Netflix delivered an impressive Labor Day weekend gift with 25 new movies and series added over the past seven days, offering something for every viewer during the long holiday weekend. From star-studded murder mysteries to overlooked romantic dramas and thrilling crime stories, this week’s releases pack serious entertainment value.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy mystery night or an intense drama marathon, Netflix’s Labor Day lineup has transformed what started as a quiet August into an action-packed streaming finale.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Must-Watch Netflix Releases This Weekend
1. The Thursday Murder Club (2025) – The Week’s Biggest Hit
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Mystery | Rating: PG-13 | Runtime: Feature Film
Netflix’s big new movie release of the week pulls in Home Alone and Harry Potter director Chris Columbus and some British acting superstars, featuring Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, and Jonathan Pryce in this adaptation of Richard Osman’s beloved novel.
The Story Arc: A retirement home murder mystery club faces their ultimate test when a real murder lands on their doorstep. The film follows a group of elderly sleuths who must put their theoretical detective skills to practical use, navigating both the complexity of actual crime-solving and the dynamics of their own relationships.
The movie explores themes of aging, friendship, and finding purpose in later life, while delivering the cozy mystery elements that made the source material a bestseller. Reviews have been mixed to good on the film thus far, and it’s already topping the charts in most countries around the world.
2. On Swift Horses (2024) – Hidden LGBTQ+ Gem
Genre: Drama, Romance | Rating: R | Runtime: 119 minutes
Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, and Will Poulter, this overlooked theatrical release makes its Netflix debut with powerful performances and a compelling narrative.
The Story Arc: Set in post-Korean War California, the film follows Muriel and her husband Lee as they attempt to build a new life. Their stability crumbles with the arrival of Lee’s charismatic brother Julius, creating a complex love triangle. When Julius disappears chasing a card cheat, Muriel discovers her own secret world of racehorse gambling and unexpected romance.
The film examines themes of sexuality, identity, and the constraints of 1950s society, offering a nuanced portrayal of queer relationships during a repressive era. Despite mixed critical reception during its theatrical run, the heavyweight cast is more than enough for people to jump in.
3. Wind River (2017) – Taylor Sheridan’s Crime Masterpiece Returns
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery | Rating: R | Runtime: 107 minutes
One of the unexpected returns to the Netflix US library this week, featuring Elizabeth Olsen and Jeremy Renner in career-defining performances.
The Story Arc: An FBI agent partners with a veteran game tracker to investigate a murder on a Native American reservation. The film delves deep into systemic issues affecting Native American communities while delivering a tense, atmospheric thriller. Sheridan’s screenplay doesn’t shy away from difficult truths about violence against Indigenous women and the jurisdictional complexities that often leave crimes unsolved.
This particular movie came out just before Taylor Sheridan became the prolific TV writer known around the world through his shows like Yellowstone and Landman, but it’s got the essential DNA that makes those shows tick.
Complete Labor Day Weekend Releases Breakdown
| Category | Count | Notable Titles |
|---|---|---|
| New Movies | 18 | The Thursday Murder Club, Wind River, On Swift Horses |
| TV Series | 7 | My Life With the Walter Boys S2, Katrina: Come Hell and High Water |
| Netflix Originals | 15+ | Christopher, Fantasy Football Ruined Our Lives, KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along |
| International Content | 8 | Love Untangled (Korean), Millionaire (Spanish), Bon Appétit Your Majesty (Korean) |
Notable TV Series Releases
My Life With the Walter Boys (Season 2)
Rating: TV-14 | Genre: Teen Drama
The highly anticipated second season continues Jackie’s journey with the Walter family, exploring deeper character development and romantic complications that made the first season a global hit.
Katrina: Come Hell and High Water (Limited Series)
Rating: TV-MA | Genre: Documentary
A powerful documentary examination of Hurricane Katrina’s impact, perfect for Labor Day reflection on community resilience and recovery efforts.
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (Limited Series)
Rating: TV-PG | Language: Korean
A Korean culinary drama that blends historical storytelling with food culture, offering viewers a unique cultural experience.
