If you want to see movies to watch on Netflix, or you want movies organized by genre, read my post Netflix Movies to Watch by Genre.
These are the best movies on Paramount+ for January 2023. Each movie includes a trailer to make it easy to preview, a short plot summary to give you a rough idea if you have no idea what it’s about, and a link to the movie on Paramount+ so you don’t have to search for it.
If you have read my movie lists, you know that I base my lists off of a combination of movies that I have seen and enjoyed (or ones that are on my personal list to see soon), and movies that were successful and well received in general. Sometimes I may include a movie that didn’t impress me but got rave reviews from others, or a movie that I loved despite it being poorly received by critics and the general audience.
Some are still on the list from December 2023, and some are new.
Kids movies and documentaries are at the bottom.
This post does not contain any affiliate links, and everything on here is sincerely recommended by me. See a movie you really liked or one you think should be added to the list? Leave a comment and let me know. Hope you find something great to watch!
This 1999 Academy Award winner gives us a narrative of a man living the American Dream who is going through a midlife crisis. It is a simple plot – mundane, even – yet profoundly deep as we are left to consider life, relationships, and meaning. It will leave you reflecting. It won the Academy Award for best picture.
I watched this as a standalone film, not having seen the previous Terminators, and it was easy to follow and really well done. If you plan to watch the other ones and don’t want to spoil them, maybe don’t watch this first, but if you just want a good sci-fi action movie with a good plot and sub-plot, this was very good on its own.
Turning a Broadway show into a film is always a harrowing endeavor, but in this case, it was done very well. Johnny Depp stars as Sweeney Todd in this stage-to-screen musical. Excellent music, but choose a different movie if you are squeamish.
Based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, this film stars Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button, a man who is born old and spends his life aging in reverse. It is a compelling and emotional story, and leads to some deep contemplation about the nature of time, the human experience, and the acceptance of the inevitable cycle of life and death.
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.
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.
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. Based on a true story.
Ferris (Broderick) skips school and has a fun day with his best friend and girlfriend while the principle seeks to catch him. This classic is always worth watching.
A journalist and a hacker investigate a wealthy family’s dark secrets, unveiling corruption and violence in this thrilling mystery based on the book. Starring Daniel Craig.
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 coming of age movie is about an awkward, sheltered teen journalist who tours with rock band in the 1970’s. He navigates fame, friendship, love, and self discovery in this film that blends humor, drama, and heartfelt moments. This was recently moved from ShowTime to the basic Paramount+
Terms of Endearment is a poignant film of an adult daughter and her mother as they navigate through love, loss, and laughter, portraying the enduring, complex, and heartfelt nature of family. Starring Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson, it won five Oscars including Best Picture.
Shy good girl “Baby” (Jennifer Gray) meets handsome dance instructor (Patrick Swayze) on her family’s summer vacation. This was recently moved from ShowTime to the basic Paramount+
Starring Audrey Hepburn, this is an old classic about an eccentric New York socialite and her unconventional romance with a struggling writer in Manhattan.
My Fair Lady is a classic musical where a linguistics professor transforms a Cockney flower girl into a refined lady, exploring societal expectations and love.
Paramount+ has the newest Paw Patrol movie which was in theaters a few months ago. It tells how the pups get their super powers. Paramount+ also has many Paw Patrol episodes and the first Paw Patrol movie. My kids have watched this multiple times and we all love it.
I watched this with my kids and it was surprisingly good. I have vague childhood memories of the Mario Brothers game which gave some context to the characters, but that isn’t necessary as my kids have never played it and they really liked it.