5 Essential HBO Max Movies to Enjoy This Summer
HBO Max is an excellent destination for streaming summer films — encompassing everything from blockbuster Warner Bros. releases to indie treasures from A24. The Warner Discovery platform truly has something for every viewer.
This summer, we’re spotlighting five films that perfectly capture the essence of the season, particularly when the heat becomes overwhelming.
Featuring talents such as Hailee Steinfeld and Gary Oldman, these selections span various genres — including horror, drama, and documentaries — yet all embody the spirit of summer.
Discover Watch With Us‘s essential summer movies to catch on HBO Max below.
‘Sinners’ (2025)
Ryan Coogler’s musical vampire horror-comedy may not have been a summer blockbuster in the traditional sense since it premiered in April. However, its recent arrival on HBO Max transforms it into a summer streaming blockbuster. This story follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (Michael B. Jordan playing both roles), who aim to use their proceeds from working for Al Capone in Chicago to open a juke joint for their Black community in rural Mississippi during 1932.
The exceptional musical talent of their cousin Sammie (played by newcomer Miles Caton) draws the unwanted attention of a charming yet dangerous vampire (Jack O’Connell), forcing the brothers to confront him with the help of past lovers (Hailee Steinfeld and Wunmi Mosaku) before nightfall.
Sinners is captivating in every sense of the word — seductive, intense, and a frequent topic of discussion. Don’t miss your chance to watch it on Max.
‘Barbie’ (2023)
“My job is just … beach,” remarks Ryan Gosling’s Ken in this blockbuster film. In summer, we can all relate. When you need a break from “beaching off,” revisiting this iconic creation from Greta Gerwig is always a great idea.
This year has already brought some incredible films — but the summer season is prime for big blockbusters. From Tom Cruise’s latest (perhaps final) entry in the Mission: Impossible franchise to Celine Song’s eagerly awaited romantic comedy Materialists, theaters are ready for diverse genres as the temperatures rise.
The brighter aspect of the term “Barbenheimer” features Margot Robbie as a quintessential Barbie, who finds herself grappling with “irresistible thoughts of mortality” and embarks on a journey from Barbieland to the Real World in order to assist whoever is manipulating her. Along the way, she encounters profound insights about patriarchy, womanhood, and humanity — along with some uplifting lessons primarily from Gloria (America Ferrera). It’s a vibrant, visually stunning film that radiates the essence of Barbie.
‘The Meg’ (2018)
If the 50th anniversary of Jaws wasn’t thrilling enough to send shivers down your spine while at the beach, then check out The Meg. Jason Statham portrays a search-and-rescue diver who uncovers a gigantic (and we mean really massive) prehistoric shark lurking in the ocean’s depths.
June 20 marks the official start of summer, yet we’ve been fully enjoying our HBO Max subscription by diving into some of the finest summer films out there. Alongside new flicks like Mountainhead and A Minecraft Movie, HBO Max boasts a treasure trove of classic titles.
Does The Meg deliver the thought-provoking fun offered by Sinners or Barbie? Absolutely not. Is it an over-the-top, thrilling B-movie that proposes the question, “What if sharks were colossal???” You bet. If you’re into monster action and adrenaline-fueled excitement, The Meg fits the summer vibe perfectly.
‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ (2024)
James Gunn’s Superman is on course to soar into theaters, marking yet another attempt to revive the iconic Man of Steel on film. However, there was a time when making a superhero film centered on a flying character seemed absurd. This documentary delves into the origin of the original Richard Donner Superman film, which transformed young Juilliard alum Christopher Reeve from anonymity into a national hero. Though Reeve’s journey tragically halted after a horseback riding mishap left him paralyzed, his courageous spirit led him to positively impact the disabled community through his activism.
It’s neither a bird nor a plane — it’s the Superman trailer! The first teaser for director James Gunn’s new take on the beloved comic book hero debuted on Thursday, December 19. Twisters star David Corenswet dons the cape as Superman (a.k.a. Clark Kent), while The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel alum Rachel Brosnahan plays his coworker and eventual love interest, […]
This heartfelt documentary features not only exclusive footage from Reeve’s family but also insights from celebrities who knew him well. Figures such as Robin Williams, Glenn Close, Susan Sarandon, Jeff Bridges, and many others share their reflections on the life and legacy of this inspiring actor.
‘Parthenope’ (2024)
Travel to the enchanting Italian island of Capri with Parthenope Di Sangro (Celeste Dalla Porta), the stunning daughter of a wealthy Italian family named after Napoli itself. Gary Oldman plays esteemed English writer John Cheever, one of many who find themselves captivated by Parthenope. As she matures, she discovers the influence her beauty exerts over those in her life.
With an array of compelling shows available on HBO Max this summer, there’s for everyone. Whether you prefer light rom-coms like Sex and the City or intense dramas such as Big Little Lies, the Warner Bros. Discovery platform offers a diverse collection. Watch With Us has curated five series that you should check out this season.
The plot of Parthenope takes a back seat to the breathtaking setting — featuring Italy’s rugged coasts, shimmering blue waters, and stunning costumes that reflect the fashion trends of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. If you want to immerse yourself in the life of a glamorous Italian heiress, this is the cinematic journey for you.
