At the start of April 2026, HBO Max added a bunch of new movies to its already impressive library (68 for those wondering), meaning viewers have plenty of fresh releases to enjoy all month long.
That’s a pretty overwhelming number of films to get through, especially when you factor in that other major streaming platforms have also dropped plenty of new titles too. So if you don’t fancy digging through everything new on HBO Max in April, I’ve got you covered. I’ve gone through the latest additions and selected five films that have scored 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes, which is generally a strong sign they’re worth your time.
HBO Max has delivered a particularly impressive batch of additions this month. There are plenty of acclaimed titles worth watching, so narrowing the list down was tough, but here are five I’d recommend right now.
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5 top-rated movies to stream on HBO Max this month
‘Alien’ (1979)
It’s a great month for HBO Max, especially with all nine “Alien” movies now added to the platform. At the top of the list has to be the original that started it all, and one of the first films that got me into horror. “Alien” follows a straightforward premise: A crew aboard a spaceship is slowly picked off one by one by an unknown threat. Much of the franchise continues to build on this simple setup, and for good reason, because it’s the perfect formula for sustained tension and fear.
“Alien” follows the crew of the commercial spacecraft Nostromo as they return to Earth when their computer intercepts a mysterious signal. Forced to investigate, they land on the planet and discover the wreckage of an alien craft. During the mission, one crew member is attacked by a lifeform and is brought back aboard against protocol. Once back on the ship, the situation escalates as a deadly creature emerges and begins hunting the crew, leaving Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) to fight for survival.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%
Stream “Alien” on HBO Max now
‘The Boy and the Beast’ (2016)
There’s something unexpectedly funny and moving about “The Boy and the Beast,” a Mamoru Hosoda film known for his celebrated Japanese animation work. The martial arts scenes are energetic and visually captivating, supported by beautifully detailed animation. It may not break new ground or offer anything overly intricate, but it still lands well as a heartfelt and entertaining family film.
“The Boy and the Beast” centers around a young runaway named Kyuta (Shôta Sometani) who accidentally slips into a hidden world of beasts after getting lost in Tokyo. There, he’s taken in by Kumatetsu (Kôji Yakusho), a rough and stubborn warrior beast searching for a disciple so he can prove himself as a leader. Despite constant clashes, the two begin training together, with Kyuta learning combat, discipline, and life in the beast realm of Jutengai.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%
Stream “The Boy and the Beast” on HBO Max now
‘The Naked Spur’ (1953)
“The Naked Spur,” directed by Anthony Mann, is widely regarded as one of the strongest collaborations between Mann and James Stewart, and one of the standout Westerns of the 1950s. Rather than focusing on a traditional heroic frontier story, it builds tension through a small group of characters pushed into constant conflict in the wilderness. It actually received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay at the 26th Academy Awards.
In 1868 Colorado, bounty hunter Howard Kemp (Stewart) tracks outlaw Ben Vandergroat (Robert Ryan), who has a price on his head for murder. Kemp is joined by a prospector, Jesse Tate (Millard Mitchell), and a dismissed cavalryman, Roy Anderson (Ralph Meeker), as they capture Vandergroat in the mountains along with his companion, Lina Patch (Ralph Meeker). While escorting him back for the reward, the group begins a dangerous journey through rugged terrain.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%
Stream “The Naked Spur” on HBO Max now
‘The Flame and the Arrow’ (1950)
If you want a tightly-paced classic, “The Flame and the Arrow” is one to watch this week. Directed by Jacques Tourneur, a filmmaker also known for stylish genre work like “Cat People,” this film features a Technicolor swashbuckler style with heavy emphasis on stunt work and physical action sequences. It even earned Academy Award nominations for cinematography (color) and musical score.
“The Flame and the Arrow” is set in medieval Lombardy and follows archer Dardo Bartoli (Burt Lancaster), a former rebel who is drawn back into conflict after a powerful German ruler, known as “The Hawk,” targets his family. Dardo assembles a band of loyal followers, using guerrilla tactics, disguises, and daring raids to challenge the occupying forces and protect his son. Along the way, he also forms alliances within the enemy’s circle, including the Hawk’s niece, Lady Anne (Virginia Mayo).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%
Stream “The Flame and the Arrow” on HBO Max now
‘Marty Supreme’ (2025)
One of the strongest movies to arrive at the end of 2025 was “Marty Supreme.” Even though it received multiple major nominations at the Oscars this year, it was ultimately shut out completely and left the ceremony without a single win. This was actually one of the biggest surprises of the night, especially given how strong its awards-season momentum was going in. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth watching, as it thrives on Timothée Chalamet’s performance alone.
Set in 1950s New York, “Marty Supreme” follows Marty Mauser (Chalamet), a driven table tennis player determined to reach the top of the sport. Working multiple hustles and moving through underground matches and organized tournaments, he travels between the U.S., Europe, and Asia chasing opportunities to compete on the world stage. Along the way, Marty pushes through increasingly chaotic situations while attempting to secure entry into a major international championship that could define his career.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%
Stream “Marty Supreme” on HBO Max starting April 24
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