Last call

8 incredible sci-fi movies leaving HBO Max in August 2021

“I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe.”

by Robin Bea

HBO Max gained a lot of great sci-fi this month, but it’s losing a handful of classic sci-fi movies in exchange. You have until August 31 to catch these must-see movies.

Here are 8 incredible sci-fi movies leaving HBO Max in August 2021.

8. Frequency

A man finds a ham radio that connects him to his own deceased father, 30 years in the past. Without digging too deep into the hows and whys of its sci-fi premise, this is a solid, heartfelt thriller nonetheless.

7. The Omega Man

Based on Richard Matheson’s novel I Am Legend, which also became a Will Smith vehicle, this is a way goofier adaptation, despite maintaining its focus on a pandemic’s lone survivor.

6. Logan’s Run

Released in 1976, Logan’s Run looks and feels like a product of its time. Its meandering plot about escaping a totalitarian death cult doesn’t really hold up, but there’s plenty of charm in its outdated sci-fi aesthetic.

Archive Photos/Moviepix/Getty Images
5. Blade

Blade is next coming to the MCU, but the 1998 Blade arrived back when superhero movies didn’t need to be part of a massive hegemonic franchise to work (it helps that it’s fun as hell).

4. Innerspace

In this campy comedy riff on Fantastic Voyage, a miniaturization experiment goes wrong and its naval pilot test subject ends up injected into a random grocery store clerk. It’s bizarre, funny, and surprisingly action-packed.

3. Prometheus

This Alien prequel is about as dour and disturbing as the original film. If that doesn’t turn you off, you’ll find great performances and images that stick with you, despite the story’s lack of resolution.

2. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Bogus Journey

It can be hard to mix a heady concept like time travel with comedy. Both Bill & Ted movies succeed by making the sci-fi elements silly and focusing on the wild charisma of Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves.

1. Blade Runner: The Final Cut

Director Ridley Scott’s definitive version of his sci-fi classic, through both its neo-noir style and existential themes, is one of the most influential sci-fi films ever made.