Going through and finding the best Paramount Plus shows and movies may have taken a bit of time and effort, but it's also given us a huge sense of nostalgia. The service formerly known as CBS All Access is home to tons of great shows from the likes of Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and MTV.
Paramount Plus' offering has been bolstered in recent months with the addition of Showtime programming to the streaming service — available with the Paramount Plus with Showtime plan — and the growing number of Paramount Plus original shows.
The streamer's movie selection isn't half bad, either, boasting both classics and some modern flicks. The problem is, it can be a bit of a chore to actually find the best Paramount Plus movies and shows. So, we're here to help by highlighting some of the best titles on the service.
The best Paramount Plus shows
'Landman'
Another Tyler Sheridan series? You got it. Inspired by the acclaimed 11-part podcast "Boomtown", "Landman" is set against the backdrop of a legendary boomtown that's beginning to grow to unprecedented heights. Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton) is an oil company executive whose job is to secure land and rights to minerals on said land in the name of keeping the oil flowing. The series explores his endeavors doing so and how it affects the oil and gas industry. But it also has that signature Sheridan edge, which will keep your eyes glued to the TV as the drama unfolds. — Brittany Vincent
'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds'
With "Strange New Worlds", it seemed like Paramount Plus finally managed to make a Star Trek show that fans seemed to universally love.
Going for classic sci-fi adventure vibes, "Strange New Worlds" retells Spock, Uhura, and Christine Chapel's beginnings. But instead of a Captain Kirk, we get Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), the Enterprise's first captain, who makes for a strong anchor for the series. — Henry T. Casey
'Evil'
"Evil" is one of the (if not the actual overall), best Paramount Plus shows. It's a supernatural mystery series that almost looks like a modern-day "X-Files".
It all begins when David (Mike Colter) hires Kristen (Katja Herbers), a forensic psychologist, as he's trying to identify instances of demonic possession. She doesn't believe, he's studying to be a Catholic priest, and they're joined by Ben (Aasif Mandvi), who is always finding scientific explanations. The big difference between "Evil" and "The X-Files" is that the former isn't afraid to be a bit campier and weirder. — HTC
'Avatar: The Last Airbender'
To understand why "Avatar: The Last Airbender" is so good, you need to understand a little bit about Nickelodeon cartoons from the era in which it debuted. Up until "Avatar", Nickelodeon’s original animated fare comprised funny, low-stakes sitcoms, from "Doug" to "The Fairly OddParents".
Then along came "Avatar", a high-minded martial arts drama, based on East Asian history and folklore. "Avatar" packs a few good laughs, sure, but for the most part, it’s a serious character piece, with daring heroes, conflicted villains, and a narrative where the fate of the world is at stake. The story follows Aang, a young martial artist who must master four great elemental powers in order to confront the despotic Fire Lord Ozai (Mark Hamill, naturally.) — Marshall Honorof
'The Good Fight'
"The Good Fight" is a spin-off of "The Good Wife" which truly evolved into its own unique, genre-defying show. Where the original was a fairly straightforward legal drama, "The Good Fight" included political intrigue, blunt discussions about race, and cutting Trump satire. Christine Baranski centers the show as Diane Lockhart, a partner at a predominantly Black law firm and a staunch liberal married to a conservative gun enthusiast. Yeah, there’s a lot going on, but "The Good Fight" handles it all with such grace and humor. And you’ve got to see the bizarre but brilliant animated shorts explaining everything from NDAs to Russian troll farms. — Kelly Woo
'SpongeBob SquarePants'
When it comes to animated shows beloved by audiences of all ages, few were as phenomenally successful and wholesome as "SpongeBob Squarepants".
The titular yellow rectangle just loves life and exists as proof that a talented voice actor (Tom Kenny in this case) can truly make or break an animated series. While SpongeBob's friendship with Patrick Star and their job at the Krabby Patty were both highly relatable, neither truly would pop without the effervesce of his positivity. The ultra-negative Squidward, though, is the show's not-so-secret weapon, as he managed to be annoyed by the lovable SpongeBob in ways that we could all understand. — HTC
'RuPaul's Drag Race'
Paramount Plus is home to tons of seasons packed full of glamorous gowns, amazing wigs, sassy one-liners and jaw-dropping lip sync performances from drag queens. Guiding us through it all, of course, is the one and only RuPaul herself, like a bedazzled beacon.
