Here Are the Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on HBO Max, Including a New ‘Alien’ Movie

HBO Max is expanding its streaming catalog this week with a variety of classic films, animated features, and modern blockbusters. The new arrivals include several entries from the iconic ‘Alien’ franchise as well as critically acclaimed dramas and comedies. Viewers can expect a mix of high-tension survival stories and historical narratives throughout the first week of April. These selections provide options for fans of various genres looking for new content to explore.

‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024)

A group of young space colonists scavenging a derelict space station encounters a terrifying and deadly extraterrestrial life form. This installment serves as a survival horror entry that explores a new chapter within the ‘Alien’ universe. The film features a cast including Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson as they navigate the dangers of an abandoned vessel. Director Fede Álvarez emphasizes the claustrophobic atmosphere that defined the original entries in the series. It is scheduled to debut on the streaming platform this Friday, April 3.

‘Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match’ (2023)

Action star Johnny Cage uncovers a sinister cult in 1980s Los Angeles while searching for his missing co-star. This animated feature serves as an origin story for the popular martial artist and Hollywood actor. The narrative follows Cage as he battles supernatural forces and shadowy organizations in a vibrant retro setting. It is the fourth film in the ‘Mortal Kombat Legends’ series produced by Warner Bros. Animation. The movie becomes available for viewers on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind’ (2023)

A young blind warrior seeks training from a retired master to stop Kano’s marauding army. The story centers on Kenshi as he navigates a post-apocalyptic landscape and masters his unique combat abilities. He must convince a weary Kuai Liang to assist in the fight against the Black Dragon clan. This installment continues the adult-oriented animation style characteristic of the ‘Mortal Kombat Legends’ franchise. The film arrives on the service on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Inu-Oh’ (2022)

A deformed dancer and a blind musician use their artistic talents to challenge societal norms in 14th-century Japan. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, the film presents a rock-opera interpretation of traditional Japanese history. The protagonists form a legendary partnership that captivates audiences through innovative and high-energy performances. It received critical acclaim for its visual creativity and exploration of marginalized figures in the Muromachi period. This animated feature premieres on the platform on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Game Night’ (2018)

A group of friends finds themselves caught in a real-life mystery after one of them is genuinely kidnapped during their game night. The film stars Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams as a competitive couple leading the chaotic investigation. As the night progresses, the characters must solve puzzles and evade criminals to save their friend. This action-comedy was noted for its sharp humor and the chemistry between the ensemble cast. It is scheduled to arrive on the platform on Saturday, April 4.

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

A recent college graduate navigates the cutthroat fashion world working for a powerful magazine editor. The film stars Anne Hathaway as the aspiring journalist and Meryl Streep as the demanding Miranda Priestly. Based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger, the story highlights the internal conflicts between professional ambition and personal ethics. Meryl Streep’s performance earned widespread critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination. This popular drama arrives for streaming on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Alien³’ (1992)

Ellen Ripley must lead unarmed inmates against a deadly Xenomorph after crash-landing on a prison planet. This sequel, directed by David Fincher, introduces a bleak and industrial atmosphere to the franchise. The narrative focuses on the survival of the prisoners as they attempt to trap the creature without the aid of modern weapons. It explores Ripley’s resilience as she faces both external threats and internal personal loss. The film will be available for audiences to watch on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Aliens’ (1986)

Ellen Ripley and a heavily armed team of Colonial Marines return to LV-426 to investigate a lost human colony. Director James Cameron expanded the series by incorporating elements of action and military science fiction. The film introduces the Xenomorph Queen and provides a deeper look into the biology of the extraterrestrial species. Sigourney Weaver’s portrayal of Ripley became a landmark performance in the history of cinema. This critically acclaimed sequel arrives on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Alien’ (1979)

The crew of the commercial ship Nostromo fights for survival after encountering a deadly extraterrestrial predator. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film is celebrated for its blend of science fiction and psychological horror. The story follows the characters as they are hunted by an organism with a highly adaptive biology. Its set design and visual effects created a distinct and influential aesthetic for the genre. The original classic becomes available on the service on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Out of the Past’ (1948)

A former private investigator is pulled back into the underworld when a shadowy figure from his past resurfaces. Starring Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer, this film is regarded as a cornerstone of the film noir genre. The plot involves a complex web of deceit, dangerous alliances, and the search for a missing woman. Director Jacques Tourneur utilizes high-contrast lighting to emphasize the moody and fatalistic tone of the narrative. This cinematic classic is available for streaming starting Wednesday, April 1.

Tell us which of these movies you are planning to stream first in the comments.