It's almost the start of a new month, which means streaming services have released their lineups for the weeks ahead. It's officially spooky season, so apps are getting ready to celebrate their Halloween offerings, which is always fun. That's certainly the case for HBO's streaming service Max, which will be adding scary favorites like A Nightmare on Elm Street and others to their library. But even though it might be the spookiest month of the year, romance fans can still look forward to lovey-dovey movies in October — even on Max.
From comedy to horror and more, here are five romantic movies coming to Max in October 2024.
Four Christmases
We're still months away from Christmas, but considering it's about to be the final quarter of the year, why not get into the festivities a bit early? If you're a big rom-com fan, look no further than Four Christmases on Max. The 2008 favorite stars Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn as a couple who, as the title suggests, must juggle four different family parties on Christmas.
Though the majority of the movie is a dramedy, the relationship between Brad and Kate is always at the forefront as we watch them struggle with their family and with commitment. We see their romance become a bit strained through all the stress, which forces them to decide what their future together looks like.
Four Christmases will be available to stream on Max on Oct. 1.
Interview with the Vampire
If you're not ready to start thinking about the winter holidays yet and want to focus on Halloween first, I'm with you! The 1994 film adaptation of Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire will be added to Max's library this October, making for a cozy watch as temperatures start to go down. If you watched AMC's Interview with the Vampire series, which wrapped up its sophomore season earlier this year, the romance between vampires Louis and Lestat is probably still top of mind. It's still on my mind, at least. And while the movie only suggests a romance between the two, the gothic romance feel is still very present.
Interview with the Vampire takes place in 1790s Louisiana, following an unhappy man named Louis, played by Brad Pitt, who agrees to become a vampire at the hands of Lestat (Tom Cruise). The story is told through flashbacks as Louis gives an interview to a journalist about his life story centuries later. The movie was nominated for two Academy Awards.
Interview with the Vampire will be available to stream on Max on Oct. 1.
Kiss of the Spider Woman
Adapted from the 1976 book of the same name written by Manuel Puig, Kiss of the Spider Woman is an Academy Award-nominated romance thriller following two men in prison. Though they are vastly different people from different backgrounds, they ultimately form a bond when Molina, played by William Hurt, begins recalling the plot of one of his favorite movies. Valentin, played by Raul Julia, is hesitant to entertain such stories, but he eventually comes around.
The bond formed between Molina and Valentin turns into a romance, though external forces make it difficult for them to be together. The story was also adapted for a Broadway musical, which is also being turned into a film starring Jennifer Lopez.
Kiss of the Spider Woman will be available to stream on Max on Oct. 1.
Corpse Bride
One of the best movies to watch during the Halloween season that incorporates both dark fantasy and romance is Corpse Bride, the 2005 Tim Burton stop-motion movie that's still a favorite of mine. Taking place during the Victorian era, the movie follows a young man named Victor Van Dort, voiced by Johnny Depp, who is getting ready for an arranged marriage that will help his family's social status.
Victor is nervous about this big life event, but he's comforted once he meets his future wife, Victoria, voiced by Emily Watson, and the two fall in love. However, it's not happily ever after just yet. While practicing his vows out in the woods, Victor accidentally summons a corpse named Emily, voiced by Helena Bonham Carter, who claims Victor as her own. The movie is wonderfully sweet and great for this time of year. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Corpse Bride will be available to stream on Max on Oct. 1.
Water for Elephants
Based on the 2006 book of the same name written by Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants premiered in 2011. The movie follows a former veterinarian named Jacob, who tells his story to a circus owner he meets through flashbacks. The majority of the movie takes place in the 1930s, in which Jacob is played by Robert Pattinson and cares for the animals of a circus. He meets the wife of the ringmaster, Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), who is a circus performer, and the two embark on a forbidden romance. The events of Jacob's story all lead to an infamous circus disaster.
This year, a musical adaptation of the book and movie opened on Broadway.
Water for Elephants will be available to stream on Max on Oct. 1.