Starting in May,HBO Maxwill officially be no more. Dropping the prestigious “HBO” from its title, thenewly-rebranded “Max” servicewill officially be available on May 23. The decision has been fraught with heated discussions, whether they’re surrounding the canceledBatgirlfilm, multiple original programs being written off, or the overall restructuring that seemingly goes against the service’s original intentions. Nonetheless, “Max” will remain a place for high-profile films and prestigious shows for the near future.
But, during this transition, we can expect a lot to leave HBO Max. As in, entire franchises are being vacated from the service by the end of the month. It’s going to be a bloodbath this time around, everyone. Morbid metaphors aside, these are just a handful of the best movies leaving the service after it officially re-brands itself into “Max.”
Free Guy (May 23)
As one of the first films produced after Disney’s acquisition of Fox,Free Guywill leave HBO Max on May 23. Starring the lovable Ryan Reynolds,Free Guyfollows the story of “Guy,” a bank-teller who lives an ordinary life in Free City. However, when he makes a bizarre discovery, he realizes that he’s nothing more than a non-player character in a gigantic multiplayer video game. With his newfound sentience, Guy finds himself embroiled in a race against time as Free City faces certain destruction from outside forces.
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A comedic adventure that embraces its digital origins,Free Guywas praised for tackling science fiction concepts in an approachable and entertaining way, with a terrific supporting cast in the form of Jodie Comer, Joe Keery, Lil Rel Howery, and other big names. After the film’s removal, it’ll remain available on Disney+.
The French Dispatch (May 24)
Wes Anderson’s latest film prior tothe announcement ofAsteroid City,The French Dispatchwill be leaving HBO Max on May 24. With a massive ensemble cast and three different storylines, the film follows the ongoing operations of the French fictional newspaper “Liberty, Evening Kansas Sun,” as it’s tasked with publishing one last issue. Taking the form of an anthology, it has just about every big actor you can think of in a film that plays to Anderson’s strengths.
Visually interesting and dripping with Anderson’s signature filmmaking techniques, it’s a story with a particular focus on French journalism that feels just as fresh as his previous films. It’s essential viewing for any fan of Wes Anderson’s work, and leading up to the release ofAsteroid City, it’ll be interesting to see how it compares in terms of visuals.
F9: The Fast Saga (May 31)
Prior to the release ofFast Xon May 19, there’s no better time to catch up on this popular popcorn franchise withF9. Coincidentally or not, it’ll also leave HBO Max by the end of the month. Originally released in 2021,F9sees the introduction of John Cena in the absence of Dwayne Johnson and the return ofFast and Furiousalumni Justin Lin in the director’s chair.
While it isn’t necessarily as beloved as previous entries in theFast and Furiousfranchise, there’s something to be said about how it continues to up the ante in the wildest ways possible. That, combined with returning fan favorites and a focus on “family,” makesF9an enjoyable watch for the most ridiculous reasons.
The Star Trek Franchise (May 31)
Almost every classicStar Trekfilm is leaving HBO Max on May 31. Yes, from the originalStar Trek: The Motion PicturetoStar Trek: Insurrection, they’ll vacate HBO Max shortly after the service is rebranded, withStar Trek: Nemesisremaining. Thankfully, mostStar Trekfans would rather forget thatStar Trek: Nemesisexists to begin with.
What is there to say about the classicStar Trekfilms? If you’re a newer fan of the franchise, they’re essential viewing if you haven’t already absorbed the hours upon hours of existingStar Trekcontent. While the films may take a more deliberate approach in tackling science fiction concepts, they remain an example ofthe bestStar Trekhas to offer– while also, hilariously enough, representing some of the absolute worst.
The Rambo Trilogy (May 31)
The originalRambotrilogy, astaple of Sylvester Stallone’s portfolio, is leaving HBO Max on May 31. Following the titular John Rambo, a traumatized veteran of the Vietnam War, he’ll find himself struggling with his inner demons and external threats as he’s pulled between conflicts. WhileRambowould devolve into a simple action series shortly after the first film, they’re still entertaining enough as a reflection of the era they were made in, as well as serving as the basis for the newer, modern-dayRambofilms.
Related:Every Movie in the Rambo Franchise, Ranked
Between the third film’s deleted ending controversy and the first film’s commentary on the Vietnam War, the originalRambotrilogy is a fascinating encapsulation of the era’s attitude toward international conflicts. While the modernRambofilms would take the level of violence and gore and crank it to a horrific level, the original trilogy remains an entertaining, if not interesting, series of action flicks.
The Wrestler (May 31)
Professional wrestling has always been an industry riddled with triumph and failure. Darren Aronofsky’sThe Wrestleris a heart-wrenching examination of the latter, featuring Mickey Rourke in what is possibly thegreatest performance of his career. Randy Robinson is a pro wrestler past his prime, but after a particularly grueling performance, he’s faced with a dilemma: does he finally hang up his former glory in favor of his family, or will he find his true happiness in the very same ring that broke him?
Even if you’re not a fan of the industry,The Wrestler’s unflinching realism in depicting the bitter reality a lot of professional wrestlers face is utterly compelling. Praised by wrestlers and casual moviegoers alike,The Wrestleris a stunning examination of how and why these performers put their lives on the line every night.
