September’s streaming slate is suddenly urgent: a $1 billion summer blockbuster lands on Disney+, a cult A24 hit debuts on HBO Max, and Netflix drops a two-part doc that will dominate watercooler chatter. This Top 7 list harvests Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and The New York Times picks to tell you exactly what to queue first — and why. Expect big names, real box-office numbers, and one streamer gambit that could reshape viewing habits. Which release will you make tonight’s must-watch?
What To Know First About These 7 September Streaming Drops
- Disney Releases ‘Lilo & Stitch’ On Sept. 3, after a $1.0B global theatrical run.
- Netflix Streams ‘Wednesday’ S2 Part 2 On Sept. 3; S2 Part 1 opened with 50M views.
- Apple TV+ Adds Spike Lee’s ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ On Sept. 5 After Cannes praise.
- HBO Max Welcomes A24’s ‘Friendship’ On Sept. 5; the indie earned $16M domestically.
Top 7 Streaming Picks In September 2025 — Which To Watch First?
#1 – Lilo & Stitch Lands On Disney+ Sept. 3 After A $1B Box-Office Run
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Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch hits Disney+ after grossing $1 billion worldwide, making it the biggest U.S. theatrical earner of 2025 so far. If you loved the family spectacle in theaters, this streaming arrival is your at-home tentpole; expect big families and nostalgia-driven trending conversations. Will you rewatch the theatrical scenes or hunt bonus features?
#2 – Wednesday Season 2 Part 2 Drops Sept. 3 — Will Fans Be Satisfied?
Netflix releases Part 2 of Wednesday S2 on Sept. 3 after the first half scored roughly 50 million opening-week views, per trade reports. The finale promises payoff and fan debate — if you’re emotionally invested, this is appointment TV; if not, it’s still a cultural moment worth sampling.
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#3 – Highest 2 Lowest On Apple TV+ Sept. 5: Spike Lee Meets Denzel Again
Spike Lee’s A24-backed update of Kurosawa’s classic arrives Sept. 5 on Apple TV+ after a festival run and strong reviews. Featuring Denzel Washington, this is the prestige crime drama to watch if you care about directorial reinvention and heavyweight performances. Will this be awards chatter or pure streaming prestige?
#4 – Friendship Hits HBO Max Sept. 5 — A24’s Black Comedy Moves To Streaming
A24’s dark comedy Friendship (Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd) arrives on HBO Max after a surprise $16M domestic indie run. Expect divisive laughs and cult-buzz; if you liked awkward-cringe comedies, this one will feel like a dare to your group chat. Ready to defend or roast it?
#5 – aka Charlie Sheen Arrives On Netflix Sept. 10 — Tabloid Drama Recut For Today
Netflix’s two-part documentary drops Sept. 10, chronicling Charlie Sheen’s rise, tabloid meltdown, and sobriety, with interviews from co-stars and insiders. This is the confessional event doc that will fuel viral threads and reaction clips — watch if you want the full arc and the messy cultural follow-ups. Who will trend first: the clips or the think pieces?
#6 – Warfare Streams On HBO Max Sept. 12 — Alex Garland’s Combat Thriller Goes Digital
Alex Garland’s warfare-set thriller debuts on HBO Max after a festival and theatrical run, promising intense real-time sequences and a known A24 sensibility. If gritty, director-driven action is your lane, this will be the discussion anchor for film Twitter and cinephile groups. Is this one you queue for craft or for chills?
#7 – Alice In Borderland Season 3 Lands Sept. 25 — The Japanese Sci‑Fi Event Returns
Netflix brings the high-stakes Alice In Borderland S3 on Sept. 25, continuing the survival-genre spectacle that became a global sleeper hit. For binge lovers and puzzle addicts, this season aims to escalate stakes; if you crave escalation and inventive games, add this to your late‑night watchlist. How dark are you willing to go this season?
Which 3 Numbers Explain This September Streaming Shake-Up
| Indicator | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Lilo & Stitch Box Office | $1.0B | Largest U.S. theatrical earner of 2025; fuels Disney+ premiere |
| Friendship Domestic Gross | $16M | Strong indie turnout; boosts HBO Max A24 catalog value |
| Wednesday S2 Opening Views | 50M views | Biggest English-language show opening since S1; major retention test |
Digital demand remains high as theatrical hits and festival favorites flood streamers this month.
What These 7 Releases Mean For Your Watchlist — And Next Viral Angles
These seven drops show two clear trends: streamers leaning on theatrical momentum (Lilo & Stitch) and prestige indies/culture moments (A24, Spike Lee, Wednesday) to drive subscriptions and conversation. Expect reaction videos, meme waves, and heated listicle threads across social platforms — and a few surprise breakout titles to own late‑night watercooler talk. Which story will you follow: the box office-to-stream domino or the indie-cult conversation? Pick one, press play, and start the debate.
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/
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/01/arts/television/movies-tv-shows-september-2025-streaming.html
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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.