Let’s be real: HBO Max is serving up an incredible lineup this November, and if you love movies or TV, you’re in for a treat. From prestige dramas to quirky indies, nostalgic franchises, and binge-worthy originals, there’s really something for everyone. Here’s a countdown of the 10 best titles you won’t want to miss this month-because suspense makes everything better.
10. Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, Season Two
Think the wizarding world is all wands and dark magic? Think again. The Weasley twins are back, hosting another season of magical baking chaos, replete with spellbound treats and flour-fueled drama. It’s charming and lighthearted and a perfect palate cleanser for those looking to take a break from the heavier storylines.
9. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Before diving into the latest installment of the Apes saga, revisit this sci-fi classic. Matt Reeves’ sequel blends thrilling dystopian storytelling with extraordinary motion capture performances from Andy Serkis and Toby Kebbell, making the apes heartbreakingly real. If you want sci-fi layered with existential stakes, this film delivers.
8. Hellboy (2004)
Guillermo del Toro’s original Hellboy remains a benchmark for supernatural adventure. Ron Perlman, beneath the elaborate makeup, brings a sardonic vulnerability shining through in his portrayal-a mix of action, humor, and heart that is timeless in its blend of blockbuster spectacle and character-driven storytelling.
7. Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
This is a vintage treasure-a Universal Monsters classic that marries gothic elegance with campy thrills. The queer subtext, inventive set design, and dark humor have influenced everything from Rocky Horror to modern horror-comedies. It’s a must-see for any horror fan who appreciates the classics with style.
6. I Love LA (HBO Original Comedy Series)
Rachel Sennott fronts this chaotic, hilarious comedy as Maia, a young talent manager whose life is turned upside down when her influencer ex-bestie reappears. The ensemble cast of Josh Hutcherson, Odessa A’zion, Leighton Meester, Elijah Wood, and more elevate the series’ messy, relatable energy into the perfect binge-worthy pick.
5. Materialists (A24)
Following Past Lives, Celine Song’s Materialists explores a romantic triangle with Dakota Johnson as a New York matchmaker caught between Pedro Pascal’s wealthy client and Chris Evans’ struggling actor. Messy, charming, and quintessentially A24, it’s a wonkily offbeat romance with some seriously resonating emotional depth.
4. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
The modern Apes saga continues on HBO Max with its latest chapter, ripe for fans of binge-worthy dystopian adventures. With its stunning CGI and allegorical storytelling, it’s a must-see before the trilogy finale.
3. One to One: John & Yoko (HBO Original Documentary)
Beatles fans, rejoice. A rare, intimate portrait of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s first year in New York, this documentary features footage from Lennon’s only full solo concert at Madison Square Garden. Remastered archives and personal footage make it essential viewing for music history buffs.
2. Eddington (A24)
Ari Aster returns with a tense COVID-era thriller set in a small New Mexico town. Joaquin Phoenix stars as a hardline sheriff clashing with Pedro Pascal’s mayor, with Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and Michael Ward in supporting roles. Aggressive, politically charged, and emotionally unsettling, the kind of drama that lingers long after the credits roll.
1. The Seduction (HBO Original Drama Series)
First on the list is this French period drama, a reinterpretation of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Marquise de Merteuil sets out for revenge and becomes the most influential courtesan in Paris amidst a world that’s totally against her. Starring Diane Kruger and Lucas Bravo, and with episodes being rolled out every week, it’s one prestige drama you’ll want to savor slowly.
From magical baking through gothic monsters, to political thrillers and quirky comedies, November on HBO Max will have something for every mood. Settle in with snacks and enjoy the month of streaming that is as diverse, daring, and binge-worthy as ever.