The thing about Drag Race is that, past the cosmetics and coiffures, the show is all about heart. The most memorable contestants — from Alaska to Alyssa to Latrice — combine spectacle with emotion. The most recent seasons aren’t on Paramount Plus, but you can see seven seasons of "Drag Race All Stars". Let the eleganza extravaganza begin! — KW
'Knuckles'
Whoever managed to convince Idris Elba to voice Knuckles the Echidna in "Sonic 2" deserves a big pat on the pack, as does whoever got the "Luther" star to stick around for future installments, as the six-episode "Knuckles" event series was a surprise treat.
The series sidelines the Blue Blur and follows his scrappy crimson comrade on a genuinely entertaining journey of self-discovery. Struggling to adapt to life on Earth, he decides to take bumbling local deputy sheriff Wade Whipple (Adam Pally) under his wing and train him in the ways of the Echidna to help him prep for a major bowling tournament in Reno, Nevada. Predictably, antics ensue. — Martin Shore
'Star Trek: Discovery'
"Star Trek: Discovery" is probably not the best Star Trek show, but it might be the most accessible one for new fans. This series follows Commander Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and her adventures aboard the U.S.S. Discovery.
Across the series, Burnham and her crew do everything from battle Klingons in a galactic war, travel to the deadly Mirror Universe, team up with Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) from the original Star Trek series, confront a villainous AI, and even head into the far future to rebuild a broken Federation. The show’s production values are arguably the big draw here, with each episode packing enough special effects and ambitious set design to look like a big-budget sci-fi film. — MH
'Rocko's Modern Life'
Looking back, "Rocko’s Modern Life" is a long series of “how did they get that past the censors?” realizations. This satirical children’s sitcom follows the adventures of Rocko, an Australian wallaby who’s settled in suburban America.
There, he navigates the usual host of small-town problems, from taking out the trash on garbage day to buying the perfect new TV, to dealing with crooked games at a carnival. Believe it or not, each one of these trivial inconveniences sustains an entire episode. That’s because "Rocko’s Modern Life" is stuffed with bizarre sight gags, innuendo-filled one-liners, and clever commentary on just how strange suburban life seems when we take a step back from it. — MH
'Colin From Accounts'
"Colin From Accounts" is an acclaimed Australian romantic comedy-drama from husband-and-wife duo Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, who created, wrote and star in the show together.
A love story at heart, the series sees our two single leads drawn together in the most unlikely way; Gordon (Brammall) accidentally hits a stray dog with his car while distracted by Ashley (Dyer). Deciding to adopt the injured pup, the pair name him Colin and start learning how to navigate life together. — MS
'Cheers'
There are many reasons why "Cheers" remains an essential comedy decades on from that season finale. It's funny, obviously — and sometimes far sharper than you might remember.
The characters are engaging, and you really do care about what happens to them. But its real genius lies in the way it wraps you in a warm, comforting blanket of nostalgia. Truly, the bar where everyone knows your name is also the bar that everyone wishes they had around the corner from them. — Marc McLaren
'The Legend of Korra'
"The Legend of Korra" is better than "Avatar: The Last Airbender". There, I said it, because someone had to. This sequel series picks up decades after "Avatar" and follows the adventures of Korra, a young Avatar who feels immense pressure to live up to Aang’s sterling legacy.
Instead of one long, globetrotting adventure, Korra faces down a different threat each season; and, rather than simply wanting to rule the world, each one of Korra’s foes has an ideological ambition — the anarchist Zaheer, played by the incomparable Henry Rollins, is a particularly effective villain. With a steampunk aesthetic, an affable cast of characters, and a willingness to shake up the status quo, "The Legend of Korra" is a daring and deeply fun show — MH
'The Twilight Zone'
Sit back and relax with one of the best shows that aims to completely unnerve you with tales of the unbelievable and supernatural.
