Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on Paramount+, Including a Popular Animated Classic

Paramount+ is expanding its library this February with a diverse selection of films ranging from gritty dramas to family-friendly animations. These new additions offer viewers a variety of genres including romantic adaptations, cult classics, and intense thrillers. As these titles become available for streaming, subscribers can catch up on notable performances and significant cinematic milestones. This weekend provides an ideal opportunity to explore these newly added features from the comfort of home.

‘Hotel Artemis’ (2018)

Set in a near-future, riot-torn Los Angeles, this thriller takes place inside a secret, members-only hospital for criminals. The facility is managed by the Nurse, who maintains order through a strict set of rules that all patients must follow. When a group of bank robbers arrives with high-value stolen goods, the hospital’s security is threatened by internal tensions and external violence. The film features a stylized environment where various dangerous characters are forced to coexist during a night of chaos. It explores themes of loyalty and professionalism within the underworld of organized crime.

‘The Rugrats Movie’ (1998)

This animated feature serves as the first big-screen adaptation of the popular Nickelodeon television series. The story focuses on the Pickles family as they welcome a new baby brother named Dil into the household. Tommy and his friends eventually find themselves lost in the woods after a plan to return Dil to the hospital goes wrong. They must work together to navigate the wilderness and find their way home while dealing with a series of mishaps. The film expanded the visual scale of the original series while maintaining its focus on the imaginative perspectives of toddlers.

‘Here Comes the Boom’ (2012)

A high school biology teacher decides to enter the world of mixed martial arts to raise money for his school’s failing music program. Despite his lack of professional fighting experience, he trains rigorously to eventually compete in the UFC. His underdog journey gains momentum as he inspires his students and fellow faculty members with his dedication. The plot combines elements of physical comedy with a traditional sports narrative centered on perseverance. The story highlights the lengths a teacher will go to support the education and enrichment of his students.

‘The Best of Me’ (2014)

Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, this romantic drama follows two former high school sweethearts who reunite after twenty years apart. Their paths cross again when they return to their small hometown to attend the funeral of a close friend. The narrative alternates between the past, showing their teenage romance, and the present, where they deal with the lives they built separately. Forced to confront the obstacles that originally drove them apart, they must decide if their connection is worth a second chance. The film focuses on themes of fate, regret, and the enduring nature of first love.

‘Seaside’ (2002)

Set in a quiet French coastal village during the winter, this drama explores the interconnected lives of several local residents. The plot moves slowly through the off-season, revealing the hidden desires and personal frustrations of the townspeople. As the characters navigate their daily routines, the bleak landscape emphasizes their sense of isolation and longing. The film functions as a character study, focusing on the subtle interactions and emotional undercurrents within a small community. It provides a grounded look at human relationships away from the typical tourist season.

‘The Words’ (2012)

A struggling author finally achieves literary success when he publishes a long-lost manuscript he found in an old briefcase. After claiming the work as his own, he must face the moral and personal consequences when the true author confronts him. The film utilizes a story-within-a-story structure to bridge the gap between the modern setting and the post-World War II era where the manuscript originated. It examines the psychological burden of plagiarism and the ethical dilemmas faced by those desperate for fame. The narrative explores how the choices made in the pursuit of success can haunt a person indefinitely.

‘Superstar’ (2009)

This film follows a protagonist striving to achieve fame and status within a highly competitive industry. It depicts the various personal sacrifices and external pressures that come with the pursuit of public recognition. The narrative explores the contrast between the individual’s private reality and the carefully constructed image presented to the world. Through a series of professional challenges, the story examines the true cost of becoming a modern cultural icon. It serves as an exploration of ambition and the changing nature of celebrity in the contemporary era.

‘The Original Kings of Comedy’ (2000)

Directed by Spike Lee, this documentary captures a live stand-up performance featuring four legendary comedians. Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac perform their routines for a massive crowd in Charlotte, North Carolina. The film includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews that offer a glimpse into the camaraderie and preparation behind the tour. It highlights the cultural impact of these performers and their influence on the landscape of American comedy. The production captures the energy of a live tour while preserving significant moments in the history of the genre.

‘Grease 2’ (1982)

Set two years after the events of the original musical, the story returns to Rydell High School for a new academic year. A British exchange student falls for the leader of the Pink Ladies and undergoes a transformation to win her affection. The film features a series of original musical numbers and choreographed sequences that reflect early 1960s pop culture. It introduces a new cast of T-Birds and Pink Ladies navigating the social hierarchies and romantic interests of high school life. The sequel continues the franchise’s tradition of exploring teenage identity through music and dance.

‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’’ (2005)

Loosely based on the life of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, this biographical drama depicts a young man’s journey from drug dealing to the music industry. After surviving a life-threatening encounter, the protagonist decides to leave the streets behind and pursue his passion for rap. His transition is complicated by the violent environment he seeks to escape and the enemies who remain from his past. The story emphasizes themes of redemption, resilience, and the drive required to change one’s trajectory in life. It provides a dramatized look at the obstacles faced by artists rising from difficult circumstances.

Tell us which of these movies you plan to stream first in the comments.