7 Movies You Shouldn’t Miss on Paramount+ This May

by

Paramount+ is constantly updating its selection of older movies and TV shows, focusing on popular titles from the 1990s and 2000s. While the service doesn’t get many brand new additions each month, you can still discover some excellent films you might have forgotten – or never seen! May’s offerings are a good example of Paramount+’s mix of films by acclaimed directors (like Michael Mann and Bong Joon Ho) and beloved family favorites. Here’s a rundown of what’s worth watching on Paramount+ this May.

Ali

Year: 2001
Run time: 2h 36m
Director: Michael Mann

Michael Mann’s 2001 film tells the story of Muhammad Ali, a hugely influential figure of the 20th century. Will Smith gives what many consider his best performance as the boxing legend, civil rights champion, and inspirational role model. Mann brings his signature style to Ali’s life story. This is the original version released in theaters, not one of the later cuts. ➽ Now streaming.

Elf

Year: 2003
Run time: 1h 37m
Director: Jon Favreau

You don’t need to wait for Christmas to love the story of Buddy the Elf! Before directing Iron Man, Jon Favreau created this heartwarming tale about a man raised as an elf, and the hilarious adventures he has when he travels to New York City to meet his real dad. Why not have a Christmas movie night any time of year? ➽ Now streaming.

Harriet the Spy

Year: 1996
Run time: 1h 41m
Director: Bronwen Hughes

Before becoming known as Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Michelle Trachtenberg charmed audiences as Harriet the Spy in this film adaptation of the popular book series. It was the very first movie released by Nickelodeon Movies, and it brought a generation who grew up watching the channel to the big screen. ➽ Now available for streaming.

The Hunt for Red October

Year: 1990
Run time: 2h 15m
Director: John McTiernan

As a total movie buff, I remember when The Hunt for Red October first came out – it was how a lot of us first met Jack Ryan, played by Alec Baldwin (John Krasinski does a great job now on Amazon Prime, but Baldwin was the Ryan for me for years!). It’s still, in my opinion, the best Jack Ryan movie ever made. The story is just so gripping: a Soviet captain, brilliantly played by Sean Connery, wants to defect to the US, but his actions could accidentally start World War III. It’s a fantastic cat-and-mouse game, and you can stream it right now!

Memories of Murder

Year: 2003
Run time: 2h 11m
Director: Bong Joon Ho

Before his international successes like Parasite and Snowpiercer, Bong Joon Ho created this critically acclaimed film, considered one of the best Korean dramas from today’s filmmakers. Based on a real series of murders from the late 1980s, it’s similar to the movie Zodiac in how it explores the obsessive nature of unsolved crimes. Many believe this film is actually Bong Joon Ho’s masterpiece. ➽ Now available to stream.

Shaolin Soccer

Year: 2001
Run time: 1h 27m
Director: Stephen Chow

Stephen Chow is a comedic genius, and Shaolin Soccer helped launch his international career (before his even more incredible Kung Fu Hustle, which you can find on Tubi and absolutely shouldn’t miss!). The movie is pretty much what it sounds like: a hilarious blend of kung fu and soccer. It’s hard to explain just how creative and wonderfully weird a Stephen Chow film is. ➽ Available to stream now.

Swingers

Year: 1996
Run time: 1h 36m
Director: Jon Favreau

Occasionally, a comedy unexpectedly captures the public’s imagination and turns its creators into stars. Before the movie Swingers, few people knew Jon Favreau or Vince Vaughn, but the film launched their careers, and they’ve remained well-known ever since. It’s still a relevant and funny look at the struggles of young men trying to succeed in Hollywood during the mid-1990s. ➽ Available to stream now.

Read More

2026-05-27 18:54