A New ‘Alien’ Film and All the Other Movies Coming to HBO Max This Week

The streaming platform Max is set to expand its library significantly during the week of Monday, March 30, through Sunday, April 5. Subscribers can look forward to a massive influx of content on Wednesday, April 1, which features a diverse collection of classic Westerns, animated features, and iconic sci-fi horror. The week concludes with the highly anticipated streaming debut of a recent theatrical blockbuster and a popular modern comedy. This update provides a comprehensive look at every film arriving on the service throughout the week.

‘Alien’ (1979)

A crew aboard the commercial starship Nostromo encounters a deadly extraterrestrial life form after investigating a distress signal in ‘Alien’. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film stars Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley, who must fight for survival against the predatory creature. This influential sci-fi horror entry arrives on the platform on Wednesday, April 1. It is celebrated for its tense atmosphere and groundbreaking creature design by artist H.R. Giger.

‘Riding Shotgun’ (1955)

Directed by André De Toth, ‘Riding Shotgun’ follows a stagecoach guard who is falsely accused of collaborating with a gang of outlaws. Randolph Scott stars as the protagonist who must clear his name while pursuing the real bandits responsible for a deadly ambush. The film features a narrative focused on suspense and frontier justice in the Old West. Viewers can watch this classic Western starting Wednesday, April 1.

‘Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd’ (1952)

In the comedy adventure ‘Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd’, the famous duo finds a treasure map that leads them into a confrontation with a legendary pirate. Charles Laughton reprises his role as Captain Kidd, adding a touch of prestige to the slapstick antics of the lead performers. The film is part of the extensive library update scheduled for Wednesday, April 1. It serves as a lighthearted blend of maritime action and classic vaudevillian humor.

‘Rocky Mountain’ (1950)

Errol Flynn stars as a Confederate officer leading a mission into the titular mountains during the American Civil War in ‘Rocky Mountain’. The plot centers on a group of soldiers who become trapped while attempting to recruit outlaws for the Southern cause. It is recognized for its scenic cinematography and Flynn’s stoic performance in a more somber role. This Western drama joins the streaming catalog on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Wichita’ (1955)

Joel McCrea portrays the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp as he attempts to bring order to a lawless Kansas cattle town in ‘Wichita’. The film explores the conflict between civil authority and the rowdy demands of the frontier economy. Directed by Jacques Tourneur, it is praised for its historical focus and clean visual style. The movie is set for release on the streaming service on Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Hole in the Ground’ (2019)

A young mother becomes increasingly paranoid that her son has been replaced by something sinister in the supernatural horror film ‘The Hole in the Ground’. After the boy disappears in the woods behind their home, his behavior changes in disturbing and inexplicable ways. This Irish production explores themes of maternal anxiety and ancient folklore. The title will be available for streaming starting Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001)

The O’Connell family returns to face the resurrected Imhotep and the formidable Scorpion King in the action-packed sequel ‘The Mummy Returns’. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz reprise their roles as they travel across Egypt to save their son from a supernatural threat. The film is notable for its high-energy set pieces and the cinematic debut of Dwayne Johnson. Fans can enjoy this adventure when it premieres on Wednesday, April 1.

‘San Antonio’ (1945)

Errol Flynn plays a determined rancher who returns to Texas to find evidence against a powerful cattle rustling syndicate in ‘San Antonio’. The film is a Technicolor Western that features elaborate saloon brawls and several romantic subplots. Alexis Smith co-stars as a singer who becomes caught in the middle of the territorial conflict. This classic Warner Bros. production arrives on Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Bounty Hunter’ (1954)

Randolph Scott stars as a former lawman who takes on a dangerous private job to track down three train robbers in ‘The Bounty Hunter’. He infiltrates a small town under an assumed identity to uncover the fugitives hiding among the local citizens. The movie is known for its lean storytelling and Scott’s authoritative screen presence. It will be added to the library on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Rancho Notorious’ (1952)

Fritz Lang directed ‘Rancho Notorious’, a unique Western about a man seeking revenge for his fiancée’s murder at a mysterious outlaw hideout. Marlene Dietrich stars as the formidable mistress of a ranch where bandits find sanctuary from the law. The film utilizes a ballad-style narrative and vibrant visuals to tell its story of vengeance. It makes its debut on the platform on Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Man Behind the Gun’ (1953)

Set in Southern California, the plot of ‘The Man Behind the Gun’ involves a government agent working undercover to stop a secessionist plot. Randolph Scott leads the cast in this Western that focuses on political intrigue and territorial disputes. The film highlights the complexities of law enforcement during the mid-19th century expansion. Viewers can stream this feature beginning Wednesday, April 1.

