Boys Go To Jupiter Is Now Streaming On HBO MAX

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In early February 2026, HBO Max (Max) strengthened its reputation as a premier destination for boundary-pushing adult animation by adding the indie film “Boys Go to Jupiter.” Originally premiering at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, the film has been hailed by critics as a “hidden gem” for its surreal storytelling and a polarizing but undeniably unique visual style that feels like a breath of fresh air in the mainstream animation landscape.

The Plot: A Surreal Floridian Hustle

Directed by 3D artist and indie game developer Julian Glander (Art Sqool), Boys Go to Jupiter follows Billy 5000, an awkward teenager in suburban Florida. Billy is a quintessential gig-economy hustler, desperately trying to scrape together $5,000 as a food delivery driver between Christmas and New Year’s.

His mundane quest for cash quickly spirals into a “dreamy and surreal” coming-of-age journey that spans from the Florida stars to the sewers and back. Along the way, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, strange science experiments, and existential revelations that blend humor with a peculiar sense of isolation.

A Stacked Voice Cast

Despite its indie roots, the film features an impressive lineup of comedic and artistic talent:

  • Jack Corbett as Billy 5000

  • Elsie Fisher (Eighth Grade)

  • Sarah Sherman (Saturday Night Live)

  • Julio Torres (Problemista, Los Espookys)

  • Tavi Gevinson

  • Joe Pera

  • Janeane Garofalo

The Visual Controversy: “Corporate Memphis” or Indie Innovation?

The film’s most discussed feature is its aesthetic. Glander’s style—characterized by bright, flat colors and “plastic-looking” 3D models—has drawn comparisons to “Corporate Memphis,” the infamous art style used by Big Tech for internal decks and advertisements.

However, many fans and critics argue that Glander uses this aesthetic ironically or as a subversion of modern digital life. While it has divided audiences, it has also earned the film a 93% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many praising it for being one of the few animated features to truly embrace the “weirdness” of the internet age.

Why It’s a Milestone for Max

The addition of Boys Go to Jupiter to the Max library is significant for several reasons:

  1. Support for Indie Visionaries: After a period of purging several animated titles, HBO Max’s acquisition of a niche Tribeca hit suggests a renewed commitment to diverse animated voices.

  2. The Adult Swim Connection: Glander has a history of creating shorts for Adult Swim, and Boys Go to Jupiter fits perfectly alongside hits like Smiling Friends and Rick and Morty for fans who enjoy “dementedly brilliant” humor.

  3. The Netflix Deal Context: As Warner Bros. Discovery prepares to finalize a major acquisition deal with Netflix, the placement of such a unique film on Max indicates that the service still intends to curate a high-quality, distinctive animation catalog during the transition.

Whether you find its art style jarring or genius, Boys Go to Jupiter is a rare example of an animated feature that prioritizes atmosphere and artistic voice over commercial tropes—making it a must-watch for fans of the “weird.”