Jan Thijs/Paramount; Paramount Pictures; Paramount+
There are thrills and chills aplenty onParamount+, with some coming directly from the parent company's own 113-plus-year history. These movies span galaxies, with our heroes battling monsters, aliens, and short attention spans.
Featuring everything from blockbuster franchises to cinematic classics, here are the 16 best sci-fi and horror films streaming on Paramount+.
Annihilation(2018)
In the swamplands of Florida there sits a forcefield that formed after a meteor hit the area. Separated from regular life by a kaleidoscopic shell whose circumference continues to expand, the Shimmer, as it's called, has claimed the lives of every person who has gone inside — except one. Biologist Lena (Natalie Portman) lost her husband, Kane (Oscar Isaac), after he was presumably killed during a military operation, but when Kane returns home with his memory gone and his health failing, Lena looks for answers.
A visually stunning sci-fi movie that allows the audience to meditate on themes of grief, depression, and destruction,Annihilationis "the kind of film that leaves you dazzled, shellshocked — and not entirely sure whether your own moviegoing DNA hasn't been altered a little in the process,"EW's critic writes.
Where to watchAnnihilation: Paramount+
EW grade:A–
Director:Alex Garland
Cast:Natalie Portman, Oscar Isaac, Tessa Thompson, Tuva Novotny, Gina Rodriguez
Arrival(2016)
If you could see how the future will unfold, would it alter your choices? Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is an accomplished linguist who is called into military service after 12 extraterrestrial spacecraft land in various locations around the world. Tasked with working alongside physicist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) to translate what the extraterrestrials — referred to as heptapods — are after, Louise begins to bond with and understand Earth's visitors.
An alien invasion movie told in the style of an arthouse film,Arrival's deeper story is far more profound than detailing the coming apocalypse. Unfolding slowly and heartbreakingly,Arrivalis a sci-fi film about time and the choices we make in service of love.
Where to watchArrival:Paramount+
EW grade:A–
Director:Denis Villeneuve
Cast:Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Tzi Ma
Bumblebee(2018)
The first film in theTransformersuniverse to be centered around a teenage girl's perspective, 2018'sBumblebeeis the sixth installment in the long-running sci-fi action franchise. Set in California in 1987, the movie tells the story of Bumblebee, an Autobot who is sent to Earth by Optimus Prime to defend the planet from the Decepticons. After suffering major injuries during a battle, Bumblebee transforms into a Volkswagen Beetle — only to be discovered and repaired by Charlie Watson (Hailee Steinfeld), a teenager still reeling from the recent death of her father.
Laden with fun '80s pop culture references and offering more humor and heart than previous chapters of the franchise,Bumblebeeis half sci-fi film, half buddy cop comedy between a teen and a transformer.
Where to watchBumblebee: Paramount+
EW grade:B+
Director:Travis Knight
Cast:Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., John Ortiz, Jason Drucker
Interstellar(2014)
In the year 2067, the question of "what are we going to eat tonight" becomes slightly more pressing as a famine sweeps the globe. Determined to cast a wider net in humanity's search for sustenance, a group of NASA scientists travel to space to investigate three planets that could potentially prove hospitable for humans.
A film by Christopher Nolan,Interstellaris a sci-fi drama that doubles as a love story between a father (Matthew McConaughey) and his daughter (played at different points by Mackenzie Foy,Jessica Chastain, and Ellen Burstyn). In the grand Nolan tradition,Interstellarfools around with time and space, but it's the film's visuals that prove most revelatory. "Christopher Nolan would be derelict if he didn't take gargantuan risks,"EW's reviewer writes. "It's good for us that he does."
Where to watchInterstellar: Paramount+
Director:Christopher Nolan
Cast:Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn
Minority Report(2002)
One of the gold-standard sci-fi action films from the early aughts,Minority Reportoffers everything a genre fan could want: brow furrowing and sick stunts courtesy of starTom Cruise, fast-moving direction provided by Steven Spielberg, and a moody, ominous audio aesthetic dreamed up by his frequent collaborator, legendary composer John Williams. With these powers combined, the filmmakers invite us to fast-forward to the year 2054, when the country's system of law enforcement has undergone a seismic shift thanks to the introduction of the precrime unit. Relying on visions provided by "pre-cogs," clairvoyant humans who can see murders before they happen, the unit is under orders to arrest potential criminals for crimes they are expected to commit in the future.
