July may be a slower month in pure quantity for HBO and Max, but the slate is anything but uninteresting. With a carefully balanced batch of attention-grabbing premieres, genre-mashing indies, and substance-driven documentaries, the month shows that quality can indeed speak louder than quantity, particularly when every release has something on its mind.
Main Event: Sinners
At the top of our list is everybody’s whispering about: Sinners. Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler are back together again for a Southern Gothic horror-thriller that has already got cinephiles buzzing with rewatch theories. Sinners follows in 1930s Mississippi twin brothers Smoke and Stack Moore, played by Jordan, as they go home to open up a juke joint, only to find out the less-than-desirable clientele: vampires. Jack O’Connell takes charge as the brutal ringleader, supported by a heavy cast of Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku. Stylish, unsettling, and unexpectedly emotional, Sinners is a must-see for anyone looking for something new and genre-bending this summer.
The Quirky Pick: Death of a Unicorn
Second is Death of a Unicorn, a dark comedy as quirky as its title hints. This new A24 series on Max features Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father-daughter duo who inadvertently run over a unicorn with the family car. From there ensues a bizarre series of events centered on the vengeful parents of the unicorn and featuring an all-star supporting cast that includes Will Poulter and Téa Leoni. It’s strange, sometimes funny, and decidedly unbalanced—but that unpredictability is precisely what makes the movie so strangely appealing.
The Hidden Gem: On Becoming a Guinea Fowl
Another A24 highlight coming to Max this month is On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, Rungano Nyoni’s dark comedy-drama. This festival hit explores community secrets, individual denial, and family trauma—albeit with a wicked, satirical bite. It may not have the name recognition of other July releases, but it’s arguably the most emotionally resonant of the bunch. If you’re in the mood for something beautiful, haunting, and a bit off-center, make this your pick.
The Underdog: Opus
Though it’s been the most polarizing of A24’s July releases, Opus still warrants a mention. John Malkovich stars in this psychological cult thriller, along with indie stalwarts Ayo Edebiri and Young Mazino. Though some critics have deemed it forgettable, others appreciate its unseemly tone and high-concept story. If you prefer your horror more brainy (and are okay with some missteps), Opus may tickle that demon.
The Must-Watch Doc: Dear Ms.: A Revolution in Print
It’s on the nonfiction side, though, that Dear Ms. shines brightest. This timely film chronicles the advent and impact of Ms. magazine and how it shaped the feminist movement through aggressive reporting and defining cover headlines. It’s a must-see for anyone curious about the intersection of journalism, politics, and women’s rights—and a salient reminder of media’s power in crafting cultural revolutions.
Musical Deep Dive: Billy Joel: And So It Goes
For music lovers, the two-part Billy Joel: And So It Goes documentary offers an intimate look at the Piano Man’s life and legacy. The first episode hits Max on July 18, with the second following a week later. Expect personal stories, behind-the-scenes footage, and plenty of insight into the mind of one of America’s most enduring songwriters.
International Spotlight: Rage (aka Furia)
Max deepens its international game with Rage, a Spanish-language thriller about five women dealing with lies, extortion, and submerged trauma. Their narratives slowly collide, building to an explosive and emotional conclusion. It’s thrilling, intense, and an ideal choice for slow-burn drama fanatics who crave high-stakes emotions.
Library Binge: Get Out, The Big Lebowski, and More
Not all things this month are entirely new. July also features a big helping of comfort-watch staples and cult classics on Max’s shelf. From Jordan Peele’s contemporary horror classic Get Out to the infinitely quotable The Big Lebowski, there are plenty of reasons to return to familiar friends. Cartoon enthusiasts can also expect Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League, and Mortal Kombat aficionados are in for a complete franchise slate.
Max for More People
Streaming is more accessible than ever this month. Through new collaborations, Spectrum TV Select subscribers now have Max With Ads included at no additional cost, and DashPass Annual Plan members receive Max as a benefit. As Charter and DoorDash executives point out, it’s bundling value—because apparently, food delivery and prestige TV are a match now.
So, yes, July 2025 may not overwhelm your watchlist with dozens of shows, but it supplies adequate variety and punch to make it worth your while. Whether you’re in the mood for vampire standoffs, unicorn vengeance, feminist scholarship, or cartoon chaos, HBO and Max keep finding that considered balance between hot premiere appeal and lasting value. Occasionally, a less crowded schedule just leaves you with the good stuff, and this month is evidence of that.