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The month of August is serving up a fresh batch of seriously binge-worthy shows. HBO Max is the go-to streamer when you want TV that feels a little more unique and provocative.
Summer may be melting us all into puddles, but sweating through another heatwave is way more tolerable when you have elite television to look forward to. Here are eight must-watch shows and movies on HBO Max that you'll absolutely love this August.
Scroll to see which HBO Max shows you don't wanna miss this month!
Warner Bros.
Practical Magic — August 1, 2026
Get your midnight margaritas ready, because it is officially time to stir up some nostalgia! Starring icons Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the spell-casting Owens sisters, this 1998 cult-classic fantasy is the ultimate comfort watch for battling the dog days of summer. Between the cozy witchy aesthetics, chaotic resurrection spells, and an unbreakable sisterly bond, it’s pure magic from start to finish. Plus, with the internet buzzing over the official trailer and the long-awaited arrival of Practical Magic 2 hitting theaters this September, there has never been a better time to revisit this gem.
IMDB
Sicario — August 1, 2026
If you need an adrenaline shot to kick off the month, this crime thriller starring Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, and Benicio del Torois is back on the platform. It follows an idealistic FBI agent sucked into a brutal, morally murky government operation targeting a Mexican cartel. It’s tense, terrifying, and looks stunning — consider your weekend movie night officially booked.
HBO Max
The Strangers: Chapter 2 — August 7, 2026
Get ready to sleep with the lights on, because the terror continues. Directed by master of horror Renny Harlin and starring Madelaine Petsch, Gabriel Basso, and Ema Horvath, this chilling sequel dives right back into the relentless nightmare of masked intruders. Following the intense events of the first film, this installment, backed by producers Mark Canton and Courtney Solomon, delivers pure, heart-pounding suspense that horror fans are obsessing over.
Theo Whiteman/HBO
House of the Dragon Season 3 Finale — August 9, 2026
Drop everything, because the Dance of the Dragons is reaching its explosive seasonal climax! Fans have been buzzing nonstop over the sheer chaos of the Blacks and Greens, and showrunner Ryan Condal's epic fantasy world, anchored by incredible performances from Emma D'Arcy and Matt Smith, is guaranteed to leave us screaming at our screens. Grab your popcorn and prepare for the ultimate Westeros heartbreak.
HBO Max
Normal — August 14, 2026
Directed by genre-master Ben Wheatley and penned by John Wick creator Derek Kolstad alongside Bob Odenkirk, this neo-Western action thriller stars Odenkirk as an unassuming substitute sheriff hiding a troubled past. Featuring an amazing cast including Henry Winkler, Lena Headey, and Ryan Allen, Normal follows a quiet Midwestern town that turns upside down after a botched bank robbery exposes its dark secrets. It’s gritty, fast-paced, and guaranteed to have your group chat buzzing all month long!
John Johnson/HBO Max
Lanterns — August 16, 2026
The most anticipated sci-fi drop of the year was co-created by heavy hitters Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy, and Tom King. This DC Studios series trades out typical cosmic flash for a gritty, True Detective-style earthbound mystery. Starring Kyle Chandler as legendary Lantern Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as rookie John Stewart, this detective thriller is about to be your next favorite binge.
A24
Mother Mary — August 21, 2026
A24 is officially bringing the pop star drama, and we are seated! Directed by David Lowery, this ambitious psychological musical stars Anne Hathaway as an iconic pop diva navigating a complicated reunion with her estranged best friend and former costume designer, played by Michaela Coel. As long-buried wounds rise to the surface on the eve of a massive comeback performance, this hypnotic flick, boasting original tracks by pop royalty like Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, and FKA Twigs, is guaranteed to grab your attention from the very first needle drop.
HBO Max
Conan O'Brien Must Go, Season 3 — August 21, 2026
In his Oscars-hosting downtime, Conan O'Brien explores local cultures and reconnects face-to-face with fans he previously met on his podcast in the funniest travel series of the summer. Kicking off its four-episode rollout with weekly drops starting August 21, this season is guaranteed to deliver endless laughs and chaotic, feel-good moments you won't want to miss.
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