If you think "Black Mirror" is too focused on the dangers of technology but love its twisted sense of humor, then take a trip back in time with the iconic and stern TV host, Rod Serling. Must-watch episodes include "The Invaders", a classic tale of frightening aliens, and "The Lonely", where a convict falls for a lifelike robot. — HTC
The best Paramount Plus shows on Showtime
'Yellowjackets'
"Yellowjackets", which can be streamed on Paramount Plus with the Showtime plan, is a truly excellent mystery thriller. While its premise — a girl's high school soccer team is stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash — might seem a little simple, this show has plenty of twists and turns up its sleeves.
You follow the girls across two timelines; back in the 90s, fighting for survival in the days and months after the crash, and a scant few who managed to make it back to civilization in the present day. Compelling, shocking, and occasionally grisly, it's a gripping thriller that's not to be missed. — MS
The best Paramount Plus movies on Showtime
'Marcel the Shell With Shoes On'
"Marcel The Shell With Shoes On" is an A24 family movie that introduces us to the incredibly adorable Marcel, a one-inch-tall shell sporting some snazzy kicks who lives in an Airbnb with his grandmother, Connie.
After the rest of their community disappears in a mysterious tragedy, Marcel is rediscovered when a documentary filmmaker arrives at the home and turns him into a viral star after sharing a short movie documenting Marcel's life online. The plucky little guy soon becomes a viral hit and decides to use his newfound fame to try and track down his long-lost family... though having a passionate fanbase also brings fresh challenges his way, too. It's a charming, heartwarming watch that's perfect for viewers of all ages. — MS
The best Paramount Plus movies
'The Godfather'
What is there to say about "The Godfather" that's not already been said? Francis Ford Coppola's epic mafia movie is a sweeping portratir of the Corleone crime dynasty, one that revolves around their aging patriarch Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and the inheritance of his impressive empire.
Don's youngest son, Michael, isn't interested in taking part in the family business, but after Don decides against getting into the narcotics trade, he ends up being sucked deeper and deeper into that violent world. It's a stone cold classic, and deserves to be watched if you've yet to check it out. — MS
'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves'
"Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" proves that Chris Pine can revive anything. Here, he shows up to play Edgin a bard who goes from jail to a mission involving saving his daughter Kira (Chloe Coleman).
Of course, he can't go it alone. Edgin assembles his own party of allies, including his barbarian friend Holga Kilgore (Michelle Rodriguez). It's a fairly standard adventure movie, but its solid comedy makes it a fantasy movie worth watching, in a sea of epic fantasy TV shows. — HTC
'Scream VI'
Sam (Melissa Barrera) and half-sister Tara (Jenna Ortega) may have survived one Scream movie, but heading to the big city for college doesn't mean they can escape more terror. A "cult of Ghostface" is the last thing New York City needed, but "Scream VI" was all the better for bringing its terrors to the Big Apple. Fortunately for them, there's back-up available in the form of past "final girls", Kirby Reed (Hayden Panettiere) and Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox).
An excellent continuation of the series that brings inventive kills and novel use of the big city environment, "Scream VI" is a great reason to take Paramount Plus for a spin. Oh, and the killer reveals had us gasping in the theaters. — HTC
'Top Gun: Maverick'
This isn't your father's "Top Gun" (though both are among the best movies available on Paramount Plus).
Sure, the dogfights are still cool, and the cheesy moments are here, but a super-serious mission that recent TOPGUN graduates need to be trained for makes this sequel stand out. Especially when one of them is Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw (Miles Teller), the son of the late Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw — and he's to be trained by the titular Maverick, Pete Mitchell (Tom Cruise), Goose's old wingman. Amazing stuntwork in planes elevated "Maverick" above most of what hit theaters back in 2022, and it's stayed an awesome thrill ride ever since. — HTC
'Smile'
"Smile" is one of our favorite recent horror movies. It may have a preposterous bit of dialogue here and there, but its shocks are great and its overall story of trauma is interesting. All that said, all you need to know is that "Smile" is a lot like "It Follows".
