Best Movies On Paramount+ to Watch Right Now

Paramount+ is a bit of an underdog when it comes to streaming services. Though it may not get as much attention as Netflix or Max, it’d be disingenuous to suggest that this underrated streaming service doesn’t have anything of value. You may be surprised to know that Paramount+ is home to not only some of the biggest movies that recently came out in theaters but also some of the best movies ever made in general. You might never have expected something like Paramount+ to have some of the best movies currently streaming. Yet, here we are.

Seeing how Paramount+ is loaded with hundreds of incredible films from a variety of genres, we’ve felt it necessary to highlight the best of the best that Paramount+ has to offer. From entire franchises to vintage classics, these are what we’d consider to be the best movies on Paramount+. We’ll also update this list periodically to reflect the current offerings on this modest streamer.

Updated on Apr. 2, 2024, by Soniya Hinduja: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

20 Zodiac (2007)

Based on the true story of the Zodiac Killer, a serial murderer who went on a killing spree in the San Francisco Bay Area during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Zodiac follows the manhunt closely. The protagonist, Robert Graysmith, who learns of the killer through a series of encrypted messages published by the San Francisco Chronicle, works independently to crack the case. He joins the investigation with Detective Toschi and crime reporter Paul Avery as they struggle to find new leads.

Unsettling and Suspenseful

Gripping as a thriller and thought-provoking as a drama, Zodiac is a well-researched movie that transports viewers to a time when the public was engulfed by real fear. Director David Fincher uses meticulous details and character-driven dialogue to infuse humanity into harrowing true events. While the intriguing central mystery moves at a controlled and near-perfect pace, it is the use of facts and suspicions that creates constant unsettling confusion. Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr. deliver performances that bring Fincher’s vision to a satisfying conclusion.

19 Titanic (1997)

A glorious story of star-crossed lovers, Titanic is a fictionalized account of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, an ill-fated luxury liner that was on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City back in 1912. Aboard are passengers from the highest walks of life, and among them is 17-year-old Rose DeWitt Bukater, her fiance, and her controlling mother. After a chance meeting with a lower-class artist named Jack Dawson, Rose’s affections are divided. Meanwhile, the Titanic sets sail directly into an iceberg, leaving 2,000 people to sink or swim.

A Masterpiece in Storytelling

There is no denying the legacy of Titanic. As the most expensive film ever made at the time, its lavish sets, genuine intimacy, and spectacular visuals are considered influential in filmmaking even today. Writer-director James Cameron takes a historical tragedy and transforms it into a moving human tale where the scale is what elevates our collective understanding of life, loss, and the power of love. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet play the star-crossed lovers with intensity and poignance, cementing themselves as an enduring on-screen couple. Additionally, Titanic also won eleven Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and four Grammy Awards, among others.

18 The Eternal Memory (2023)

An Academy Award-nominated Chilean documentary film, The Eternal Memory tells the story of Augusto Góngora and Paulina Urrutia, a loving Chilean couple who have been together for 23 years. They were both prominent in shaping the cultural history of their nation, but eight years ago, after Augusto was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the couple retreated to a small home where Paulina would take care of him and the two would deal with the fragments of Augusto’s memories as the flood in and out.

A Tender and Heartfelt Documentary

Written and directed by Maite Alberdi, The Eternal Memory thrives on its minimalist production values. By illuminating a tender disease, the director focuses the lens on our elders, who not only have stories that deserve to be told but also ones that are essential and inventive at their finest. Augusto and Paulina share a rare and beautiful marriage which is dissected in a poetic and lyrical manner in the documentary. Their interactions, every knowing smile, and actions are thoughtful in demonstrating the endurance and courage of love.

17 Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

One of the Coen Brothers’ underrated movies, Inside Llewyn Davis is a period comedy-drama that documents one week in the life of a struggling 1960s folk singer named Llewyn Davis. Living penniless in Greenwich Village, crashing at friends’ couches, and making frequent visits to his sister to stay dependent on her, Davis finds himself beaten by the folk scene. He performs for anyone willing to listen, hoping one day he will get his big break in the music industry. However, relationships from the past surface and send him three steps back.

Oscar Isaac’s Breakthrough Performance

By infusing an air of melancholy into the refreshing portrayal of the early 1960s folk music scene, the Coen brothers craft a subtle and naturally entertaining comedy. They draw from life’s realities, from a musician’s relatable struggles, and the yearning that harbors itself in sorrow-filled souls. Every scene in the movie crackles with intelligent chemistry between the leads. Oscar Isaac is absolutely phenomenal in his breakthrough role as the titular Davis, a smart, funny, and moody guy who inhabits authenticity, trauma, and skill, who would eventually make you root for him.

