30 Best Movies to Watch on HBO Max in November 2025

Max has a great lineup for November, including critically acclaimed films, popular series, classic noir movies, monster hits, and holiday favorites. You can find the exact release dates below to help you plan your viewing, mixing new titles with older gems and cozy seasonal picks.

‘Past Lives’ (2023)

A touching story about two childhood friends, Greta Lee and Teo Yoo, who rediscover each other in New York after years apart. The film beautifully explores their past, how fate (inyeon) brings people together, and the impact of the decisions we make. It’s a moving drama that has garnered critical acclaim for its writing and acting. You can stream it on Max starting November 11th.

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ (2024)

Years after Caesar’s reign, a young chimpanzee named Noa embarks on a journey through the remnants of a fallen world and into a heavily guarded settlement. There, a power-hungry leader manipulates history to maintain control. Director Wes Ball expands the story with new ape tribes and introduces Raka, a wise orangutan, as both apes and humans navigate uncertain alliances. Featuring stunning motion capture and ambitious sets, this latest installment takes the saga to new heights. Watch it on Max starting Thursday, November 13th.

‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ (2014)

The delicate truce between the people of Caesar’s forest and the survivors from San Francisco is starting to fall apart as leaders on both sides push their groups toward a fight. Andy Serkis delivers another incredible performance using motion capture technology, and Keri Russell, Jason Clarke, and Gary Oldman portray characters caught in difficult talks and acts of treachery. Director Matt Reeves builds suspense with thrilling scenes involving power struggles and dam confrontations, leading into the next installment. Watch it on Max starting Sunday, November 2nd.

‘A Man Called Otto’ (2022)

After the loss of his wife, a man finds comfort in a predictable life, but that changes when a vibrant family moves in next door and helps him reconnect with his community. Starring Tom Hanks, this heartwarming film – based on a beloved Swedish story – focuses on the little things: acts of kindness, helping neighbors, and finding new opportunities. Directed by Marc Forster with music by Thomas Newman, it begins streaming on Max, November 6th.

‘The Lego Ninjago Movie’ (2017)

Lloyd, a teenage hero, is protecting Ninjago City while discovering a shocking secret: the villain Garmadon is his father. Meanwhile, Master Wu is helping Lloyd and his team learn to master their special powers. Featuring the voices of Jackie Chan, Dave Franco, and Justin Theroux, this exciting animated adventure continues the popular series with action-packed battles and a heartwarming story about family. It’s available to stream on Max starting Wednesday, November 5th.

‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ (2017)

Following a major attack, Britain’s top spy agency teams up with the American Statesman to foil a dangerous biotech billionaire’s plot to take hostages worldwide. The adventure spans from London to Kentucky and stars Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Pedro Pascal, Halle Berry, and Jeff Bridges. Expect a fast-paced story with exciting gadgets, a surprise appearance by Elton John, and plenty of action. It begins streaming on Max on Saturday, November 1st.

‘Missing’ (2023)

I’m really hooked on this new mystery! It’s told completely through what you see on screens – like texts, search histories, and security footage. It follows a teenager in LA whose mom goes missing in Colombia, and she has to use everything digital she can find to track her down. Storm Reid is amazing as she pieces together clues in real time, and it feels so urgent! It’s a really clever idea, building on the style of the movie ‘Searching’. You can start streaming it on Max this Thursday, November 20th.

‘Flight Risk’ (2025)

As a total film buff, I’m really excited about this new thriller! It’s about a pilot flying through the Alaskan wilderness with an air marshal and a tech executive who’s on the run. What starts as a simple flight quickly turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse as everyone’s true identity comes into question. Most of the action happens inside the plane, and with bad weather and tough terrain all around, there’s nowhere to hide! Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace are all in it, and it sounds like a really intense, claustrophobic showdown. It drops on Max this Wednesday, November 26th.

‘A United Kingdom’ (2016)

A historical drama tells the true story of Seretse Khama, the king of Bechuanaland (now Botswana), and his marriage to Ruth Williams, a British woman. Their relationship faced opposition from multiple governments, forcing them into exile and requiring intense negotiations. The film follows their fight to be together and their eventual return home, which played a key role in Botswana’s independence. Starring David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike, it’s based on real letters and diplomatic records. Stream it on Max starting November 11th.

