7 Best New Movies on HBO Max in May 2026
In May 2026, all the streaming services are adding exciting new movies and shows to their catalogs, and HBO Max is no exception. The Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) streaming service boasts an expansive lineup of some of the most acclaimed and popular films ever made, and this month, it’ll be expanding even further with the addition of some exciting new movies. Already, the streamer has premiered several new hits, like Emerald Fennell’s 2026 Emily Brontë adaptation Wuthering Heights, and there’s plenty more to come.
HBO Max’s lineup for the month includes the streaming premieres of several new films, as well as some fascinating older movies that will be appearing on the platform for the very first time. From documentaries to mockumentaries, action adventures to character dramas, the new movies coming to the service in May cover a wide range of genres, styles, and tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Without further ado, here’s our selection of the best new movies coming to HBO Max in May 2026.
1
‘Greenland 2: Migration’ (2026)
Arriving On: May 8
A sequel to the 2020 film Greenland, Greenland 2: Migration was directed by Ric Roman Waugh and written by Chris Sparling and Mitchell LaFortune. Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin reprise their roles as John and Allison Garitty, who must lead their family in search of a rumored safe place, braving the dangers of the wasteland left behind by the previous film’s apocalyptic comet strike. The movie also features Roman Griffin Davis, Scott Glen, Amber Rose Revah, and William Abadie in key roles.
When Greenland 2: Migration hit theaters in early 2026, it was neither a critical nor a box office success, and it’s arguably not as good as the first movie. However, the film does feature some great performances, particularly by Gerard Butler, and it’s a must-watch for fans of the actor’s disaster movies. The sequel also places greater emphasis on human drama and explores a fascinating post-apocalyptic world, with major landmarks irrevocably transformed by the world-changing events of its predecessor, which makes it a satisfying experience for genre fans.
2
‘The A List: 15 Stories from Asia and Pacific Diasporas’ (2026)
Arriving On: May 13
Directed by Eugene Yi, The A List: 15 Stories from Asia and Pacific Diasporas is a documentary film that’s the latest in HBO’s The List series of documentaries, photography portraits, and books created by executive producer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. Releasing in May 2026 to commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the film features intimate interviews by Jada Yuan with 15 people of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage, including both celebrities like Sandra Oh and Kumail Nanjiani, and unsung heroes like retired New Jersey nurse Madelyn Yu.
Compiling the personal lived experiences of a wide range of individuals, The A List aims to help viewers look past labels to see these people, their accomplishments, and their particular communities as they truly are. It’s an ambitious mission, and a necessary one at a time when the world at large feels more divided and insular than ever, making the documentary one of the most important films arriving on HBO Max this year. The documentary will have its debut on HBO on May 13 at 9 pm ET/PT, with a streaming release on the same day.
3
‘Lurker’ (2025)
Arriving On: May 15
Written and directed by Alex Russell in his directorial debut, Lurker is a 2025 psychological thriller film starring Théodore Pellerin as Matthew Morning, an everyday clothing store employee who impresses a rising pop musician and joins his entourage as a documentarian. But as time passes, Matthew begins to show a darker side, as he goes down a path of obsession, envy, and blackmail. The film also features Archie Madekwe, Zack Fox, Havana Rose Liu, Wale Onayemi, Daniel Zolghadri, and Sunny Suljic in key roles.
One of the most underrated thrillers of 2025, Lurker premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim, earning praise from critics for its impeccable craft and perceptive narrative. Born of the mind of Beef and The Bear alum Alex Russell, the movie is a gripping watch that expertly dissects the intersection of stardom and fandom, anchored by the engaging performances of its talented cast. The film was released in US theaters and on streaming by Mubi last year, and it will be making its HBO Max debut on May 15.
4
‘Tomb Raider’ (2018)
Arriving On: May 24
Directed by Roar Uthaug and written by Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Alastair Siddons, Tomb Raider is a 2018 action-adventure movie that reboots the Tomb Raider film series, in turn adapted from the video game franchise. Alicia Vikander stars as Lara Croft, following the intrepid adventurer on a dangerous journey seeking answers about her father’s disappearance. Besides Vikander, the movie also stars Dominic West, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, and Kristin Scott Thomas in supporting roles.
