September’s streaming calendar is suddenly explosive — and yes, it starts with a film that already grossed $1 billion. These Top 9 picks include Disney’s live-action revival, two A24 titles, Spike Lee’s latest and a pair of Netflix debuts — all arriving on specific dates this month. If you’re curating a fall watchlist, this roundup tells you which releases matter, when they drop, and why they’ll dominate watercooler talk. Which of these will you queue first — family night, bite-size indie, or full-blown auteur cinema?
What You Need To Know About September’s Top 9 Streaming Drops
Need To Know:
- Disney’s Live-Action “Lilo & Stitch” Streams Sept. 3 on Disney+.
- Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest” lands Sept. 5 on Apple TV+.
- A24’s “Friendship” and “Warfare” arrive on Sept. 5 and Sept. 12 on HBO Max.
- Netflix Adds Two Big Titles (doc and action) Midmonth; Shudder, Hulu, Prime also debut originals.
Top 9 Streaming Picks And Why You Should Care In September 2025
#1 – Why ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Still Matters After A $1B Box-Office Run
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Disney’s Live-Action Takes The Biggest Prize: It’s Hollywood’s lone $1 billion grosser this year, and it hits Disney+ Sept. 3. If you loved the original, expect family-friendly spectacle — and a streaming debut that will dominate household viewing numbers. Will you rewatch the original first?
#2 – What Spike Lee’s ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Brings To Apple TV+ On Sept. 5
Spike Lee Reunites With Denzel — A Cannes Favorite Now Streaming: The film migrated from a limited theatrical run to Apple TV+ Sept. 5, offering a gritty, moral thriller twist on Kurosawa’s template. If you follow director-actor collaborations, this one is a must-see study in craft and star power.
#3 – Why A24’s ‘Friendship’ Feels Like Cult Comedy Gold On HBO Max
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A24’s Spring Hit Lands Streaming Sept. 5 With Strong Indie Numbers: “Friendship” earned about $16 million domestic and now arrives on HBO Max, pairing Tim Robinson’s oddball lead with Paul Rudd’s charisma. If quirky, uncomfortable comedy is your vibe, this pick will stick with you long after credits.
#4 – What ‘Warfare’ Shows About Alex Garland’s Ambition On Sept. 12
Garland’s Real-Time Combat Thriller Comes To HBO Max: Though it didn’t match his previous box-office heights, the film’s tense real-time structure and ensemble cast make it perfect for appointment streaming on Sept. 12. If you like claustrophobic thrillers that spark debate, queue this one.
#5 – How ‘Dangerous Animals’ Brings Festival Horror To Shudder On Sept. 5
Shudder Scores A Cannes Buzz-Winner: Jai Courtney’s shark-obsessed killer earned praise at Cannes and arrives on Shudder Sept. 5 for horror fans craving high-concept dread. If you want festival-grade fright that’s unrelenting, this is your post-midnight watch.
#6 – Why ‘All Of You’ Could Be September’s Unexpected Rom-Com On Apple TV+
From Emmy Winner To Romantic Lead — Streaming Sept. 26: Brett Goldstein co-wrote and stars in this romance arriving Sept. 26 on Apple TV+, blending witty writing with familiar heart. If you loved “Ted Lasso,” this one’s for those who want warmth with bite.
#7 – What To Expect From Nicolas Cage’s ‘The Surfer’ On Hulu Sept. 25
Nicolas Cage’s Cannes Thriller Lands On Hulu: After a festival run, this psychological drama hits streaming Sept. 25, promising Cage at peak intensity in a sun-soaked breakdown. If Cage’s weirdness is your cinematic drug, add this to your must-see list.
#8 – Why Netflix’s Two-Part ‘aka Charlie Sheen’ Documentary Is Compelling On Sept. 10
A Deep Dive Into Fame, Scandal And Sobriety: Netflix’s two-part doc arrives Sept. 10, featuring interviews from cast and friends and a candid look at a career that imploded and rebuilt. If celebrity portraits and confessional arcs hook you, this will generate plenty of conversation.
#9 – How ‘Ice Road: Vengeance’ Fits The Liam Neeson Streaming Machine On Sept. 15
Action Comfort Food Hits Netflix On Sept. 15: Liam Neeson’s survival-action sequel brings familiar high-stakes thrills when it debuts on Netflix Sept. 15, ready to top casual viewing charts. If you want lean, adrenaline-driven escapism, this won’t disappoint.
Which 3 Numbers Explain This Month’s Streaming Shake-Up?
Key Figures:
Indicator Value Change/Impact Lilo & Stitch Box Office $1B Only US film at $1B in 2025 Friendship Box Office (Dom.) $16M Strong showing for an A24 indie Selected Titles Count 9 Titles Curated September streaming highlights
How These 9 Releases Will Reshape Your Watchlist By October 2025
Between a billion-dollar family blockbuster, A24’s indie buzz and festival horror arriving on niche streamers, September forces choice: family night, auteur date, or binge-culture fodder. Expect streaming charts and social feeds to pivot fast — and your planned queue to get disrupted. Which of these nine are you dropping everything for this month?
Sources
- https://variety.com/lists/best-movies-streaming-september-2025/
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.