International Spotlight: Global Netflix Originals
Netflix’s commitment to international content shines through this week’s releases:
- Christopher – A Beautiful Real Life (Danish): An intimate biographical drama exploring personal transformation
- Fantasy Football Ruined Our Lives (Italian): A comedy examining sports obsession’s impact on relationships
- Love Untangled (Korean): A romantic drama perfect for K-drama enthusiasts
- Millionaire (Spanish): A thriller about wealth’s corrupting influence
- Planet Single: Greek Adventure (Polish): A romantic comedy continuation
Labor Day Weekend Viewing Recommendations
For Family Viewing
- Barbie Mysteries Season 2: New animated adventures perfect for younger viewers
- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts: Action-packed entertainment for all ages
For Documentary Enthusiasts
- Working: What We Do All Day: Barack Obama narrates this Netflix docuseries diving into how people in the US work, live, and feel about their jobs
- American Factory: A powerful look at what happens when a shuttered GM plant in Ohio is reopened by a Chinese company
For True Crime Fans
- The Gabby Petito Story: A detailed examination of the high-profile case
- Unknown Number: The High School Catfish: A contemporary look at digital deception
Current Netflix Charts: What’s Trending
Top Series This Week
- Hostage (47 points) – British political thriller
- Wednesday (41 points) – Still dominating after Season 2 release
- Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser (32 points)
Top Movies This Week
- KPop Demon Hunters (80 points) – Still showing absolutely no signs of slowing down
- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (38 points)
- The Truth About Jussie Smollett? (33 points)
What’s Coming Next Week
Labor Day itself will bring with it a bunch of titles you won’t find listed below, including the complete series of Orphan Black making its Netflix US debut. The streaming giant continues expanding its library with diverse content from multiple distributors.
Perfect Labor Day Weekend Binge Plans
Mystery Marathon: Start with The Thursday Murder Club, follow with Wind River for a darker tone, then explore the documentary crime content
International Cinema Tour: Begin with Love Untangled (Korean), continue with Millionaire (Spanish), and finish with Christopher (Danish)
Family Entertainment Block: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts for action, Barbie Mysteries Season 2 for kids, and My Life With the Walter Boys Season 2 for teens
The Streaming Landscape Evolution
Netflix’s Labor Day weekend strategy reflects the platform’s commitment to diverse, global storytelling. With 18 new movies and 7 series spanning multiple languages and genres, the service continues positioning itself as the premier destination for international entertainment.
The inclusion of both high-profile theatrical releases like On Swift Horses and original productions demonstrates Netflix’s dual strategy of acquiring proven content while developing exclusive material.
For streaming enthusiasts, check out our Netflix Reviews section for detailed analysis of these releases, and explore our International Entertainment coverage for more global content recommendations.
Stay updated with the latest Netflix releases and streaming recommendations by following our Streaming Guide for weekly updates and binge-worthy suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the biggest new Netflix releases for Labor Day weekend 2025?
A: The standout releases include The Thursday Murder Club starring Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren, the LGBTQ+ drama On Swift Horses with Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi, and Taylor Sheridan’s crime thriller Wind River featuring Elizabeth Olsen and Jeremy Renner. Netflix added 25 total titles this week, with My Life With the Walter Boys Season 2 being the most anticipated series return. The platform also introduced several international originals including Korean and Spanish-language content.
Q: Which Netflix originals from this weekend are worth watching, and what are their storylines?
A: The Thursday Murder Club leads the originals as a cozy British mystery where retirement home residents solve real murders, directed by Chris Columbus. Katrina: Come Hell and High Water offers a documentary examination of Hurricane Katrina’s lasting impact. For international viewers, Love Untangled provides Korean romantic drama, while Fantasy Football Ruined Our Lives delivers Italian comedy about sports obsession. The KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along special continues the popular musical franchise, and My Life With the Walter Boys Season 2 returns with teen drama focusing on Jackie’s continued adventures with the Walter family.
