The titles arriving on Max this September will likely capture the attention of sci-fi and fantasy enthusiasts. After all, most of the movies landing on the platform tackle alien attacks, multiverse adventures, and casting spells. In addition to the arrival oftheMatt Reevesspin-offPenguin, which will be centered on one of Batman’s archenemies, the streaming service will welcome several A24 favorites. From the critically acclaimedEverything Everywhere All at Onceto the recently releasedCivil War, there are a lot of must-see films that deserve extra attention. Here is a curated list of recommendations for those in search of something to watch next.
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)
Available:
June 23, 2025
2 h 19 min
Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert
Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Ke Huy Quan
This Oscar-winning title has aChinese immigrant taking on the multiversein order to finally understand that family is the most meaningful thing she has. InEverything Everywhere All at Once, Evelyn’s (Michelle Yeoh) life is turned upside down, with her laundromat getting audited, her marriage heading for divorce, and her estranged daughter suffering with depression. Although the protagonist doesn’t pay half as much attention to those closest to her, she is forced to reconsider her actions when she gains superpowers and fights dangerous forces in alternate universes. Through this chaotic turn of events, Evelyn not only catches a glimpse at other lives she could have led, but she also learns not to take for granted her own reality.
Everything Everywhere All at Once
‘The Martian’ (2015)
2 h 24 min
Ridley Scott
Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, and Kate Mara
Imagine if you were stuck on Mars by yourself with little to no resources to keep you alive and well. That is exactly what astronaut Mark Watney (played byMatt Damon) goes through when he is left by his peers on another planet. Instead of waiting for his life to be cut short due to hunger and thirst, the protagonist decides to use what he has at his disposal to get by and hopefully return to Earth. This must-see survival film keeps viewers' attention through and through, as they eagerly await for NASA to send Mark back home.
The Martian
‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ (2001)
2 h 32 min
Chris Columbus
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and Maggie Smith
Potterheads will be over-the-moon to know that the entire Harry Potter saga will be available to stream on Max. In early September, fans of the films can do a proper binge, while those who haven’t seen the franchise yet can watch all of it in order.Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stoneintroduces audiences to the titular character(played byDaniel Radcliffe) as he becomes a student at Hogwarts and quickly befriends Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint). As Harry begins to learn more about magic, he gets interested in finding out who killed his parents. His urge to uncover the truth leads him to be face-to-face with a dark wizard named Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes).
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
‘Independence Day’ (1996)
2 h 25 min
Roland Emmerich
Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, and Mary McDonnell
Independence Dayfocuses on an alien invasion that could threaten the livelihood of all humankind. As David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) tries to remedy the situation by communicating with the mysterious spacecraft coming close to Earth, he finds out that they are planning to attack major cities like Los Angeles and Washington on the Fourth of July weekend. Without much to do to stop the aliens from causing further harm, a group of survivors reunites at a military base and devise a plan to fight for their lives. Not only was this film a blockbuster hit when it came out, but it also featured some epic action sequences for those who were looking for a fun, high-octane watch.
Independence Day
‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)
August 03, 2025
Hayao Miyazaki
Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Kô Shibasaki, and Aimyon
Studio Ghibli is known for delivering heartwarming animations, andThe Boy and the Heronisn’t any different. Earlier this year, it earned an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, marking a secondwin for directorHayao Miyazaki. The film follows Mahito, a 12-year-old still reeling after his mother’s death. Yet, once he crosses paths with a heron that tells him his mother is still alive, the boy regains hope of getting to see her again. With the bird’s guidance, the protagonist walks into an abandoned tower and is then transported to another world where the living and dead coexist.
The Boy and the Heron
‘Civil War’ (2024)
August 24, 2025
1 h 49 min
Alex Garland
Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, and Nick Offerman
Led byKirsten Dunst,Civil Warfollows a group of photojournalists tasked with reporting on a war happening in a dystopian America. Instead of focusing on the opposing viewpoints on the conflict,Andrew Garland’s movie is objectiveabout what is happening in the combat and the pitfalls of providing on the field coverage in an unsettling environment like this. Told from the perspective of the reporters heading to Washington, DC to interview the president before the capital is attacked by rebels. This film was the most expensive A24 production to date, and it is noticeable in the vivid war scenes and action sequences.
‘I Saw the TV Glow’ (2024)
August 15, 2025
1 h 40 min
Jane Schoenbrun
Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Ian Foreman, and Helena Howard
Another A24 film,I Saw the TV Glow,isn’t made for everyone. It is particularly geared toward audiences who don’t mind a quirky horror film that is similar in style toDavid Lynch’s work. It is centered on Owen (Justice Smith) and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine), two childhood friends who bond over a ’90s TV show calledThe Pink Opaque. As they find solace in watching the monster series late at night, they begin to see the world in a different light. It explores the impact of nostalgia, and how certain programs you grow up with fundamentally change you.