16 Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Will Ferrell plays the titular character in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, a workplace satire that familiarizes you with the 1970s newsroom culture. A top dog in San Diego, Ron Burgundy rides high as the alpha male anchor leading the best news team in the city. But when a new female employee, Veronica Corningstone, is hired as a newscaster, Ron feels threatened. His professional life falls apart piece by piece and he finds himself in the middle of a hilarious and absurd mayhem.

Boasts an Ensemble Cast and Absurd Creativity

After a glorious stint as a head writer on Saturday Night Live, Adam McKay made his way to the big screens with this directorial debut. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy did not just take childish humor to new heights but also delivered ingenious slapstick moments and improvisation magic. Ferrell is best when he’s unrestrained and the movie, along with other comedic legends like Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate, and Steve Carell, allows him to be silly, consistent, and memorable. The movie, thus, is a reminder that some franchises resonate forever.

15 A Quiet Place (2018)

The first movie in a series of post-apocalyptic sci-fi horror movies directed by John Krasinski, A Quiet Place, takes place in a world that is suddenly invaded by alien creatures. Unable to see, these creatures are hypersensitive to sound and hunt at the drop of a pin. The Abbotts – a family consisting of Lee and Evelyn and their three children – must survive in total silence to avoid being killed.

Offers Incredible Atmospheric Thrills

Krasinski’s directorial breakthrough has been a long time coming. His sublime vision and nuanced performance alongside Emily Blunt, and young stars Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe, take family dynamics to new life-or-death stakes. Apart from exploring themes of parenthood through brilliant visual storytelling, the movie also has striking political and social commentary. The unique sound-based concept conjures moments of genuine horror.

14 Forrest Gump (1994)

Based on several real historical events mentioned in Winston Groom’s 1986 novel of the same name, Forrest Gump chronicles the life of a slow-witted man who was born and brought up in Alabama. With an IQ as low as his, it is fascinating how Forrest Gump ended up becoming a part of many of 20th Century America’s significant moments. Even though life has never made sense to him, his kindness drew people towards him.

A Vast Yet Intimate Portrait of a Life

Under director Robert Zemeckis’s careful and empathetic gaze, Forrest Gump turned out to be a wonderful slice-of-life masterpiece. From its breathtaking visuals and soulful recreation of historical events like the Vietnam War to the award-worthy performance by Tom Hanks, the film creates the perfect balance of emotional and whimsical. It also addresses issues like racial divides, grief, and what it means to live wholly. Three decades later, this delicate and intimate work of modern fiction still leaves a mark on the new generation.

13 The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Infusing a biographical drama with elements of crime and black comedy is no easy feat. But Martin Scorsese is the man for the job. Taking you to the fast-paced world of stockbroking that was the 1980s, the movie follows Jordan Belfort, a young and ambitious broker working on Wall Street. Hungry for immediate success, he takes the shorter route to the top and becomes one of the most powerful men in the business. But in the process, he leaves his virtues and morals behind and his new life of excess soon spirals out of control.

Stylistic Excesses Mirror Personal Greed

Leonardo DiCaprio and Scorsese are a match made in heaven. Every time they collaborate, their immense talents and efforts continuously work together to expand cinema’s scope for storytelling. The Wolf of Wall Street may be a riotous film about wealth and greed, but it is also a masterpiece in the history of cinema. The supporting cast, which includes Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, and Matthew McConaughey is just as fearless in portraying the dark side of America.

12 School of Rock (2003)

School of Rock is another iconic comedy from the 2000s. It centers around Dewey Finn, a wannabe rockstar who finds himself broke and about to be kicked out of his apartment. His only option to stay afloat is to pose as a substitute teacher at a private elementary school. But because his dreams of musical fame aren’t too far behind him, he sees it as an opportunity and forms a band with his students, preparing them to win the “Battle of the Bands” competition with him.

Heartwarming and Hilarious

Richard Linklater’s iconic comedy is not only a celebration of the power of music but also an important ode to chasing your dreams, no matter what the circumstances are. Jack Black gives a career-best performance as Dewey, whose punk rock spirit and affection towards the pre-teens is infectious. What’s more thrilling is watching how the kids blossom in the days leading up to the Battle of the Bands finale.

11 Babylon (2022)

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Set in 1920s Los Angeles, during a phase when Old Hollywood was transitioning from silent pictures to the talkies, Babylon tells the mesmerizing tale of Jack Conrad, a kind-hearted yet troubled actor who drinks and schemes his way through the decadence of the industry. Jack knows that his career is taking a dive, but he sticks around doing low-budget projects. Meanwhile, he forms an unlikely bond with another aspiring actress, Nellie LaRoy.