Where to watchMinority Report: Paramount+
Director:Steven Spielberg
Cast:Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, Max von Sydow
A Quiet Place(2018)
Writer-director-actorJohn Krasinski's blockbuster follows the Abbott family as they navigate a postapocalyptic world where sound-motivated, bloodthirsty aliens rule. Unlike most modern films,A Quiet Placeemploys minimal dialogue, preferring to convey story and build tension through the vacuum of silence and ambient noise that serve as the movie's soundtrack.
Well-deserving of its Oscar nomination for Best Sound Editing (and arguably overlooked for nominations in the writing, directing, and acting categories)A Quiet Placewas a critical hit when it premiered in 2018, prompting the releases ofA Quiet Place Part IIin 2021, andA Quiet Place: Day Onein 2024.
Where to watchA Quiet Place: Paramount+
EW grade:B+
Director:John Krasinski
Cast:John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Cade Woodward
A Quiet Place Part II(2020)
This 2020 sequel picks up where the original (see above) left off with Evelyn Abbott (Emily Blunt), her daughter Regan (Millicent Simmonds) — whose deafness has given the family an advantage in surviving — and Regan's two brothers trying to move on from their lost loved ones and destroyed home, while attempting to make contact with other survivors. Introducing new characters played byCillian Murphy,Djimon Hounsou, and Okieriete Onaodowan,A Quiet Place Part IImoves the story forward, while expanding the universe to make room in the franchisefor a threequel.
Where to watchA Quiet Place Part II: Paramount+
EW grade:B+
Director:John Krasinski
Cast:Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Djimon Hounsou
Rosemary's Baby(1968)
Courtesy Everett Collection
One of the genre's pioneering works,Rosemary's BabystarsMia FarrowandJohn Cassavetesas Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse, a young New York City couple who move into a storied building rumored to have ties to the occult. Disconcerted by the apartment's elderly tenants and their overt interest in her pregnancy, Rosemary soon becomes convinced that her neighbors are using her as a Satanic surrogate and intend to include her unborn child in their demonic rituals.
Based on the 1967 novel by the same name,Rosemary's Babyis generally associated with Mia Farrow's acclaimed performance as a fragile and unraveling pregnant woman trapped in a nightmare (not to mention her era-defining pixie haircut), but it's Ruth Gordon (Harold and Maude) who took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.Where to watchRosemary's Baby: Paramount+
EW grade:A–
Director:Roman Polanski
Cast:Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer, Maurice Evans
Smile(2022)
Frowning gives you lines, but grinning can be deadly. EnterSmile, a supernatural horror film starring Sosie Bacon as a clinical psychiatrist named Rose Cotter, who works in a public hospital and witnesses a patient's baffling suicide. Soon after, Rose finds herself haunted by an entity that takes control of people and forces them to complete horrifying acts while smiling like maniacs.
Scaredy cats need not apply:Smileoffers up "sadistic jump scares" and a story so freaky,EW's critic warns"you might need a bucket of bleach (and several hours of TikTok kitten videos) to cleanse your brainpan afterward." Featuring some of themost effective movie marketingin recent history,Smilewill not put a grin on your face, but it will strike fear in your heart.
Where to watchSmile: Paramount+
Director:Parker Finn
Cast:Sosie Bacon, Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Kal Penn, Rob Morgan
Star Trek(2009)
Paramount Pictures
In the late 2000s, J.J. Abrams went where no man has gone before by directing the first film in aStar Trekprequel trilogy. Non-trekkies might find the sheer vastness of the franchise overwhelming — currently, it includes 12 television shows, beginning withStar Trek: The Original Series(1966–1969), and 13 films — but given that 2009'sStar Trekserves as an origin story for some of the main characters, newbies will find it to be a solid entrée into the world. Set in 2233, Abrams' film follows the evolution of James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and his fellow USSEnterprisecrew members as they battle a future version of Nero (Eric Bana), a vengeful Romulan with a vendetta against their captain.
Where to watchStar Trek: Paramount+
Director:J.J. Abrams
Cast:Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, John Cho, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg
Super 8(2011)
Francois Duhamel/Paramount Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
While reviewingSuper 8in 2011,EW's critic gave the film an A, writing "Loving, playful, and spectacularly well made,Super8 is easily the best summer movie of the year — of many years." J.J. Abrams' love letter to '80s sci-fi movies, the film tells the story of a grieving 14-year-old trying to make a zombie movie with some friends, only to accidentally witness a train accident that is not quite what it appears.
