Wondering why you can't watch certain films on HBO Max? Here's what Sky and Now Entertainment customers should know

Having arrived in the country on March 26, HBO Max already is home to unmissable shows such as The Pitt and Succession and films from series including Dune, Harry Potter and more.

Certain Sky and Now Entertainment customers will already be switched over the HBO Max, but if you still have questions about your new subscriptions, here’s what you need to know.

Why can’t I watch some films on HBO Max?

If you were already a customer of Now Entertainment or you have a Sky Ultimate package, you will automatically receive access to HBO Max. The same goes for any customers who subscribed to Now TV through either BT or EE.

However, you will only be entitled to the streaming platform’s Basic with Ads plan.

This package, unlike others on offer, is the only one which restricts the films which users can watch - specifically films which were first available to stream on HBO Max following their release in the cinema.

You should be able to access all other aspects of a typical entertainment package outside of those films, however. That includes The Pitt, Game of Thrones and more.

READ MORE: What's the price of HBO Max? Everything you need to know as new streaming service launches in the UK

How can I change my HBO Max package through Sky or Now TV?

If you are unhappy with the limited access to HBO Max and would like to either upgrade your package or cancel it entirely, there are a few steps you must follow.

To upgrade or change a HBO Max subscription through Sky

The first thing to do if you’re a Sky customer is to visit Sky Subscription Management either on your device or online. Here you will find all the details you need about whether or not you’re eligible for HBO Max.

It is available across to those who have Sky Ultimate TV on Sky Glass or Sky Stream, Sky Signature or Sky Entertainment on Sky Q, but not Essential plan or Sky+ customers.

If you’re eligible, but are unhappy with the limits of the Basic with Ads plan, you can visit Sky’s website or the My Sky app to be able to upgrade your package.

Visit this link to find out more about your options.

To upgrade or change a HBO Max subscription through Now TV

It’s slightly different for those who have a Now Entertainment package. If you have only a Now Entertainment package, some content will be locked to you as you will now need an Entertainment & HBO Max Membership to watch.

However, this package will also grant you access to many of the films now streaming on HBO Max through the basic plan - though there are obviously some exclusions.

To make any changes - whether that’s cancelling your membership or upgrading it - the best thing to do is head over to Now’s website to find out more.

The same thing applies if you’ve signed up for Now TV through either BT or EE. The only way any changes or upgrades can be made when a plan has been purchased elsewhere is through your provider.

Which plans can I upgrade to?

There are several HBO Max plans above Basic with Ads which you can choose to upgrade to.

Here we list each package and what’s included, with their standalone prices, though this may vary depending on your provider.

• Basic with Ads, £4.99 per month — Access all HBO Max shows and films, excluding those available to first watch on the platform following their theatrical release. Stream on 2 devices at once and in full HD. With ads.
• Standard with Ads, £5.99 per month — Access all HBO Max shows and films. Stream on 2 devices at once, and in full HD, with 30 downloads available. With ads.
• Standard, £9.99 per month — Access all HBO Max shows and films. Stream on 2 devices at once, and in full HD, with 30 downloads and no ads.
• Premium, £14.99 per month — Access all HBO Max shows and films. Stream on 4 devices at once, and in 4K UHD & Dolby Atmos (as available), with 100 downloads and no ads.

There are then further subscription options available including TNT Sports, which you can find out more about here.