Tom Power, entertainment reporter
With March set to tick over into April in just over a week's time, it's time to give our new HBO Max movies hub another update. This time, we've added House at the End of the Street and Bloodsport to the list. We've also removed our John Wick entry as it's no longer available to stream.
What new HBO Max movies have recently debuted on the streaming service? We're glad you asked.
Below, you'll find a whole range of instant classics, cult favorites, and new releases that have debuted on HBO Max since December 2022. This list doesn't go further back than that – it would defeat the object of this article being a new movies-based one, after all. If you're looking for a more comprehensive rundown of more films on Warner Bros Discovery's (MBD) primary platform, read our best HBO Max movies guide instead.
But we digress. HBO Max, which is one of the best streaming services around, is routinely updated with the biggest and newest films around. Subsequently, so is our new HBO Max films list, which recently saw Bloodsport and House at the End of the Street added to it. There are plenty of other top-tier offerings below, too, so don't hang about: read our new HBO Max movies guide now.
New HBO Max movies: new for March 2023
Mortal Kombat
HBO Max release date: March 8, 2023
It's about time 2021's Mortal Kombat movie *ahem* got over here. The R-rated action flick, which is based on the iconic video game series of the same name, has finally made its way back onto HBO Max. That's after it initially debuted with a day-and-date launch on the streamer and in theaters on March 8, 2021.
Mortal Kombat follows Cole Young (Shadow and Bone season 2's Lewis Tan), a washed-up martial arts fighter who eventually finds himself wrapped up in a universe-spanning battle to protect Earth – also known as Earthrealm – from Outworld and its champions. Will Cole and his allies succeed? Only if they win the tournament known as – yep, you guessed it – Mortal Kombat.
The game series' latest film adaptation received mixed reviews from critics upon release, but it faired far better among general cinephiles. Considering the movie industry's previous attempts to make a good Mortal Kombat film, the 2021 revival is nothing to be sniffed at, with its gruesome action, stunning martial arts-based sequences, and endearingly corny humor making it well worth a watch.
House Party
HBO Max release date: March 3, 2023
It only debuted in theaters this January, but the 2023 remake of the 1990 cult classic House Party has already made its way onto HBO Max.
Considering this Tosin Cole and Jacob Latimore-starring comedy made little to no waves at the box office – it only made $9.2 million globally, and has been critically panned online – that won't come as a surprise. Still, if Black comedies are the kind of films you enjoy, particularly ones with cameos from plenty of household names – LeBron James, Snoop Dogg, Tristan Thompson, and Kid Cudi to name just four – this might be worth your time.
Bloodsport
HBO Max release date: March 1, 2023
A product of the '80s-era US-based martial arts scene, Bloodsport provides enthralling action and hackneyed stereotypes in equal measure. A sign of the times almost 40 years ago, then.
Iconic action star Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as US Army Captain (and prodigious ninjitsu practitioner) Frank Dux, who competes in an illegal martial arts tournament – known as the Kumite – in Hong Kong for, well, some reason.
It's all very clichéd, with a derivative plot, characters who make perplexing decisions, and a movie lacking in style and substance. Still, its close-quarters combat was ahead of its time, and many observers claim Bloodsport wound up influencing the early days of UFC and – funnily enough, considering one of its movie adaptations appears on this list – the legendary video game series Mortal Kombat.
I Love You, Man
HBO Max release date: March 1, 2023
It's weird to think we lived in a world where the word "bromance" wasn't really a thing. But, thanks in part to 2009's I Love You, Man, it's become part of our everyday vocabulary.
The, well, bromantic comedy stars Paul Rudd (Ant-Man) as Peter, a friendless guy who seeks a best man for his upcoming wedding. He soon bumps into Syndey Fife (Jason Segel), an investor who shares Paul's affinity for the rock band Rush. They become best friends but, just when Peter thinks he's found "the one" – not that one, the other one – Syndey inadvertently begins to strain Peter's relationship with wife-to-be Zooey (Rashida Jones), throwing their nupitals into jeopardy.
It's a simple premise for a rom-com movie. But, thanks to Rudd and Segel's chemistry, plus a wave of adult jokes and other brilliantly cringe-inducing material, I Love You, Man is a hilarious, heartfelt comedy about standing by your buddy – even if you've just met them.
House at the End of the Street
HBO Max release date: March 1, 2023
This 2012 psychological thriller recently made the jump to HBO Max, but it'll do little to assuage you, even if it stars one of the best actors of the last 15 years.
House at the End of the Street stars Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games, X-Men) as Elissa, a teenager who moves into a new neighborhood with her mom Sarah (Elisabeth Shue). Unbeknownst to the pair, the titular house at the end of their street was the scene of a double homicide years prior – which is still lived in by Ryan (Max Thieriot), the older brother of the girl who is said to have committed the crime. Cue spooky goings-on and other tension-fuelled story beats.
Unfortunately for House at the End of the Street's cast and crew, it's just not a good movie. It doesn't make full use of Lawrence's clear talents, while its plot is as bland and schlocky as they come. Give this one a hard pass.
