New Max movies: June 30, 2023 update
Tom Power, entertainment reporter
Evil Dead Rise is the latest big hitter to join our new Max movies guide. We’ve also updated our ‘coming soon’ section with the biggest films set to join Max in July 2023.
Are you searching for all of the new Max movies to stream on Warner Bros Discovery’s (WBD) main streaming service? You’ve come to the right place if so.
Below, we’ve picked out the best new movies to land on Max since April 2023. Our selection spans the gamut of genres, too, with superhero fare from the DCEU, hugely popular sci-fi spectacles like Avatar 2, heavy-hitting horror flicks, and much, much more.
One thing worth noting is that our new Max films article only contains movies that have joined the platform since April. Any films that launched on one of the world’s best streaming services before then are, well, not deemed new enough anymore. However, you might be able to find some of our previous favorites in our best Max movies guide, which is also stacked with brilliant movies that are available to watch right now.
But we digress. Here are the best new Max movies to stream in June 2023.
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 Max movies: April 2023
Moonage Daydream
Release date: April 29
It’s high time someone produced a docufilm centered on David Bowie, the iconic singer, songwriter, performer, and all-round creatively inspiring artist. Thankfully, Moonage Daydream, which has been written, directed and edited by Brett Morgen (Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck) fills that void.
Comprising previously unseen footage from Bowie’s personal archives, including live concert material – all of which was authorized by the Bowie estate for the first time ever – Moonage Daydream is a delightful audiovisual treat for Bowie fanatics, as well as music and documentary lovers alike. It’s a trippy, visual feast for the eyes that captures the trailblazing artist at his captivating, humorous, and down-to-earth best. A must-see docufilm and worthy inclusion on our new Max movies list.
Coraline
Release date: April 1
Based on Neil Gaiman’s novella of the same name, Coraline is a wonderfully entertaining and somewhat scary stop-motion film that deserved more attention than it received upon initial release.
It tells the story of Coraline Jones (Dakota Fanning), who discovers a seemingly idyllic parallel universe behind a secret door in her home. Unbeknownst to Coraline, though, this apparent utopia hides a dark secret that could spell danger for the realm she hails from.
A spooky, thrilling, and highly enjoyable animated movie, Coraline is packed with nightmare-fuelled imagery for kids and plenty of contemplative themes for adults to muse over long after the credits have rolled. The saying ‘be careful what you wish for’ has never felt so apt.
Ghost
Release date: April 1
If you haven’t seen Ghost – and, let’s be clear, you’re not a true cinephile if you haven’t – you’ll definitely have seen that pottery scene. It’s too iconic for you to have missed in the 33 years since the romantic fantasy movie – one that saw millions fall in love with Patrick Swayze all over again – debuted in theaters.
The premise of Ghost is a simple one: banker Sam West (Swayze) is murdered, but his ghost cannot pass to the other side until he saves his still-living girlfriend Molly Jensen (Demi Moore) from the individual who killed him. Unable to communicate with Molly – you know, because he’s a spirit – Sam enlists the help of paranormal psychic Oda Mae Brown (the brilliant Whoopi Goldberg) to ‘speak’ to Molly.
Its visuals look dated now and, for some film aficionados, Ghost doesn’t tug at the heartstrings or do anything that other ghost-based movies have done before or since. Even so, its blend of comedy, horror, and mystery, coupled with some great performances from its primary cast, make it worth including on our new Max movies list.
Valkyrie
Release date: April 1
It’s hard to believe this historical war thriller, which is inspired by a true story, is 15 years old this year. Even so, Valkyrie holds up as a politically-charged, suspense-filled war film that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat throughout its two-hour runtime.
Top Gun: Maverick and Mission: Impossible star Tom Cruise plays Colonel Claus von Staffenberg, a German army officer who led the July 1944 plot to try and assassinate Adolf Hitler in a bid to end the Second World War, and implement the Operation Valkyrie national emergency plan once the deed is done. As history proved, though, von Staffenberg and his fellow conspirators weren’t successful in their mission.
That doesn’t make Valkyrie any less tense as a film, mind you. Its all-star cast – including, but not limited to, Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Terence Stamp, Carice van Houten, Eddie Izzard, David Bamber, Tom Hollander, and Bernard Hill – are all on good-to-great form. Add in your typical “horrors of war” aesthetic and anxiety-laden scenes, and Valkyrie is a must-watch for history movie lovers. Just try to look past the Americanization of it all.
New HBO Max movies: coming soon
Interested to find out what’s joining our new Max movies list throughout July? Check out the bullet point list below to learn more about the best films set to air on the service in the coming weeks:
- 300 – July 1
- American Sniper – July 1
- The Blind Side – July 1
- Cujo – July 1
- The Descent I and II – July 1
- Dunkirk – July 1
- Good Will Hunting – July 1
- Lethal Weapon movie collection – July 1
- The Meg – July 1
- Pulp Fiction – July 1
- Rush Hour film trilogy – July 1
- Shakespeare in Love – July 1
- TMNT – July 1
- Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – July 1
- V for Vendetta – July 1
- Where the Wild Things Are – July 1
- Gray Matter – July 13
- Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen Part One – July 24
- August: Osage County – July 29
