Sequels often struggle to match the intensity of their predecessors, especially when the original had such a gripping hook—a daughter kidnapped, a father's desperate rescue mission. But Taken 2 cleverly flipped the script, turning the tables with a revenge plot. After Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) eliminated the trafficker who took his daughter, the villain's father now seeks vengeance. This September, HBO Max is delivering that sequel in a special extended cut, adding six minutes of footage that deepens the Istanbul-set story.
The extended version, titled Taken 2: Extended Cut, doesn't overhaul the plot but enriches it with key character moments and additional dialogue, giving fans a more fleshed-out experience. Both the theatrical and extended cuts will be available to stream starting September 1, joining the original Taken which is already on the platform in select regions. It's a must-watch for action enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate the genre's finest thrillers.
But Taken 2 is just the tip of the iceberg for HBO Max's September slate. The streaming service is pulling out all the stops, with a lineup that could easily turn a casual viewing into an all-day marathon. Horror fans are in for a treat on September 1, as a treasure trove of classics and modern hits arrive simultaneously: Carrie, Interview with the Vampire, Pearl, MaXXXine, Talk to Me, The Craft, the first two Final Destination films, both Gremlins movies, and the Zombieland duo. That's a horror lineup that spans generations and styles, from supernatural scares to slasher thrills.
If horror isn't your speed, the action offerings are equally impressive. Beyond Taken 2, you can dive into Mission: Impossible, Speed, The Last Samurai, War of the Worlds, and even The Revenant, which earned Leonardo DiCaprio his first Oscar. That's a mix of adrenaline-pumping set pieces and dramatic depth, perfect for a weekend binge. For those who love Tom Cruise's sci-fi epic, this is a prime opportunity to revisit it.
The September 1 drop is just the beginning. Throughout the month, HBO Max is rolling out a steady stream of new content. Reality TV enthusiasts can look forward to 1000-Lb Sisters on September 2, 90 Day: The Last Resort: Between the Sheets Season 3 on September 29, and Unmasking a Monster: Aileen Wuornos Season 1 on September 30. There's also a slate of original programming, including the HBO Original Series Youth, the documentary series A Killer Story, and JAŸ-Z In 8, all debuting as the month kicks off.
With such a diverse array of titles, HBO Max is clearly aiming to satisfy every kind of viewer. Whether you're in the mood for a classic horror marathon, a high-octane action flick, or a gripping documentary, September has something for you. And for Liam Neeson fans, the extended Taken 2 is a must-see, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved action franchise. Don't miss out on this action-packed month of streaming.
