HBO Max boasts a big catalog to choose from, but is this streaming service worth a subscription?
HBO Max is relatively new to the streaming service game, first coming to the scene in 2020. Prior to HBO Max, there was just HBO; this was a paid television network that launched way back in 1972. Since then, they've grown into a huge company, holding countless shows and movies.
If you are unsure whether you want to commit to an HBO Max subscription, we've got you covered. Here, we are going to discuss if HBO Max is worth it or not. Additionally, we will break down the cost of subscribing. First, let's look at some HBO Max reviews.
HBO Max is home to a wide variety of shows and movies. Rather than focusing on one specific franchise, the platform caters to several interests. For example, you can find all of Game of Thrones on HBO Max, as well as shows like Doctor Who and The Vampire Diaries.
As of recent, you can now also find The Last of Us on HBO Max. This is a series adaptation of the popular game with the same name, following the story of Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey).
Speaking of The Last of Us, this show has garnered praise from across the internet, with Features Editor Tess Kaur applauding the decision to adapt the show, rather than fully recreate it.
We should trust them to make those changes; they’ve done a great job so far. The timeline has been adjusted to excellent effect, they’ve played with the world-building, and they’ve fleshed out characters and tweaked plot points.
In addition to phenomenal shows, HBO Max is home to equally as great movies, such as The Menu. Here at TheGamer, Editor-in-Chief Stacey Henley had the opportunity to speak with stars from the film, as well as Director Mark Mylod.
While HBO Max may have some stand-out performances, there is also some content that doesn't hold up. The recent adult animation Velma outraged pretty much everyone, earning a 1.4/10 on IMDb. Starring Mindy Kaling, this show misses the mark of trying to be relevant and funny. Lead Features Editor Jade King stated that "we could have had something quite mature and groundbreaking here, but instead Kaling feels far more interested in plastering her own dated ideals and conservative jokes onto a premise that should have been about personal growth and supernatural mysteries".
Despite shows like Velma on HBO Max, the streaming service has tons of powerful and classic content for you to enjoy, as well as new shows that are frequently added and updated.
Similar to other streaming platforms, HBO Max can be watched for an infinite amount of time. Chances are, you won't be able to quickly make it through the platform's library.
As long as there are shows to watch on HBO Max, you can spend time watching.
There are currently two HBO Max plans, with yearlong versions of both. You can find these subscription options below.
Subscription
Monthly Price (USD)
Yearly Price (USD)
HBO Max with Ads
$9.99
$99.99
HBO Max without Ads
$15.99
$149.99
I actually hop onto HBO Max more often than I go on Netflix. From Game of Thrones to The Last of Us, there are always series I'm interested in watching on there. And their selection of movies is top-notch. HBO Max is totally worth it. More worth it than Netflix.
It took me a little bit to get on the HBO Max train, but now that I’m here, I’m loving it! Drama is definitely where the platform shines – from all-time classics like Game of Thrones and The Sopranos, to instant hits like The Last of Us and Barry, if you’re looking for an episodic series with soaring peaks and agonizing valleys, look no further. And not only will it scratch your drama itches, but another highlight is its selection of animated shows.
Cartoon Cartoon Fridays hits from 90s Cartoon Network? Got it. Studio Ghibli, made easily accessible to a Western audience? Check. Cartoon juggernauts in every niche, spanning from Looney Toons through Adult Swim? Also yes. With a smooth UI and a catalog worth bragging about, HBO Max is very easily the streaming service I use the most.
I truly don't know how I went so long without HBO Max. Aside from popular choices like The Last of Us and Game of Thrones, there is tons of stuff that makes a subscription worth it. Want to watch all of Doctor Who before the new season releases? HBO Max is the best place to get this binge done. For fans of the DCEU, you can also find content like Peacemaker and the new Suicide Squad movie.
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Amanda Hurych loves to read, write, and play video games…and that’s about all there is to her.
Jacqueline Zalace is a writer for TheGamer, based in Austin, Texas. When she’s not writing or playing video games, you can catch her doing yoga, reading, and painting.
After writing for more than two decades and playing RPGs and simulation games since the N64’s heyday, Gabrielle loves having married two of her passions here at TheGamer. Outside of work, she’s also a big fan of baking, bass guitar, anime, and jokes so unfunny that they’re sort of hilarious.
