Netflix has become increasingly focused on television as time has gone on. Stranger Things has all but sucked up the oxygen in the room when it comes to the streaming platform's originals, but there are still some theatrical titles that have made noise in 2024.
Hitman, the charming, Glen Powell-led black comedy, drew praise from fans and critics. Rebel Run, the upcoming film starring Aaron Pierre and Don Johnson, looks to do the same. The film has been the recipient of positive buzz, and it's coming to Netflix in September.
With that said, here's a rundown of the most notable films being added to the Netflix library during the upcoming month. Some good notable, some not so good.
Movies to watch on Netflix in September
300 (2006)
Netflix release date: September 1
Cast: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Michael Fassbender, David Wenham, Dominic West
Synopsis: In the ancient battle of Thermopylae, King Leonidas and 300 Spartans fight against Xerxes and his massive Persian army.
Watch this movie if: You like visually striking action. Zack Snyder has become something of a shell of his former self, as evidenced by the tepid reaction to the Rebel Moon series, but 300 is a perfect case for Snyder being a singularly talented director. It's lean, direct, and full of iconic moments.
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Field of Dreams (1989)
Netflix release date: September 1
Cast: Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Burt Lancaster
Synopsis: Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella is inspired by a voice he can't ignore to pursue a dream he can hardly believe. Supported by his wife, Ray begins the quest by turning his ordinary cornfield into a place where dreams can come true.
Watch this movie if: You love baseball and/or your dad. Kevin Costner has been mounting his very serious Horizon series over the past year, but Field of Dreams is a reminder of how charming he can be when he's lighter and less stern. A beautiful film, and one that holds up despite how odd the plot is (as comedian John Mulaney can attest).
Rebel Ridge (2024)
Netflix release date: September 6
Cast: Aaron Pierre, Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, James Cronwell, Emory Cohen
Synopsis: An ex-Marine grapples his way through a web of small-town corruption when an attempt to post bail for his cousin escalates into a violent standoff with the local police chief.
Watch this movie if: You enjoy gritty crime flicks. Director Jeremy Saulnier is an absolute master when it comes to spinning yarns about desperate people in desperate situations, as evidenced by thrillers like Blue Ruin (2013) and Green Room (2015). Rebel Ridge looks to be more of the same, as well as the most substantial Don Johnson vehicle in years.
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Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Netflix release date: September 7
Cast: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson, Noah Taylor
Synopsis: A soldier fighting aliens gets to relive the same day over and over again, the day restarting every time he dies.
Watch this movie if: You like having fun. It's that simple. Edge of Tomorrow is the most entertaining Tom Cruise in decades, especially when it comes to non-franchise installments. The actor is at the peak of his powers as a soldier trapped in a time loop. Emily Blunt nearly steals the show, and the airtight direction by Doug Liman ensures the premise never runs out of steam.
His Three Daughters (2024)
Netflix release date: September 20
Cast: Elizabeth Olsen, Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, Jay O. Sanders, Jovan Adepo
Synopsis: This tense, touching, and funny portrait of family dynamics follows three estranged sisters as they converge in a New York apartment to care for their ailing father and try to mend their own broken relationship with one another.
Watch this movie if: One of the most anticipated Netflix releases of the year, and for good reason. The premise is standard family drama fare with three sisters being brought together to take care of their ailing father, but the core cast of Elizabeth Olsen, Carrie Coon and Natasha Lyonne is worth the price of admission. It's going to be an acting showcase, and the reviews have already been universally positive.
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Movies to skip on Netflix in September
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015)
Netflix release date: September 1
Cast: Kevin James, Raini Rodriguez, Neal McDonough, David Henrie, D.B. Woodwise
Synopsis: After six years of keeping our malls safe, Paul Blart has earned a well-deserved vacation. He heads to Las Vegas with his teenage daughter before she heads off to college. But safety never takes a holiday and when duty calls, Blart answers.
Skip this movie if: You want to preserve the positive association you have with the original. I know it sounds weird to go to bat for Paul Blart: Mall Cop, but the first film is actually a pretty likable comedy with a charming Kevin James performance. The sequel is every bad element of the first film ramped up with less heart and finesse. Segue away from this thing.
The Expendables 3 (2014)
Netflix release date: September 1
Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Antonio Banderas, LL Cool J, Harrison Ford
Synopsis: Barney augments his team with new blood for a personal battle: to take down Conrad Stonebanks, the Expendables co-founder and notorious arms trader who is hell bent on wiping out Barney and every single one of his associates.
Skip this movie if: You want to save two hours. The first Expendables film isn't bad, but the third installment is a classic case of diminishing returns. The cameos are lazy, the action is much weaker than it should be given that it's an action film, and everybody looks bored. Don't even get us started on the fourth one...