15 Hidden Gem Movies on Paramount+ Waiting to Be Discovered
Paramount+ has quietly built a treasure trove of films since its 2021 rebrand from CBS All Access, offering more than just blockbusters like ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ or ‘Mission: Impossible’. Tucked among its vast library are lesser-known movies that pack a punch with unique stories and stellar performances.
I’ve unearthed 15 hidden gem movies streaming on Paramount+ that you likely haven’t seen. From quirky comedies to gripping thrillers, these films deserve your attention for their creativity and charm. Here’s why each one is worth your next movie night.
15. ‘The Little Hours’ (2017)
This raunchy comedy follows three medieval nuns—Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, and Kate Micucci—whose convent life spirals into chaos with lust and mischief. Jeff Baena’s absurd take on history delivers crude laughs and a stellar cast.
Its irreverent humor and modern dialogue in a 14th-century setting feel fresh, though the niche gags may not land for all. Perfect for fans of offbeat comedies.
14. ‘Summer Days, Summer Nights’ (2018)
Set in 1982, ‘Summer Days, Summer Nights’ tracks a group of friends navigating love and summer jobs on Long Island. With Anthony Ramos and Lindsey Morgan, it’s a nostalgic coming-of-age tale with heart.
The film’s warm vibe and likable cast shine, though its quiet story lacks big stakes. A cozy pick for fans of retro teen dramas.
13. ‘Fire in the Sky’ (1993)
‘Fire in the Sky’ dramatizes a real-life alien abduction, with D.B. Sweeney as a logger who vanishes for days and returns with wild claims. Its eerie tone and intense flashback scenes grip you.
The film’s blend of sci-fi and psychological drama is bold, though mixed reviews keep it obscure. Great for fans of unsettling true-story thrillers.
12. ‘Tank Girl’ (1995)
Lori Petty stars as ‘Tank Girl’, a punky rebel in a post-apocalyptic world fighting a corporate tyrant. This comic-book adaptation bursts with wild visuals, quirky humor, and 90s attitude.
Its chaotic energy and cult vibe are infectious, but the messy plot alienates some. A must for fans of bold, eccentric sci-fi.
11. ‘Wheels on Meals’ (1984)
Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao play cousins running a food truck in Barcelona in this Hong Kong action-comedy. Packed with jaw-dropping stunts and slapstick, it’s peak 80s martial arts fun.
The trio’s chemistry and creative fights dazzle, though the thin story is secondary. Perfect for fans of classic Chan chaos.
10. ‘Seconds’ (1966)
In ‘Seconds’, John Randolph plays a man reborn as a younger Rock Hudson via experimental surgery, only to find his new life a nightmare. John Frankenheimer’s trippy thriller feels like a ‘Twilight Zone’ fever dream.
Its bold visuals and existential dread are gripping, though its bleak tone isn’t for everyone. A gem for fans of psychological sci-fi.
9. ‘The Town That Dreaded Sundown’ (1976)
This chilling docu-style horror recounts the real 1940s Texarkana murders by a masked killer. Its gritty vibe and haunting atmosphere make it a proto-slasher standout.
The film’s raw intensity hooks you, though dated pacing may test modern viewers. Ideal for fans of true-crime horror.
8. ‘Kiss the Girls’ (1997)
Morgan Freeman stars as a detective hunting a serial kidnapper in ‘Kiss the Girls’, a tense thriller based on James Patterson’s novel. Ashley Judd’s fierce performance as a survivor adds grit.
Its cat-and-mouse game thrills, though it’s overshadowed by its sequel. A strong pick for fans of 90s crime dramas.
7. ‘Dave Made a Maze’ (2017)
‘Dave Made a Maze’ follows an artist (Nick Thune) trapped in a cardboard labyrinth he built. This quirky indie blends comedy, fantasy, and horror with lo-fi charm and clever visuals.
Its inventive premise and DIY aesthetic delight, but the low budget shows. Great for fans of whimsical adventures.
6. ‘Coonskin’ (1975)
Ralph Bakshi’s animated ‘Coonskin’ is a provocative satire blending live-action and cartoon to tackle race and urban life. Its bold visuals and raw commentary spark debate.
The film’s daring style and social bite are powerful, though its controversial edge divides viewers. A must for fans of boundary-pushing animation.
5. ‘Winter Kills’ (1979)
‘Winter Kills’ is a dark comedy about a Kennedy-like assassination, with Jeff Bridges digging into his brother’s murder. Packed with stars like John Huston, it’s a paranoid, absurd thriller.
Its sharp wit and conspiracy vibes shine, but its odd tone kept it niche. Perfect for fans of quirky political dramas.
4. ‘The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance’ (1962)
John Ford’s Western stars James Stewart as a lawyer and John Wayne as a gunslinger tackling a ruthless outlaw (Lee Marvin). Its deconstruction of myth-making elevates the genre.
The film’s emotional depth and iconic leads are timeless, though its age may deter some. A classic for fans of thoughtful Westerns.
3. ‘Minari’ (2020)
‘Minari’ follows a Korean-American family, led by Steven Yeun, chasing a farm dream in 1980s Arkansas. Lee Isaac Chung’s tender drama blends humor, heart, and stunning performances, especially from young Alan Kim.
Its quiet beauty and universal themes resonate, though its slow pace isn’t for all. A gem for fans of intimate family tales.
2. ‘Bumblebee’ (2018)
‘Bumblebee’, a ‘Transformers’ prequel, follows teen Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld) bonding with the Autobot in 1980s California. This sci-fi adventure trades Michael Bay’s chaos for heart and Spielbergian charm.
Its fresh focus on friendship and scaled-down action captivates, making it a standout. Ideal for fans of nostalgic sci-fi.
1. ‘No Country for Old Men’ (2007)
The Coen Brothers’ ‘No Country for Old Men’ follows a hunter (Josh Brolin) stumbling into a drug deal gone wrong, chased by a chilling hitman (Javier Bardem). This Oscar-winning thriller is a masterclass in tension and fate.
Its gripping story and haunting vibe make it a modern classic, often overlooked on streaming. A must-watch for fans of intense drama.
These Paramount+ gems offer something for every mood, from laughs to chills. Which one are you streaming first, or is there another underrated pick I missed? Let me know in the comments!