But instead of an ordinary being in various guises wandering towards you, this killer sports a sickening and uncanny smile. Star Sosie Bacon makes it all work as Dr. Rose Cotter, who is having trouble with this specter, as nearly nobody around her believes what she's going through is really happening. — HTC
'Clueless'
"Clueless" is an easy pick for one of the best movies on Paramount Plus. In this updated version of Jane Austen's Emma, we meet Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone), whose emotional baggage is only matched by her epic walk-in closet. Being the most popular girl in Beverly Hills may have its perks, such as her loyal best friend Di (Stacey Dash), but Cher can't pass the driver's license test and is constantly critiqued by the doubters.
After Cher tries to be a giving person, she learns that she might be too good at makeovers when classmate Tai (Brittany Murphy) turns on her faster than you can say "whatever." And we also need to talk about her ex-stepbrother Josh (Paul Rudd), who Cher has some very complicated thoughts about. — HTC
'A Quiet Place'
Back-to-back excellent horror movies of a new ilk are rare, but "A Quiet Place" did things a little differently. Here, the Abbott family is living a constantly-on-edge life, because a single bit of noise in this post-apocalyptic hell-space could send the infected creatures for them immediately. So, if you thought keeping your kids quiet was tough, you've got nothing on parents Evelyn and John Abbott (real-life couple Emily Blunt and John Krasinski). Thrilling for its lack of sound — hey, they're just trying to survive — "A Quiet Place" is the kind of movie you'll want to watch when you can silence everything (and everyone) around you, and each subsequent entry has been just as entertaining — HTC
'Mission: Impossible'
The first "Mission: Impossible" may feature seemingly arcane technology — such as an IRC chat room — but it's a truly timeless action movie. While "Mission: Impossible" is led by Tom Cruise at his best, a fantastic supporting cast including Jean Reno, Vanessa Redgrave, and Ving Rhames make this espionage/heist thriller ultimately rewatchable. Paramount Plus is also home to more movies in the franchise, offering plenty of death-defying stunts and amazing action to keep you glued to your screen for hours on end. — HTC
'Scream' (2022)
The fifth "Scream" installment proved that you shouldn't give up on a horror franchise, even if it's had a few missteps. This time, "Scream" chose its latest new main character well, with "Wednesday" star Jenna Ortega as Tara Carpenter, who has ties to the original Scream movie characters that not even she knows about yet.
Oh, and "Scream" also wins by bringing back Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette, each of whom turns in strong performances. Arqeutte's Dewey is the most memorable, as he's seen better days. — HTC
'The Lost City'
Channing Tatum's love of playing a himbo with a heart of gold makes him the perfect foil for Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock), a romance novelist who's both depressed and over the paperback industry. Tatum plays Alan Caprison, a model whose image has adorned the covers of Loretta's books, as he 'plays' Dash McMahon, the hero of her series of adventure novels. But when a weirdo billionaire played by Daniel Radcliffe kidnaps Loretta — he thinks she knows how to find a fortune — Alan is Loretta's only hope. Far better than it has any right to be, "The Lost City" is a great watch. — HTC
'Bumblebee'
If you thought "Transformers" movies were easily ignored, you slept on "Bumblebee". It's basically a modern "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial", but instead of lil ol' E.T., you've got a robot in disguise.
In 1987, Autobot Bumblebee crashed onto Earth, trying to evade the evil Decepticons, and eventually goes into hiding in the shell of a VW Bug. Fortunately, Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), finds said automobile and eventually figures out what's going on. An impressive performance from Steinfeld makes this film more than the sum of its CGI, and John Cena himself plays a government agent who thinks Bumblebee is against our best interests. — HTC
'Jackass Forever'
If you know the riff that plays at the start of every "Jackass" episode or movie, you probably already know that "Jackass Forever" is a phenomenal extension of the show and movie series.
The fourth film in the series finds Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Ehren McGhehey, Preston Lacey, Dave England and Jason "WeeMan" Acuna back and joined by new cast members Jasper, Rachel Wolfson (the First Lady of "Jackass"), Zach Holmes and standout Poopies. This new gang gets into all of the right kind of terrible trouble and we're still worried about the trauma inflicted on Ehren. — HTC
