History of HDNet Movies in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 9, 2025

HDNet Movies is an American digital cable and satellite television network that was launched in January 2003 by Mark Cuban as a spin-off of HDNet. The network is currently majority-owned by Anthem Sports & Entertainment, a Canadian-based company, through HDNet LLC, a subsidiary of AXS TV LLC. It primarily focuses on broadcasting movies in high definition.

January 2003: HDNet Movies Launched

In January 2003, Mark Cuban launched HDNet Movies as a spin-off of HDNet (now AXS TV).

May 30, 2016: Star Trek 50th Anniversary Marathon

On May 30, 2016, HDNet Movies aired a marathon of Star Trek films to celebrate the franchise's 50th anniversary. The films featured were Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, and Star Trek: Insurrection.

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July 4, 2016: Western Movie Marathon

On July 4, 2016, HDNet Movies aired a 24-hour western movie marathon featuring classic films such as "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean" starring Paul Newman, "Bad Day at Black Rock" starring Spencer Tracy and Robert Ryan, "A Big Hand for the Little Lady" starring Henry Fonda, "Hombre" starring Newman, and "Cimarron" starring Glenn Ford.

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July 2016: Graham Nash Presents 9 Days of Rock Docs

In July 2016, HDNet Movies presented its first celebrity-hosted program, "Graham Nash Presents 9 Days of Rock Docs", hosted by Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The television event featured two rock music-themed documentaries in primetime across nine nights, accompanied by hosted wraps and stories from Nash about the artists featured in the documentaries. The marathon included 13 different documentaries, highlighting artists such as The Allman Brothers Band, Rush, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, and Bob Dylan.

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December 2016: Not So Silent Nights

In December 2016, Tommy Shaw of STYX hosted HDNet Movies' holiday event "Not So Silent Nights", featuring seven nights of music-themed films paired with rock documentaries in primetime. Pairings included Tommy with The Kids Are Alright and Janis with Graffiti Bridge, among others.

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September 9, 2019: Anthem Sports & Entertainment Acquires Majority Stake

On September 9, 2019, Anthem Sports & Entertainment, a Canadian company, announced that it had acquired a majority stake in AXS TV and HDNet Movies. Mark Cuban retained a minority equity partnership.