The Expendables
HBO Max release date: March 1, 2023
Action movies of the macho/bravado variety were big business in the 1980s – and The Expendables film franchise has looked to revive that sub-class of movies 40 years on from its initial arrival on the scene.
The Expendables movies aren't brain-engaging flicks in any sense of the word, but viewers of a certain disposition will certainly get a kick out of their huge, explosive set-pieces – and their penchant to bring the biggest action stars together on the big screen. Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, and even Chuck Norris have starred in one of (or all) the three Expendables films thus far.
Critics have never been kind to The Expendables, but the film series' $800 million-plus box office takings show there's an audience for this kind of content. Luckily for you, all three movies are available on HBO Max now, so go and stream them if you've never caught them before.
Creed
HBO Max release date: March 1, 2023
The Creed series is more than just a revival and/or evolution of Sylvester Stallone's beloved Rocky franchise. With three Creed films now out in the wild – read our review of Creed III, which landed in theaters on March 3 – it's a movie series in its own right. And, as sports dramas go, each Michael B Jordan-led flick is better than the last.
Creed I and Creed II are available to stream on HBO Max right now. So, if you're planning on seeing Adonis Creed's latest boxing bout on the big screen soon, now is the perfect time to catch up on his journey. Be sure to find out how to watch the Rocky movies in order, too, to see where each Creed movie falls on the franchise's overarching timeline.
New HBO Max movies: February 2023 and beyond
Gravity
HBO Max release date: February 23, 2023
Alfonso Cuaron's sci-fi action-thriller was a rollercoaster ride when it debuted in theaters in October 2013 – and not just emotionally. Its cinematography and visuals, which captured the vastness of space in excruciatingly terrifying detail, were especially hailed upon initial release, and still hold up 10 years after it *ahem* launched worldwide.
Led by superb performances from Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, Gravity is a must-see movie for any sci-fi lovers. It's incredibly tense, grounded in real-life space exploration (and the perils of doing so), and – at just 91 minutes – is one of those rare films that doesn't outstay its welcome. If you're looking for other top-tier sci-fi films to stream, check out our best sci-fi movies list.
The Dark Knight trilogy
HBO Max release date: February 11, 2023
Christopher Nolan's seminal trilogy was expected to depart HBO Max on February 11. However, as TechRadar exclusively revealed, the Dark Knight trilogy won't be leaving the platform on this date. Its licensing deal has been extended by Warner Bros, hence its inclusion in our new HBO Max movies guide.
The Christian Bale-led Batman films are some of the best superhero movies of the last 20 years. Considering the wealth of Marvel and DC films we've seen since the start of the 21st century, that takes some doing.
Nolan's Batman movies, though, are absolutely spectacular. From their grounded and neo-noir vibes, top-tier performances (how good is Heath Ledge's Joker?), and visually arresting set-pieces, this is a trilogy you can't afford to miss. Read up on where Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises feature in our best Batman movies list.
Empire of Light
HBO Max release date: February 7, 2023
This romantic drama flick – from former James Bond director Sam Mendes, no less – wasn't as well received as many expected it to be when it landed in theaters. However, Empire of Light clearly did something right, otherwise it wouldn't have been nominated for various awards at this year's BAFTAs, Oscars, and other award ceremonies.
Set in the UK in the 1980s, Empire of Light primarily follows Hillary (Olivia Colman) and Stephen (Micheal Ward), two theater employees (and social outcasts) who are drawn together by the power of cinema and a longing for human connection.
Fans of Mendes' work – and that of acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins, plus composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross – should find something to enjoy about Empire of Light. But some may struggle with its off-piste and mundane aspects.
Casino Royale
HBO Max release date: February 1, 2023
Speaking of James Bond, Daniel Craig's first outing as 007 made its way onto HBO Max in early February.
The 2006 action-adventure spy flick, which earned raved reviews upon its initial release, sees Craig's MI6 operative participate in a high stakes poker game with criminal banker Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) in a bid to topple the latter's terrorist-focused empire.
With its high-octane action, grittier and more grounded take on 007, twists and turns, and some standout performances – Craig and Eva Green's Vesper Lynd being the best of the bunch – Casino Royale is a top-tier Bond film. Find out where it ranks in our Daniel Craig James Bond movies ranked guide while you're here.
The Terminator
HBO Max release date: February 1, 2023
The Terminator is a quintessential sci-fi movie. James Cameron's iconic film about a cyborg assassin (Arnold Schwarzenegger) being sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), so her unborn son John can't lead an uprising against Skynet – a super intelligent AI system – is easily one of the director's best works. And yes, we're factoring Avatar and its sequel Avatar: The Way of Water into the equation here.
There's just so much to enjoy about The Terminator. From its compelling themes about AI and technological advancements to its tension-riddled plot, this 1984 movie is a cinematic masterpiece. Find out where it placed in our James Cameron movies ranked article, if you dare.
The Menu
HBO Max release date: January 3, 2023
Acclaimed kitchen-drama-cum-mystery-thriller The Menu joined our new HBO Max movies list in early January – and, since its arrival, it's gone down a *ahem* treat with HBO Max's subscriber base.
