As the new month begins, HBO Max has added a whole slate of movies and TV shows to binge on. From comedies, reality TV, action classics, to romances, horror flicks, and coming-of-age dramas, the streamer is bringing in some great titles that make for the perfect weekend binge.
We have selected titles from across genres for this list. As the Michael fever continues, we have included another biopic of an incredible singer, though it delves deeper into his psyche than most biopics do. We have also included a popular romance from this year, which became the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons.
While we’ve narrowed it down to five essentials, the full roster of films arriving in May 2026 ensures there is something new to watch every single night of the month. Here are the 5 movies to watch this weekend on HBO Max.
1. Wuthering Heights
Based on the classic novel by Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights was one of the most anticipated movies of the year due to the novel’s popularity, the lead cast’s chemistry and pairing, and music by Charli XCX. Director Emerald Fennell, fresh off the disturbing romantic drama Saltburn, helmed this adaptation of one of literature’s greatest romances.
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star in Wuthering Heights, with their incredible chemistry steaming up the screen. Catch the film if you are in the mood for a passionate romance. The film was a huge box office hit, earning $241 million (via The Numbers).
Movie NameWuthering HeightsDirectorEmerald FennellCastMargot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, and Alison OliverBox Office (as of May 1, 2026)$241 millionRotten Tomatoes (as of May 1, 2026)Tomatometer – 58%; Popcornmeter – 76%
2. Walk the Line
A still from Walk the Line | Credits: 20th Century Fox
James Mangold is the king of musical biopics. He shone with 2024’s A Complete Unknown, a biopic of Bob Dylan, but he first made Walk the Line, starring Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash. The film follows the Hurt singer’s ascension to legendary status, his relationship with June Carter Cash, and the substance abuse issues he went through.
Unlike traditional musical biopics, Walk the Line does not hesitate to cross the line and explore the deep psyche of the man behind some of the greatest blues and country songs. Phoenix received his first Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards for the movie.
Movie NameWalk the LineDirectorJames MangoldCastJoaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Robert PatrickBox Office (as of May 1, 2026)$186 millionRotten Tomatoes (as of May 1, 2026)Tomatometer – 83%; Popcornmeter – 90%
3. Love, Simon
A still from Love, Simon | Credits: 20th Century Fox
The 2010s were filled with amazing coming-of-age stories that explored themes of identity, growing up, and sexuality, among others. Love, Simon treated the issues faced by a gay teenager in high school with great sensitivity and humor.
Starring Nick Robinson, Love, Simon follows Simon trying to balance his family, friends, and his anonymous crush, and a blackmailer trying to out him. Watch the movie for some heartwarming performances, a sensitive tale of love and growing up, and some incredible music.
Movie NameLove, SimonDirectorGreg BerlantiCastNick Robinson, Josh Duhamel, Katherine Langford, and Jennifer GarnerBox Office (as of May 1, 2026)$66.7 millionRotten Tomatoes (as of May 1, 2026)Tomatometer – 92%; Popcornmeter – 87%
4. The Florida Project
A still from The Florida Project | Credits: A24
There is a high chance you would have caught a hundred edits of The Florida Project’s aesthetics on Instagram. Sean Baker’s breakout indie drama came much before Anora and proved how wonderful the filmmaker is with slice-of-life subjects.
It stars Willem Dafoe and Bria Vinaite in lead roles, but the breakout star is Brooklynn Kimberley Prince, who plays Moonee, a six-year-old girl. Dafoe’s performance was also a highlight, with the actor receiving a Best Supporting Actor nomination. Catch the film on HBO Max for a heartwarming tale of survival and childlike wonder.
Movie NameThe Florida ProjectDirectorSean BakerCastWillem Dafoe, Brooklynn Kimberley Prince, Bria VinaiteBox Office (as of May 1, 2026)$11.3 millionRotten Tomatoes (as of May 1, 2026)Tomatometer – 96%; Popcornmeter – 81%
5. Insidious: The Last Key
A still from Insidious: The Last Key | Credits: Sony Pictures Releasing
The Insidious franchise became a runaway hit with the first film and popularized the concept of astral projection. While James Wan handled the first two films, the rest of the franchise has shifted to multiple directors, with Adam Robitel taking over the director’s position in The Last Key.
The fourth film in the franchise may not be its strongest, but it certainly has its moments. Lin Shaye, Angus Sampson, and Leigh Whannell return as the ghost-hunting crew, and they tackle a new case.
It might be a tad bit derivative of Wan’s The Conjuring franchise, with the ghosthunters becoming the protagonists instead of the Lambert family, but the astral world still holds many secrets that need to be explored.
Movie NameInsidious: The Last KeyDirectorAdam RobitelCastLin Shaye, Angus Sampson, Leigh Whannell, Spencer LockeBox Office (as of May 1, 2026)$167 millionRotten Tomatoes (as of May 1, 2026)Tomatometer – 34%; Popcornmeter – 49%
As with every week, there are eclectic choices to binge on this coming weekend on HBO Max. Walk the Line is a personal favorite as Joaquin Phoenix gives a performance of a lifetime as Johnny Cash (I still think he deserved the Oscar for this or The Master). Tune into HBO Max this weekend.
MoviesDirectorKey CastWuthering Heights (2026)Emerald FennellMargot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Hong ChauWalk the LineJames MangoldJoaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer GoodwinLove, SimonGreg BerlantiNick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, Josh DuhamelThe Florida ProjectSean BakerWillem Dafoe, Brooklynn Prince, Bria VinaiteInsidious: The Last KeyAdam RobitelLin Shaye, Angus Sampson, Leigh Whannell
Refer below for any questions you may have about what to watch on HBO Max.
How many movies are coming to HBO Max in May 2026?
HBO Max has its May 2026 slate full of multiple movies and TV shows releasing every week.
Are there any action films streaming on HBO Max this weekend?
Bruce Willis’ A Good Day to Die Hard is coming out on HBO Max this weekend, as well as Bruce Lee’s classic, Enter the Dragon.
Is Insidious: The Last Key the final film in the franchise?
No, the franchise has another sequel, Insidious: The Red Door, which will be dropping on HBO Max on May 4.
Did Joaquin Phoenix win the Oscar for Walk the Line?
No, Joaquin Phoenix was nominated for Walk the Line, Gladiator, The Master, and Joker. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Joker.
Which one are you going to watch on HBO Max this weekend? Comment below.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
