Time is running out for fans of the MonsterVerse's most critically acclaimed entry. Kong: Skull Island, the 2017 sci-fi thriller that reimagined the giant ape for a new generation, will be leaving HBO Max on May 20, 2026. If you haven't yet experienced this visually breathtaking adventure, now's the time to stream it before it disappears from the platform.
Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Kong: Skull Island stands apart from the rest of Legendary's shared universe. While the franchise began with Gareth Edwards' grounded 2014 Godzilla and later evolved into the colorful, alien-filled Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (which broke box-office records with over $570 million globally), this 2017 installment took a different approach. It's a period piece set in the 1970s, following a ragtag group of explorers, soldiers, and scientists who venture to a mysterious island—only to discover Kong, ancient tribes, and a host of terrifying creatures.
The film wears its influences on its sleeve, borrowing heavily from Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now in both visual style and thematic depth. That bold creative choice paid off: Kong: Skull Island holds a franchise-best 75% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its "exhilarating eye candy, solid acting, and a fast-paced story." It remains the highest-rated MonsterVerse movie to date.
Interestingly, Vogt-Roberts hasn't directed a feature film since this $185 million tentpole. He was plucked from relative obscurity to helm the project, much like Edwards was for the original Godzilla. The film's success didn't lead to a direct sequel, but it did spawn the Apple TV+ series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which brought back John Goodman's character and recently returned for a second season.
The MonsterVerse has since expanded with Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla vs. Kong, and the aforementioned Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. A new installment, Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, is slated for a 2027 release, directed by Grant Sputore. But for many fans, Kong: Skull Island remains the franchise's creative high point—a stunning sci-fi thriller that proved the MonsterVerse could be both smart and spectacular.
If you're looking for more streaming recommendations, check out Michael B. Jordan's 'Creed' Franchise Scores Free Streaming Knockout on Tubi in May 2026 or dive into Netflix's 28 Years Later Duo for a different kind of monster mayhem. And for those who love a good reunion, the 'Grease 2' cast just reunited 44 years later.
Don't wait—Kong: Skull Island leaves HBO Max on May 20. Stream it while you can.
