I recently did several posts on Netflix movies to watch in November, organized by genre. I used Rotten Tomatoes to determine which were the best movies available, because I was tired of the frustrating Netflix algorithm that would recommend bad movies and hide the good ones. I wanted to give movie recommendations that were not based on my personal preference but were based on a broad audience of both professional critics and general viewers to determine which were the best, objectively. Although they all received scores of 8/10 or higher on Rotten Tomatoes, but personally, there were some I did not enjoy.
This list contains movies that I have seen and really like, or have on my list of movies I want to see, regardless of the general reception. ParamountPlus provides full alphabetical list of their movies, unlike Netflix which forces you to sift through hundreds of movies. Here are, in my personal opinion, the best movies to watch on ParamountPlus right now in December 2023.
Interstellar
Earth is dying and astronauts explore a wormhole for new habitable planets.
A Thanksgiving journey home turns chaotic for mismatched duo – Steve Martin and John Candy – and humorous misadventures ensue with a heartwarming ending.
Collateral stars Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise. It is about a taxi driver (Foxx) who gets trapped into driving around a hitman (Cruise) and a night of unexpected consequences. I had trouble getting into it at the beginning but it got interesting. If you liked Heat you will probably like this movie too.
Gilbert (Depp) cares for mentally challenged brother (DiCaprio) amid family struggles, self-discovery. I watched this a long time ago and liked it, it’s one of those simple underrated movies.
All of the Mission Impossible movies are currently on ParamountPlus. I haven’t seen these but they are on my must-see list. Only the first three are also available on Netflix.
The newest Mission Impossible movie, which came out this summer, is also on Paramout+. It was an extremely high budget film but didn’t do great in the box office; however, it does have a 9.5/10 score on Rotten Tomatoes (for whatever that’s worth).
A stockbroker (DiCaprio) who engages in extravagant excess, corruption, and illegal activities, leading to his downfall and legal consequences. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, offers a satirical and cautionary tale of the greed and moral bankruptcy prevalent in the financial world during the 1990s.
If you are looking for a spoofy crass comedy, this goofy movie is about a dim-witted male model (Ben Stiller) who gets manipulated by the villain (Will Ferrel) into an assassination plot. Hilariously clueless fashion satire ensues, blending comedy and absurdity.
This movie is based on a true story. Teen prodigy Frank Abagnale Jr. (DiCaprio) cons his way across the world, pursued by determined FBI agent (Tom Hanks). Personally, I recommend it as a really great movie.
This one requires that you have Showtime with Paramount+. It’s about an awkward, sheltered teen journalist who tours with rock band in the 1970’s. He navigates fame, friendship, coming-of-age, and self discovery in this film that blends humor, drama, and heartfelt moments.
aIRPLANE (rEqUIRES sHOWTIME)
This is a hilarious parody as airplane crew battles crisis with absurdly comedic antics and puns.
Dirty Dancing (Requires Showtime)
Shy good girl “Baby” (Jennifer Gray) meets handsome dance instructor (Patrick Swayze) on her family’s summer vacation.
dIRTY rOTTEN sCOUNDRELS (rEQUIRES sHOWTIME)
Con artists engage in humorous rivalry, targeting wealthy women on Riviera.
tHE mAN WHO Shot lIBERTY vALaNCE
A journalist learns truth behind legendary gunfight and confronts ethical and moral dilemmas.
Madeline and her boarding school friends sing songs and embark on charming adventures. They have the short episodes I remember loving as a little girl, plus a couple movies.