Top Movies and TV Shows in the US: JustWatch September 2026 Streaming Charts

September brought a mix of new releases, returning favorites, action series, comedies, thrillers, and family entertainment to U.S. streaming. This roundup covers the titles people were most interested in across the month, based on the JustWatch U.S. Streaming Charts for September 1 to September 30, 2026.

The charts show viewing interest across supported streaming services. They are useful for choosing what to watch next, but availability can change by platform and region. If you want more entertainment picks after this list, browse the Shifted Magazine Entertainment section.

Top 10 movies in the US in September 2026

Source: JustWatch U.S. Streaming Charts, September 1–30, 2026.

The movie ranking was led by a mix of suspense, major franchise releases, and familiar titles. Here is the complete top 10 in order.

1. Backrooms

Backrooms took the number one position in the U.S. movie chart. Its placement shows how strongly audiences were looking for a suspenseful, discussion-friendly movie during September. It was the month’s highest-ranked film on the JustWatch list.

2. Practical Magic

Practical Magic came in second. The film’s position shows that viewers were also returning to established favorites, not only choosing the newest release. It remained one of the most sought-after movie options throughout the month.

3. Obsession

At number three, Obsession gave the chart another high-interest thriller choice. Its top-three finish placed it ahead of several much larger franchise titles and made it one of September’s most visible movie picks.

4. Mayday

Mayday ranked fourth in the U.S. chart. The result kept the top section of the list focused on tense, high-stakes viewing, while also showing that viewers were spreading their attention across different genres and platforms.

5. Project Hail Mary

Project Hail Mary reached number five. It was one of the strongest science-fiction titles in the monthly movie ranking and held its own beside horror, mystery, and fantasy choices in the first half of the list.

6. Supergirl

Supergirl placed sixth. Superhero interest remained clear in September, and this ranking put the title among the month’s most in-demand movies. For more comic-book viewing ideas, see our guide to cross-genre superhero films on Hulu.

7. The Whisper Man

The Whisper Man ranked seventh. Its position reinforced the demand for darker mystery and thriller viewing, giving audiences a strong alternative to the franchises and broad family releases in the chart.

8. Tuner

Tuner finished eighth for the month. A place in the top 10 matters because it shows continued audience interest across the entire September period, rather than a brief burst around a single weekend.

9. The Mandalorian and Grogu

The Mandalorian and Grogu came in at number nine. The result kept a major space franchise on the list and showed that audiences were still actively looking for large-scale adventure and familiar characters.

10. Toy Story 5

Toy Story 5 completed the September movie top 10. Its presence gave the chart a clear family-focused choice alongside the month’s more intense releases, making it a useful option for a different kind of movie night.

If you are choosing a weekend watchlist rather than following monthly trends, our best TV shows and movies for weekend binge-watching guide is another place to start.

Top 20 TV shows in the US in September 2026

TV viewing was even more varied. The top 20 included returning favorites, new dramas, comedies, crime series, and streaming originals from several different services.

Ranks 1–10

Source: JustWatch U.S. Streaming Charts, September 1–30, 2026.

1. Lanterns

Lanterns was the No. 1 TV show in the United States in September. The series led a competitive list and became the clearest sign of where audience attention was concentrated during the month.

2. Reacher

Reacher took second place. Its consistent appeal as an action title kept it close to the top spot and confirmed its value as a reliable choice for viewers looking for a fast-paced series.

3. Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso ranked third. The series stood out in a chart otherwise packed with crime, action, and mystery titles, showing that upbeat comedy-drama remained a strong streaming choice in September.

4. Lioness

Lioness came fourth. Its place near the top of the list added another serious action and drama option for viewers who wanted a high-tension series rather than a short movie.

5. Furious

Furious was fifth on the JustWatch chart. It was part of a very strong top tier and remained ahead of several established series that also had major streaming audiences.

6. Widow’s Bay

Widow’s Bay reached number six. The show helped make the middle of the top 10 especially diverse, giving viewers another title to consider when choosing a new mystery or drama series.

7. The Gentlemen

The Gentlemen placed seventh. It continued to draw attention among viewers looking for crime-focused entertainment with a distinctive style and a strong ensemble cast.

