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Tom’s Guide

Technology

Rory Mellon

HBO Max just added 52 movies — here are the 5 I’m streaming first

HBO Max HBO and (Person) United States Denzel Washington Robert McCall Yorgos Lanthimos Cable Colin Farrell Denzel Watchathon

HBO Max logo on a purple stripes background.

HBO Max has confirmed its July 2026 slate, and as is often the case with the best streaming services, it’s kicking off the month by adding a huge selection of movies to its library. In total, there are more than 50 new arrivals, covering pretty much every genre you can imagine.

The unforeseen downside of dozens of new-to-HBO Max movies is that so much choice can make sitting down to decide what to watch first a bit of a headache. If you often end up spending more time scrolling than streaming, you’re not alone. That’s why I’ve combed through the 52 movies just added to HBO Max on July 1 and picked out my personal favorites.

So, if you’re looking to refresh your HBO Max watchlist as the calendar moves into July, here are the five movies that I’m personally going to be watching as a priority.

5 best HBO Max movies to stream now

‘Deadpool 2’ (2018)

“Deadpool 2” is bigger than its predecessor in pretty much every way. After the first movie’s box office success, the sequel was granted a larger budget, which is used to full effect to deliver a grander story, bigger set pieces, and the inclusion of Josh Brolin as Cable, a cybernetic soldier who was a big part of one of Deadpool’s most popular comic book runs. Bigger doesn’t always mean better, but in the case of Deadpool, size really does matter.

Set two years after the first “Deadpool” movie, the smart-mouthed merc, real name Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), becomes the unlikely protector of a rebellious young mutant, Russell Collins (Julian Dennison), who is being targeted by a time-travelling soldier, Cable (Brolin). Full of potty humor and meta gags, poking fun at the superhero genre, “Deadpool 2” is a blast. Plus, HBO Max has also added the “Super Duper Cut” with even more Pool.

Watch "Deadpool 2" on HBO Max now

‘Evil Dead’ (2013)

With “Evil Dead Burn” hitting theaters next week, it’s great to see the original “The Evil Dead” and its fan-favorite sequel, “Evil Dead II,” landing on HBO Max this month. However, the one I’m recommending here is actually the 2013 spin from director Fede Álvarez. More of a reboot than a cash-in remake, “Evil Dead” (2013) is a skin-crawling horror that positively overflows with fake blood. It’s a total gorefest, and lives up to the franchise’s legacy.

The setup is simple: a group of friends heads to an isolated cabin located deep in the forest. Once there, they accidentally unleash a sinister evil and are tormented in disturbing and very brutal ways. Jane Levy delivers the movie’s standout performance, playing protagonist Mia, who is possessed after the friends come into contact with the franchise’s central supernatural tome, the Naturom Demento. If you like bloody horror, look no further.

Watch "Evil Dead" on HBO Max now

‘Hereditary’ (2018)

Sticking with the horror genre, “Hereditary” might just be my favorite chiller of all time. Ari Aster hit a home run on his first try with this directorial debut that has already cemented its legacy as one of the most unnerving movies ever made. This is the type of movie that rattles around your mind for weeks, and don’t be surprised if you need to sleep with a light on for a little while afterward, because some of the scares here are downright terrifying.

The movie also boasts one of the genre’s all-time great performances courtesy of Toni Collette. And, yes, I’m still salty her work was snubbed during Oscar season (not even a nomination? It doesn't make sense). In “Hereditary,” Colette plays Annie, a wife and mother, dealing with a cocktail of conflicted emotions after her own mother passes away. In the wake of this bereavement, strange occurrences befall the family, and Annie learns some seriously dark secrets about her ancestry. Prepare to be spooked!

Watch "Hereditary" on HBO Max now

‘The Equalizer’ (2014)

Here at Tom’s Guide, we’re celebrating all things Denzel Washington in 2026, with my colleague Malcolm McMillain taking on the “Denzel Watchathon”. In short, he’s watching every single Denzel movie in 2026, which works out perfectly as there are 52 flicks. He hasn’t got to “The Equalizer” series yet, but HBO Max is giving you the chance to get ahead, as it’s adding the complete action-thriller trilogy at the start of July 2026.

In "The Equalizer," Washington plays Robert McCall, a former US Marine who now lives a quiet life, working in a big-box hardware store. Befriending a troubled teen (Chloë Grace Moretz), McCall learns that she is being forced into sex work by a Russian mobster. Unable to let this injustice pass, McCall decides it's time to come out of his self-imposed retirement and put his very particular set of skills to good use. And if you enjoy the first “Equalizer” movie, you’ve got two equally entertaining sequels to stream afterward.

Watch "The Equalizer" on HBO Max now

‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ (2017)

Yorgos Lanthimos’ “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” is an aloof psychological thriller that thrives on spiralling tension and (intentionally) flawed characters. The unnatural dialogue won’t appeal to all, but if you don’t mind your movies getting weird, there’s plenty to dig into here. Plus, it features an excellent performance from Barry Keoghan, with Colin Farrell also on top form. It might just be my favorite Lanthimos effort to date, which is a big compliment.

Dr. Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell) is a renowned surgeon, married to a doting wife (Nicole Kidman) and with two young children. He's got it made. But when a young boy, Martin (Keoghan), integrates himself within the family's seemingly perfect suburban existence, things spiral. As Martin’s true intentions come to light, Steven is forced into an unthinkable choice to pay for his past sins. Part modern Greek tragedy, part twisting thriller, “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” is Lanthimos at his unpredictable best.

Watch "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" on HBO Max now