Top 10 Movies To Watch This Week on Paramount Plus | May 12, 2025

Looking for something to watch on Paramount Plus this week? Whether you’re in the mood for a laugh, a thrill, or a trip down nostalgia lane, this lineup has you covered. From iconic classics to wild comedies and intense dramas, we’ve rounded up the top 10 movies you can stream right now. So grab your snacks, settle in, and let’s dive into the best of what Paramount Plus has to offer.

Scary Movie

If you love horror movies but also love laughing at them, Scary Movie is a must. This is the one that started it all—Keenen Ivory Wayans’ wild parody that takes a chainsaw to late ’90s horror classics like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Anna Faris absolutely owns her role as the clueless, always-panicking Cindy, and Regina Hall is iconic with lines you’ll be quoting for days.

But this isn’t just a dumb spoof—Scary Movie is actually a masterclass in parody, cramming in jokes at a breakneck pace. One minute you’re getting a spot-on Sixth Sense reference, the next it’s a full-on Matrix fight scene, and somehow it all works. The Wayans brothers go all out, making fun of everything from horror clichés to pop culture, and the result is a movie that’s somehow both stupid and brilliant at the same time.

Whether you’ve seen it a hundred times or it’s your first watch, Scary Movie is just pure, ridiculous fun. It’s a perfect pick for when you want to laugh your head off without having to think too hard. Seriously, just press play.

Gladiator 

Look, if you’ve somehow never seen Gladiator, now’s your chance. This is Ridley Scott’s epic masterpiece that turned Russell Crowe into a legend. Crowe plays Maximus, a Roman general who goes from commanding armies to fighting as a gladiator after being betrayed by the slimy Emperor Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix at his absolute best. It’s brutal, it’s emotional, and it’s got some of the best battle scenes ever put on film.

But this isn’t just a blood-and-sand action flick. It’s about loyalty, honor, and revenge. Crowe’s Maximus is a man who’s lost everything, and watching him claw his way back for a shot at vengeance is just insanely satisfying. Phoenix’s Commodus is the kind of villain you love to hate—sniveling, cruel, and somehow pathetic even with all the power in the world.

Honestly, Gladiator is just a perfect movie. It’s got epic battles, unforgettable characters, and a story that actually makes you feel something. If you haven’t seen it, fix that. If you have, it’s always worth a rewatch.

South Park: The End of Obesity

If you thought South Park had run out of ways to absolutely roast whatever’s trending, think again. The End of Obesity is a special where Cartman becomes obsessed with weight loss drugs, because of course he does. And in true South Park style, what starts as Cartman trying to slim down spirals into absolute chaos for the whole town. Trey Parker and Matt Stone are back with their no-holds-barred style, and nothing is safe.

This is classic South Park—savage, smart, and somehow both ridiculous and uncomfortably accurate. It’s not just about Cartman’s obsession; it’s a full-blown takedown of celebrity diet trends, the shady side of pharmaceuticals, and society’s obsession with quick fixes. You’ll be laughing your head off while also thinking, “Wait, they might actually have a point.”

If you’ve watched any of the other South Park specials, you know the drill. Chaos, crude jokes, and some surprisingly sharp satire. It’s a must-watch if you love when the show goes all-in on real-world insanity.

Finestkind

So Finestkind is one of those movies that sneaks up on you. On the surface, it’s a crime thriller about two brothers (Ben Foster and Toby Wallace) who get mixed up with a dangerous Boston crime syndicate. But it’s also a lot more than that. It’s a story about family, loyalty, and how desperation can make people do really stupid things.

Ben Foster is one of those actors who just makes everything better, and he’s in top form here as the older, more screwed-up brother. Toby Wallace is great too, playing the younger brother who keeps getting dragged deeper into trouble. Jenna Ortega and Tommy Lee Jones round out the cast, adding even more intensity to a movie that’s already pretty tense.

If you love gritty, Boston-set crime stories like The Town or Mystic River, this one’s right in your wheelhouse. But even if you’re not big on crime dramas, the family drama angle keeps it interesting. Just don’t be surprised if it leaves you thinking.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Look, if you’ve never seen Terminator 2, stop everything and fix that. This is the ultimate action movie—James Cameron’s sci-fi masterpiece where Arnold Schwarzenegger goes from being the villain in the first movie to the unstoppable protector in this one. He’s here to save young John Connor (Edward Furlong) from an even deadlier robot—the T-1000, played by Robert Patrick, who somehow makes liquid metal terrifying.

But it’s not just the action (which is still insane, even decades later). This is a movie with heart. Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor has gone from a scared waitress to a total warrior, but she’s also losing her grip on reality. Her dynamic with John and the Terminator makes this way more than just a shoot-em-up.

Honestly, T2 is one of those movies that does everything right. The effects still hold up, the story is intense, and it’s somehow both a thrill ride and an emotional rollercoaster. Even if you know every line, it’s worth another watch.

Smile

If you’re looking for a horror movie that doesn’t just go for cheap jump scares, Smile is your pick. This one starts with a psychiatrist (Sosie Bacon) witnessing a traumatic, bizarre incident, and from that moment, her life basically becomes a living nightmare. Strange, creepy smiles start showing up everywhere, and it’s not long before she’s questioning what’s real and what’s not.

