Tubi has become one of the fastest-growing free streaming platforms in the U.S., and its September 2025 lineup shows exactly why. The service, which now reaches more than 80 million monthly active users, is leaning into a mix of buzzy original programming, classic TV throwbacks, and blockbuster movies. Whether you’re into award-winning dramas, cult comedies, or late-night horror binges, this month’s slate has something for everyone—and all without a subscription fee.
Tubi Originals & Exclusives
Tubi has been steadily expanding its original content slate, often experimenting with genres major streamers overlook. September brings three fresh debuts:
- REL TALK – September 5
Comedian Lil Rel Howery (best known from Get Out and Free Guy) brings his latest stand-up special exclusively to Tubi. With Netflix and Amazon doubling down on big-budget comedy specials, Tubi is carving its own lane in stand-up by offering accessible, no-paywall showcases of top talent. - DARK SECRET – September 12
A new thriller diving into hidden truths and dangerous revelations. Tubi has been quietly gaining traction in the thriller/horror lane—its earlier titles like Fear the Night found cult audiences—and Dark Secret looks to continue that momentum. - TAKEOUT – September 19
A suspense story set in a fast-food diner, this original leans into the “contained thriller” style popularized by films like The Menu and Phone Booth. Expect a tight, tension-driven narrative.
Series Spotlight & TV Additions
Starting September 1, Tubi refreshes its TV library with both prestige dramas and nostalgic favorites. A few standouts include:
- Damages (starring Glenn Close and Rose Byrne) – One of the 2000s’ most acclaimed legal thrillers, known for its sharp writing and Emmy-winning performances.
- Community (Seasons 5 & 6) – The cult sitcom beloved for its meta humor and pop culture parodies. With a long-awaited movie finally in production, it’s perfect timing for fans to catch up.
- All in the Family (Seasons 5 & 6) – A groundbreaking 1970s sitcom that changed television by tackling taboo social issues with humor and heart.
- Archer – The animated spy comedy that mixes absurd workplace antics with James Bond parody.
- Sabrina the Teenage Witch – The late-’90s favorite starring Melissa Joan Hart, offering family-friendly magic nostalgia.
- The Steve Harvey Show (Seasons 1 & 2) – Long before becoming a daytime host and Family Feud icon, Steve Harvey helmed this sitcom set in an inner-city high school.
Other additions include Bronx S.I.U., Genius: Picasso, Stuck With You, Outsiders, and Terror Lake Drive, broadening Tubi’s lineup of scripted drama.
Movies & Film Favorites
Tubi’s September film drop is one of its most diverse to date, with something for every type of viewer:
- Critically acclaimed & arthouse: Call Me By Your Name, Pan’s Labyrinth, Dream Scenario
- Comedy & classics: Clueless, Mean Girls (2004), Coming to America, Beverly Hills Cop I & II, The Truman Show, Edward Scissorhands
- Horror & suspense: Crawl, Drag Me to Hell, Fright Night, Evil Dead (2013), Paranormal Activity, Halloween — just in time for spooky season marathons
- Action & adrenaline: Den of Thieves, King Kong, World War Z, Need for Speed, Max Payne
- Dramas & cult favorites: Goodfellas, Scarface, Footloose (1981), Lean on Me, Gridiron Gang
Tubi is well-known for its “shock value” horror drops every fall, and the September lineup shows it’s leaning into the Halloween build-up early.
Notable Spotlight: King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
One standout addition this month is Guy Ritchie’s King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017), which drops on September 1. While the film was a box office disappointment at release, it has since gained cult appeal thanks to its stylish action and kinetic editing. For fantasy fans who missed it in theaters, Tubi offers a second chance—completely free.
At a Glance: September Release Calendar
| Date | What’s New on Tubi |
|---|---|
| Sept 1 | TV classics (Damages, Community, All in the Family, Sabrina), major films (Clueless, Goodfellas, Pan’s Labyrinth, Halloween), plus King Arthur: Legend of the Sword |
| Sept 5 | REL TALK – Lil Rel Howery stand-up special |
| Sept 12 | DARK SECRET – Tubi original thriller |
| Sept 19 | TAKEOUT – Tubi original thriller |
Quick Picks: Best September Titles by Genre
To help you cut through the noise, here are the must-watch highlights based on your favorite genres:
- For Comedy Fans → REL TALK (Sept 5), Community, Clueless, Mean Girls, Coming to America
- For Drama Lovers → Damages, Goodfellas, Scarface, Lean on Me, Dream Scenario
- For Horror Buffs → Dark Secret (Sept 12), Takeout (Sept 19), Halloween, Drag Me to Hell, Paranormal Activity
- For Action Junkies → Den of Thieves, World War Z, King Kong, Max Payne
- For Nostalgia Seekers → Sabrina the Teenage Witch, All in the Family, The Steve Harvey Show, Edward Scissorhands
Why This Matters
With subscription prices climbing on Netflix, Disney+, and Max, ad-supported platforms like Tubi are becoming an increasingly attractive alternative. The September lineup proves that free doesn’t have to mean second-tier content—Tubi’s library now spans Hollywood blockbusters, cult TV, and original programming designed to keep viewers coming back week after week.