Chazelle’s Love of Cinema Is Evident

There are many movies that have tried to recreate 1920s Los Angeles and the epic shift in Hollywood stars’ lives that came with the decade. But there is something loving and chaotic about Babylon, which is told through the eyes of a group of fictional characters committed to the screen by Damien Chazelle. The grand visual style and production design are worth praising, and so are Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt’s charming performances. Overall, the film is an intoxicating love letter to the past.

10 Mean Girls (2004)

One of the best movies to come out in the 2000s, Mean Girls follows Cady Heron, who makes her way through the treacherous hallways of a public high school after being homeschooled her entire life. On her first day, she encounters “The Plastics,” a group of girls at the top of the social scene, a.k.a. the predators of the school. The more involved she gets with Regina George and her ex-boyfriend, the more Cady risks friendships, academics, and her reputation.

The Quintessential High School Comedy

Tina Fey’s screenplay for Mean Girls was so iconic that it has been remade twenty years later, with a brand new cast of actors. As for the 2004 classic, it was the definitive high school comedy that gave us razor-sharp one-liners and quotable dialogues like “On Wednesdays, we wear pink,” and “Get in loser, we’re going shopping.” Lindsay Lohan shines in her breakout role alongside Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Tina Fey. The infectious style, pitch-perfect satire of high school hierarchy, and overall humor of Mean Girls makes it a landmark in the genre.

9 Saving Private Ryan (1998)

An incredible war drama starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Edward Burns, and Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan is set in France during World War II. Following the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day, the U.S. Army sent a group of soldiers behind enemy lines to retrieve Private James Ryan, who had already lost three of his brothers in action. Under the command of Captain John Miller, the group faces tense situations.

The Best of the War Genre

Saving Private Ryan is undoubtedly one of the greatest war films of all time. It is directed by Steven Spielberg, who is known to have a knack for creating the most intense and realistic portrayals of any historical event he chooses to familiarize the world with. The movie stands out in its startling depiction of combat and war, and the horrors of battle come alive on the big screen with the help of extraordinary production values. The standout ensemble cast delivers a brilliant performance, and they balance the dramatic as well as the honorary nature of the film with unmatched precision.

8 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

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Our favorite group of reptilian martial arts masters is back for more in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. This slick animated film reboots the franchise once more with a refreshingly grungy art style, showcasing the initial formation of our teenage turtles as they take on the malevolent scientist Superfly and his army of mutants. With the help of April O’Neil, the turtles may even find themselves acclimating to the world beyond the sewers. An ensemble voice cast comprised of Ayo Edebiri, Maya Rudolph, John Cena, Seth Rogen, Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, Paul Rudd, and more voice the numerous colorful characters in this family-friendly action film.

A Delightful Return for the Turtles

Mutant Mayhem‘s plentiful characters and direction provided by Jeff Rowe (The Mitchells vs. the Machines) make for an incredible animated film you can’t afford to miss. The new characterizations found in leading turtles are especially terrific, reinventing them with a modern charm that feels perfect for the grimy world they inhabit.

7 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is an endlessly quotable comedy from the 1980s. Thankfully, it still holds up to this day. Matthew Broderick stars as our title character: a Chicago high school student who fakes an illness to skip a day of school. Now free to do as he pleases, he goes on several adventures in the company of Sloane (Mia Sara) and Cameron (Alan Ruck), while explaining his inner thoughts with hilarious monologues. John Hughes directed this classic film, with Jennifer Grey, Charlie Sheen, Ben Stein, Cindy Pickett, and Lyman Ward providing supporting roles.

Deservedly Iconic and Timeless

This teen comedy is notable for its prominent Chicago setting, with several notable landmarks featured throughout. Wrigley Field, Willis Tower, and what would eventually become Grant Park are all given a chance to shine in this unconventional adventure. It would be a landmark film for both John Hughes and Matthew Broderick, with the latter’s humorous one-liners still being parroted to this day.

6 Interstellar (2014)

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Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar is a rare example of high-concept science fiction with a compelling emotional core. Set in the not-so-distant future, humanity finds itself in a global famine with only one contingency plan left. After discovering a wormhole near Saturn, a group of brave astronauts take on what may be a suicide mission to find a hospitable world to colonize. The journey won’t be easy, and along the way, several harrowing discoveries may put the future of humanity at risk. Matthew McConaughey plays the film’s lead, with Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, and Michael Caine starring alongside him.

Sci-Fi With an Emotional Core

Interstellar would snag five nominations at the Oscars, securing a win for Best Visual Effects against films like Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and Guardians of the Galaxy. The film’s adherence to real science, especially the inner workings of wormholes, was also a significant point of praise from several different publications. What’s most impressive is the balance that Nolan and his team created between intriguing scientific concepts and affecting emotion.

