Top 7 Must-Watch New Movies on HBO Max This April

HBO Max’s film library has expanded this month with a curated selection of new arrivals, including two of the greatest science fiction movies ever made—both part of the same legendary franchise. The streaming service also welcomes a 1940s noir classic, two highly anticipated sequels, and a late-2010s action comedy that remains underrated. Here are the seven best movies new to HBO Max in April.

Science Fiction & Horror: The Alien Franchise

Alien (20th Century Fox, 1979)

"An awe-inspiring, eerily majestic cross between a body horror monster film and a chilling piece of cosmic horror."

Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979) stands as one of the best science fiction and horror films ever made. The film follows the blue-collar crew of a commercial space mission who encounter a deadly alien organism designed solely to kill. With meticulous pacing and suffocating tension, Alien blends violence and dread in a way that is as unsettling as it is mesmerizing.

Aliens (20th Century, 1986)

"One is one of the greatest horror films ever made, the other is a blockbuster spectacle that is among the greatest action movies ever made."

James Cameron’s Aliens (1986) reignites the debate: Alien or Aliens? The sequel, set half a century later, follows Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) and a team of space marines as they confront Xenomorphs on an infested moon. A masterclass in action and suspense, Aliens delivers thrills, chills, and unforgettable set pieces.

Classic Noir: Out of the Past (1947)

Out of the Past (1947), directed by Jacques Tourneur, is a cornerstone of the noir genre. The film stars Robert Mitchum as a disillusioned private eye who attempts to escape his past by running a gas station in a remote mountain town. His past resurfaces in the form of his former employer Whit (Kirk Douglas) and the seductive Kathie (Jane Greer). A lyrical exploration of regret and self-destruction, the film delivers all the noir essentials while offering something deeper.

Beloved Cult Favorites

Practical Magic (Warner Bros., 1998)

Directed by Griffin Dunne and starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, Practical Magic (1998) has become a cult classic and a go-to comfort film for many. The story follows two witch sisters navigating love, family curses, and small-town life. With its blend of humor, romance, and supernatural charm, it remains a beloved favorite.

Upcoming Sequels to Watch For

• Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (Warner Bros., 2024) – The highly anticipated prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, arrives this year.
• Gladiator 2 (Paramount, 2024) – Ridley Scott returns to direct the sequel to the 2000 epic, with Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington leading the cast.