New Netflix movies: the biggest films to stream in September 2023

New Netflix movies land on the platform with alarming regularity. From Netflix Originals to licensed films, it can be tough to decide what’s worth your time.

Thankfully for you, that’s where our entertainment experts come in. Below, our team has outlined all of the new movies that are available to stream on best streaming service. Well, every Netflix Original and the good third-party flicks, anyway. We haven’t included every new film release as we’d be here all day.

If you want a more comprehensive breakdown of the cream of the crop on Netflix, our guide on the best Netflix movies should be your first port of call. If you’re looking for something TV-related instead, our best Netflix shows article is packed with fantastic entries, too. For now, though, these are the new Netflix films you need to keep on your radar.

New Netflix movies: September 2023

The Dark Knight movie trilogy

Christopher Nolan’s Batman films are available on Netflix. (Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Release date: September 1

Everyone’s favorite Caped Crusader has landed on Netflix in the US and Australia. Well, the film trilogy that acclaimed director Christopher Nolan directed, anyway. The series – comprising Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises – are easily some of the best superhero movies of all-time. And we’re not just saying that because we’re big fans of Nolan’s back catalog.

From stunning performances – Christian Bale is fantastic as Bruce Wayne/Batman, while the late Heath Ledger is electrifying as the The Dark Knight‘s Joker – and the realistic feel of this hyper-realized world, to the series’ soaring score and its reinvention of DC Comics’ source material, there’s so much to love about Nolan’s Batman film trilogy. See where they all rank in our best Batman movies and best Christopher Nolan movies lists.

(NB: UK viewers can catch all three movies on Sky or Now TV. Australian fans can only see The Dark Knight Rises on Foxtel or Stan, too.)

New Netflix movies: August 2023

Choose Love

Release date: August 31

Netflix has dabbled in the choose-your-own-adventure (CYOA) genre before, most notably with its interactive Black Mirror: Bandersnatch special. Now, it’s attempting to achieve similar success with Choose Love, a CYOA rom-com flick that’s sure to appeal to those of a romantic disposition.

Laura Marano stars as Cami Conway, a successful and loved-up woman who seems to have it all. However, when Cami starts to question whether she sees her long-term future with current beau Paul, viewers have the opportunity to ensure she gets her happily ever after with her significant other, or one of her two exes: British rock star Rex or first love Jack.

Critics weren’t kind to Choose Love pre-release, but it’s faired better with general audiences.

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

Release date: August 25

Based on Fiona Rosenbloom’s young adult (YA) novel of the same name, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah has established itself as Netflix’s latest comedy-drama film hit.

Sunny Sandler and Samantha Lorraine play Stacy and Lydia, long-time friends who have a major falling out when popular schoolboy Andy (Dylan Hoffman) comes between them. Not only that, but the breakdown in their friendship threatens the duo’s perfectly planned dual Bat Mitzvah.

With Adam Sandler, Idina Menzel, and Luis Guzman among its supporting cast, this YA flick was a surprise win for Netflix. Based on its 93% critics score and 64% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it seems like it was a slam dunk among some viewers, anyway.

The Monkey King

Release date: August 18

Inspired by a popular Chinese tale, The Monkey King follows the, well, titular monkey protagonist and his magical staff as they battle hordes of demons, dragons, and even Gods. Oh, and the monkey’s own self-importance. Because it’s not a action-style film if there isn’t an inner struggle at the heart of it.

Jimmy O Yang, Stephanie Hsu, BD Wong, and Andrew Lang are among the starry cast of this animated fantasy-comedy family movie. It currently holds a 58% critical and 68% audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, so it’s not a titan of Netflix’s animated back catalog, but it’s still watchable enough.

Heart of Stone

Release date: August 11

With her time as Wonder Woman seemingly coming to an end in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), Gal Gadot needs a new headline-making film franchise to lead.

Her newest film, Heart of Stone, could kick off that movie series. In it, Gadot plays Rachel Stone, a skilled agent who works for the Charter, a covert organization that uses a powerful AI device called the Heart to keep the peace. However, when a mysterious hacker called Keya (Alia Bhatt) threatens the Charter and the safety of the world, it’s up to Stone to save the day.

 Heart of Stone has been panned by fans and critics alike. It might have been Netflix’s most popular movie in its first two weeks post-release, but its 30% critical and 52% audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes show it’s done little to thrill many. Clearly, it’s not one of the best new Netflix movies out there.

Still, if you’re interested in finding out more about how it explores the positives and negatives of AI, our exclusive chat with its cast and director is worth reading.

The Fast & Furious film franchise

The first five Fast & Furious movies are on Netflix in the US. (Image credit: Universal Pictures)

Release date: August 1

One of the world’s biggest movie franchises has put pedal to the metal and joined Netflix’s film library. The Fast & Furious series, which has raced its way to an eye-watering $7.47 billion globally – across 10 movies, that is – has proven to be incredibly popular since it began in 2001. 

