The long-awaited launch of the latest streaming service, HBOMax, is finally upon us.
Given the sheer number of streaming services available these days, you couldn’t be blamed for balking at the idea of adding a new one to your repertoire. However, HBOMax is a cut above the many of the other services currently available. A quick browse of all they have to offer is enough to prove that.
Offering so much more beyond just the HBO catalogue (which, yes, is included), HBOMax is something of a rebrand for all of Warner Brothers’ previous streaming services, many of which were shuttered last year as new owners AT&T took over, rolled into a single platform. The result is a streaming platform that feels both curated and wide open, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
We’ve spent the last few hours scouring the depths of HBOMax for the best of the best of their offerings. Whether you’re a cinephile or a fan of blockbusters, chances are there’s something you’ll love.
Turner Classic Movies
The inclusion of the TCM catalogue is a treat for lovers of cinema. Formerly available as FilmStruck, the TCM hub is your place for classic pieces of film such as My Dinner With Andre, Belle de Jour, and Citizen Kane. One could, if they so desired, give themselves a film history course with just the TCM hub.
Studio Ghibli
This was a massive get for HBOMax. The legendary Japanese animation studio has been reluctant to embrace the streaming trend but, now, you have access to almost their entire library including fan favorites My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle on top of lesser known but still fantastic works like The Secret World of Arrietty and When Marnie Was There. Whether you’re a fan of traditional animation, anime, or just great stories, access to Studio Ghibli is a huge bonus for subscribers.
Classic TV
The internet let out a collective cry of mourning late last year when Friends was taken off of Netflix. Never fear, repeat binge watchers, your 90s favorite is back! The last few months have found many of your favorite sitcoms quietly (and not-so-quietly) disappearing from other streaming services in preparation for the big launch day. Not only do you have Friends, you also have classics like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The O.C., Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and even the Brit-com classic, Coupling.
Looney Tunes
I’ve gotta be honest, $15 a month for ready access to “Duck Amuck” is not only worth it, it’s a small price to pay.
DC
Say what you will about the DCEU, Marvel’s biggest rival has always been more than their shared universe. In addition to offering a home for their shared universe of films, HBOMax also features classic DC films like Tim Burton’s Batman and Batman Returns, as well as a wide array of their acclaimed animated films like Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, and the DC series Doom Patrol.
Upcoming additions
Beyond the incredible launch lineup, HBOMax has plenty in store to ensure a successful run in the coming months and years. Not only will the service be the home of the much anticipated Friends reunion special, we also have the long-rumored Zack Snyder cut of Justice League, the Lupita Nyong’o produced Americanah, the Hiro Murai (Atlanta) directed Station Eleven, and a new documentary from the director of Won’t You Be My Neighbor? that explores the life of the late, great Anthony Bourdain.
