It's been three decades since a relatively modest $80 million gamble turned into one of Hollywood's most enduring franchises. That film, Mission: Impossible, not only made Tom Cruise a household name but also grossed a staggering $457 million worldwide. Now, the movie that started it all is heading to HBO Max, and it's arriving with a whole lot of company.
On September 1, 2026, HBO Max will add the original Mission: Impossible to its library, giving subscribers a chance to revisit the film that introduced Ethan Hunt. For those who need a refresher: Hunt is an IMF agent framed for the murder of his team during a botched Prague mission. Rather than go down without a fight, he assembles his own crew and sets out to expose the real traitor. It's a premise that spawned seven sequels (with the latest hitting theaters in 2025) and turned Cruise into the king of practical stunts.
The September 1 drop isn't just about Ethan Hunt, though. HBO Max is loading up the first day of the month with a diverse mix of titles, including the Final Destination films, the Gremlins movies, MaXXXine, and both Zombieland flicks. It's a horror-heavy lineup that should keep genre fans busy all month long.
But the streaming service isn't stopping there. Throughout September, HBO Max will roll out new seasons of reality favorites like 1000-lb Sisters (Season 9) on September 2, followed by Beat Bobby Flay (Season 43) and Botched Homes (Season 1) on September 3. It's a steady drip of content that ensures there's always something new to watch.
Beyond the catalog additions, HBO Max is also making a big push with original programming. The splashiest arrival is Backrooms, an A24 horror title that's been generating buzz. But there's also Fuze, a heist thriller starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and a pair of HBO Original documentaries: Siren: The Voices of Shelley Beattie and Miller Night Football. On the scripted side, the new HBO Original series Youth follows a 50-year-old divorcee reentering the dating scene, while nonfiction fans can check out A Killer Story and JAŸ-Z In 8.
It's clear that HBO Max is treating September as a multi-genre showcase rather than relying on a single flagship release. Whether you're in the mood for a classic spy thriller, a horror marathon, or a deep-dive documentary, there's something for everyone. And for those who've been meaning to revisit the film that made Cruise a superstar, Mission: Impossible is the perfect starting point.
If you're a fan of high-stakes espionage, you might also enjoy our list of crime thrillers with flawless direction. And for more action-packed recommendations, check out the greatest action heroines ever. If you're in the mood for something a little more offbeat, our roundup of forgotten thrillers that still deliver chills is worth a look.
So mark your calendars for September 1. Ethan Hunt is coming to HBO Max, and he's bringing a whole lot of company.
