11 Best New Movies on Netflix: September 2020’s Freshest Films to Watch

This month, all three films in the Back to the Future trilogy will be hitting Netflix in all their glory. Robert Zemeckis and Michael J. Fox’s franchise set the standard for time traveling tales and inspired countless spinoffs, theme park rides, Halloween costumes, and even a musical. Not bad for a film that was rejected for years before it finally started shooting in 1984.

Where to stream Back to the Future

Never forget that Ice Cube is actually a great actor. In 2002, the actor built upon his Boyz n the Hood fame with Barbershop, a dramedy about a barbershop on the South Side of Chicago. The film was embraced by critics (it currently boasts an 83% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes) and casual moviegoers alike, and spawned multiple sequels, a spin-off film, and a Showtime series.

Where to stream Barbershop

Grease is the word. In September, John Travolta and Olivia Newton John’s beloved musical will be hitting Netflix for all your karaoke needs. Nothing goes with early fall quite like rousing renditions of “You’re the One That I Want” and “Greased Lightnin.'”

Where to stream Grease

Magic Mike is one of many films that floats around the streaming film, but this month, the stripper dramedy is making its way to Netflix. For those who have been living under a rock for the past decade, Magic Mike stars Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, and Matthew McConaughey as a group of male strippers in Tampa, Florida. That said, come for the greased-up dudes, stay for Soderbergh’s timely take on the ills of capitalism.

Where to stream Magic Mike

If Magic Mike is the adult-oriented shot, The Muppets is the family-friendly chaser. The seventh theatrical film in the extended Muppets oeuvre, this 2011 musical comedy stars Jason Segel and Amy Adams as Gary and Mary, a couple that teams up with Gary’s brother Walter, a Muppet, to raise $10 million to save the Muppet Theater. Those who have spent the past few weeks watching Muppets Now on Disney+ will definitely want to switch over to Netflix for this fun and silly caper.

Where to stream The Muppets

Valentine’s Day is coming early (or really late, depending how you look at it) this month. Love, Guaranteed stars Damon Wayans Jr. as an unlucky in love bachelor who sues a popular dating app after nearly 1,000 bad dates. When Nick begins to hit it off with his lawyer (Rachel Leigh Cook), his fortunes turn around, and he’s suddenly left contemplating the value of IRL connection.

Where to stream Love, Guaranteed

Charlie Kaufman’s I’m Thinking of Ending Things is already stirring up awards buzz, so if there’s one thing you watch this month, make it this. The dramedy stars Jessie Buckley as a young woman who travels with her boyfriend (Jesse Plemons) to meet his family. Buckley’s character is already thinking about ending the relationship, but when she meets his bizarre parents (Toni Collette and David Thewlis), things only get worse. Yikes!

Where to stream I'm Thinking of Ending Things

One of the most controversial documentaries of the past decade is making its way to Netflix in September. Directed by Davis Guggenheim, Waiting for “Superman” follows several students as they work to be accepted to competitive charter schools around the country. The film doesn’t hide its criticism of the public education system, a fact that earned the Sundance-winning doc a sharp condemnation from left-leaning critics. Still, it’s worth watching for yourself and forming your own opinion.

Where to stream Waiting for "Superman"

Last month, Netflix launched a disastrous marketing campaign for Cuties (AKA Mignonnes), a French film about four girls who enter a dance contest. Right-wing conspiracy theorists quickly glommed on to the trailer, which they accused of over-sexualizing young girls — despite the fact that they had not seen the film. As Decider’s Anna Menta put it, “That’s kind of the whole thesis of the movie — that girls who barely understand the concept of sex are pressured by society to present themselves as ‘sexy,’ and that’s very much a bad thing.”

Where to stream Cuties

I’m Thinking of Ending Things isn’t the only star-studded Netflix movie dropping this month. Directed by Antonio Campos, The Devil All the Time centers on a young man named Alvin Russell (Tom Holland) and the sinister characters he meets throughout his life. As Alvin ages — the film spans from the 1940s to the 1970s — he crosses paths with a charismatic preacher (Robert Pattinson), an odd couple (Jason Clarke and Riley Keough), and a crooked sheriff (Sebastian Stan), each with a more threatening aura than the last.

Where to stream The Devil All the Time

Last, but certainly not least, is Enola Holmes, Millie Bobby Brown’s take on the classic story of Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister. When Enola’s mother (Helena Bonham Carter) suddenly goes missing, she turns to her older brothers Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Claflin) for help. What follows is a spirited mystery with twists and turns that will delight even the most die-hard Sherlock fans.

Where to stream Enola Holmes