‘Wagons West’ (1952)

A wagon train heading to California is threatened by a hidden cache of illegal rifles intended for hostile forces in ‘Wagons West’. Rod Cameron stars as the guide who must identify the traitors within his own group before disaster strikes. The film provides a traditional look at the perils and internal conflicts of Western expansion. This title joins the streaming lineup on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Fort Worth’ (1951)

A former gunfighter turned newspaper editor attempts to use the power of the press to fight a ruthless land baron in ‘Fort Worth’. Randolph Scott portrays the protagonist who finds that words are sometimes less effective than bullets in a lawless town. The story emphasizes the transition from frontier violence to the establishment of civilization. The movie premieres on the service on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match’ (2023)

The animated feature ‘Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match’ follows action star Johnny Cage as he searches for a missing co-star in 1980s Los Angeles. Along the way, he uncovers a sinister cult and a supernatural threat that endangers the entire city. The film leans into neon-soaked aesthetics and the humorous persona of its lead character. It becomes available for streaming on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Twister’ (1996)

Storm chasers pursue massive tornadoes across Oklahoma to deploy a revolutionary weather-tracking device in ‘Twister’. Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton star as a separated couple brought back together by their shared passion for extreme meteorology. The film was a pioneer in visual effects and remains a staple of the disaster genre. This blockbuster will be available starting Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Oklahoman’ (1957)

Joel McCrea plays a doctor who settles in a small town only to be caught in a dispute over land and cattle in ‘The Oklahoman’. He must defend a local Native American woman from the machinations of a greedy rancher who wants her property. The film is a character-driven Western that focuses on ethics and social justice rather than just action. It is scheduled for release on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Man from the Black Hills’ (1952)

The story of ‘Man from the Black Hills’ involves a man searching for his estranged father, only to find himself embroiled in a gold-mining scheme. Johnny Mack Brown stars in this Western filled with mistaken identities and local conflicts. The film captures the fast-paced action and stunt work typical of early 1950s B-Westerns. This feature arrives on the platform on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Tall in the Saddle’ (1944)

John Wayne stars as a mysterious ranch hand who discovers a web of murder and greed in a small town in ‘Tall in the Saddle’. He must navigate the advances of two very different women while uncovering the truth behind a local killing. The film is noted for its sharp dialogue and the chemistry between Wayne and co-star Ella Raines. It will be accessible to viewers on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Gunsmoke in Tucson’ (1958)

Two brothers find themselves on opposite sides of the law during a violent land war in Arizona in ‘Gunsmoke in Tucson’. The film explores themes of family loyalty and the difficult moral choices faced by those living on the frontier. Mark Stevens leads the cast in this late-1950s Western drama. The movie premieres on the streaming service on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Thunder Over the Plains’ (1953)

Randolph Scott portrays a cavalry officer tasked with maintaining peace in post-Civil War Texas in ‘Thunder Over the Plains’. He struggles to protect local farmers from corrupt carpetbaggers while strictly following his military orders. The film highlights the social and political tensions of the Reconstruction era through a Western lens. This title is set for release on Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Flame and the Arrow’ (1950)

Burt Lancaster stars as a rebel archer in 12th-century Italy fighting against a tyrannical Hessian warlord in ‘The Flame and the Arrow’. The film is famous for Lancaster’s impressive athletic stunts and his charismatic, swashbuckling performance. It blends historical adventure with elements of folk heroism to create a high-stakes narrative. Fans of action can watch it starting Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Family’ (2013)

A notorious mafia clan is relocated to Normandy, France, under the witness protection program in ‘The Family’. Despite the efforts of their CIA handler, the family members struggle to abandon their old violent habits in their new environment. Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer star in this dark comedy directed by Luc Besson. The film joins the Wednesday, April 1 library update.

