Movie releases in September aren’t always the most exciting, unless you’re a fan of the “Conjuring” universe. If that’s not your thing, consider exploring some overlooked films. Netflix now offers a great selection of licensed movies, including hidden gems and blockbusters that may have slipped under your radar during the busy summer months.
No matter your preference—action-packed sci-fi, thrilling horror, crime capers, or classic animation—the streaming platform has something to offer. This week, the movie aficionados at [Your Publication Name] have curated four films for your enjoyment. Discover our recommendations below:
1
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
Francis Ford Coppola’s lavish adaptation, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, captivates with its opulent set design and detailed costumes, but the true highlight is the cast. Gary Oldman shines as Dracula, seemingly born to play the iconic role. He embodies both charm and menace in his interactions with Mina Murray (Winona Ryder), while his scenes with Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves) are truly chilling. Anthony Hopkins, as Dr. Van Helsing, delivers a stellar performance that seals the deal.
While liberties are taken with the source material, this adaptation remains arguably the most faithful—and certainly among the most entertaining—renditions of Stoker’s classic 1897 novel. —Claire Lewis
2
Shark Tale (2004)
Shark Tale playfully explores a unique concept: What if Will Smith voiced a blue-collar fish named Oscar, who gains notoriety by falsely claiming to be a shark slayer? Would that concept draw an audience? Absolutely!
With a star-studded cast featuring Robert De Niro, Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, and even director Martin Scorsese lending his voice, Shark Tale is a Dreamworks gem. It’s a delightful, feel-good movie promoting authenticity, perfect for family movie night. —Aimee Hart
3
Inside Man (2006)
Witness the cinematic vision of Spike Lee in Highest 2 Lowest, a reimagining of Kurosawa’s thrilling film, starring Denzel Washington. A team-up that Spike Lee fans recognize. This duo has been collaborating since the 90s’ and has been working together since. But if you would like to watch something fun, check out Inside Man!
Inside Man stars Denzel as a hostage negotiator who faces the biggest challenge of his career when Clive Owen, as a criminal mastermind, seizes a bank. Spike Lee employs his distinctive directing talents to make a gripping cat-and-mouse thriller that holds you in suspense until the very end. —Jake Kleinman
4
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
If you’re in the mood for some time-loop action, give Edge of Tomorrow a watch. Directed by Doug Liman, Tom Cruise stars as Major William Cage, a military public relations officer thrust onto the front lines of an alien invasion. When Cage comes into contact with alien blood, he gets stuck in a time loop. Cage must master his abilities in order to defeat the alien forces.
But utilizing his new power is challenging, and Emily Blunt, as a fellow soldier, teaches Cage tough lessons by killing him when he makes mistakes. The movie’s slogan, “Live. Die. Repeat.”, sums up what the movie is about. Edge of Tomorrow offers a fresh spin on both the alien invasion and time loop themes. — Samantha Nelson