Sure, it’s bent the laws of physics on numerous occasions and some of its more iconic content have becomes memes at this point – “We’re family”, anyone? – but it’s nonetheless a highly entertaining, rip-roaring franchise that deserves respect for its longevity and enduring appeal.

The first five Fast & Furious films are now available to stream on Netflix US, Fast 9 can be watched on Netflix UK, and various Fast flicks can be viewed via Binge in Australia. While you’re here, read up on how to watch the Fast & Furious movies in order and check out our Fast & Furious movies ranked piece.

Lost in Translation

Lost in Translation is a stunning piece of cinema. (Image credit: Focus Features)

Release date: August 1

It’s hard to believe that Lost in Translation is 20 years old in 2023, but this Sofia Coppola-directed comedy-drama is seemingly as ageless as its lead actor in Bill Murray.

The film sees the legendary star play Bob Harris, a fading movie star who strikes up an unlikely friendship with college graduate Charlotte (ex-Marvel star Scarlett Johansson) in Tokyo, Japan. A film that explores alienation, cultural displacement, existentialism, and the power of human connection in amusing and dramatic ways, Lost in Translation is an unmissable flick for all film fans.

(NB: available on Binge in Australia, and available to rent or buy on PVOD platforms in the UK.)

New Netflix movies: what’s coming in 2023?

We expect Pain Hustlers to be a major Netflix film hit later this year. (Image credit: Brian Douglas/Netflix)

Want the lowdown on the most anticipated new Netflix movies coming between now and the end of 2023? Read on to find out what’s coming as part of Netflix’s ‘Fall 2023’ movie schedule, including four films you won’t want to miss below:

Love At First Sight

Release date: September 15

From the producers behind Netflix’s popular movie series To All The Boys I Loved Before, this rom-com flick (which is based on the book of the same name) could be the streamer’s next big tween movie hit.

It stars Haley Lu Richardson and Ben Hardy as Hadley and Oliver, whose chance encounter sees sparks fly after they bump into one another at JFK airport. The duo enjoy a whirlwind ‘first date’ on their flight to Heathrow, but it seems their chance of love passes them by after they go their separate ways in London. Can Oliver and Hadley find each other again in the bustling UK capital and get their happy ending?

General audiences can expect plenty of stock and schlocky rom-com tropes from this one. Given how popular To All The Boys I Loved Before proved to be, though, maybe Love At First Sight will perform similarly well.

El Conde

Release date: September 15

If you avoid rom-coms like the plague, this upcoming Chile-developed black comedy horror film might interest you instead.

A satirical take on 20th century Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, El Conde depicts the nation’s former tyrannical leader as a 250-year-old vampire who’s tired of life on Earth. However, when an unexpected relationship reignites his zest for life, he finds a new purpose through counterrevolution.

El Conde premiered at the 80th Venice Film Festival, where it was praised by those in attendance, and it’ll make its worldwide debut on Netflix in mid-September. One of the new Netflix movies for fans of foreign language flicks to keep an eye on.

Spy Kids: Armageddon

Release date: September 22

A reboot of the beloved early 21st century spy-comedy film series, Spy Kids: Armageddon sees a new generation of young heroes step up to become the saviors of the world.

To be fair, it’s their fault that the globe finds itself in a mess anyway. When the children of the world’s greatest spies unknowingly help a powerful game developer to unleash a virus that grants him access to every technological device, they’re forced to assume the spy mantle themselves and save the day. No pressure, gang.

We don’t think Spy Kids: Armageddon will do as well as anticipated, but it should have enough about it to keep your own kids quiet for a couple of hours.

Reptile

Release date: October 6

This fascinating crime thriller will look to up Netflix’s game in the subversive storytelling department when it arrives in October. Reptile’s plot synopsis reads as follows: “Following the brutal murder of a young real estate agent, a hardened detective attempts to uncover the truth in a case where nothing is as it seems, and by doing so dismantles the illusions in his own life.”

Benicio del Toro, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Silverstone, Domenick Lombardozzi, and Eric Bogosian are among its talented cast. Grant Singer makes his feature film directorial debut with Reptile after helming numerous music videos for artists including The Weeknd, Sam Smith, and Taylor Swift. Singer, Del Toro, and Benjamin Brewer penned its screenplay.

Pain Hustlers

Release date: October 27

In our minds, Pain Hustlers looks like a medical Wolf of Wall Street. If it’s half as good as that brilliant movie was, we’re in for a real treat with one of October’s new Netflix movies.

The film stars Emily Blunt as Liza Drake, a blue-collar mom who loses her job and winds up being hired by a pharmaceutical firm. However, Drake soon finds herself grappling with the company’s ethical ambiguity and dangerous rackateering scheme, as well as dealing with her fellow explosive and chauvinistic employees, including Pete Brenner (Chris Evans) and unhinged CEO Jack Neel (Andy Garcia). Expect Pain Hustlers to pull in millions of viewers next month.