‘Santa Fe Trail’ (1940)

This historical drama ‘Santa Fe Trail’ follows the early military careers of J.E.B. Stuart and George Custer. The plot centers on their pursuit of the radical abolitionist John Brown in the years leading up to the American Civil War. Errol Flynn and Ronald Reagan star in this large-scale production from Warner Bros. The movie will be available for streaming on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Roughshod’ (1949)

In ‘Roughshod’, a group of four ranch hands escorting a herd of horses must protect two women from a band of outlaws. The film is a gritty Western that emphasizes character development and suspenseful pacing over traditional action beats. It features early career performances from stars like Robert Sterling and Gloria Grahame. This feature arrives on the service on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’ (2018)

In the final chapter of the trilogy, ‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’, Thomas leads his group of escaped Gladers on their most dangerous mission yet. They must break into the legendary Last City to find a cure for a deadly disease that has ravaged humanity. The film concludes the dystopian saga with high-stakes action and emotional resolutions. Viewers can stream the conclusion beginning Wednesday, April 1.

‘AVP: Alien vs. Predator’ (2004)

Two of cinema’s most iconic monsters clash in an ancient pyramid buried deep beneath the Antarctic ice in ‘Alien vs. Predator’. A team of scientists finds themselves caught in the middle of a ritualistic hunt between the two species. The film serves as a crossover event that expands the lore of both legendary sci-fi franchises. This action movie premieres on Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Left Handed Gun’ (1958)

Paul Newman stars as Billy the Kid in ‘The Left Handed Gun’, a psychological Western directed by Arthur Penn. The film offers a stylized and emotional look at the outlaw’s life and his complicated relationship with Pat Garrett. It is often cited as an important precursor to the more revisionist Westerns of the 1960s. The title will be added to the catalog on Wednesday, April 1.

‘The St. Louis Kid’ (1934)

James Cagney plays a hot-headed truck driver who gets caught up in a labor dispute in ‘The St. Louis Kid’. The story follows his involvement with dairy farmers and a transport company during a time of intense social friction. The film features Cagney’s signature energetic acting style and sharp, fast-paced dialogue. This classic drama arrives on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Inu-Oh’ (2022)

The animated musical ‘Inu-Oh’ tells the story of a unique friendship between a dancer born with physical deformities and a blind musician. Set in 14th-century Japan, they use their artistic talents to achieve stardom and challenge societal norms. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, the film is known for its vibrant animation and rock-influenced soundtrack. It premieres on the platform on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Shoot-Out at Medicine Bend’ (1957)

Randolph Scott plays a veteran of the Indian Wars who seeks justice for his brother’s death in ‘Shoot-Out at Medicine Bend’. He goes undercover as a Quaker to expose the corrupt businessmen responsible for providing faulty ammunition to soldiers. The film is a classic example of the “lone hero” Western archetype prevalent in the era. Viewers can watch it starting Wednesday, April 1.

‘Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in Hollywood’ (1945)

The legendary comedy team plays agents trying to break into the movie business in ‘Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in Hollywood’. They encounter various real-life stars and navigate the chaotic world of a major film studio through a series of mishaps. The movie features their classic wordplay and several elaborate slapstick sequences. This humorous entry joins the lineup on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind’ (2023)

Kenshi, a young warrior, must overcome his blindness and seek training from a retired Kuai Liang in ‘Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind’. The film focuses on themes of discipline and redemption as the protagonists attempt to stop Kano’s marauding army. It features intense martial arts action and a darker tone than previous animated installments. The movie will be available for streaming on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Rachel and the Stranger’ (1948)

Loretta Young stars as a bondwoman purchased by a widower to help raise his son on the frontier in ‘Rachel and the Stranger’. Their relationship is tested when a charismatic hunter, played by Robert Mitchum, arrives and takes an interest in her. The film is a blend of Western drama and romantic tension that explores domestic life in the wilderness. It makes its debut on the platform on Wednesday, April 1.

‘A Big Hand for the Little Lady’ (1966)

During a high-stakes poker game in the Old West, a woman must take over her husband’s hand in ‘A Big Hand for the Little Lady’. The film features an ensemble cast including Henry Fonda and Joanne Woodward in a story of deception and gambling. It is unique for its focus on tension and wit rather than traditional frontier violence. This Western will be available on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms’ (2021)

The heroes of Earthrealm must travel to Outworld to compete in a final tournament in ‘Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms’. This sequel raises the stakes with more characters and cosmic-level threats that endanger all existence. The animation style maintains the franchise’s signature brutal combat and fast-paced storytelling. Fans can stream this installment starting Wednesday, April 1.

