July 2026 is shaping up to be an excellent month for movies for HBO Max subscribers. With summer underway, HBO Max has everything from blockbuster action adventures to unsettling horror classics and thought-provoking documentaries. With titles both old and new, HBO Max has something for everybody this July.
The month's arrivals cover an impressive range of genres, including big-budget superhero adventures, iconic 90s comedies, and shoestring scares. Indeed, horror lovers are particularly well served, with multiple acclaimed films arriving that continue to spark discussion years after their release.
Many of these will drop immediately on July 1, though two of 2026’s most talked about projects won’t be released until later in the month. Regardless, whether viewers are looking for outrageous comedy, psychological terror, arthouse filmmaking, or insightful documentary storytelling, there is something worth adding to the watchlist.
Though several of these movies were major critical successes upon their release, others have steadily built passionate cult followings in the years since, spawning some mighty media franchises in the process. Together, they help make July one of HBO Max's strongest movie months in recent memory.
The Mummy (1999) – July 1
Few adventure movies have captured the spirit of old-fashioned blockbuster filmmaking quite like The Mummy. Set in the 1920s, the film follows adventurer Rick O'Connell, librarian Evelyn Carnahan, and her brother Jonathan, who accidentally awaken Imhotep, an undead Ancient Egyptian priest.
As Imhotep regains his powers, Egypt is plagued by supernatural disasters. The Mummy struck a perfect balance between thrilling horror spectacle and playful adventure, transforming the horror franchise into a family-friendly romp – albeit one filled with flesh-eating scarabs.
The Mummy’s primary selling point in hindsight is its impeccable cast. Brendan Fraser's Rick O'Connell, in particular, remains one of the most magnetic action heroes of the 1990s, combining rugged heroics with a refreshing sense of self-awareness. Dropping on HBO Max July 1, The Mummy delivers exactly what summer movie nights are supposed to be
Deadpool 2 (2018) – July 1
Deadpool 2 proved that lightning can (almost) strike twice. After the tragic loss of Vanessa, Wade Wilson struggles to find purpose beyond being the Merc with a Mouth. That emotional crisis leads him to cross paths with Russell Collins, a troubled young mutant targeted by a time-traveling soldier named Cable, who arrives from the future determined to prevent a devastating tragedy.
What follows is an increasingly ridiculous superhero adventure filled with prison escapes, mutant battles, and the spectacularly unsuccessful formation of X-Force. Ryan Reynolds is once again perfect, but the sequel's greatest strength may be its supporting players.
Josh Brolin's Cable provides a notably compelling foil to Deadpool's constant wisecracks, while Zazie Beetz steals every scene as Domino. While not as groundbreaking as its predecessor, Deadpool 2 is brutal superhero fun.
The Killing Of A Sacred Deer (2017) – July 1
Director Yorgos Lanthimos crafted one of the most unsettling psychological thrillers of the 2010s with The Killing of a Sacred Deer. It centers on Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell), a successful cardiac surgeon whose carefully ordered life begins to unravel after he forms an unusual friendship with a teenager named Martin (Barry Keoghan).
Initially, Martin seems merely awkward and lonely, but his growing presence in Steven's life gradually reveals something far more disturbing. Lanthimos deliberately strips away traditional thriller conventions, creating an atmosphere of dread that feels almost dreamlike.
Farrell delivers one of the strongest performances of his career, while Keoghan is characteristically mesmerizing. The Killing Of A Sacred Deer asks difficult moral questions while steadily increasing tension, making it a challenging but rewarding watch.
Hereditary (2018) – July 1
Ari Aster's feature debut Hereditary quickly earned a reputation as one of the most terrifying folk horror films of the century. Following the death of her secretive mother, Annie Graham attempts to navigate grief while raising her family. However, strange events begin occurring shortly after the funeral, suggesting Annie's mother may have left behind more than memories.
A shocking family tragedy dramatically alters the course of the story, as Annie becomes convinced that sinister forces are manipulating her family. As strange events begin escalating around the family, Hereditary transforms from a drama about inherited trauma into something far darker.
Ari Aster uses these family drama themes to create a horror that feels painfully real before escalating into something genuinely nightmarish. Toni Collette's extraordinary performance holds Hereditary together for a perfect summer fright.
Hail Satan? (2019) – July
Hail Satan? is one of the most fascinating documentaries of recent years. It follows members of The Satanic Temple, a political and activist organization that uses Satanic imagery not as a form of devil worship but as a way of advocating for secularism and religious equality under the law.
Director Penny Lane explores several high-profile campaigns undertaken by the group, including efforts to place Satanic monuments alongside Christian displays on public property. Along the way, the documentary dispells public misconceptions surrounding Satanism – the modern version of which is much more benevolent than some might suspect.
