Here Are the Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on HBO Max, Including ‘Past Lives’

If you’re queueing up films for the weekend, Max has a fresh batch landing on Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, with a mix of new festival standouts, modern hits, and essential classics. Below are ten titles arriving across those two days, along with quick, practical details—who made them, who stars, what they cover, and exactly when they start streaming—so you can pick fast and press play.

‘Past Lives’ (2023)

Celine Song’s debut follows two friends separated by immigration who reconnect years later in New York, tracing how fate, language, and memory shape their bond. Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro lead the cast in a decades-spanning story drawn from the filmmaker’s experiences. The film became an awards-season standout for its writing and performances. Streaming on Max Sunday 11/2.

‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ (2017)

The British spy agency regroups after a devastating attack and teams with its American counterpart, Statesman, to stop a biotech tycoon’s global hostage scheme. Taron Egerton and Colin Firth return, with Julianne Moore, Pedro Pascal, Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges, Channing Tatum, and Elton John joining the ensemble. The mission ranges from London to Kentucky with new gadgets and alliances. Streaming on Max Saturday 11/1.

‘A United Kingdom’ (2016)

Amma Asante directs the true story of Seretse Khama of Bechuanaland and Ruth Williams, whose marriage triggers a political crisis that reshapes the future of Botswana. David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike star as the couple navigating exile, diplomacy, and leadership on the path to independence. The drama earned strong notices for its performances and craftsmanship. Streaming on Max Saturday 11/1.

‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ (2014)

Set in a ravaged San Francisco, a fragile peace between Caesar’s apes and human survivors fractures as factions push toward war. Andy Serkis returns in a landmark performance-capture role, with Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, and Keri Russell among the human leads. Matt Reeves directs large-scale set pieces that set up the next chapter in the saga. Streaming on Max Sunday 11/2.

‘Brick Mansions’ (2014)

Paul Walker teams with parkour pioneer David Belle in an English-language remake of ‘District B13’, relocating the action to a cordoned-off Detroit district. The story pairs an undercover cop and an ex-con against a kingpin played by RZA as they race to stop a catastrophic weapon. Luc Besson co-wrote the screenplay and Camille Delamarre directs this brisk action showcase. Streaming on Max Saturday 11/1.

‘Puss in Boots’ (2011)

The ‘Shrek’ spinoff gives Puss his own swashbuckling origin as he joins Kitty Softpaws and Humpty Dumpty to chase magic beans and the Golden Goose. Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek lead the voice cast, with Guillermo del Toro as executive producer. The film earned a Best Animated Feature nomination and launched a small franchise. Streaming on Max Saturday 11/1.

‘Sucker Punch’ (2011)

Zack Snyder’s fantasy action film centers on a young woman committed to an asylum who plans an escape while retreating into layered battle fantasies. Emily Browning stars with Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, and Oscar Isaac as the story cuts between World War I trenches, samurai duels, and steampunk heists. Tie-in shorts and an art book expanded the film’s world and design. Streaming on Max Saturday 11/1.

‘Happy Feet’ (2006)

George Miller’s animated hit follows Mumble, an emperor penguin who tap-dances across Antarctica to uncover why the fish are disappearing. Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, and Nicole Kidman lead the voice cast, and the film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The soundtrack features large-scale musical numbers and pop standards. Streaming on Max Saturday 11/1.

‘Dangerous Liaisons’ (1988)

Stephen Frears adapts Christopher Hampton’s play from the 18th-century French novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, charting aristocratic games of seduction and revenge. Glenn Close, John Malkovich, and Michelle Pfeiffer head the cast, with Keanu Reeves and Uma Thurman in early roles. The film won Oscars for adapted screenplay, costumes, and production design. Streaming on Max Saturday 11/1.

‘Bride of Frankenstein’ (1935)

James Whale’s sequel reunites Boris Karloff as the Monster and introduces Elsa Lanchester as both Mary Shelley and the iconic Bride. The film deepens themes of creation and companionship and is frequently cited for its wit, pathos, and visual invention. Franz Waxman’s score and John J. Mescall’s cinematography shape its singular Gothic tone. Streaming on Max Saturday 11/1.

Tell us which of these you’re pressing play on first this weekend in the comments!