stealing their father’s abilities centuries ago.

In our review of Shazam! Fury of the Gods, we said it “cooks up an entertaining storm of humor, heart, and familial heroism, albeit its narrative and VFX battles are “slightly lacking”. Before you stream it, read our exclusive chat with director David Sandberg about how The Legend of Zelda and Akira informed the DC Extended Universe’s (DCEU) latest movie, too.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters

Release date: May 23

The follow-up to 2014’s Godzilla (the umpteenth reimagining of Japan’s most iconic monstrous mascot), King of the Monsters pits the titular, radiation-fuelled kaiju against a number of other potentially world-destroying Titans – such as the menacing King Ghidorah – in epic, action-filled fashion.

Stranger Things‘ Millie Bobby Brown, Eternals‘ Brian Tyree Henry, Super 8‘s Kyle Chandler, and Hawkeye‘s Vera Farmiga join returning favorites Ken Watanabe and Sally Hawkins for this over-the-top, city-stomping sequel that’s both a good and bad successor to what preceded it. Overall, a not-too-shabby entry in our new Max movies guide.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Release date: May 19

Few expected Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings film trilogy to be as genre and era-defining as it was in the early 2000s. And yet that’s exactly what it was – a cultural phenomenon that swept the board at numerous prestigious award ceremonies, raking in billions of dollars worldwide, and making overnight stars of its lesser known actors.

The journey to the top began with 2001’s The Fellowship of the Ring – the first book in J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy book series. The trilogy’s first flick follows Frodo (Elijah Wood), a Hobbit who sets out to destroy the One Ring, which was created by the Dark Lord Sauron in a bid to enslave Middle-earth’s various races. Accompanying Frodo on his perilous quest are Gandalf (Ian McKellen), a powerful wizard and family friend of Frodo, Samwise Gangee (Sean Astin), Frodo’s gardener, and Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), the self-exiled king of Gondor.

A truly mesmeric, awe-inspiring, creepy, humorous, dramatic, action-packed, and poignant cinematic masterpiece, The Fellowship of the Ring demands to be seen many times over. Stick it on your new Max movies watchlist, alongside The Two Towers and The Return of the King, which are also on Max, ASAP. Once you’re done, check out The Rings of Power season 1 on Prime Video.

The Conjuring

Release date: May 8

The first film in the James Wan-developed supernatural horror series made its Max debut very recently – and those who have seen The Conjuring will know why it makes it onto our list.

Starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the 2013 movie tells the ‘based on real events’ story of the married couple’s investigation of The Amityville Horror in the early ’70s. Discussing the film in further detail would spoil its spooky, metaphysical narrative, but rest assured: The Conjuring’s gleefully eerie and well-crafted story, plus superb performances from its starry cast, make it worth watching (or revisiting) on Max.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Release date: May 1

A movie series that tries to be as debonair as James Bond (and largely succeeds) while being even more gratuitously violent, Kingsman: The Secret Service was an unexpected delight when it arrived in theaters in 2014.

Taron Egerton (Tetris, Eddie the Eagle) plays Gary ‘Eggsy’ Unwin, a rebellious chav who’s inducted into a secret spy organization by his late father’s partner Harry Hart (Colin Firth) and tasked with stopping wealthy megalomaniac Richmond Valentine (Marvel star Samuel L Jackson) from wiping out much of the world’s human population.

A subversive, bloody, rollicking fun, and quintessentially British film, Kingsman: The Secret Service is as outlandishly funny and gruesome as it gets. License to thrill, this most certainly has.

Parasite

Release date: May 1

Bong Joon-ho’s 2020 Best Picture Oscar winner is a shoe-in on our new Max movies list. Parasite, a black comedy thriller that deals with themes concerning the wealth gap/class divide, is a stunning piece of cinema that’s absolutely worth your time, regardless of whether it’s your first time viewing it or your 50th.

The South Korean flick follows the Kim family, a poor family of four who concoct a plot to become employed by a wealthy family. To do so, they pose as highly qualified individuals, and it isn’t long before they infiltrate their hosts’ abode and start living the life of luxury – only for things to go horribly wrong.

A brilliantly layered movie that explores societal themes in a wholly unique way, Parasite is a clever, hugely entertaining, and at-times anxiety inducing film that’ll grip you from start to finish.

Step Brothers

Release date: May 1

One of the best comedies of the last 15 years (don’t judge us), Step Brothers was another *ahem* step on the road to stardom for Saturday Night Live alumnus Will Ferrell.

Co-writing the flick alongside former business partner Adam McKay, Ferrell starred alongside John C. Reilly as Brennan and Dale, two 40-somethings who still live at home with their respectively divorced mom and dad. When said parents end up marrying each other, though, Brennan and Dale are forced to live with one another. Initially down on the idea, the duo soon realize they have a lot more in common than they thought (including an active dislike for their parents’ newfound happiness), becoming true friends in the process.

Incredibly immature but no less laugh out loud funny, Step Brothers is very much a marmite kind of movie. Fans of Reilly and Ferrell will love its slapstick and increasingly ridiculous premise. Others, though, may not see what all the fuss is about (you’re wrong if that’s you, FYI).

New HBO Max movies: coming soon

Want to know what else is joining our new Max movies list before the end of July? Check out the bite-sized list below to see what other films arrive on the platform in the coming weeks:

• Gray Matter – July 13
• Glitch: The Rise and Fall of HQ Trivia – July 20
• Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen Part One – July 24
• August: Osage County – July 29

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