August on HBO Max delivers a stacked month headlined by a major DC series debut, Conan’s return, an A24 drop, and one of the best horror film dumps of the year. Here are the 10 titles worth clearing your schedule for. What’s New on HBO Max in August 2026!
1. Lanterns, Season 1 (August 16)
The most anticipated DC Studios series of the year finally arrives. The Green Lantern story gets a prestige TV treatment, and early buzz suggests it delivers. Clear your weekend.
2. Sicario (August 1)
Denis Villeneuve’s brutal cartel thriller holds up as one of the best crime films of the last decade. Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, and a career-defining Benicio del Toro performance.
3. Conan O’Brien Must Go, Season 3 (August 21)
Conan traveling the world to meet fans he’s offended online remains one of the funniest concepts on television. Season 3 arrives mid-month.
4. Abbott Elementary, Season 5 (August 22)
The best workplace comedy on TV returns for its fifth season. If you’re not watching Abbott Elementary, start from the beginning and catch up.
5. The Cabin in the Woods (August 30)
One of the smartest horror films ever made, arriving just in time for the unofficial start of spooky season. Goes places you won’t see coming.
6. Barbarian (August 1)
One of the most genuinely surprising horror films in years. Go in knowing as little as possible — the less you know, the better it hits.
7. Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks (August 4)
The HBO Original NFL training camp series is always essential viewing for football fans. Seattle is an interesting subject heading into a pivotal season.
8. Mother Mary (August 21)
David Lowery’s psychological drama starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel is the A24 drop of the month.
9. Stand by Me (August 1)
Rob Reiner’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novella is one of the great coming-of-age films. If it’s been a while, August is a perfect time to revisit it.
10. Practical Magic (August 1)
A genuine cult classic that deserves more credit than it gets. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman at their most charming.
Source: HBO Max
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