Thanks to its massive and diverse content library, HBO Max has quickly established itself as one of the top streaming services available. In this in-depth guide, we’ll look at everything HBO Max offers, including its wide selection of movies, TV shows, originals and more.
An Impressive Content Library HBO Max
The most significant selling point of HBO Max is its content library, which includes an impressive collection of movies, shows, documentaries and original programming. Over 10,000 hours of premium content are available on the platform, spanning every genre.
HBO Max has access to content from several WarnerMedia brands, including HBO itself, DC, Cartoon Network, TCM, Adult Swim and more. This gives it a deep back catalogue of hits to stream and new exclusives. Some highlights of what’s available include:
Iconic HBO series like The Sopranos, The Wire, Game of Thrones, Sex and the City, Curb Your Enthusiasm and more.
Blockbuster films from Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, and others like The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Matrix trilogy, Inception and more.
Every DC film from the last decade, like Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Joker and all the Christopher Nolan Batman films.
Classic animated shows from Cartoon Network like Adventure Time, Steven Universe, The Powerpuff Girls, Courage the Cowardly Dog and more.
TCM’s extensive library of classic films brings thousands of movies from Hollywood’s golden age.
There is something for everyone, no matter their tastes or interests. The library is also constantly expanding, with new content added each month.
Original Series and Exclusives
In addition to its retrospective library, HBO Max is the exclusive home to many high-profile original series. Some of the most buzzworthy Max Originals so far have included:
The Flight Attendant is a dark comedy thriller starring Kaley Cuoco.
Hacks is a critically acclaimed comedy series starring Jean Smart.
Raised by Wolves is a sci-fi drama from Ridley Scott.
Station Eleven is a post-apocalyptic limited series based on the novel.
And Just Like That…, the Sex and the City revival series.
Peacemaker is a spinoff of The Suicide Squad featuring John Cena.
Some upcoming anticipated originals on the horizon include TV adaptations of Batgirl and Gotham Knights and new seasons of fan favourites like Harley Quinn and Search Party. With a budget to rival streamers, HBO Max originals continue raising the bar for quality TV.
User Experience and Features
HBO Max has created a clean and intuitive interface for navigating and using the platform. Key features include personalized recommendations, various watchlist options, and profile customization. Several devices, including smart TVs, streaming sticks, consoles, iOS, Android and web browsers, are also supported.
Standout features include:
- An “Add to Watchlist” option to save shows and movies.
- Collections to browse content by franchise.
- An “Up Next” feed tracks what users watch across devices.
Video and audio quality are also excellent, with 4K HDR available on select titles.
The HBO Max experience continues to evolve with new updates and tweaks regularly, improving different aspects like search capabilities and playlists. An ad-supported tier is also being developed as a lower-cost option.
Pricing and Subscriptions
HBO Max offers two subscription tiers for users to choose from based on their preferences:
Ad-Free – $14.99/month provides full access to the entire library commercial-free. This plan is the standard option.
Ad-Supported (coming later in 2022) – A lower cost option introducing advertisements. It’s when it needs to be priced, but it is expected to be around $9.99/month.
Both plans can support up to 5 user profiles and streaming on three concurrent devices. HBO also offers annual plans that work out cheaper if billed annually upfront. Various discounts and promotions are also typical for new subscribers.
An essential benefit of HBO Max is that it’s included at no extra cost for many HBO subscribers through participating TV providers. Do check your current HBO subscription for Max access eligibility.
Evolving Library
HBO Max is continuously adding more content to its library. Some significant titles and franchises added recently include the entire Harry Potter film collection, all eight films of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and classic films from Studio Ghibli. Over time, the service will also gain exclusive streaming rights to new Warner Bros. movies after their theatrical runs. This evolving catalogue ensures there will always be more to explore on HBO Max for years.
Kids & Family Content
While HBO Max has broad appeal, it offers a deep selection of kids and family content. Along with thousands of episodes of beloved Cartoon Network shows, various children’s movies can be filtered, including titles from Studio Ghibli, LEGO, and more. Profiles can also be set up as Kids Profiles to provide a more age-appropriate experience. Standout kids originals on the service include The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo.
4K & HDR Support
For the best video quality possible, HBO Max supports streaming content in 4K resolution and high dynamic range (HDR) imaging on supported devices. This includes both original programming and a growing selection of movies and shows. All Apple devices, Amazon Fire TV sticks, Windows machines, and more are compatible for viewing in 4K/HDR. More titles will gain higher quality over time as well.
Mobile App Experience
While the HBO Max experience is generally the same across platforms, the mobile apps provide an optimized way to stream on the go from smartphones and tablets. Features like video downloads allow watching offline, playlists save favourite shows together, and auto-play keeps binging easy. Navigation, search and controls are well implemented for smaller screens, too. The Apple TV, Android TV and Fire TV apps are also top-notch.
Growing Internationally
Initially only available in the United States, HBO Max continues its global rollout with launches throughout Latin America and the Caribbean in 2021. More European countries are planning to receive the service in 2022, such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Spain, and Andorra. The rest of Europe will follow after that expansion is complete. This growing international reach will expose HBO Max’s content to even larger potential audiences worldwide.
Final Thoughts HBO Max
With its deep library of exceptional TV and films and new exclusive programming, HBO Max has quickly established itself as one of the top streaming services. Housing content from multiple entertainment brands gives it a significant advantage in depth and variety.
Existing and new subscribers have tons to explore on the platform for all ages. While the price is higher than some competitors, the quality and quantity of content are substantial for most media lovers. HBO Max is undoubtedly one service worth considering in today’s crowded streaming marketplace.