‘Dangerous Liaisons’ (1988)

I’m completely captivated by this film! It’s a story of a marquise and a vicomte who are masters at playing games with people’s hearts – all to climb the social ladder. But their carefully laid plans, involving secret letters, risky bets, and a lot of deception, start to fall apart. It’s based on a play by Christopher Hampton, adapted by the brilliant Stephen Frears, and stars Glenn Close, John Malkovich, and Michelle Pfeiffer – a dream cast! The movie is visually stunning, with incredible costumes and sets, but beneath the beauty lies a really cold and calculating world. You can see it all unfold in gorgeous salons and intimate bedrooms, starting this Saturday, November 1st, on Max.

‘Happy Feet’ (2006)

When food becomes scarce, a tap-dancing emperor penguin named Mumble sets off on an incredible journey around the world to find answers. Featuring the voices of Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, and Nicole Kidman, this animated adventure is filled with big musical numbers and follows Mumble’s journey through penguin colonies, zoos, and even ships as he comes of age. You can stream it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘Puss in Boots’ (2011)

Before facing off against an ogre gang, the adventurous cat teams up with Kitty Softpaws and a clever old companion to hunt for magical beans and a treasure in the sky. Featuring the voices of Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek, this animated story combines elements of a thrilling heist with exciting sword fights. The action takes them from desert villages to the land of a giant, where a golden goose is causing trouble for a nearby city. Watch it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘Elf’ (2003)

Buddy, raised as an elf at the North Pole, journeys to New York City to meet his biological father and experience life in the human world. Along the way, he spreads Christmas cheer, transforms a toy department, has a snowball fight, and helps restore belief in the magic of flight. Directed by Jon Favreau and starring James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, and Bob Newhart, the film begins streaming on Max on Saturday, November 1st.

‘A Christmas Story’ (1983)

This classic story follows a young boy growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s, whose biggest wish is a Red Ryder BB gun. He faces challenges from bullies and tricky dares, all leading up to a memorable trip to a department store. The story, told through the charming memories of Jean Shepherd, is beautifully brought to life with detailed recreations of the time period. It’s famous for its memorable props, like the leg lamp, which have become holiday favorites. Watch it streaming on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ (1989)

Clark Griswold just wants a perfect Christmas, but everything goes wrong – from power failures to unexpected visitors and bad news at work. In this third film, his family gets together, and he goes all-out with decorations, both inside and outside. It all leads to a hilariously chaotic climax. Watch it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘The Polar Express’ (2004)

A young boy embarks on a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, where he discovers the importance of bravery and friendship through a series of challenges. The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks in several roles using innovative performance capture technology, was also shown in immersive IMAX theaters. Along the way, passengers enjoy hot chocolate, there’s a frantic search for a lost ticket, and the journey culminates with the ringing of a special bell. You can stream it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘The Wolfman’ (2010)

A grieving actor goes back to his family’s old estate, only to find himself caught up in a dangerous curse. This brings unwanted attention from a determined inspector and scares the local villagers. The film, a visually stunning Gothic tale set in the past, stars Benicio del Toro, Emily Blunt, and Anthony Hopkins. Expect dramatic scenes of nighttime chases and eerie explorations within the manor. It begins streaming on Max on Saturday, November 1st.

‘Hellboy’ (2004)

A human-created demon teams up with a covert agency to battle supernatural dangers, but a past foe is plotting to awaken powerful, ancient entities. Starring Ron Perlman alongside Abe Sapien and Liz Sherman, the series features a mix of real-life effects and digital imagery. Their investigations lead them to everything from intricate mechanical hideouts to dangerous summoning ceremonies. Watch it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘Brick Mansions’ (2014)

In a closed-off section of Detroit, a police officer working undercover joins forces with a former convict to take down a powerful drug lord and prevent a devastating weapon from being used. This English-language remake of ‘District B13’ stars Paul Walker in his last completed film role, alongside parkour expert David Belle. Expect fast-paced action with thrilling chases and creative movement across the city. Watch it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘The Postman Always Rings Twice’ (1946)

This classic film noir follows a wandering man who finds work at a roadside diner and becomes involved with the owner’s wife. Their dangerous connection and a scheme to get rid of the husband result in a courtroom battle and a surprising turn of events. Starring Lana Turner and John Garfield, and featuring Hume Cronyn as a clever lawyer, the movie is set against the backdrop of California’s highways and small-town eateries. Watch it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘They Live by Night’ (1948)

