If you’re signed up for Paramount+, you’ve probably stared at the homepage wondering what’s actually worth your time. With thousands of titles scattered across genres, it’s easy to get lost. But you don’t need to scroll for hours. This guide cuts through the noise and shows you exactly what’s worth watching right now - the movies that stick with you, the series that keep you hooked, and the hidden gems most people miss.
Top Movies on Paramount+ Right Now
Paramount+ has built a solid movie library by leaning into its own studio back catalog. The real standout? Top Gun: Maverick. It’s not just a sequel - it’s a cinematic event. Tom Cruise still does his own stunts, the aerial sequences are jaw-dropping, and the emotional core hits harder than you expect. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to watch it again the moment it ends.
If you’re into thrillers, 1917 is a must. Shot to look like one continuous take, it drops you right into the trenches of World War I. The tension never lets up. You’ll feel every step, every breath, every explosion. It won the Oscar for Best Cinematography for a reason.
For something lighter but still smart, try The Secret Life of Pets. It’s not just for kids. The voice cast - including Kevin Hart and Jenny Slate - brings real personality to pets who throw wild parties when their owners leave. It’s funny, fast, and surprisingly heartfelt.
Don’t skip Black Hawk Down. It’s gritty, intense, and based on true events. The battle scenes are chaotic in the best way - no glorification, just raw survival. It’s the kind of war movie that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
Best Series on Paramount+ in 2025
Paramount+ has gotten serious about original series. The crown jewel? 1883. This Yellowstone prequel follows the Dutton family’s brutal journey west in the 1880s. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill lead a cast that feels real - no cartoon villains, just desperate people trying to survive. The landscape is beautiful, the violence is brutal, and the storytelling is tight. If you liked Yellowstone, this is essential.
Then there’s Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. It’s the Star Trek series that finally got it right. No over-the-top technobabble, no forced drama. Just a crew exploring strange new worlds with curiosity and courage. Anson Mount as Captain Pike is magnetic, and the episodes feel like classic Trek - hopeful, thoughtful, and full of wonder.
For horror fans, Yellowjackets is a slow-burn nightmare. It jumps between a 1996 girls’ soccer team stranded in the wilderness and their adult lives 25 years later. The tension builds like a pressure cooker. The acting is phenomenal, especially Melanie Lynskey as the broken but brilliant coach. It’s not just scary - it’s about trauma, guilt, and what people become when no one’s watching.
And if you’re into courtroom drama, The Good Fight is still going strong. It’s a spinoff of The Good Wife, but even sharper. It tackles real-world issues - misinformation, political corruption, AI bias - through the lens of a law firm fighting for justice. It’s dense, witty, and sometimes terrifyingly plausible.
Hidden Gems You Might Have Missed
Most people skip the older or lesser-known titles, but that’s where the real treasures hide. Man on the Moon (1999) with Jim Carrey is a masterclass in performance. It’s not a comedy - it’s a heartbreaking look at Andy Kaufman’s life and art. Carrey disappears into the role so completely, you forget it’s him.
On the series side, try Blue Bloods. It’s a police procedural, but it’s also a family drama. The Reagan family - cops, lawyers, and a district attorney - argue about justice, loyalty, and duty over Sunday dinners. It’s quiet, steady, and surprisingly moving. If you like shows where characters feel real, not just plot devices, this one’s for you.
And don’t overlook Reacher. Based on Lee Child’s books, it’s about a former military police officer who walks into a small town and uncovers a conspiracy. Alan Ritchson plays Jack Reacher - big, quiet, and terrifyingly capable. The action is brutal but smart. The writing doesn’t over-explain. You figure things out alongside him.
What’s New in 2025
This year, Paramount+ added a few big ones. Star Trek: Section 31 drops in February. It’s a dark spin-off featuring Michelle Yeoh’s Admiral Georgiou from Discovery. Think spy thriller meets Starfleet noir. If you like morally gray characters and high-stakes espionage, this is your next binge.
Also new: 1923 Season 2. It’s the next chapter in the Dutton saga, and it’s even more intense. The frontier is crueler, the stakes are higher, and the family is more fractured. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you like epic storytelling with blood, sweat, and dust, you’ll be hooked.
And don’t miss Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 5. It’s the most grounded crime drama on the platform. The cases feel real - human trafficking rings, opioid cartels, corrupt politicians. The emotional weight comes from the victims, not the flashy arrests.
What to Skip
Not everything on Paramount+ is worth your time. Avoid Star Trek: Prodigy if you’re not a kid or a hardcore Trek fan. It’s too simplistic, with cartoonish animation and flat writing. It’s fine for younger viewers, but adults will find it boring.
Also skip NCIS: Sydney. It’s a spinoff that feels like a checklist: Aussie accents, a crime of the week, and a team that never clicks. The writing is generic, and the pacing drags. It’s the kind of show that makes you wonder why it exists.
And while Young Sheldon is popular, it’s not great TV. It’s a sitcom that repeats the same jokes over and over. If you’re looking for depth, look elsewhere.
How to Find More
Paramount+ doesn’t organize its library well. The homepage pushes new releases and trending stuff - not necessarily the best. To find what you really like:
- Use the genre filters - go straight to “Drama,” “Sci-Fi,” or “Classic Movies.”
- Check out the “Critics’ Picks” section - it’s curated by real reviewers, not algorithms.
- Search by actor or director. If you liked Tom Cruise in Top Gun, search his name - you’ll find lesser-known films like Edge of Tomorrow or Born on the Fourth of July.
- Look for titles with 8+ on IMDb. Most of the hidden gems are there.
Don’t trust the ‘Top 10’ lists. They’re based on how many people clicked, not how good something is.
Final Tips
Paramount+ isn’t Netflix. It doesn’t have 10,000 binge-worthy originals. But it has something better: curated, high-quality content with depth. The best way to enjoy it? Watch less, but watch better.
Start with 1883 or Top Gun: Maverick. Then move to Yellowjackets or Reacher. If you’re still hungry, dive into Black Hawk Down or Man on the Moon.
And if you’re ever stuck? Ask yourself: Does this feel real? Does it make me think? Does it leave me with something after it’s over? If the answer’s yes, you’ve found your next watch.
Is Paramount+ worth it just for the movies?
Yes, if you like action, war, and classic films. Paramount+ has a strong movie library from Paramount Pictures, including Top Gun: Maverick, 1917, Black Hawk Down, and Man on the Moon. It’s one of the few services with deep access to high-quality studio films from the last 30 years.
What’s the best Paramount+ original series?
1883 is the best. It’s a gripping, emotional, and visually stunning prequel to Yellowstone. The acting, writing, and production value are all top-tier. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a close second for sci-fi fans.
Can I watch Paramount+ on my TV?
Yes. Paramount+ works on all major smart TVs - Samsung, LG, Sony, Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV. Just download the app from your TV’s store. You can also cast from your phone or tablet using Chromecast or AirPlay.
How often does Paramount+ add new content?
New shows and movies arrive every month. Major releases usually drop on the first Thursday of the month. Star Trek and Yellowstone spin-offs get priority, but indie films and classic titles are added weekly.
Is there a free trial for Paramount+?
Yes. Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial for new users. You need to enter payment details, but you won’t be charged unless you don’t cancel before the trial ends. It’s the best way to test if the library matches your taste.
