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The most-streamed movies in September, according to JustWatch, include a couple of early Halloween treats: low-budget, high-scare horror flicks Backrooms and Obsession both made the top 10. If you like more gentle supernatural stories, 1990s classic Practical Magic made the charts too. You could also check out best-actor-ever favorites Robert De Niro in The Whisper Man and Dustin Hoffman in Tuner. So there's something for everyone.
Backrooms (2026)
Director Kane Parsons' analog horror breakthrough is proof that atmosphere, mood, and a fascinating story is scarier than CGI monsters every time. Based on the viral YouTube series of the same name, Backrooms tells the story of Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a store owner who discovers a labyrinthian liminal space in his furniture shop's basement. Renate Reinsve plays his therapist, who thinks it's a delusion, until she goes downstairs for a visit. A hit with critics—Backrooms is sitting at 87% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes—and audiences, Backrooms is a delicious early Halloween treat for horror fans. Stream Backrooms on HBO Max.
Practical Magic (1998)
Released to streaming to coincide with the sequel's release in theaters, Practical Magic is a beloved supernatural rom-com finding a new audience in 2026. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman play Sally and Gilly, sister-witches cursed with losing any man they ever love. Sally's romantic interest appears in the form of Aidan Quinn playing a detective investigating the disappearance of Gilly's abusive boyfriend. Can love, magic, and the power of sisterhood break the family curse? With a little help from '90s nostalgia, you bet they can. Stream Practical Magic on HBO Max.
Obsession (2026)
Director Curry Barker is still in his 20s, but his debut theatrical feature is the kind of horror film that changes the entire genre. Obsession is a classic "be careful what you wish for" story that feels fresh thanks to its talented young cast, unpredictable plot, and careful pace. Michael Johnston plays a young man too scared to tell his crush how he feels, so he wishes she'd fall in love with him instead. The result is a nightmare embodied by Inde Navarrette, whose portrayal of the villain/victim is at once harrowing, terrifying, and heartbreaking. Obsession is the best horror movie I've seen in years. Stream Obsession on Peacock.
Mayday (2026)
Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh play Cold War enemies brought together when Reynolds' plane crashes in the Russian wilderness. Branagh is ex-KGB, but he's always been a secret fan of America, so he helps Reynolds escape the USSR. Like the best bro-coms, Mayday is powered by the charisma of its stars, and you won't find any actors alive with more rizz than these two. If you like 1980s-style buddy action/comedies, Mayday is the right stream for you. Stream Mayday on Apple TV+.
Project Hail Mary (2026)
In this crowd-pleasing sci-fi flick, Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher who is blasted into the firmament in a last-ditch effort to save the world. Grace is the only person on Earth who might know how to protect the sun from a cosmic infection that threatens all life, but he's definitely not an astronaut and doesn't see himself as a hero either. Will he rise to the occasion and learn something about his inner strength and resilience while saving us all from death? My money is on, "yeah, probably." Stream Project Hail Mary on Prime Video and Fubo.
Supergirl (2026)
You shouldn't mess with a superhero's dog. Milly Alcock plays Kara Zor-el, AKA Supergirl, who traverses the galaxy hunting for Krem of the Yellow Hills (played by Matthias Schoenaerts). He shot Krypto the superdog with a poison dart, and justice must be administered. If you want a grittier take on the super-people of Krypton with some deep-lore DC universe building, look no further than Supergirl. Stream Supergirl on HBO Max.
The Whisper Man (2026)
Based on the novel by Alex North, The Whisper Man stars Robert De Niro as Peter Willis, a retired detective who returns to the game to solve a grisly cold case. A copycat is mimicking the crimes of the notorious Whisper Man, a serial killer Willis captured years before. This intense thriller is built around De Niro's powerful performance and a twisty plot that will keep you on the edge of your couch. Stream The Whisper Man on Netflix.
Tuner (2026)
You wouldn't think the life of a piano tuner would be exciting until you see Tuner. Leo Woodall plays Niki White, whose quiet life is turned to 11 when he learns he can use his ears for cracking safes as easily as tuning Steinways. Desperate for cash, White joins up with hardened criminals, and things go haywire. The excellent cast of this smart, tense thriller includes Dustin Hoffman and Havana Rose Liu. If you like suspense in the style of Hitchcock, check out The Tuner. Stream Tuner on Paramount+.
The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)
Directed by Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian and Grogu sees Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his adorable baby Yoda pal pitted against Imperial warlords and the Hutt Twins. It's classic Star Wars: a lone hero and his companion doing heroic things while facing impossible odds. Packed with cliff-hanger action and colorful characters, The Mandalorian and Grogu is pure fun in movie form. Stream The Mandalorian and Grogu on Disney+.
Toy Story 5 (2026)
Pixar is so good at what it does, it can even make the fifth movie in a series about ratty old toys into art—not just art for kids, but art that's palatable for parents, too. In Toy Story 5, Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the gang face a toy's most terrifying enemy: technology. Toy Story 5 asks if there's a place for action figures and Mr. Potato Head in a world where screens are the only thing kids care about. Stream Toy Story 5 on Disney+.