If you’re looking for a no-cost way to expand your streaming options, September might be the perfect time to dive into Tubi’s catalog.
Where To Watch The Witches (2020)
“The Witches” (2020) brings Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story back to life under the direction of Robert Zemeckis. This dark fantasy comedy horror film stars Anne Hathaway as the Grand High Witch, Octavia Spencer as the grandmother, and includes performances from Chris Rock and Jahzir Bruno. The film follows a young boy and his grandmother who encounter a coven of witches at a hotel, leading to a dangerous adventure as they try to stop the witches’ evil plan.
Available for streaming on HBO Max upon its release, this reimagining offers a fresh take on the beloved tale with modern visual effects and storytelling techniques. The 2020 version makes several notable changes from the 1990 adaptation, including an updated final showdown between the Grand High Witch and our heroes. With a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes, the film blends adventure, comedy, and just enough spooky elements to engage viewers of various ages.
Key Takeaways
- “The Witches” 2020 stars Anne Hathaway and Octavia Spencer in Robert Zemeckis’ reimagining of Roald Dahl’s classic tale.
- The film features an updated storyline and visual effects while maintaining the core narrative of a boy and his grandmother battling a coven of child-hating witches.
- Viewers can stream the movie on HBO Max or rent it in UHD for $3.99 through services like Amazon Prime Video.
The Legacy of ‘The Witches’
‘The Witches’ has maintained a significant place in popular culture since Roald Dahl’s original novel was published. The story has evolved through different adaptations, each leaving its own mark on how audiences perceive this dark children’s tale.
Cultural Impact of the 1968 Novel
Roald Dahl’s original novel “The Witches,” published in 1968, established itself as a cornerstone of children’s literature that wasn’t afraid to frighten young readers. The book broke conventions by presenting genuine horror elements within a children’s story.
Dahl’s unflinching approach to depicting the witches as truly terrifying creatures who despised children created a lasting impression on generations of readers. His willingness to include darker themes distinguished the book from other children’s literature of the time.
The novel’s enduring popularity comes from its perfect balance of humor and horror. It respects children’s intelligence while acknowledging their fears, a trademark of Dahl’s writing style.
Influence of Nicolas Roeg’s 1990 Adaptation
The 1990 film adaptation directed by Nicolas Roeg brought Dahl’s frightening tale to life with practical effects and an unforgettable performance by Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch. This version is often considered the definitive visual interpretation of the story.
Huston’s portrayal remains iconic, with her transformation scene becoming one of the most memorable moments in children’s film history. The practical makeup effects by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop created genuinely unsettling visuals that stayed true to Dahl’s vision.
Thirty years later, this adaptation continues to terrify viewers of all ages. Its practical effects approach and dark tone have helped it maintain cult status among horror and fantasy film enthusiasts.
Robert Zemeckis’s 2020 Reimagining
Robert Zemeckis’s 2020 adaptation for HBO Max brought a fresh perspective to the classic tale, though it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. This version starred Anne Hathaway as the Grand High Witch and relocated the story to 1960s Alabama.
The 2020 film attempted to balance honoring the source material while creating a distinct identity. Zemeckis incorporated more CGI effects for the witches’ transformations, which some viewers found less effective than the practical effects of the 1990 version.
Despite criticisms, the newer adaptation succeeded in introducing the story to a new generation of viewers. The film maintained the core elements that make “The Witches” a compelling story while attempting to add contemporary sensibilities and visual flair to the classic tale.
Production and Release Insights
Robert Zemeckis’s 2020 adaptation of “The Witches” brought modern filmmaking techniques to Roald Dahl’s classic story while featuring notable performances from Anne Hathaway and Octavia Spencer. The film underwent significant changes in distribution strategy due to the pandemic.
Modern Visual Effects and CGI
The 2020 version of “The Witches” showcased significant advancements in visual effects compared to the 1990 adaptation. Warner Bros. invested heavily in CGI technology to bring the witches’ transformations to life, particularly for Anne Hathaway’s Grand High Witch character.
