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When is The Matrix Resurrections streaming on HBO Max?

The fourth Matrix film hits theaters on Wednesday, Dec. 22.

Eli Blumenthal Senior Editor
Eli Blumenthal is a senior editor at CNET with a particular focus on covering the latest in the ever-changing worlds of telecom, streaming and sports. He previously worked as a technology reporter at USA Today.
Expertise 5G, mobile networks, wireless carriers, phones, tablets, streaming devices, streaming platforms, mobile and console gaming,
Eli Blumenthal
3 min read
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Keanu Reeves as Neo/Thomas Anderson and Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity in "The Matrix Resurrections." 

Murray Close/Warner Bros. Pictures

AT&T's decision last year to move its 2021 Warner Bros. theatrical slate to a simultaneous release on HBO Max at no additional charge sent shockwaves through Hollywood. It also provided a welcome benefit to subscribers looking for new things to watch while stuck at home. As 2021 nears its end, just one major movie remains on the company's 2021 calendar: The Matrix Resurrections. 

The latest in The Matrix franchise arrives on Wednesday, Dec. 22 is directed by Lana Wachowski and will see the return of Keanu Reeves as Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity. You can check out a trailer below. 

As with other 2021 Warner Bros. theatrical releases, it won't cost any extra for HBO Max subscribers to stream the new movie at home, but there are a few catches. All of these first-run films are on a 31-day clock until they leave HBO Max, so you will need to make sure to watch during that window. 

This film is also only available to subscribers of the $15-a-month, ad-free HBO Max. If you have the service's cheaper $10-per-month ad-supported option, it won't be available. 

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The 2021 Warner Bros. slate is coming to HBO Max. 

WarnerMedia

What else should you know? Here are a few additional answers to a few other questions.

Which big movies are coming out when?

After a busy year, the Warner Bros. slate is down to just one big new movie for HBO Max in 2021. Here is when it will arrive in theaters and on the streaming service. 

  • Dec. 22: The Matrix Resurrections (Matrix 4)

Will this film be released in Imax in theaters? 

WarnerMedia, the group within AT&T that oversees both Warner Bros. and HBO Max, confirmed that it plans to release a number of the above films in Imax in areas where theaters are open. This includes The Matrix Resurrections.

Read moreOur thoughts on the first 10 minutes of the new Dune movie

If I watch on HBO Max, will the films be available in 4K HDR? 

The first major film in this endeavor, Wonder Woman 1984, was also HBO Max's first title to stream in 4K HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Whereas rival streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus regularly release new originals in the higher-resolution formats, HBO Max has been a bit slower building out its 4K offerings. 

WarnerMedia confirmed that the entire theatrical slate that is coming to HBO Max will stream in 4K on the streaming service, though Dolby Atmos support for higher quality sound may vary depending on how each film was produced.

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HBO Max will stream its theatrical releases in 4K. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

How long will these films be on HBO Max? 

The initial window for these films to stream on HBO Max is 31 days, though the exact times may vary. Wonder Woman 1984, for instance, arrived at 9 a.m. PT on Dec. 25 last year. 

We don't yet know when exactly the clock will start with all of these upcoming films, as it is possible some titles will arrive earlier to coincide with midnight screenings being held in theaters. The Suicide Squad officially appeared starting at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET) on Aug. 5 and left the service on Sept. 5 at 11:59 p.m. PT (2:59 a.m. ET, Sept. 6). 

After that 31-day period is up, the films will continue their theatrical runs and follow the traditional post-theater process of heading to on-demand, DVD, Blu-ray and digital platforms.

Is there any extra cost to stream these movies on HBO Max? 

Unlike Disney Plus and its Premier access, HBO Max does not charge for first-run viewing of its newest movies. All of the above films will be available to stream as part of the regular HBO Max subscription that runs $15 a month. 

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