The New Franchise Horror Tops Paramount+’s Most-Watched Movies of the Week List

Subscribers to Paramount+ are diving into a diverse mix of cinematic offerings this week, ranging from nostalgic horror parodies to highly anticipated upcoming releases. The current viewing trends showcase a strong appetite for the slasher genre, driven largely by the enduring popularity of iconic masked killers and the landmark comedies that mocked them. Audiences are also exploring gripping true-crime narratives, intense animal attack thrillers, and blockbuster aerial action sequences. Whether looking for a classic laugh or a suspenseful mystery, the platform’s trending library provides a compelling snapshot of modern streaming habits.

‘Roofman’ (2025)

Directed by Derek Cianfrance, this true-crime film follows the bizarre story of Jeffrey Manchester. Known as the “Roofman,” Manchester was a convicted serial burglar who broke into dozens of fast-food restaurants by entering through their roofs. He later escaped from prison and secretly lived inside retail stores in North Carolina to evade authorities. Starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, the narrative explores his elaborate evasion tactics and the unexpected romance that eventually led to his capture. This highly anticipated project brings a unique blend of heist mechanics and character-driven drama to the screen.

‘Scream’ (1996)

A masked killer known as Ghostface begins targeting high school student Sidney Prescott and her circle of friends in the quiet town of Woodsboro. As the body count rises, the teens realize they must rely on the established rules of horror films to survive the deadly game. Directed by Wes Craven, the film brilliantly deconstructs the slasher genre while still delivering genuine scares and tension. The mystery surrounding the killer’s identity keeps audiences guessing until the final, blood-soaked confrontation. ‘Scream’ revitalized horror in the late nineties and launched a massive, enduring multimedia franchise.

‘Scary Movie 3’ (2003)

Cindy Campbell investigates a series of bizarre phenomena, including crop circles at a local farm and a cursed videotape that kills viewers after seven days. Her journalistic pursuit leads her to uncover an impending alien invasion and supernatural threats linked to a mysterious farm. Directed by David Zucker, the film pivots away from the slasher spoofs of its predecessors to lampoon thrillers and science fiction blockbusters. The comedy cleverly parodies major box office hits like ‘Signs’, ‘The Ring’, and ‘8 Mile’ with a rapid-fire barrage of slapstick gags. It features a diverse ensemble cast, including Anna Faris, Charlie Sheen, and Leslie Nielsen.

‘EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert’ (2026)

This documentary presentation captures the King of Rock and Roll during some of his final live performances on tour. Viewers are treated to an intimate look at the legendary musician as he performs classic hits in front of thousands of adoring fans. The footage preserves the raw energy and unparalleled stage presence that defined his late-career arena shows. Behind-the-scenes moments provide a glimpse into the immense logistical operations required to move his massive production across the country. It serves as both a historical music record and a tribute to one of the most influential cultural icons of the twentieth century.

‘Primate’ (2026)

Returning home from college, a young woman named Lucy happily reunites with her family and their beloved pet chimpanzee, Ben. The joyful homecoming quickly devolves into a nightmare when Ben contracts rabies during a backyard pool party and exhibits terrifyingly aggressive behavior. Lucy and her friends are forced to barricade themselves in the pool area to escape the sudden animal attack. Directed by Johannes Roberts, the horror film tracks their desperate attempts to devise a survival strategy against the vicious primate. The tense scenario traps the characters in a confined space with a uniquely dangerous and unpredictable threat.

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)

After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete Mitchell is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot. He is soon tasked with training a detachment of elite graduates for a highly specialized and incredibly dangerous mission. Among the new pilots is Lieutenant Bradley Bradshaw, the son of Maverick’s late best friend. Maverick must confront his deepest fears and the ghosts of his past while preparing the team for a seemingly impossible aerial combat scenario. The film combines breathtaking practical flight sequences with deep emotional resonance.

‘An Unfinished Life’ (2005)

A struggling single mother flees an abusive relationship and seeks refuge with her estranged father-in-law on his ranch in Wyoming. The grizzled rancher, who blames her for the untimely death of his son, initially resists her presence and that of the granddaughter he never knew. As the two generations are forced to cohabitate, they slowly begin to heal old wounds and forge an unexpected family bond. Directed by Lasse Hallström, the film relies heavily on the powerful dramatic performances of Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez, and Morgan Freeman. The sweeping Western landscapes serve as a beautiful backdrop to this poignant story of forgiveness and redemption.

‘Scary Movie 2’ (2001)

A year after the deadly events in their hometown, Cindy Campbell and her surviving friends are invited to participate in a sleep-deprivation experiment at an isolated mansion. Unbeknownst to the college students, the eccentric professor orchestrating the study is actually planning to investigate the supernatural entities haunting the estate. The group is quickly subjected to a series of hilarious and terrifying encounters with ghosts, possessed objects, and a creepy caretaker. The sequel directly lampoons famous haunted house films like ‘The Haunting’, ‘The Exorcist’, and ‘The Amityville Horror’. It maintains the crude, over-the-top comedic style that made the first installment a massive success.

‘Scary Movie’ (2000)

A group of bumbling teenagers accidentally hits a man with their car and disposes of his body, vowing never to speak of the incident again. A year later, a masked killer begins stalking the friends, mirroring the plot devices of popular contemporary teen horror films. Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, the comedy masterfully spoofs the conventions and clichés of the slasher genre. It heavily parodies major cinematic hits of the era, primarily focusing its satirical lens on ‘Scream’ and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’. The film’s unapologetic, raunchy humor and endless pop culture references established a highly lucrative comedic franchise.

‘Scream 7’ (2026)

The iconic slasher franchise returns as Ghostface once again stalks the streets to terrorize a new generation of victims. Following the brutal events of previous installments, the surviving characters must brace themselves for another wave of calculated, meta-horror violence. Veteran franchise writer Kevin Williamson takes the helm for this installment, marking his first time directing a film in the series he originally created. The narrative continues to explore the traumatic legacy of the Woodsboro murders while subverting modern cinematic tropes. Audiences can expect the signature blend of bloody suspense, sharp whodunit mystery, and self-aware commentary.

Please share your thoughts on these trending Paramount+ movies and let us know which ones are your favorites in the comments.