HBO and Showtime may be the biggest names in premium cable, but there’s a third channel that doesn’t trail too far behind these movie giants. Cinemax graces many cable packages, and it has since the early ’80s.
Cinemax is most popular for dedicating an entire programming block to softcore porn. But since 2013, the channel has cleaned up its act and is dedicated to not only providing viewers with a bevy of blockbuster films. There are also fantastic original series like South African crime drama Trackers, and Warrior, which is based on the Tong gang wars of late 19th century San Francisco. Best of all, depending on your streaming service, a single Cinemax subscription can open up the door to as much as 16 channels.
Here’s everything you need to know to watch a Cinemax live stream.
What is Cinemax?
Surprisingly, Cinemax has always been owned by HBO. It was one of the first cable channels that broadcasted programming 24 hours a day, at a time when HBO was only operating from 3 pm to midnight.
- Launched: August 1980
- Slogan: “We are your movie channel.”
- Genre: Movies/Drama
- Parent Company: WarnerMedia Entertainment/Home Box Office Inc.
Cinemax live stream: How to watch Cinemax online
Cinemax is available on a few of the major live TV streaming services. When trying to decide which one is best for you, you’ll want to weigh the cost, the other channels you’ll receive, and the compatible devices for streaming.
Cinemax on Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is one of the most popular streaming services available, in large part because it comes complimentary with every Prime membership. If you prefer free, two-day shipping and binging TV shows, it’s one of the best-streaming destinations. There are plenty of exclusives that make having access to the library worth having, including Good Omens, The Man in the High Castle, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Transparent, and The Tick. Best of all, if you’re a student, you can get six months free before you commit for the rest of the year. You can watch Cinemax straight from your Amazon Prime Video account for $9.99 a month after a 7-day free trial.
| Monthly (Prime Video only) | $9.99 |
| Annually (w/ Amazon Prime subscription) | $139 |
| Annual (w/ Prime Student subscription) | $69 |
Cinemax on Hulu with Live TV
Hulu Live TV is a great way to stream Cinemax live, as it also comes with access to Hulu’s massive library of on-demand content. You’ll be able to choose from movies, shows, and Hulu’s original programming, and keep up with what’s new each month. Hulu plans even include a bundle option where you can access Disney+ and ESPN+ along with Hulu.
Hulu Live TV sets you up with local channels and has a broad spectrum of entertainment and sports channels to review, including the full suite of ESPN channels, Cartoon Network, FX, HGTV, and even deep cuts like National Geographic and Syfy. and of course, Cinemax. Access to Cinemax will cost an additional $9.99 a month on top of your Hulu with Live TV subscription.
| Hulu Live TV | $69.99 |
| Hulu Live TV (no ads on Hulu content) | $75.99 |
Cinemax on AT&T TV Now
If you’re already looking to AT&T for your wireless needs, you might consider AT&T TV Now to cover streaming for you. AT&T TV Now channels start with Plus and Max, which even include HBO. Then, AT&T plans expand from there, approaching cable selection and pricing with AT&T TV Now’s biggest packages. AT&T streaming also comes with Cloud DVR, letting you record up to 20 hours of TV per month. If you want to stream Cinemax, get in at the AT&T TV Plus tier, and unlock access for an additional $11 a month on top of your subscription fee.
Cinemax on YouTube TV
The YouTube TV channel list includes local channels, sports options including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, and NBA TV, and plenty to keep kids (and kids at heart) occupied, including Disney Channel and its companion channels, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network—all in one easy-to-access package. It even comes with a few Spanish-language channels like Telemundo and NBC Universo. YouTube add-ons include HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz. YouTube TV packages have some advantages over their competitors, including a generous DVR and multiple screens package. From one account, each user can create an individual profile to track favorite shows.
If you’re looking to stream Cinemax, know that you can watch it on YouTube TV, but it will cost an extra $9.99 a month in addition to your subscription.
| 1 Month | $64.99 |