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The 7 best new sci-fi movies on HBO Max in August 2021

“Hold on to your butts!”

by Robin Bea

Superheroes new, old, and obscure take center stage on HBO Max this month. If giant monsters are more your thing, August’s new sci-fi has you covered.

Here are the 7 best sci-fi movies and shows coming to HBO Max in August 2021.

7. The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl (2005)

August 1

Robert Rodriguez’s uncharacteristically kid-friendly Sharkboy and Lavagirl might not be the best superhero movie on HBO Max, but its playful tone and candy-colored visuals make it worth checking out.

6. Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993)

August 3

Superman is going through something of an identity crisis in the grim and gritty DCEU. If you’re looking for a brighter take on the Man of Steel (and a lot more romance), check out this beloved ‘90s TV series.

5. Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo (2006)

August 1

Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo isn’t the best outing ever for the JV superhero team, but as the canceled animated show’s de facto series finale, it’s practically required viewing for fans.

4. Inception (2010)

August 1

Inception returned to HBO Max at the beginning of August — unless we just dreamed it. This surreal heist movie comes and goes often, so catch it while you still can.

3. Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

August 17

Godzilla vs. Kong premiered on HBO Max at the end of March but stomped away after just a month. The king-sized kaiju battle returns to streaming this month.

2. Jurassic Park (1993)

August 14

Calling this classic blockbuster/dino DNA educational film a must-watch is an understatement. Its first two sequels are also returning to HBO Max. Just go in expecting diminishing returns.

1. The Suicide Squad (2021)

August 5

Let’s be honest: The first attempt at translating DC’s supervillain teamup to film was a total misfire. With James Gunn at the helm, take two looks a lot more promising.