Here Are the Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on HBO Max, Including ‘Past Lives’

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Planning your weekend movie lineup? Max has ten new films arriving on November 1st and 2nd, including recent festival favorites, popular modern titles, and timeless classics. Here’s a quick guide with details on the directors, actors, storylines, and streaming dates to help you choose and start watching quickly.

‘Past Lives’ (2023)

Celine Song’s first film tells the story of two friends whose lives are pulled apart when one immigrates. Years later, they reunite in New York, and the movie explores how chance, language, and shared memories continue to connect them. Starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro, this decades-long story is inspired by the director’s own life. It’s been praised for its excellent writing and acting and will be available to stream on Max starting November 2nd.

‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ (2017)

Following a major attack, Britain’s top spies join forces with the American agency Statesman to thwart a dangerous plot by a powerful biotech leader who is taking hostages around the world. Taron Egerton and Colin Firth reprise their roles, and they’re joined by new stars including Julianne Moore, Pedro Pascal, Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges, Channing Tatum, and even Elton John! The action jumps from London to Kentucky, featuring exciting new technology and unexpected partnerships. Watch it on Max starting November 11th.

‘A United Kingdom’ (2016)

As a total film buff, I’m really excited about “A United Kingdom.” It tells the incredible true story of Seretse Khama, the king of Bechuanaland (now Botswana), and his romance with Ruth Williams. Their relationship caused a huge political stir back then, and the movie shows how they fought for their love and ultimately helped shape Botswana’s path to independence. David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike are fantastic as the couple, portraying everything from their exile to the complex diplomacy involved. Critics have been raving about the acting and how beautifully made it is. It’s streaming on Max starting November 11th, and I’m already planning to watch it!

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

In a war-torn San Francisco, the uneasy truce between apes led by Caesar and the remaining humans begins to fall apart, threatening a new conflict. Andy Serkis powerfully reprises his role as Caesar, and the film also stars Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, and Keri Russell. Directed by Matt Reeves, this installment features epic action sequences and sets the stage for future stories. Watch it on Max starting Sunday, November 2nd.

‘Brick Mansions’ (2014)

Action star Paul Walker joins forces with parkour expert David Belle in a new version of the French film ‘District B13,’ now set in a walled-off section of Detroit. The movie follows an undercover police officer and a former convict who must team up to stop a dangerous weapon from falling into the hands of a crime boss, played by RZA. Written by Luc Besson and directed by Camille Delamarre, it’s a fast-paced action film available to stream on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘Puss in Boots’ (2011)

Puss in Boots gets his own adventure in this prequel to ‘Shrek,’ where he teams up with Kitty Softpaws and Humpty Dumpty to search for magical beans and the legendary Golden Goose. Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek star as the voices of the characters, and acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro helped produce the film. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and sparked a series of sequels. You can watch it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘Sucker Punch’ (2011)

Zack Snyder’s new action film follows a woman in a mental asylum as she plots her escape, blurring the lines between reality and elaborate fantasy battles. Starring Emily Browning, alongside Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, and Oscar Isaac, the movie jumps between different worlds – including World War I, feudal Japan, and a steampunk-inspired setting. The film’s story and visual style are further explored in companion shorts and an art book. It begins streaming on Max on Saturday, November 1st.

‘Happy Feet’ (2006)

Happy Feet is a beloved animated movie about Mumble, an emperor penguin who loves to tap-dance. He goes on a journey across Antarctica to figure out why the fish are vanishing. The film stars the voices of Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, and Nicole Kidman, and it won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature. It’s known for its big musical numbers and familiar pop songs. You can stream it on Max starting November 11th.

‘Dangerous Liaisons’ (1988)

Stephen Frears directs this film based on Christopher Hampton’s play, which itself is adapted from the classic 18th-century French novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. It’s a story of manipulation, romance, and revenge among the French aristocracy. The film stars Glenn Close, John Malkovich, and Michelle Pfeiffer, and features early performances by Keanu Reeves and Uma Thurman. It won Academy Awards for its screenplay, costumes, and set design. You can stream it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

‘Bride of Frankenstein’ (1935)

James Whale’s follow-up film brings back Boris Karloff as the Monster and introduces Elsa Lanchester in a dual role as Mary Shelley and the unforgettable Bride of Frankenstein. The movie explores the ideas of creation and the need for connection, and is well-known for its cleverness, emotional depth, and striking visuals. Franz Waxman’s music and John J. Mescall’s cinematography create a uniquely dark and atmospheric mood. Watch it on Max starting Saturday, November 1st.

Tell us which of these you’re pressing play on first this weekend in the comments!

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2025-10-31 20:20