8. Slow Horses

Slow Horses ranked eighth. Its position showed steady interest in spy and workplace drama, helping it remain one of the month’s key television choices in the U.S.

9. Chad Powers

Chad Powers came in ninth. The series gave the chart another comedy-leaning option and helped broaden a top 10 otherwise dominated by thriller, action, and crime stories.

10. Silo

Silo finished the first half of the TV list at number 10. It remained a notable science-fiction choice for audiences who prefer long-form mysteries and detailed future-world stories.

Ranks 11–20

Source: JustWatch U.S. Streaming Charts, September 1–30, 2026.

11. Dark Matter

Dark Matter opened the second half of the chart. Its number 11 position made it one of the leading science-fiction series just outside the main top 10.

12. Neagley

Neagley ranked 12th. The title added more action-focused viewing to the list and sat directly behind another strong science-fiction entry.

13. MobLand

MobLand came in at number 13. Crime stories stayed well represented across the September rankings, and this series was one of the leading examples.

14. Line of Fire

Line of Fire took 14th place. It continued the chart’s run of tense, plot-driven television choices and remained a competitive part of the top 20.

15. American Horror Stories

American Horror Stories ranked 15th. Its presence shows that horror still attracted a meaningful streaming audience as September moved toward the autumn viewing season.

16. Adults

Adults came in at number 16. The show brought another lighter, character-led option to a list full of action, mystery, and crime titles.

17. American Hostage

American Hostage placed 17th. Its ranking kept suspense and real-world tension firmly represented in the lower half of the U.S. top 20.

18. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia reached number 18. The long-running comedy continued to perform well, proving that established shows can still compete with recent releases.

19. Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story

Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story was number 19. The title added a darker historical and true-crime-adjacent choice for viewers exploring the full chart.

20. Last Seen

Last Seen rounded out the top 20. Reaching this list still places the series among the month’s major streaming interests in the U.S., especially in such a crowded lineup.

What the September charts show

September’s rankings did not point to one single genre. Movies combined suspense, science fiction, superheroes, franchises, and family entertainment. TV shows mixed action, comedy, spy stories, crime, horror, and speculative fiction. That variety makes the charts useful for viewers who do not want to rely only on a platform’s homepage recommendations.

For a title-specific look at an actor’s screen work, you can also read our article on Lilah Richcreek Estrada’s best movie and TV roles. If you are comparing legal viewing options and apps rather than deciding on a title, see our MovieBox alternatives guide.

Data note: Rankings in this article are based on the JustWatch U.S. Streaming Charts for September 1–30, 2026. Streaming availability changes regularly, so check your preferred service for the latest viewing options.

How to use the September rankings

A monthly streaming chart gives you a practical shortlist when there are too many choices on every platform. Start with the kind of viewing experience you want, then compare the relevant titles in the ranking. The movie list includes suspense, science fiction, superhero action, fantasy, and family entertainment. The television list includes comedy, crime, mystery, drama, action, and science fiction, so it can help with both a quick evening choice and a longer watch plan.

• For a movie night: choose a genre first, then use the movie top 10 to narrow your options.
• For a new series: start with the top 10 shows if you want the titles that drew the most attention in September.
• For comedy: Ted Lasso, Chad Powers, Adults, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia offer a different direction from the chart’s thrillers.
• For suspense: Backrooms, Obsession, The Whisper Man, Slow Horses, Dark Matter, and American Hostage are useful starting points.

Popularity is not the same as a personal recommendation. A ranking cannot decide whether a title fits your preferred pace, age group, or mood. It can show which movies and series U.S. audiences were most actively looking for during a defined period.

Why streaming rankings change quickly

Streaming rankings can change quickly when a series releases new episodes, a film reaches another service, or a title receives wider attention online. September’s results should therefore be read as a record of that particular month rather than a permanent list. A number-one title can move down within weeks, while a long-running show can return when a new season becomes available.

Before starting any title, check the current JustWatch listing and your preferred streaming service. Platform availability, subscription tiers, rental prices, and included seasons can change. This quick check helps turn a monthly chart into a simple viewing decision.