If you’re wondering what to watch this September, our roundup of fresh films and TV series has you covered. Our picks this month truly run the gamut—from a queer coming-of-age film, to a relatable rom-com series, to a twisted thriller, a witchy fantasy series, and much more.
If you want even more to add to your watchlist this September, TIFF is the place to be! We’ve put together a guide to TIFF 2024 with 20 of our most anticipated titles, so you can be among the first to see buzzy new films premiering this month right here in Toronto.
Here are our top 10 picks coming to theatres, Netflix, Disney+ and other streaming services in September 2024:
My First Film
Artistic self-reflection can be powerful, and transformative. My First Film is Zia Anger’s semi-autobiographical account of her tumultuous first filmmaking experience. Vita (Odessa Young) recounts how her first production spiralled into chaos, leading to plenty of disruptions and a near-fatal accident. Based on Anger’s 2019 multimedia performance of the same name, My First Film is a meta exploration of artistic truths and what happens when personal experiences inform a narrative.
Where to Watch: MUBI
Release Date: September 6
Emily in Paris Season 4, Part 2
As the Emily in Paris saga continues, all roads are leading to Rome. With tensions still high between Emily and Gabriel, and a new (American) hire at her job, Emily jumps at the chance for the ultimate Roman Holiday. As Emily ventures out to a new European destination, creator Darren Star told TUDUM: “ Expect new characters, a lot more drama, romance, and a whole new language to try and master.”
Where to Watch: Netflix
Release Date: September 12
My Old Ass
My Old Ass asks the timeless question: What would you tell your younger self? On her 18th birthday, in the midst of a mushroom trip, free-spirited Elliott comes face-to-face with her 39-year-old self, and begins to rethink everything about family, love, and her transformative summer. Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza lead this queer coming-of-age story with a fresh perspective.
Where to Watch: In theatres
Release Date: September 13
Uglies
Another big-name dystopian adaptation is coming to your screens this month! Based on the award-winning Uglies books by Scott Westerfield, this is the story of a futuristic world that imposes cosmetic surgery at the age of 16. Tally (Joey King) is excited to join the rest of society, but when her friend runs away, she embarks on a journey that upends everything she thought she wanted.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Release Date: September 13
Agatha All Along
Kathryn Hahn stars in this delightfully witchy series as the infamous Agatha Harkness. When a suspicious goth teen helps break her free from a spell, they find themselves on the legendary Witches’ Road—a magical gauntlet of trials. With the help of their coven, this unlikely duo travels along the road, hoping to be rewarded with what they’re missing most.
Where to Watch: Disney+
Release Date: September 18, new episodes weekly
The Substance
All it takes is one injection of THE SUBSTANCE, and former A-lister Elisabeth Sparkle is reborn as the gorgeous younger version of herself…as long as she splits her time equally between her two bodies. This twisted and provocative thriller is a satirical take on toxic beauty culture with a stacked cast of Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid. Following its world premiere at TIFF’s Midnight Madness, this thrilling watch will be in theatres for all to experience.
Where to Watch: In theatres
Release Date: September 20
His Three Daughters
Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon star as three sisters coming together to be with their father in his final days. As tensions between the siblings build, they face their differences as death looms over the patriarch. Bittersweet, funny, and exploring complex family dynamics, this family drama is one on our radar this month.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Release Date: September 20
The Knowing
Adapted from journalist Tanya Talaga’s book of the same name, The Knowing is a four-part documentary series that explores Talaga’s family history, and how it is intertwined with the dark history of Canada’s residential school system. With sweeping imagery, rare archival footage, poetic narration and deeply personal conversations, Talaga leads this emotional journey through her family’s eight-decade-long search for their family matriarch.
Where to Watch: CBC Gem
Release Date: September 25
Nobody Wants This
Follow the start of an unlikely relationship between an outspoken, agnostic LA podcaster and an unconventional rabbi. In this new rom-com series, there are countless obstacles to love for Joanne (Kristen Bell) and Noah (Adam Brody)—from faith to family, including her sister Morgan (Justin Lupe) and his brother Sasha (Timothy Simons). This semi-autobiographical series from creator Erin Foster, described as “a universal and relatable love story”, looks like an absolute delight.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Release Date: September 26
Lee
Immerse yourself in the life of Lee Miller, an American war correspondent and photographer who produced some of the 20th century’s most iconic images of war, displaying fragility, ferocity and a profound empathy for women and the voiceless. Starring Kate Winslet, this film tells the story of a pivotal decade in Lee’s life that leads her to confront a traumatic secret from her childhood. This debut feature film from award-winning cinematographer Ellen Kuras also stars Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgård, Marion Cotillard, Josh O’Connor and Andrea Riseborough.
Where to Watch: In theatres
Release Date: September 27