A nostalgic, sweet picture that pays homage to youthful summers of yore, first loves, and military secrets accidentally captured by precocious, small-town children,Super 8is one of those special movies that rarely gets made anymore. If you like films likeE.T.andStand by Me, then you need to addSuper 8to your must-watch list.
Where to watchSuper 8: Paramount+
Director:J.J. Abrams
Cast:Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso, Noah Emmerich,
Total Recall(1990)
TriStar Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
Director Paul Verhoeven followed the success of his 1987 classicRoboCopwithTotal Recall, a big budget, effects-heavy dystopian sci-fi action movie that starredArnold Schwarzeneggeras a construction worker in the future whose innocent wish to visit a colonized Mars via memory implant goes violently awry. Turns out, he's already been there and his brain can't tell the difference. As the confused but determined Douglas Quaid, Schwarzenegger has plenty of chances to go full Action Hero, taking down 10 guys in a metro station attack, and, in a thrilling extended fight sequence, squaring off againstSharon Stonewhen his supposed wife is revealed to be an agent of the evil forces looking to take over Mars for themselves.
Where to watchTotal Recall: Paramount+
Director:Paul Verhoeven
Cast:Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Ronny Cox, Michael Ironside
Transformers: Dark of the Moon(2011)
Michael Bay is back with the third film in theTransformersfranchise, and this time he's shooting for the moon. As always, it's Autobots facing off against Decepticons in a battle for dominance over Earth, with Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) along for the ride. Megan Fox has moved on, and Sam has a new girlfriend, Carly (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley), along with some space-age secrets with which to contend. With an impressive ensemble cast and plot points that involve everything from Buzz Aldrin to "Space Bridges,"Transformers: Dark of the Moonmoves fast and covers a lot of ground. While not the strongest of all theTransformermovies, the film is still a great way to satisfy your Autobot cravings.
Where to watchTransformers: Dark of the Moon: Paramount+
Director:Michael Bay
Cast:Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen(2009)
Paramount/Courtesy Everett
The war continues inTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen, the second film in theTransformersfranchise. And this time, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) and crew are in college — when they're not battling Decepticons. With a script that travels from the East Coast Ivy League to the pyramids in Egypt,Transformers: Revenge of the Fallenis the kind of globe-trotting, science fiction action film that makes for an ideal summer blockbuster, even if you're watching it on your couch at home. You don't need to have watched the first film to enjoy the second, but a viewing of the original does help demonstrate how much the franchise evolved in two years.
Where to watchTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen: Paramount+
Director:Michael Bay
Cast:Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro
War of the Worlds(2005)
The aliens are coming and they do not hold humans in high regard. An action-adventure film adapted from H.G. Wells' 19th-century science fiction novel,War of the Worldsstars Tom Cruise as an estranged father of two who is determined to help his kids survive an alien invasion, and reunite them with their mother.
A Steven Spielberg-directed attack-of-the-aliens disaster film rife with lightning bolts, property damage, and the constant threat of annihilation,War of the Worldsdoesn't quite incite the same level of panic as the eponymous 1938 radio broadcast that convinced listeners that Martians were actually invading. But that doesn't mean Spielberg doesn't know how to tap into the human fear of an extinction event, and mine that terror for all it's worth.
Where to watchWar of the Worlds: Paramount+Director:Steven Spielberg
Cast:Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto, Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman
World War Z(2013)
Jaap Buitendijk/Paramount Pictures
When you take away a zombie's one weakness — its tendency toward slow-motion movement — you getWorld War Z, a film in which the villains don't so much stagger as swarm.Brad Pittstars as Gerry Lane, a former U.N. Investigator with the skills and connections necessary to save his wife and two young daughters — but only if he agrees to identify the origin of the outbreak, and help humanity survive a planet-wide zombie apocalypse.
EW saysthe film may be "the most entertaining and accomplished zombie thriller since George A. Romero'sDawn of the Dead," and if that's not incentive enough, you get to see Pitt in a role that has him exemplifying "feral grace under pressure."
Where to watchWorld War Z: Paramount+
EW grade:A–
Director:Marc Forster
Cast:Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale
Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly
