Here Are the Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on Paramount+, Including a Complex French Drama

Paramount+ is expanding its library this February with an eclectic mix of films arriving on the first of the month. This upcoming weekend features a selection that spans from award-winning international dramas and laugh-out-loud comedy specials to high-octane action thrillers. Viewers can revisit iconic animated stories from the late nineties or explore intense biographical depictions of the music industry. These new titles provide a comprehensive range of entertainment options suitable for various moods and audiences. The scheduled releases ensure that subscribers have a wealth of cinematic choices to explore as the new month begins.

‘The Words’ (2012)

‘The Words’ follows an aspiring writer named Rory Jansen who finally achieves the literary success he has long craved. However, his rise to fame is built upon a manuscript he discovered in an antique briefcase and published as his own. The narrative takes a complex turn when an elderly man confronts Rory, claiming to be the true author of the story. This drama explores the weight of artistic integrity and the lasting consequences of a single unethical decision. The film features a layered storytelling structure that weaves together three distinct narratives.

‘The Original Kings of Comedy’ (2000)

Directed by Spike Lee, ‘The Original Kings of Comedy’ captures one of the most successful comedy tours in history. The documentary highlights the stand-up performances of Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac. Filmed over two nights at the Charlotte Coliseum, the movie showcases the unique comedic styles and social commentary of each performer. It also provides a rare look at the comedians’ interactions backstage and during their travels between shows. The film is credited with bringing urban stand-up comedy to a much wider mainstream audience.

‘The Best of Me’ (2014)

Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, this romantic drama centers on former high school lovers Dawson and Amanda. After two decades apart, they reunite in their small hometown to attend the funeral of a beloved mentor. Their homecoming reignites the deep connection they once shared, forcing them to reexamine the tragic events that led to their separation. The story alternates between their teenage years and their current lives, illustrating how their love has endured despite external pressures. It explores themes of destiny, forgiveness, and the enduring power of first love.

‘Seaside’ (2002)

‘Seaside’, originally titled ‘Bord de Mer’, is a French drama that examines the lives of various residents in a coastal town during the winter. The film focuses on several interconnected characters, including a woman struggling with a gambling addiction and her complex family relationships. Director Julie Lopes-Curval portrays the quiet, often melancholy reality of a tourist destination once the crowds have departed. The narrative emphasizes the small dramas and emotional shifts that occur in a community defined by its proximity to the ocean. The film received critical acclaim for its atmosphere and was honored at the Cannes Film Festival.

‘Here Comes the Boom’ (2012)

In ‘Here Comes the Boom’, Kevin James portrays Scott Voss, a disillusioned high school biology teacher who takes drastic action to help his school. When budget cuts threaten to eliminate the music program, Voss decides to become a mixed martial arts fighter to raise the necessary funds. Despite his lack of fighting experience and physical conditioning, he begins a rigorous training regimen with the help of a former fighter. The film blends slapstick humor with a motivational story about standing up for one’s community and colleagues. It showcases the lengths an ordinary person will go to protect the arts in education.

‘Hotel Artemis’ (2018)

‘Hotel Artemis’ is a dystopian thriller set in a high-tech, members-only hospital for criminals located in a riot-torn Los Angeles. The facility is managed by a woman known as The Nurse, who enforces a strict set of rules to maintain order among her dangerous patients. The plot thickens when a legendary crime lord arrives for emergency surgery just as a massive heist goes sideways in the city. The film features a stylized, neon-lit aesthetic and focuses on the shifting loyalties and secrets within the hospital walls. It boasts a notable cast including Jodie Foster, Sterling K. Brown, and Jeff Goldblum.

‘The Rugrats Movie’ (1998)

‘The Rugrats Movie’ brings the beloved characters from the Nickelodeon television series to the big screen for a grand adventure. The story follows Tommy Pickles as he deals with the arrival of his new baby brother, Dil, and the jealousy that ensues. After a series of mishaps, the babies find themselves lost in the woods and must use their limited resources to survive. They encounter various challenges, including wild animals and a malfunctioning “Reptar Wagon,” while searching for a way home. This animated film explores the themes of sibling bonds and the resilience of childhood imagination.

‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’’ (2005)

‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’’ is a biographical drama that stars Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as a young man named Marcus. The film depicts Marcus’s journey from a childhood marred by poverty to his eventual pursuit of a rap career. After surviving a violent encounter that leaves him wounded, Marcus decides to turn away from his life as a drug dealer to focus on his musical aspirations. Directed by Jim Sheridan, the movie explores the grit of urban street life and the redemptive power of music. It provides a fictionalized look at the real-life struggles that shaped the rapper’s public persona.

‘Superstar’ (2009)

‘Superstar’ centers on Mary Katherine Gallagher, a teenage girl at a Catholic high school who is obsessed with becoming a celebrity. She believes that winning a school talent show will lead to her first kiss and a career as a famous entertainer. The story follows her awkward attempts to navigate social hierarchies and gain the attention of her high school crush. Based on a character created by Molly Shannon on ‘Saturday Night Live’, the film utilizes physical comedy to explore the protagonist’s inner world. It remains a notable title for its portrayal of a determined and unconventional outsider.

‘Grease 2’ (1982)

Taking place two years after the original film, ‘Grease 2’ follows a new group of students at Rydell High School in 1961. British exchange student Michael Carrington falls for Stephanie Zinone, the head of the Pink Ladies social group. To earn her respect, Michael creates an alter ego as a daring, anonymous motorcyclist who performs impressive stunts. The film features a variety of musical numbers that capture the culture and aesthetic of the early 1960s. While it introduced new characters, it maintained the vibrant musical energy and high school themes associated with the franchise.

Please share which of these Paramount+ titles you are most excited to stream this weekend in the comments.