2018’s Tomb Raider takes a more grounded approach to its iconic protagonist and her adventures, and though the predictable script earned it a mixed critical reception, the movie was fairly successful at the box office, grossing $275 million. It’s certainly not nearly as engaging as the 2000s Tomb Raider duology starring Angelina Jolie, but Vikander’s performance is unquestionably brilliant, making it an excellent showcase of her abilities, and it’s still an entertaining watch for action movie fans. The film will be making its HBO Max debut in May 2026. A reboot TV series is currently in development as well.
5
‘A Complete Unknown’ (2024)
Arriving On: May 27
Directed and co-written by James Mangold, A Complete Unknown is a 2024 biopic about legendary American musician Bob Dylan. Loosely inspired by Elijah Wald’s 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric!, the movie stars Timothée Chalamet as Dylan and explores his career between 1961 and 1965, beginning with his start as a folk singer and culminating in his divisive adoption of electric instruments at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. The ensemble cast also includes Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Boyd Holbrook, Dan Fogler, Norbert Leo Butz, Eriko Hatsune, Big Bill Morganfield, Will Harrison, and Scoot McNairy in supporting roles.
Named one of the top 10 films of 2024 by the American Film Institute and the National Board of Review, A Complete Unknown was a complete success when it premiered, earning highly positive reviews and grossing over $140 million worldwide. Anchored by Chalamet’s stellar performance in the lead role, the film is an enjoyable experience for any Bob Dylan fan and the perfect introduction to the artist for audiences who may be unfamiliar with his work. A Complete Unknown also earned numerous accolades, including eight Oscar nominations, and the movie is set to make its HBO Max debut in May 2026.
6
‘Miss You, Love You’ (2026)
Arriving On: May 29
Miss You, Love You is a drama film written and directed by Jim Rash that stars Allison Janney as Diane, a recently widowed woman. When her son sends his assistant to help her with the funeral instead of coming himself, Diane struggles to navigate her grief and the peculiar circumstances she finds herself in, confronting long-buried personal secrets and emotions. Besides Janney, the movie also stars Andrew Rannells, Bonnie Hunt, Suzy Nakamura, Oscar Nunez, and Lisa Schurga in supporting roles.
A grounded slice-of-life drama, Miss You, Love You explores themes of grief, loss, healing, and connection through a mix of subtle dark humor and emotional moments. Ahead of its premiere, the movie had a secret screening at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, after which it was acquired by HBO Films for US distribution. With a talented ensemble in front of the camera and Academy Award-winner Jim Rash providing the screenplay and direction, the film is a must-watch for all fans of authentic human dramas.
7
‘The Moment’ (2026)
Arriving On: May 29
A mockumentary film starring Charli XCX, The Moment was directed by Aidan Zamiri and stars the British singer, songwriter, and actress as a fictionalized version of herself. The movie follows the pop star as she prepares for her arena tour debut, navigating the struggles of stardom in the wake of the wild success of her breakout summer album. Besides its iconic star, the film also features Rosanna Arquette, Kate Berlant, Jamie Demetriou, Hailey Benton Gates, and Isaac Powell as key cast members, with Alexander Skarsgård co-starring as a concert film director.
Charli XCX is easily one of the most successful pop artists of the 2020s, with six studio albums, several television shows, and film roles to her credit, not to mention three Grammy Awards, three Billboard Music Awards, five Brit Awards, and an MTV Video Music Award. Its star’s popularity is certainly a big part of The Moment’s draw, but so is its unique dramatized and fictionalized approach to the popular concert doc trend, reimagining her hugely successful 2024 tour in the aftermath of her hit album Brat. The Moment is set to be Charli XCX’s first film role of 2026, and she will be seen next in the films Faces of Death, The Gallerist, and I Want Your Sex.
- Release Date
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February 6, 2026
- Runtime
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103 minutes
- Director
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Aidan Zamiri
- Writers
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Charli XCX, Aidan Zamiri, Bertie Brandes
- Producers
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David Hinojosa, Charli XCX
