The 9 Best HBO Max Shows & Movies To Watch This November

The Gilded Age (Season 4) — November 1

Corsets on, ladies: The Gilded Age is back! Bertha Russell finally rewrote the rules of New York Society, but her win came at a price. Now the Russells have to live with the fallout, and Agnes van Rhijn is watching for her chance to take back her place at the top. Meanwhile, Marian is striking out on a path of her own, and Peggy is working hard to win over her future in-laws. If there’s one lesson this season, it’s that in this shiny new era you should be careful what you wish for. Cue the drama (and the hats).

Elf — November 1

In this 2003 holiday classic, Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves at the North Pole. When he finds out he isn’t actually an elf (the height gave it away), he heads to New York City to find his real dad, a grumpy, workaholic publisher played by the late James Caan. There’s a revolving-door obsession, maple syrup on spaghetti, a department store Santa showdown, and Zooey Deschanel singing in the shower. Somewhere along the way, Buddy reminds a very cynical city what Christmas spirit is all about. Grab the cocoa and your coziest PJs. It’s officially Elf season.

Tony — November 20

Calling all Anthony Bourdain fans: Tony hits HBO Max on November 20, and it’s serving up the origin story we didn’t know we needed. Set long before Kitchen Confidential and the globe-trotting TV fame, the film follows a 19-year-old Bourdain who heads to Provincetown and lands in the beautiful chaos of a restaurant kitchen. That one summer goes on to shape the rest of his life. Dominic Sessa (The Holdovers) plays young Tony, alongside Emilia Jones, Dagmara Dominczyk, Rich Sommers, Stavros Halkias, Leo Woodall, and none other than Antonio Banderas. Matt Johnson, the director behind BlackBerry, is at the helm, so expect it to be messy, funny, and full of heart. Consider this your reservation.

The Roses — November 20

Marriage goals? Not quite. In The Roses, Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch play Ivy and Theo Rose, a picture-perfect couple with great careers, lovely kids, and a seemingly enviable life. But when Theo’s architecture career crashes just as Ivy’s restaurant takes off, the cracks start to show, and the claws come out. This wickedly funny take on the 1989 classic The War of the Roses comes from director Jay Roach and writer Tony McNamara (The Favourite, Poor Things). The scene-stealing supporting cast includes Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, and Ncuti Gatwa. Watching two of Britain’s finest actors trade razor-sharp insults is every bit as delicious as it sounds. Just maybe don’t pick it for date night.

The Magic Faraway Tree — November 27

Get ready to climb! In The Magic Faraway Tree, a modern family learns to reconnect after being forced to move to the remote British countryside, where they discover a magical tree that carries them to spectacular, fantastical lands. Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy star as parents Tim and Polly, their second time playing an on-screen couple after 2017’s polio drama, Breathe. The cast is stacked with fan favorites. Nonso Anozie plays Moonface, Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan is Silky the fairy, and Baby Reindeer star Jessica Gunning is Dame Washalot, with Rebecca Ferguson and Jennifer Saunders also along for the ride. The script comes from Simon Farnaby (Wonka, Paddington 2), so expect plenty of whimsy and warmth. It’s the cozy family outing your holiday weekend needs.

Documentary Debuts

HBO’s November documentary lineup is a must-watch. Four new documentaries are on the way, and you’ll want tissues for every one.

When A Witness Recants (November 17)
In 1983, a 14-year-old boy was killed in the hallway of a Baltimore junior high school. Three local teens were quickly convicted and sentenced to life in prison, but they were innocent. Directed by Dawn Porter and executive produced by Ta-Nehisi Coates, this film looks at the decades of damage the case did to the wrongfully accused, to their close-knit community, and to the witnesses who later came forward to say they had been pressured into lying as teenagers.

The Hotline (November 18)
This documentary goes inside Never Use Alone, an overdose prevention helpline. Volunteer operators, many of whom have used opioids themselves, stay on the line with callers and are ready to send EMS if someone stops responding. Directed by Ricki Stern and Jesse Sweet, it’s a moving, judgment-free look at America’s opioid crisis and the people working to keep others alive.

The Buffalo Miracle (November 24)
When a historic blizzard hit Buffalo, New York, one McDonald’s refused to close, and a group of total strangers found shelter, friendship, and a real Christmas miracle inside. Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot directs, and Bills quarterback Josh Allen is one of the executive producers. This is the feel-good story your holiday season needs.

The Slightest Touch (November 25)
Emma Fogarty was born with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare condition that makes her skin blister and tear at the slightest touch. As she turns 40, an age doctors never expected her to reach, she sets out to complete the Dublin Marathon with her longtime friend Colin Farrell. Directed by Rachel Fleit, it’s a heartfelt celebration of friendship, courage, and community.