Labor Day weekend is here, and for many, that means firing up the TV, grabbing some popcorn, and diving into the latest movies streaming across platforms. With new releases dropping and record-breaking viewership numbers making headlines, there’s never been a better time to explore what’s on offer. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed blockbusters, heartfelt dramas, or quirky comedies, the current streaming landscape has something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at the standout titles and the streaming trends capturing audiences this September.
According to Buddy TV, Marvel fans can rejoice as Thunderbolts* stormed onto Disney+ just in time for the long weekend. This anti-hero team-up film unites a powerhouse cast—Sebastian Stan as the Winter Soldier, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, David Harbour as Red Guardian, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. The movie promises high-octane action and complex character dynamics, making it a top pick for superhero enthusiasts. Its arrival has certainly added a jolt of adrenaline to Disney+’s lineup, and it’s poised to be a centerpiece for Marvel devotees looking for something fresh.
For those seeking a more emotional journey, The Friend on Paramount+ offers a poignant exploration of grief and companionship. Starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, the film follows Iris as she inherits her late friend’s Great Dane, leading to unexpected challenges and the forging of new bonds. As Buddy TV notes, it’s a tender drama that delves into the complexities of loss and healing, resonating with viewers who appreciate stories with heart.
VOD platforms are also bustling with new content. The acclaimed documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley—directed by Amy Berg—delivers an intimate look at the late singer’s life, featuring never-before-seen footage and personal messages. Alex Welch of TheWrap hails it as one of the year’s most memorable music documentaries, making it a must-watch for music lovers and documentary aficionados alike.
If suspense is more your speed, She Rides Shotgun offers a gritty crime thriller experience. Directed by Nick Rowland and starring Taron Egerton, the film follows an ex-con and his daughter as they evade corrupt law enforcement and dangerous gangs. The movie is described as "taut, emotionally raw, and unforgettable," promising viewers a rollercoaster of tension and heart.
Horror fans have something to celebrate with Together, a darkly comic body-horror film from Michael Shanks. Starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco, the movie centers on a couple who become physically bonded by a supernatural force, testing the limits of their relationship in both terrifying and hilarious ways. As Alex Welch observes, it’s a surreal blend of genres that defies convention and keeps audiences guessing.
Not in the mood for scares? Oh, Hi! delivers laughs in spades. This screwball comedy from Sophie Brooks and Molly Gordon follows a woman who, after her partner expresses doubts about commitment, handcuffs him to the bed—setting off a chain of comedic chaos. It’s the kind of offbeat, relationship-twisting humor that’s perfect for viewers seeking something light and unpredictable.
Netflix, never one to be left out of the spotlight, has rolled out its own star-studded mystery: The Thursday Murder Club. Featuring Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley, Pierce Brosnan, and Celia Imrie, the film brings together a group of elderly sleuths solving a murder in their cozy retirement home. While initial reviews were mixed, TheWrap notes that the film’s charm and ensemble cast make it a standout among the best movies streaming now.
But Netflix’s impact goes well beyond new releases. According to CBR, the streaming giant recently revealed its most-watched movies of all time, shaking up the industry with some surprising results. The animated musical KPop Demon Hunters has officially become the most popular Netflix original movie ever, amassing a staggering 236 million views and 393.3 million hours of viewing since its June 2025 release. This breakout hit, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, even enjoyed a limited theatrical run that topped the U.S. box office and saw its soundtrack climb to #2 on the Billboard 200 chart. With less than three months since its debut, its lead over the competition is only expected to grow.
Hot on its heels is the 2021 action comedy Red Notice, starring Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds. With 230.9 million views and 454.2 million hours logged, this globe-trotting heist adventure remains a fan favorite. The film’s massive $200 million budget made it Netflix’s most expensive project at the time, a record later surpassed by The Gray Man and The Electric State. Fans can look forward to a Red Notice sequel, with the original trio expected to return.
Taron Egerton’s star continues to rise, as he also headlines Carry-On, Netflix’s #3 most-watched movie with 172.1 million views and 344.1 million hours. Released in December 2024, this thriller—directed by Jaume Collet-Serra—follows a TSA agent blackmailed into carrying a nerve agent onto a flight. According to Deadline, Carry-On delivered Netflix’s biggest first-week numbers of 2024, hitting the Top 10 chart in 93 countries.
Other top performers include Adam McKay’s satirical disaster comedy Don’t Look Up (#4), which stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence as astronomers trying to warn the world about an impending comet. The film not only racked up 171.4 million views but also received four Academy Award nominations and a spot on the American Film Institute’s Top 10 films of 2021. Rounding out the top five is The Adam Project, another Ryan Reynolds vehicle, pulling in 157.6 million views with its time-traveling sci-fi adventure.
The rest of Netflix’s all-time Top 10 includes Bird Box, Back in Action, Leave the World Behind, The Gray Man, and Damsel. All these titles are available to stream right now, giving viewers an embarrassment of riches when it comes to movie night options.
Looking ahead, Netflix is doubling down on its investment in original films. Upcoming projects include sequels and adaptations from acclaimed directors like Brad Pitt, David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino, and Greta Gerwig, as well as a much-anticipated Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew adaptation and a Gears of War movie. As the streaming wars intensify, these high-profile releases are sure to keep Netflix at the forefront of the industry.
With streaming platforms rolling out fresh content and breaking viewership records, this Labor Day is shaping up to be a celebration of cinematic variety. Whether you’re drawn to superhero showdowns, touching dramas, or the latest streaming phenomenon, there’s no shortage of options to keep you entertained. So settle in, press play, and let the movies roll—you might just discover your next favorite film.
