HBO Maxhas now launched, bringing yet another streaming service into the fold to compete against Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney+ and whatever else you maybe using to consume content these days (but definitely not Quibi). And with the launch of HBO Max comes the question, what is HBO Max? Given the name you may be confused as to how it differs from HBO Now or HBO Go, but if you’ve had a chance to look at the library of movies and TV shows included, you know it’s actually a pretty robust competitor to the top tier streaming services.
So if you’re new to HBO Max or still have no clue what it is, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the streaming service from what’s on it to how much it costs to whether it’s even worth getting. Let’s dig in.
Is It Just HBO?
HBO Max vs. HBO Now vs. HBO Go
What is the difference between HBO Max, HBO Now and HBO Go? Well the latter two predate the existence of HBO Max and serve different purposes.
HBO Gois a streaming service that is offered by HBO and is included free with your HBO subscription. Basically, you use HBO Go to watch HBO on a tablet or computer when you don’t want to (or can’t) turn on your TV, but it’s only available if you already have HBO through cable.
HBO Maxis a new standalone streaming platform. Think of it as Netflix but it comes fully locked and loaded with every HBO TV show ever made and a bevy of Warner Bros. movies.
How Much Does It Cost?
HBO Max is available for$14.99 per month. If you’re a new HBO customer, you can receive a free seven-day trial before you get billed $14.99.
What’s On It?
A lot. The entire library of HBO shows past and present—fromThe SopranostoGame of ThronestoBarry—is on HBO Max. There are also over 1,000 movies available to stream, which include new release Warner Bros. films likeAquamanandA Star Is BornandGood Boysand library titles. Oh, and it’s the only place you can stream all theHarry Pottermovies. And in terms of acquisitions, HBO Max is the exclusive streaming home of the entire Studio Ghibli library and has a classic films selection courtesy of Turner Classic Movies that puts Netflix to shame. There’s also a ton of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim shows (includingRick and Morty), anime from Crunchyroll, Looney Tunes cartoons past and present in addition to classics like The Flintstones and The Jetsons, and of course DC movies likeWonder Woman,Joker,andBatman Returns.
HBO Max also has original content. The streaming service launched with the half-hourAnna Kendrick-fronted romantic comedy seriesLove Life, but other original shows confirmed for HBO Max includeJ.J. Abrams’Justice League DarkandMichael Mann’sTokyo Vice.HBO Max will also exclusively release Zack Snyder’s cut ofJustice Leaguein 2021, and will release theSeth Rogencomedy filmAn American Pickle.
Is It Good?
The biggest asset HBO Max has isits library of content. All the HBO shows at your fingertips is great—there’s a reason the pay cable network has won copious Emmys. And the library of films is also, quite honestly, a pretty great rival to Netflix, which has been culling its herd of older films lately in favor of so-so Netflix originals. The selection of classic films on HBO Max is ahugedraw, as is its robust lineup of kids and adult animation programming. Even the first HBO Max original,Love Life, is pretty good. So in terms of things you’re able to actually watch, HBO Max is solid.
As for the UI, the ability to scroll through titles A-Z is a benefit and makes thumbing through the content easier, but there are still a few kinks to be worked out. HBO Max has the goods, but finding them can be a bit of a treasure hunt at times.
All in all, HBO Max is kind of like a “prestige” version of Netflix or Amazon. It still has commercial hits likeCrazy Rich AsiansandJoker, but if you’re looking for a streaming service that has a vast library of iconic classicsandsome of the best original TV shows of the past 20 years, it’s a very solid add to your subscription pile.
