As summer winds down, September is shaping up to be one of the busiest months of the year for moviegoers and binge-watchers alike. From long-awaited sequels and anime blockbusters to buzzy streaming premieres and star-studded dramas, here’s your guide to what’s dropping in theatres and on streaming this month.
What to Watch in September: Streaming Highlights, Theatrical and Streaming Release dates
Wednesday Season 2, Part 2
Premieres Sept. 3 on Netflix: Netflix kicks off September with the conclusion of Wednesday Season 2. After the mid-season cliffhanger left Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) in a coma, fans can expect big twists ahead—including the rumored return of Principal Weems and a dramatic cameo by Lady Gaga. Joining Ortega are Emma Myers, Hunter Doohan, and Steve Buscemi.
Highest 2 Lowest
Streaming Sept. 5 on Apple TV+: Spike Lee reimagines Akira Kurosawa’s noir classic High and Low, shifting the story to modern-day Manhattan. Starring Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, and featuring A$AP Rocky, the film explores power, betrayal, and ransom in the high-stakes music industry.
Task
Premieres Sept. 7 on HBO Max: From the creator of Mare of Easttown, this gritty crime drama stars Mark Ruffalo as an FBI agent leading a task force investigating brutal home invasions. With Brad Ingelsby at the helm, expect another masterclass in tension and character-driven storytelling.
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity
Premieres Sept. 7 on Netflix: Adapted from Saka Mikami’s manga, this romantic series follows star-crossed lovers from rival schools. Netflix is calling it “swoon-worthy”—and fans of heartfelt anime adaptations will want to add it to their queue immediately.
The Girlfriend
Premieres Sept. 10 on HBO Max: Olivia Cooke leads this dark thriller about a young woman named Cherry who shakes up a family dynamic when introduced as her boyfriend’s girlfriend. Robin Wright and Laurie Davidson co-star in this tense, six-episode adaptation of the hit novel.
Gen V Season 2
Premieres Sept. 17 on Prime Video: The Boys spinoff returns, continuing the twisted saga of Godolkin University. With new powers, betrayals, and underground secrets, Season 2 looks set to push boundaries even further.
Black Rabbit
Premieres Sept. 18 on Netflix: Jason Bateman and Jude Law star as brothers entangled in a tense New York thriller set in the restaurant world. With Bateman and Laura Linney also directing, expect sharp performances and plenty of suspense.
Wayward
Premieres Sept. 25 on Netflix: Toni Collette and Mae Martin headline this dark drama centered around a troubled teen facility. With a mystery-thriller tone, Wayward looks like another Netflix series destined to spark online theories.
All of You
Premieres Sept. 26 on Apple TV+: Written and co-starring Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso), this near-future romance imagines a world where technology determines your soulmate. Goldstein and Imogen Poots lead the charming what-if story.
Chad Powers
Premieres Sept. 30 on Hulu: Glen Powell headlines this comedy series inspired by Eli Manning’s viral ESPN+ sketch. Playing a disgraced quarterback who disguises himself for a comeback, Powell is joined by Steve Zahn, Perry Mattfeld, and Clayne Crawford.
Theatrical Highlights
The Conjuring: Last Rites
In theaters Sept. 5
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as Ed and Lorraine Warren in the latest chapter of the paranormal saga, directed by franchise regular Michael Chaves.
Pools
In theaters Sept. 5
Odessa A’zion leads this coming-of-age indie about a pool-hopping adventure that doubles as a journey of grief and self-discovery.
Preparation for the Next Life
In theaters Sept. 5
Documentary filmmaker Bing Liu makes his narrative debut with this adaptation of Atticus Lish’s novel, a love story between an undocumented immigrant and a war veteran.
Twinless
In theaters Sept. 5
Dylan O’Brien stars in a dark comedy about a support group for twins—until one participant’s story reveals something off-kilter.
The Baltimorons
In theaters Sept. 5
Jay Duplass directs this indie romance with an offbeat premise: love sparked by a Christmas Eve dental emergency.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle
In theaters Sept. 12
The anime juggernaut continues with a blockbuster theatrical release, picking up after the Hashira Training Arc.
The Long Walk
In theaters Sept. 12
Francis Lawrence directs this Stephen King adaptation about teens forced to walk in a deadly dystopian contest. Mark Hamill co-stars as the sinister Major.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
In theaters Sept. 12
The legendary band reunites 40 years later for one final, hilarious performance in the long-awaited sequel to the cult mockumentary.
The History of Sound
In theaters Sept. 12
Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor star in this WWI-era forbidden romance drama.
Him
In theaters Sept. 19
Produced by Jordan Peele, this horror-thriller follows a young football star whose training with his idol takes a terrifying turn. Starring Tyriq Withers and Marlon Wayans.
Steve
In theaters Sept. 19; Netflix Oct. 3
Cillian Murphy takes on the role of a troubled reform schoolteacher in this adaptation of Max Porter’s novel Shy.
One Battle After Another
In theaters Sept. 26
Paul Thomas Anderson directs Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn in a high-stakes thriller adapted from Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland.
Eleanor the Great
In theaters Sept. 26
Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut gives June Squibb a starring role in this heartfelt indie drama.
Whether you’re in the mood for gothic comedy (Wednesday), horror (The Conjuring: Last Rites, Him), anime spectacle (Demon Slayer), or star-driven dramas (The Long Walk, Steve), September is stacked with options for every kind of viewer.
