20 HBO Max UK Movies & TV Shows Worth Watching From Launch (And Beyond)

If you thought you already had enough streaming service subscriptions, think again: HBO Max is coming to the UK very soon, and it might just end up being a game-changer.

On March 26, folks who subscribe to the HBO Max service will get access to a whole bunch of US TV shows that were previously either restricted to Sky Atlantic or occasionally other services for a limited time, or were simply not available in this country at all.

There’s also a wide range of Warner Bros. movies that’ll flesh out the platform, plus live sports, and a bunch of other content that will be exclusive to HBO Max. So, what’s coming to the UK’s newest major streaming service, and is it really worth signing up for?

New & Old Classic TV Shows That Will Be HBO Max Exclusives

If you want a really short answer to that question, I’ll tell you this: HBO is the undisputed home of some of the best TV shows of all time.

Having HBO Max in your life will mean you get unrestricted access to classics like The Sopranos and The Wire. If you were putting together a Mount Rushmore of TV series, it’s very likely these two crime dramas would be on there. Gritty ‘00s series The Wire keeps things fresh by focusing on different criminal enterprises each season; The Sopranos is a masterclass in character work, with the late James Gandolfini embodying the troubled mafia boss, Tony Soprano, perfectly.

The HBO hit machine has continued to produce impeccable content for the small screen in recent years, too. Obviously, Game of Thrones is ideal for fans of historical fantasy, and with ongoing spin-offs like House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms to explore, you could get lost in this world for months.

For those who love trying to solve crime mysteries, there’s True Detective. The first season of that show, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, is, for me, the greatest single season of television ever made. It’s as stylish as it is shocking, with gruesome murders, epic camerawork, and world-class performances from its leading men.

Another top drawer TV show, Succession, will be on HBO Max, too. While some series can lose steam and fall at the final hurdle, Succession is one that never drops its standards – every single episode is flawless. If it’s family drama, high-stakes, and jaw-dropping plot twists you’re after, get stuck into this.

Or, for something far lighter, you’ll always be able to find some Friends on HBO Max. Unfortunately, I don’t think this streaming service can offer you real-life buddies, but it can keep you entertained with the sitcom that defined a whole generation. With 236 episodes, you’ll be able to comfort-watch to your heart’s content… And then binge it all over again.

The Biggest Shows Coming to HBO Max in 2026

It’s not just the HBO archives that you’ll benefit from. In 2026 alone, there are going to be some huge, ongoing and brand-new TV shows that are sure to become your next obsession.

For a start, I’m sure I’m not alone in being very envious of those in America who have been able to watch The Pitt each week. The hospital drama got audiences hooked from its first few episodes, winning plenty of awards, and now you’ll be able to watch it from the very beginning, plus new episodes airing weekly from March.

There’s also the long-awaited return of Euphoria to look forward to. After two intense seasons of teen drama, sexual antics, and hedonistic behaviour, the whole thing was put on hold for quite some time. In the interim, Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi have absolutely dominated the big screen, but they’re all back for one last chaotic adventure in April.

Beyond that, there’s the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, which will be eagerly awaited by anyone who’s a fan of the Wizarding World. Or, if you prefer superheroes, you will probably have DC’s Lanterns on your watchlist already. Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre playing intergalactic cops Hal Jordan and John Stewart sounds like a winning formula if I’ve ever heard one.

Film & Franchise Highlights From the Warner Bros. Library

It goes without saying that Warner Bros. has produced some all-time movie greats over the years. With HBO Max UK, that whole back catalogue will finally be in one place rather than spread over various platforms. Now, there’ll be such a wide range of options in front of you that the only problem you’ll have is deciding which to watch first. 

You could go for a standard romantic movie like The Notebook, or a more unorthodox love story like Her. For action, Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt’s Edge of Tomorrow is a high-octane thrill ride, or add a sci-fi twist with the classic Ridley Scott movie, Blade Runner. If you’re feeling really brave, you could try some iconic horror, like The Exorcist. (Don’t worry, you can still log it on Letterboxd even if you watch it with your hands over your eyes.)

There will also be epic fantasy franchises to dive into. The obvious pick is Dune, especially with the third movie on the way later this year. The visuals and technical elements of these Denis Villeneuve flicks are quite literally out of this world, while Timothée Chalamet is absolutely captivating as the problematic protagonist, Paul Atreides.

Fantasy aficionados will surely relish watching (and rewatching) The Lord of the Rings trilogy, while for something weirder and wilder, you could rev up Mad Max: Fury Road and the rest of the George Miller saga.

You’ll also find every DC superhero movie, new and old. Going back to Zack Snyder’s era could be fun, but if you’re thinking more about the future, starting with James Gunn’s 2025 Superman would be a logical choice.

Speaking of more recent hits, you’d be crazy not to sink your teeth into Sinners. Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler teamed up once again for this period vampire movie, which is an absolute treat for all the senses. With sublime visuals, an engrossing and visceral story, and soul-shaking music, it’s no wonder this film has gotten so much love from the Academy this year.

Major Sports Tournaments Coming to HBO Max

If all of that wasn’t enough, and you want to take a step back into the real world, HBO Max will also serve up plenty of live sports throughout the year. It’ll cost £30.99 per month to add this package to your plan, which is the same as the current price for a TNT Sports package.

Football fans will get access to Premier League matches, as well as FA Cup action in both the men’s and women’s games, plus fixtures from across Europe, including the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

It may be the most popular sport in the world, but football isn’t for everyone. That’s fine, though, as HBO Max will also offer every single Gallagher PREM Rugby match, live coverage of the Australian Open and the French Open in tennis, and more than 1,000 cycling events, including the Tour de France.

Still not impressed? There will also be snooker and Moto GP. Or, if you want to plan even further ahead, the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles are on HBO Max UK’s schedule, too.

Is an HBO Max Subscription Worth Your Money in 2026?

With all that content included in your HBO Max subscription, and so much more, this is a streaming service you have to consider adding to your roster.

As a bonus, it’s also very affordable. The basic package will cost only £4.99 a month, which includes ads, but you will be able play content on two different devices. In comparison, Netflix’s basic package with ads costs £5.99, so you'd be saving a quid there, even if Netflix may offer more variety in its roughly 8,000 titles from multiple sources beyond HBO and Warner Bros.

Price plans for HBO Max vary from there, with a £5.99 option that offers an extra 30 downloads, a £9.99 package that removes ads, and a premium plan that allows you to expand to four devices, plus the ability to stream in 4K with Dolby Atmos.

You can find out more about the various options available and how to sign up to HBO Max UK here.