5 Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

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Top Gun: Maverick seemed to defy all odds as not only one of the best sequels of 2022 but one of the best movies of that year in general. Joseph Kosinski, having previously directed Tron: Legacy, delivers a similar modern touch-up to the Top Gun franchise, with a returning Tom Cruise reprising his role as Maverick. When Maverick is tasked with training a group of up-and-coming Top Gun graduates, he’s forced to confront the ghosts of his past — especially since one of his students is the son of a deceased friend. Alongside Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, Ed Harris, and Val Kilmer make up the main cast.

A Sequel that Defied All Odds

In a shocking surprise, Top Gun: Maverick would go on to become the second highest-grossing movie of 2022, along with being one of the most financially successful films of Tom Cruise’s career. Not only that, it would draw huge attention at the 95th Academy Awards, winning the award for Best Sound in addition to securing a total of six separate nominations. It even got a surprising nomination for Best Film before ultimately losing to Everything Everywhere All at Once.

4 Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

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Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves was a notable high-point in terms of fantasy films when it debuted in 2023. Taking a more comedic and lighthearted approach to the genre, Honor Among Thieves sees Chris Pine leading a band of rogues as a charismatic bard. After a tragic loss turns him to a life of thievery, an opportunity to bring back a deceased loved one presents itself in the form of a powerful tablet. There’s just one problem: he’ll have to steal it from a dangerous Red Wizard. Alongside Pine are Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, and Hugh Grant in the main cast.

An Unexpectedly Great Game Adaptation

Following the less-than-beloved Dungeons & Dragons films of the 2000s, Honor Among Thieves embraces its tabletop roots with plenty of hilarious moments in between dramatic showdowns. It may not have broken even at the box office, but it was an effective introduction to the expansive universe of Dungeons & Dragons for a brand-new audience. Should it be made on a smaller budget, a sequel may even be on the cards for Honor Among Thieves soon.

3 South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut (1999)

Before the turn of the millennium, South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker would hit theaters with South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut. Though the title implies an explicit euphemism, it’s certainly an apt description of the film itself. When Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny sneak into a viewing of the latest Terrence and Phillip film, the ensuing moral panic may put the fate of the world in their unwitting hands. This musical comedy sees Matt Stone and Trey Parker reprising their roles for the majority of the cast, with additional voice performances provided by Isaac Hayes and Mary Kay Bergman. George Clooney, Brent Spiner, Mike Judge, and Eric Idle also lend their voices to a handful of supporting characters.

A Perfect Big-Screen Adventure for South Park

For as crass as it is, this bold South Park film would go on to become one of the greatest R-rated animated films in history. It would additionally spawn several iconic songs that are still beloved by South Park fans to this day, with “Blame Canada” in particular securing an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

2 Chinatown (1974)

Chinatown is not only one of the greatest films on Paramount+, it’s one of the greatest films ever made. Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway star in this subversive ’70s crime drama set in the star-studded streets of Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the rivers in this illustrious city start to run red when a routine investigation leads to a world of backstabbings, deceit, and political scandals. John Hillerman, Perry Lopez, Burt Young, and John Huston round out the film’s main cast, with direction provided by the famed but controversial filmmaker Roman Polanski.

An All-Time Great Screenplay

One of Chinatown‘s greatest strengths has to be its excellent screenplay, where each and every line of dialogue serves a genuine purpose in pushing the story forward. Robert Towne, who authored the screenplay, would even go on to win an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The film secured 11 Oscar nominations total, including Best Director, Best Actor for Jack Nicholson, Best Actress for Faye Dunaway, and Best Cinematography.

1 The Mission: Impossible Franchise (1996 – 2023)

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We couldn’t pick just one Mission: Impossible film for this list, so we’ve opted to include the whole shebang. Of course, special mention has to go to the most recent film in the franchise, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. Set six years after the original 1966 TV series, Mission: Impossible sees Tom Cruise playing Ethan Hunt, a member of the Impossible Missions Force, as he takes on an escalating series of death-defying geopolitical missions all across the globe. Tom Cruise is a permanent fixture of the series, both producing and starring in every film, with several notable directors attached to each separate entry. Christopher McQuarrie has directed the latest three films in the series, with an upcoming eighth film still in production.

Beloved and Legendary, It’s Hard Not to Love Mission Impossible

Mission: Impossible is one of the most iconic action-adventure franchises ever made. Tom Cruise famously does his own stunts for every film, and notable directors like Brian De Palma, John Woo, and Brad Bird were attached as directors in the early entries. They’ve accumulated a total of over $4 billion at the global box office since they debuted in 1996.