Smile works because it’s not just trying to scare you—it’s also about trauma, guilt, and how your own mind can be your worst enemy. Sosie Bacon is amazing, carrying the movie with this slowly unraveling sense of dread. The scares are creative, the tension is constant, and there’s this sense of unease that just never lets up.

If you liked It Follows or The Ring, you’re gonna love this. It’s creepy, it’s clever, and it’s the kind of horror that sticks with you. Just maybe don’t watch it right before bed.

Daddy’s Home 2

Sometimes you just want a dumb, feel-good comedy, and Daddy’s Home 2 is exactly that. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are back as Brad and Dusty, the world’s most mismatched co-dads. But this time, it’s not just them—now their dads are crashing the holiday too. Mel Gibson shows up as Dusty’s over-the-top macho father, while John Lithgow is Brad’s sweet, over-affectionate dad. So yeah, it’s chaos.

What makes this one work is the cast chemistry. Ferrell’s clueless, sweet Brad is the perfect opposite to Wahlberg’s tough guy Dusty, and Gibson and Lithgow take it to another level. They lean all the way into their roles—Gibson as this wild, old-school alpha who thinks every problem should be solved with a punch, and Lithgow as the over-sharing, hug-obsessed grandpa.

Sure, it’s not the smartest comedy ever made, but that’s not the point. It’s goofy, slapstick fun with just enough heart to keep it from feeling too dumb. If you’re in the mood for something you can throw on, laugh at, and not have to think about, Daddy’s Home 2 is an easy win.

Good Will Hunting

There’s a reason Good Will Hunting is a classic. It’s the movie that put Matt Damon and Ben Affleck on the map, and it’s still one of the best “genius with a troubled past” stories ever made. Damon plays Will, a janitor at MIT who just so happens to be a math genius, but he’s too busy getting into fights and sabotaging himself to do anything with his gift. Enter Robin Williams as Sean, a therapist who might be the only person who can break through Will’s walls.

This movie is basically an emotional rollercoaster. You’ve got Damon and Affleck’s hilarious Boston banter, Williams’ warm, heartbreaking performance (that “it’s not your fault” scene? Yeah, that’s a gut punch), and a story that’s all about love, trauma, and figuring out who you are. It’s not just about math—it’s about family, friendship, and the terrifying idea of actually trying to live up to your potential.

And even though it’s super emotional, it’s also got some of the best feel-good moments ever. Damon’s “How do you like them apples?” scene is iconic, and the whole movie is packed with lines you’ll want to remember. If you’ve never seen it, fix that immediately. If you have, it’s always worth another watch.

Nacho Libre

Honestly, there’s nothing else quite like Nacho Libre. This is the movie where Jack Black plays a monk in Mexico who moonlights as a masked luchador (yes, really) to raise money for his orphanage. It’s one of those ridiculous comedies that’s somehow both dumb and oddly heartwarming, and it works because Jack Black is just all-in. His energy is off the charts, and every line is quotable.

But it’s not just about Jack Black running around in stretchy pants. Nacho Libre actually has a ton of heart. The story is simple but sweet—Nacho wants to be a hero, but he’s a total disaster in the ring. And yet, he keeps going, refusing to give up because he genuinely cares about his orphan kids. It’s ridiculous, but also kind of inspiring.

The movie’s got this weird, almost dreamlike style—probably because it’s directed by Jared Hess, the guy who made Napoleon Dynamite. The humor is awkward, the music is bizarre, and somehow it all just works. If you’ve never seen it, give it a shot. If you have, you already know it’s a classic.

Footloose 

You ever see a movie so full of energy that you feel like dancing in your living room? That’s Footloose. This ‘80s classic is basically the ultimate “stick it to the man” story, where Kevin Bacon plays Ren, a big-city kid stuck in a small town where dancing is actually banned. Yeah, you heard that right—banned. And of course, Ren’s not having it. So what does he do? He goes full rebel, teaches the local kids to cut loose, and basically becomes the town’s worst nightmare.

But Footloose isn’t just about dance-offs and catchy tunes—though, trust me, the soundtrack is a banger. There’s actually a pretty solid story here. The town’s dance ban isn’t just some goofy rule—it’s tied to a tragedy, and John Lithgow plays the strict preacher who’s trying to protect everyone in the worst possible way. He’s not just the bad guy—he’s a dad dealing with grief, which gives the whole movie way more heart than you’d expect.

And let’s be real—the real reason you watch Footloose is for the dancing. Kevin Bacon’s angry warehouse dance is iconic, the big final dance scene is pure joy, and the music is nothing but classics. It’s one of those movies that’s impossible not to love, whether you’re here for the cheesy drama, the killer soundtrack, or just the sight of Kevin Bacon tearing it up.

Wrap-Up

And that’s your lineup! Paramount Plus is absolutely stacked this week, so whether you’re in the mood for a laugh, a cry, or a full-blown adrenaline rush, you’re covered. Want something hilarious? Scary Movie and Nacho Libre have you. Need something intense? Finestkind and Terminator 2 are there. Or maybe you just want a feel-good classic like Good Will Hunting or Footloose.

Whatever your vibe, you’re set. So grab some snacks, get comfortable, and let Paramount Plus handle your movie night. You really can’t go wrong with this lineup.