September’s streaming calendar suddenly feels like a mini-festival: 24 new movies arrive this month, including Disney’s billion-dollar remake and three high-profile A24 titles arriving to HBO Max and Apple TV+. This Top 8 list picks the most urgent, buzzed-about films you can actually press play on right away. Expect family crowds, A24 cult risk-takers, and one true-crime horror to haunt your Halloween prep — and yes, I explain which films are worth your subscription minutes and why.
What To Watch First: 5 Streaming Drops You Can’t Miss This September 2025
Lilo & Stitch (Sept. 3, Disney+) — Disney’s live-action remake hits streaming after a $1 billion global box office.
Highest 2 Lowest (Sept. 5, Apple TV+) — Spike Lee + Denzel Washington arrive on Apple after limited theatrical run.
Friendship (Sept. 5, HBO Max) — A24 black comedy starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, grossed $16M domestic.
Warfare (Sept. 12, HBO Max) — Alex Garland’s real-time war thriller joins HBO Max with festival buzz.
Variety Count: 24 New Movies — Variety’s roundup lists 24 notable streaming additions this September.
Top 8 Movies To Stream Now: Ranked Picks And Why You Should Care
#1 – ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Streams Sept. 3 After A $1B Box Office Run — Should You Watch?
Egg Bowl favors Ole Miss with 78% win probability over Mississippi State on Nov 28
Bold and Beautiful spoilers: Luna gets hit by car, shocking twist ends prison escape
Disney’s live-action remake lands on Disney+ after becoming 2025’s only billion-dollar movie so far. Fact: Variety notes its scale and family appeal; verdict: if you want big-studio spectacle minus theater lines, start here. If you loved the original animation, this version promises the same heart with live-action spectacle — perfect for family night.
#2 – ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Hits Apple TV+ Sept. 5 — Spike Lee’s Cannes Hit Returns Fast
Channing Tatum’s Body swings 70 lbs between roles, his chef reveals wild diet secrets
Bloodborne drops stunning 10th anniversary vinyl boxset for $98, ships April 2026
Spike Lee’s New York reimagining of Kurosawa-style drama, starring Denzel Washington, moved from festival to Apple TV+. Fact: Variety reports the film opened theatrically in August; verdict: watch for Washington’s moral-arc performance and the film’s sensational third-act twist.
#3 – ‘Friendship’ Debuts On HBO Max Sept. 5 — A24’s Dark Comedy That Turned Heads
A24’s black comedy starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd earned indie box-office buzz ($16M domestic). Fact: Variety calls it a cult-y spring hit; verdict: if quirky, discomfort-driven comedy is your thing, this scratches that itch and then some.
#4 – ‘Warfare’ Streams Sept. 12 — Alex Garland’s Tense Real-Time Thriller Arrives
Garland’s combat thriller reunites with A24 and leans on real-world war experience from co-writer Ray Mendoza. Fact: Variety lists the HBO Max date; verdict: viewers who like immersive, nerve-jangling cinema should queue this for an intense watch.
#5 – ‘Dangerous Animals’ Lands Sept. 5 On Shudder — Cannes-Backed Shark Horror
Jai Courtney plays a shark-obsessed killer in this festival standout, praised for its relentless tension. Fact: Variety highlights Cannes rave reviews; verdict: horror fans prepping for Halloween should add this to a late-September scare rotation.
#6 – ‘The Wedding Banquet’ Streams Sept. 8 On Paramount+ — A Modern Take On A Classic Plot
Andrew Ahn’s remake riffs on Ang Lee’s 1993 original with Kelly Marie Tran and Lily Gladstone. Fact: Variety confirms the Paramount+ date; verdict: a warm dramedy for viewers who like relationship stakes tied to culture and family.
#7 – ‘All Of You’ On Apple TV+ Sept. 26 — Brett Goldstein Co-Writes A Romcom With Bite
Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso) and Imogen Poots lead this matchmaking-romance that questions tech-driven love. Fact: Variety lists the Apple TV+ release; verdict: for romcom lovers who want sharper humor and an actor-writer’s sensibility.
#8 – ‘The Man In My Basement’ On Hulu Sept. 26 — Willem Dafoe Anchors A High-Concept Thriller
Adapted from Walter Mosley’s novel, the Hulu release stars Willem Dafoe and Corey Hawkins in a strange, lucrative proposition plot. Fact: Variety notes TIFF screening and Hulu debut; verdict: pick this if you crave moody, character-driven suspense.
The Numbers That Explain September’s Streaming Push
| KPI | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| New Titles This Month | 24 Titles | Busy September slate, per Variety |
| Lilo & Stitch Box Office | $1,000,000,000 | Top box-office draw now on Disney+ |
| Friendship Domestic Gross | $16M | A24 indie that found spring audience |
Streaming volume high as studios move theatrical hits to platforms quickly.
How These Picks Change Your Watchlist In 2 Ways By End Of September 2025
These eight selections compress September’s trends: big-studio family fare, an A24 indie cluster, and festival-tested thrillers hitting streaming fast. What this means for you: prioritize the Disney family blockbuster and one A24 title, then slot in a horror and a thriller for variety.
Sources
- https://variety.com/lists/best-movies-streaming-september-2025/
- https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/netflix-september-2025-new-releases-movies-tv-1236356581/
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.