NYAD

Release date: November 3

Based on an incredible true story, NYAD tells the tale of journalist Diana (Annette Bening) who, at 60 years of age, attempts to complete an epic 110-mile open ocean swim from Cuba to Florida. It’s a water-based trek she’s been obsessed with since she gave up marathon swimming 30 years prior. With the aid and support of long-time friend and coach Bonnie (Jodie Foster), Diana sets off on a four-year journey to tackle her biggest regret.

Early reviews of this thrilling drama have called it “mesmerizing”, “fearless”, and “powerful”. We’ll see if those words ring true pre-Thanksgiving.

The Killer

Release date: November 10

David Fincher’s back with a brand-new thriller to, well, thrill us with. The Killer, which stars Michael Fassbender, looks like it’ll be another unmissable Fincher offering, too.

Based on Alexis Nolent and Luc Jacamon’s graphic novel series of the same name, The Killer sees Fassbender play an unnamed assassin. After a near-fatal miss, goes to war against his employers during an international manhunt that Fassbender’s nameless protagonist insists isn’t personal. Tilda Swinton and Charles Parnell are among the starry supporting cast of one of 2023’s new Netflix movies.

Rustin

Release date: November 17

Colman Domingo promises to deliver a powerful performance in Rustin, a film based on the architect of 1963’s momentous March on Washington, which culminated with Martin Luther King giving his legendary and impactful ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.

Domingo portrays the titular Bayard Rustin, a political and social activist, and one of the civil rights movement’s most influential men. Never one to apologize for who he was or what he believed in, the inspirational Black and gay leader helped to make history – so why has his iconic story never been told before? Netflix aims to finally shine a light on Rustin in this powerful tale of resolve, faith, and standing up for what’s right.

Leo

Release date: November 21

2023 feels like the year of Adam Sandler on Netflix. Not content with starring in Murder Mystery 2, The Out-Laws, and You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, he’s also voicing the titular character in family-friendly musical-comedy Leo, which arrives in time for Thanksgiving.

Sandler stars as jaded school pet lizard Leo, who’s been stuck in the same Florida classroom alongside his turtle friend (voiced by Bill Burr) for decades. But, when Leo learns he only has a year left to live, he plans to escape from his glass-wall confinement and live life to the full for once. Here’s hoping it’ll keep the kids entertained once you’ve consumed your bodyweight in turkey during the aforementioned US holiday…

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Release date: December 15

Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget. 

When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. However, back on the mainland, the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. This time around, instead of breaking out, they’re breaking in. That’s right, get ready for everyone’s favorite anthropomorphic chickens (and rats!) to ruffle some feathers by performing their own egg-cellent heist.

Maestro

Release date: December 20 (in select theaters from November 24)

Produced by Todd Phillips, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg and leading man Bradley Cooper (who also directs and stars in the film), Maestro centers on the life and legacy of West Side Story composer Leonard Bernstein. Judging by the prosthetics used to transform Cooper into the much older Bernstein, we expect this entry in our new Netflix movies list to be a shoo-in for next year’s Best Makeup and Hairstyling Oscar. 

For those interested, here’s Maestro‘s story synopsis: “Maestro is a towering and fearless love story chronicling the lifelong relationship between Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein.  A love letter to life and art, Maestro at its core is an emotionally epic portrayal of family and love.”

Rebel Moon Part 1: A Child of Fire

Release date: December 22

Director Zack Snyder returns to Netflix with Rebel Moon, an epic space opera reportedly inspired by Star Wars, The Dirty Dozen, and Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai. Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Ray Fisher, Djimon Hounsou, Jena Malone, Corey Stoll, Ed Skrein, and Anthony Hopkins are among its stacked ensemble cast.

Here’s the plot synopsis: “When a peaceful colony on the edge of a galaxy finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, Kora (Sofia Boutella), a mysterious stranger living among the villagers, becomes their best hope for survival. 

“Tasked with finding trained fighters who will unite with her in making an impossible stand against the Mother World, Kora assembles a small band of warriors – outsiders, insurgents, peasants and orphans of war from different worlds who share a common need for redemption and revenge. As the shadow of an entire Realm bears down on the unlikeliest of moons, a battle over the fate of a galaxy is waged, and in the process, a new army of heroes is formed.”

Rebel Moon Part 1: A Child of Fire releases this December, with Part 2: The Scargiver slated for April 2024. Its first trailer, which you can view above, looks like Netflix’s pretty good answer to Star Wars. Given Snyder is helming this one, a director’s cut is on the way as well, and it’ll test your movie runtime limits.

For more Netflix-based coverage, read our best Netflix documentaries guide. Alternatively, find out how to sign up to Netflix or get the lowdown on whether it’s worth cancelling your Netflix subscription.