Directed by regular Succession collaborator Mark Mylod, the film stars Ralph Fiennes as celebrity chef Slowik, whose exclusive tasting menu leaves diners Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Judith Light, and John Leguizamo getting more than they bargained for.
To say more about The Menu’s plot risks ruining its biggest surprises. Rest assured, though, this riotous black comedy features more turns than a rotisserie chicken. Come for the mystery, stay for the dark humor and dread-inducing atmosphere.
Ghostbusters
HBO Max release date: January 1, 2023
Ghostbusters fans received a fantastic post-Christmas gift with the news that the 1984 sci-fi comedy-horror movie was coming to HBO Max in the New Year.
The iconic flick stars three Columbia University parapsychology professors – Bill Murray's Peter Venkman, Dan Aykroyd's Ray Stantz, and Harold Ramis' Egon Spengler – and the recruited Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) as they battle supernatural forces in New York City. That's the gist of Ghostbusters anyway, and saying more would spoil what's in store for first-time viewers.
Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, and Annie Potts are among Ghostbusters' all-star cast, which has been lauded as one of the sci-fi and supernatural genres' most defining movies. 1989's Ghostbusters II is also available to stream, but 2021's Ghostbusters: Afterlife isn't available right now.
Black Adam
HBO Max release date: December 16, 2022
Having finally hit theaters worldwide in October 23, 2022, Black Adam became available to watch on HBO Max in mid-December 2022.
This Dwayne Johnson-starring superhero flick follows the titular Teth-Adam, a centuries-old Kahndaq native blessed with god-like powers who, after escaping prison, does battle with the modern-day Justice Society. That superhero group comprises Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo), and Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell).
Black Adam isn't one of the best superhero films ever made – heck, it's just another by-the-books DCEU movie that you might get a small kick out of. However, seeing The Rock toss military planes into the ground never gets old and there are some other good things (they're few and far between, admittedly) about it. Unsurprisingly, Black Adam's lackluster appeal means it won't be part James Gunn and Peter Safran's new look DCU line-up.
The Banshees of Inisherin
HBO Max release date: December 13, 2022
The Banshees of Inisherin was one of 2022's biggest surprises. It didn't arrive in theaters until October 21 but it's an absolute must-include entry in our new HBO Max movies guide.
In Bruges duo Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson reunite for director Martin McDonagh’s fifth feature, which follows one man’s quest to figure out why his best buddy suddenly put an end to their lifelong friendship on the fictional Irish isle of Insherin (jeez, that’s a mouthful).
The Banshees of Inisherin was near-universally praised for its blend of comedy and tragedy upon release. Even though it was one of the biggest losers at the 2023 Oscars – it didn't win a single gong – it's still worth your time.
Teen Titans Go! To The Movies
HBO Max release date: December 9, 2022
The Teen Titans Go! series is a seriously underrated, child-friendly animated series. It's a franchise that dispenses with the real-world-style, sometimes hyperviolent aesthetic of DC's comics line-up in favor of colorful, funny, and absorbing adventures starring Robin and his merry band of teenaged superheroes.
Given its popularity among kids of a certain age, a movie tie-in – Teen Titans Go! To The Movies – was to be expected. Funnily enough, though, it's one of the most critically-acclaimed DC films of all-time, with its deconstruction of the superhero genre, self-aware comedy, and clever storytelling setting it apart from its peers.
All seven seasons of Teen Titans Go! are available on HBO Max too – no episode is longer than 11 minutes in length, so go watch them first before you check this film out.
Amsterdam
HBO Max release date: December 6, 2022
As all-star casts go, few films can hold a candle to Amsterdam. However, while its inclusion in our new HBO Max movies list is to be expected – it launched on the streamer in early December last year – it's not one of the best flicks around.
Amsterdam stars Margot Robbie, Christian Bale, and John David Washington as Valerie, Burt, and Harold, three friends who witness a murder, become suspects themselves, and try to find the truth behind one of the most outrageous plots in US history.
The movie's main problem – outside of the fact it's directed by controversial filmmaker David O. Russell – is that it's pretty boring and unflashy. Amsterdam has a truly mesmeric ensemble of actors, but it can't make good use of them because of how packed its cast is and how busy its plot is. One to check out, sure, but not one that'll live long in the memory.
Gone Girl
HBO Max release date: December 1, 2022
Acclaimed director David Fincher's note-perfect adaptation of Gillian Flynn's big-selling book is one that every thriller fan needs to watch.
Gone Girl stars Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike as Nick and Amy Dunne, a couple who are set to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. When Amy suddenly goes missing, though, Nick is accused of her murder. Without spoiling too much, Amy has been quietly plotting, well, something, and it's up to Nick to uncover the truth – all the while struggling to cope with his beloved's disappearance.
Fincher's 2014 psychological thriller is as dark, suspenseful, intelligent, and stylish as it gets so, if you're yet to watch it, what are you waiting for? Be sure to see where Gone Girl ranks in our David Fincher movies ranked piece, too.
For more HBO Max coverage, read our best HBO Max shows and best HBO Max documentaries guides. Alternatively, read up on everything we know about Succession season 4 and Euphoria season 3.