‘Aliens’ (1986)

Ellen Ripley returns to the planet LV-426 alongside a team of Colonial Marines to investigate a lost colony in ‘Aliens’. This James Cameron-directed sequel shifts the franchise toward military action while maintaining intense horror elements. It is widely considered one of the greatest sequels in cinematic history for its character development and pacing. The film arrives on the service on Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Man with a Cloak’ (1952)

Set in 19th-century New York, ‘The Man with a Cloak’ follows a young woman who seeks help from a mysterious, poetic stranger. Joseph Cotten and Barbara Stanwyck lead the cast in a story involving a wealthy man’s inheritance and dark secrets. The film features a famous twist ending regarding the identity of the title character. This atmospheric thriller premieres on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.’ (1951)

Gregory Peck stars as the legendary naval officer during the Napoleonic Wars in the seafaring adventure ‘Captain Horatio Hornblower’. The plot follows his missions in the Pacific and his budding romance with a noblewoman played by Virginia Mayo. The film is celebrated for its naval combat sequences and detailed period production. It will be added to the streaming library on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Alien³’ (1992)

After a crash landing on a prison planet, Ellen Ripley must lead the inmates against a single, deadly Xenomorph in ‘Alien³’. This installment, directed by David Fincher, explores a grittier and more somber tone than its predecessors. It serves as a direct continuation of the events following the escape from the previous film. Viewers can watch this chapter on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Cabin in the Sky’ (1943)

The musical fantasy ‘Cabin in the Sky’ features an all-Black cast and centers on a gambler’s struggle between the forces of good and evil. Lena Horne and Ethel Waters star in this adaptation of the successful Broadway play about redemption. It is notable for being the directorial debut of Vincente Minnelli and for its influential musical numbers. The film joins the platform’s collection on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Carson City’ (1952)

Randolph Scott plays a railroad engineer tasked with building a track through treacherous territory in ‘Carson City’. He faces opposition from local townspeople and bandits who believe the railroad will disrupt their way of life. The film is recognized for its impressive stunt work and high-quality location photography. This Western arrives on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Practical Magic’ (1998)

Two sisters belonging to a long line of witches struggle with a family curse in the supernatural drama ‘Practical Magic’. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman star as siblings who must use their powers to overcome a dark threat and find love. The film has gained a significant cult following for its themes of sisterhood and its atmospheric setting. It premieres for streaming on Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Man’ (1972)

James Earl Jones stars as the first Black President of the United States in the political drama ‘The Man’. The film explores the upheaval that follows his unexpected ascension to power after a tragic accident clears the line of succession. It addresses themes of racial prejudice and political maneuvering within the American government. This drama will be available on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Dallas’ (1950)

Gary Cooper portrays a former Confederate soldier who travels to Texas to exact revenge on three brothers in ‘Dallas’. He must operate outside the law to achieve his goals while navigating a corrupt local environment. The film features high-stakes action and a classic vengeance-driven plot set against the backdrop of the rebuilding city. It is scheduled for release on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Out of the Past’ (1948)

A former private investigator is pulled back into the world of crime when a figure from his past resurfaces in ‘Out of the Past’. Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer star in this definitive film noir filled with betrayal and dark secrets. The movie is famous for its complex narrative and moody, shadows-heavy cinematography. Viewers can enjoy this classic starting Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Naked Spur’ (1953)

James Stewart plays a bounty hunter who reluctantly teams up with two strangers to transport a dangerous outlaw in ‘The Naked Spur’. The journey becomes a psychological battle as the captive tries to turn his captors against each other to facilitate his escape. Directed by Anthony Mann, the film is praised for its intense character studies and scenic locations. This Western premieres on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge’ (2020)

The story of ‘Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge’ explores the origin of Hanzo Hasashi as he seeks vengeance for his clan. He enters a deadly tournament to face off against those responsible for his family’s murder. The film features high-quality animation and stays true to the video game’s violent roots and lore. It will be available for streaming on Wednesday, April 1.