A young man on the run and a woman in a small town attempt to start a new life together, but they’re pursued by both a dangerous gang and the authorities. This film, directed by Nicholas Ray and starring Farley Granger and Cathy O’Donnell, is based on the novel ‘Thieves Like Us’ and is known for its realistic location shooting and emotionally raw scenes, which influenced many future films about couples on the run. Watch it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘The Unsuspected’ (1947)

A charming radio host finds himself caught up in a genuine mystery when a possible suicide and a missing woman connect to those around him. Directed by Michael Curtiz, the film features Claude Rains and uses classic Hollywood techniques – think dramatic lighting, lively parties, and tense nighttime scenes. The story unfolds through audio recordings and takes place in beautiful, sophisticated settings. Watch it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘A Woman’s Face’ (1941)

A man with a troubled past and a history of blackmail needs surgery, and finds himself at a crossroads when his old criminal associates ask him to do one final job. Starring Joan Crawford, this suspenseful drama unfolds in a courtroom, using witness testimony and flashbacks to reveal a hidden truth. It’s a story about who we are, where our loyalties lie, and a dangerous scheme connected to a remote estate. Watch it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘The Locket’ (1946)

This suspenseful thriller uses a clever structure of flashbacks within flashbacks to unravel a woman’s past, connecting a childhood theft to her present-day lies. Directed by John Brahm and starring Laraine Day, Robert Mitchum, and Brian Aherne, the RKO film is known for its cold and atmospheric tone. The story relies heavily on memory and a narrator you can’t quite trust. Watch it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘The Mask of Dimitrios’ (1944)

I’m so excited about this new film! It’s about a writer who gets completely caught up in the life of a deceased criminal and ends up traveling all over Europe trying to piece together what really happened. It’s fascinating because everyone he talks to has a different story! The movie stars Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, and Zachary Scott, and it’s full of twists and turns involving smuggling, spying, and people backstabbing each other. The atmosphere is incredible – lots of scenes in cafes and around the docks, which really add to the feeling that things aren’t what they seem. You can start streaming it on Max this Saturday, November 1st!

‘They Were Expendable’ (1945)

During the Philippines campaign, PT boat crews bravely fought to slow down the enemy, despite suffering losses that highlighted the sacrifices made with limited supplies. The film, directed by John Ford and starring Robert Montgomery and John Wayne, portrays the bond between sailors as they carry out dangerous evacuation missions. A short break back home provides a moment of peace before they’re called back to action at sea. Watch it on Max starting November 1st.

‘Destination Tokyo’ (1943)

A team aboard a submarine secretly enters Tokyo Bay to gather intelligence before a major air strike, navigating carefully to avoid detection. Cary Grant plays the submarine commander, and John Garfield is a new crew member, as they face increasing danger from depth charges and a critical mission. The film culminates in a thrilling escape from the bay. Watch it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘Objective, Burma!’ (1945)

A group of American soldiers parachutes into the Burmese jungle with a dangerous mission: destroy a key radar station. They then face a grueling fight to escape through enemy territory. Led by Errol Flynn, the patrol battles ambushes and exhaustion, constantly communicating for support during their difficult retreat. The film focuses on realistic military tactics and the harsh jungle environment. Watch it on Max starting November 11th.

‘The Set-Up’ (1949)

This classic film follows an older boxer who refuses to throw a fight, battling for his pride over the course of a single, intense night. Directed by Robert Wise and based on a poem by Joseph Moncure March, it stars Robert Ryan and Audrey Totter in a gripping story set right by the boxing ring. The film builds suspense through expertly staged fight choreography and the palpable tension of the crowd. Watch it on Max starting November 11th.

‘Marked Woman’ (1937)

Okay, so I just watched this classic, and let me tell you, it’s a gripping ride. It centers around a woman in Manhattan who’s had enough when her sister is murdered – she decides to stand up to the gangster responsible. Complicating things is a determined prosecutor who needs her to testify. Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart are absolutely fantastic, and the whole thing feels incredibly authentic, ripped right from the headlines of the time. The direction is really tight – everything is shot in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. You can catch it streaming on Max starting Saturday, November 1st – definitely worth checking out!

Share your picks for what you are watching first on Max this month in the comments.

2025-10-31 00:23