The effects team created digital enhancements for the witches’ features, including elongated fingers, toeless feet, and enlarged mouths with razor-sharp teeth. These visual elements departed from the practical makeup effects of the earlier film version.
Some critics noted that while technically impressive, the heavy reliance on CGI lacked the practical charm of Jim Henson’s puppetry from the 1990 film. The digital effects did, however, allow for more elaborate transformation sequences and fantastical elements throughout the film.
Casting and Character Portrayals
Anne Hathaway’s performance as the Grand High Witch became a standout element of the film. Her portrayal featured an exaggerated European accent and theatrical mannerisms that divided critics but definitely made an impression.
Octavia Spencer brought warmth and strength to her role as Grandma, the boy’s protective grandmother who knows about witches from personal experience. Her performance grounded the fantastical elements of the story with emotional depth.
The production shifted the setting from 1960s England to 1960s Alabama, allowing for a more diverse cast. This change enabled the filmmakers to incorporate themes about class and race that weren’t present in previous adaptations.
The child actors, led by Jahzir Bruno as the protagonist, balanced the comedic and frightening aspects of the story while working extensively with green screen technology for many of the effects-heavy scenes.
Distribution through HBO Max and Netflix
“The Witches” experienced a significant shift in release strategy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Warner Bros. originally planned a traditional theatrical release for October 2020 but pivoted to a streaming-first approach.
In the US, the film debuted exclusively on HBO Max on October 22, 2020, becoming one of the platform’s first major original film releases. This decision reflected the studio’s response to theater closures and changing viewer habits during the pandemic.
Internationally, where HBO Max wasn’t available, Warner Bros. partnered with Netflix to distribute the film in many regions. This dual streaming strategy allowed the film to reach global audiences despite the challenging theatrical environment.
The streaming-first approach impacted the film’s revenue potential but provided greater accessibility to families who could watch safely from home during a difficult period for traditional cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2020 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale “The Witches” has generated many questions from viewers about where to watch it, how it compares to previous versions, and what critics think of the remake.
Is The Witches 2020 available for streaming on Netflix?
Currently, “The Witches” (2020) is not available on Netflix in most regions. The film was released by Warner Bros. and has primarily been distributed through their affiliated streaming platforms rather than Netflix.
The streaming rights situation may vary by country, so viewers should check their local Netflix catalog for the most up-to-date information.
How does the 2020 adaptation of The Witches compare to the original 1990 film?
The 2020 version directed by Robert Zemeckis takes a different visual approach than the 1990 film. While both adaptations tell the story of a young boy encountering a coven of child-hating witches, the newer version features more modern special effects.
In the 1990 film, many bald witches were actually played by men in costume, while the 2020 version uses CGI for many effects. The Grand High Witch’s hotel room number also differs between versions – room 208 in the 1990 film and a different number in the 2020 adaptation.
Some fans note the 1990 version had more practical effects that gave it a distinct charm, while the 2020 version offers a more polished, contemporary look.
Can The Witches 2020 be found on HBO Max?
Yes, “The Witches” (2020) premiered on HBO Max in October 2020. As a Warner Bros. production, it made its home on this streaming platform.
The film has remained part of HBO Max’s catalog since its initial release. Subscribers to the service can watch the movie as part of their regular subscription without additional fees.
Where can viewers legally stream The Witches 2020 full movie?
The primary streaming home for “The Witches” (2020) is HBO Max. The film can also be rented or purchased on various digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.
Some cable providers may also offer the film through their on-demand services. Availability and pricing vary by platform and region.
Viewers should check their preferred streaming services for the most current availability in their area.
Are there any notable differences in the 2020 version of The Witches from Roald Dahl’s original book?
The 2020 film makes several changes to Dahl’s 1983 book. The setting moves from England to Alabama in the 1960s, giving the story an American context rather than a British one.
Some character backgrounds have been altered, and certain scenes play out differently than in the original text. The visual representation of the witches, particularly the Grand High Witch, takes some creative liberties while maintaining key features described in the book.
Despite these changes, the core story about a boy transformed into a mouse who must stop the witches’ evil plan remains intact.
What are the reviews saying about the 2020 remake of The Witches?
Critics have given mixed reviews to the 2020 adaptation. Some praise the visual effects and Anne Hathaway’s performance as the Grand High Witch, while others feel it lacks the charm and scariness of the 1990 version.
Common Sense Media describes the film as “campy but creepy” with “lots of spooky stuff.” The film runs 1 hour and 46 minutes and was released on October 22, 2020.
Some viewers appreciate the more family-friendly approach, while others feel it waters down the darker elements that made Dahl’s original story compelling. The film has generated discussion about how it balances being accessible to children while maintaining the story’s inherent spookiness.
