Summer ends with lots of sci-fi action leaving HBO Max.
August 31
The first two parts of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, which show a more grounded take on the hero, leave HBO Max this month. Both seem downright subdued compared to today’s superhero movies, making their success all the more special.
August 31
Blade preceded even the idea of a Marvel Cinematic Universe, but showed there was promise in turning underappreciated heroes into action stars. Before the Daywalker is rebooted with Mahershala Ali, check out the blood-soaked original trilogy.
August 31
Deep Blue Sea is essentially a slasher movie starring a shark, with a sci-fi premise that makes it even more ridiculous. Scientists create super-intelligent sharks, then lock themselves in an underwater facility with them, which just seems like a gift to the sharks.
August 31
Kong: Skull Island is a perfect mix of intense action and B-movie schlock. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it a more satisfying action movie than it would be if it did.
August 31
You know Mad Max. And if you don’t, it’s time to change that. The Road Warrior is where the series started moving from low-key dystopian action to thrilling post-apocalyptic epic.
August 31
Kong: Skull Island proves King Kong’s still got it after all these years. Son of Kong shows they can’t all be winners (and that greatness doesn’t run in the family). This one’s best for Kong completists, or anyone who gets a kick out of old stop-motion.
August 31
If you want to watch (or rewatch) Paul Verhoeven’s anti-fascist sci-fi satire Starship Troopers, now’s the time. It’s an all-time great leaving both Netflix and HBO Max this month.
August 31
The Underworld movies are fun, frivolous action flicks with oodles of lore. Despite being trashed critically, they’ve got tons of devoted fans, and to see what all the fuss is about you can catch the original Underworld, plus Awakening and Rise of the Lycans.