‘They Died with Their Boots On’ (1942)

Errol Flynn stars as George Armstrong Custer in the fictionalized historical account ‘They Died with Their Boots On’. The film traces his life from his days at West Point to his final stand at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Olivia de Havilland co-stars in this grand, epic production that was a major success for Warner Bros. This Western joins the library on Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Mummy’ (1999)

An adventurer and an Egyptologist accidentally awaken a cursed high priest during an archaeological dig in ‘The Mummy’. Brendan Fraser stars in this reboot that combines horror, comedy, and high-adventure elements in a search for the city of the dead. The film was a major box office success and launched a popular cinematic franchise. Fans can watch it beginning Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

A recent college graduate lands a job as an assistant to a powerful fashion magazine editor in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep star in this critically acclaimed comedy-drama about the cutthroat world of high fashion. The film is celebrated for its sharp dialogue, costume design, and Streep’s iconic performance. It arrives on the platform on Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’ (2008)

The O’Connell family travels to China to stop a resurrected shape-shifting emperor in ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’. Jet Li joins the cast as the formidable antagonist who leads a terracotta army against the protagonists. The film explores different mythology while maintaining the adventurous spirit established in the previous installments. This title will be available on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Westward the Women’ (1951)

A veteran guide leads a group of dozens of women across the grueling California Trail in ‘Westward the Women’. The film focuses on the hardships and resilience of these pioneers as they travel west to find husbands and start new lives. It is noted for its realistic portrayal of the physical and emotional toll of the American frontier. Viewers can stream it starting Wednesday, April 1.

‘Springfield Rifle’ (1952)

Gary Cooper stars as a Union officer who goes undercover to investigate military betrayals in ‘Springfield Rifle’. The plot revolves around the implementation of a new rifle that could potentially change the course of the Civil War. It is a suspenseful Western that emphasizes espionage and military strategy over simple gunfights. The movie premieres on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Alien Resurrection’ (1997)

Set two hundred years after the previous film, scientists clone Ellen Ripley to extract an alien queen embryo in ‘Alien: Resurrection’. The resulting hybrid Ripley must join forces with a group of space mercenaries to stop the creatures from reaching Earth. This installment features a unique visual style from French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet. It will be added on Wednesday, April 1.

‘On Moonlight Bay’ (1952)

This musical comedy-drama ‘On Moonlight Bay’ follows a young woman’s romantic complications in a small Indiana town during World War I. Doris Day and Gordon MacRae star in this nostalgic look at American family dynamics and community life. The film is based on stories by Booth Tarkington and features several popular songs from the era. It arrives on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Blood on the Moon’ (1948)

Robert Mitchum plays a drifter caught in a conflict between cattlemen and homesteaders in ‘Blood on the Moon’. He must decide where his loyalties lie when he discovers his friend is orchestrating a scam to steal livestock. The film is praised for its dark atmosphere and tense psychological undertones typical of a Western noir. This feature joins the catalog on Wednesday, April 1.

‘The Boy and the Beast’ (2015)

A lonely boy in Tokyo stumbles into a hidden world of supernatural creatures in the animated film ‘The Boy and the Beast’. He becomes the apprentice of a bear-like warrior, and the two embark on a journey of mutual growth and discipline. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, it is known for its emotional depth and vibrant action sequences. It premieres on Wednesday, April 1.

‘Tall Man Riding’ (1955)

Randolph Scott stars as a man returning to his hometown to reclaim land that was stolen from him in ‘Tall Man Riding’. His quest for justice leads to a violent confrontation with a powerful rancher and his hired gunmen. The film is a solid entry in Scott’s career, focusing on themes of perseverance and legal rights. Viewers can stream this movie starting Wednesday, April 1.

‘Fort Dobbs’ (1958)

A fugitive accused of murder finds himself protecting a woman and her son from a Comanche attack in ‘Fort Dobbs’. Clint Walker stars in this Western that emphasizes survival and the complexity of personal honor under pressure. The film is recognized for its tight pacing and suspenseful climax in the desert. It will be available for streaming beginning Wednesday, April 1.

‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024)

A group of young space colonists scavenging a derelict station comes face to face with a terrifying life form in ‘Alien: Romulus’. This recent addition to the franchise returns to the survival horror roots that defined the original 1979 film. It serves as a standalone story set between the events of the first two movies in the series. The title makes its debut on the service on Friday, April 3.

‘Game Night’ (2018)

A group of friends finds themselves in a real-life mystery when one of them is kidnapped during ‘Game Night’. Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams star in this acclaimed action-comedy that subverts expectations with its plot twists. The film is known for its clever script, ensemble chemistry, and high-energy direction. It arrives on the platform on Saturday, April 4.

Tell us which of these upcoming movie premieres you are most excited to stream in the comments.