Hail Satan? Is far more nuanced and thought-provoking than its provocative title suggests, offering an insight into a provocative but misunderstood fringe religion. Perhaps what’s most revealing is how the congregations of goths giggle to themselves adorably after each cry of "Hail Satan!"
The Evil Dead (1981) – July 1
The impact of Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead on the horror genre cannot be understated. Sam Raimi's cult classic follows five friends who travel to an isolated cabin in the Tennessee woods for a relaxing getaway. Their vacation quickly turns into a nightmare after they accidentally unleash demonic forces.
As the group members become possessed, Bruce Campbell's Ash Williams finds himself trapped in a desperate fight for survival. Raimi transforms the simple premise into a relentless horror experience through inventive camera work and gallons of fake blood.
Made on a tiny budget, The Evil Dead defined the cabin in the woods horror genre and pushed the boundaries of splatter movies. The Evil Dead boasts several of horror’s most notorious set pieces – and a seemingly endless supply of bodily fluids.
Legally Blonde (2001) – July 1
Image via Everett CollectionAt first glance, Legally Blonde looks like a typical early-2000s comedy. Instead, it became one of the most enduring and influential crowd-pleasers of its era. Reese Witherspoon stars as Elle Woods, a fashionable California college student whose life is turned upside down when her boyfriend breaks up with her, claiming she isn't serious enough for his political ambitions.
Determined to win him back, Elle earns admission to Harvard Law School, only to discover she is capable of far more than she ever imagined. Legally Blonde endures because the funny fish-out-of-water premise quickly evolves into a surprisingly sharp story about overcoming stereotypes,
By the time Elle takes center stage in the courtroom, it's impossible not to cheer for her success. With the prequel series Elle premiering on Disney+ in July 2026, it’s the perfect time to revisit Legally Blonde.
The Long Walk (2025) – July 10
Based on one of Stephen King's earliest novels, The Long Walk brings one of the author's most disturbing concepts to the screen. Set in an alternate America, the story centers on fifty teenage boys selected for a brutal annual competition known as the Long Walk. Participants must maintain a minimum walking speed at all times, and anyone who falls behind receives warnings before facing deadly consequences.
As the contest continues across hundreds of miles, friendships form, rivalries emerge, and the physical and psychological toll becomes increasingly severe. It follows protagonist Ray Garraty as he struggles to endure the ordeal while learning more about his fellow competitors.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, The Long Walk brings King's novel to life with nerve-rattling tension and emotional weight. The Long Walk is a perfect choice for subscribers seeking suspense with substance.
Marc By Sofia (2026) – July 16
Sofia Coppola's first documentary takes an intimate look at legendary fashion designer Marc Jacobs, exploring both his creative process and the decades-long friendship between filmmaker and subject. Rather than presenting a conventional career retrospective, Marc by Sofia offers a more personal portrait of one of fashion's most influential figures.
The documentary follows Jacobs as he prepares a major collection while reflecting on the inspirations and experiences that shaped his career. Coppola's long friendship with Jacobs allows for a level of intimacy rarely seen in documentaries about major public figures.
Coppola's distinctive visual style makes Marc by Sofia feel as elegant as the world it depicts, while behind-the-scenes access provides insights that fashion fans rarely get to see. Even viewers with little knowledge of the industry may find themselves fascinated by the dedication and artistry involved in bringing creative ideas to life.
The Drama (2026) – July 31
Credit: A24A24's The Drama combines romance, comedy, and psychological tension in a way that immediately stands out from traditional relationship stories. Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, the romantic black stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a seemingly happy couple preparing for their wedding.
A shocking revelation suddenly forces them to question everything they thought they knew about each other. What follows is a spiraling series of increasingly uncomfortable encounters as the pair attempt to navigate the fallout while dealing with family expectations, personal insecurities, and lingering doubts about their future together.
Borgli specializes in uncomfortable humor and social satire, and The Drama leans heavily into both. For HBO Max subscribers looking for something unconventional to close out the month, this A24 release should be high on the watchlist.
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Deadpool 2
5/10
Release Date May 15, 2018
Runtime 120 minutes
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Wade Wilson / Deadpool / Juggernaut (voice)
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Hail Satan?
Release Date April 17, 2019
Runtime 91 minutes
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Nicholas Crowe
Self - TST Collaborator
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Malcolm Jarry
Self - TST Co-founder
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Lucien Greaves
Self - Author
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Jesper Aagaard Petersen
Self - TST Member
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The Long Walk
7/10
Release Date September 12, 2025
Runtime 108 Minutes
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Cooper Hoffman
Raymond Garraty / #47
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English (US) ·