Paramount+ is home to an array of beloved films that many viewers consider comfort classics—those feel-good movies you revisit time and again, those quirky gems defined by memorable quotes, or, in this week’s top selection, a tribute to a star who left us too early.
If you’re in the mood for some nostalgia, accompanied by notable awards and positive reviews, check out this fascinating mix: a rock-and-roll road-trip dramedy, an adventurous sci-fi journey to Mars, and a standout entry in a legendary slasher series.
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Almost Famous
A young rock journalist’s transformative journey
Growing up in the ’90s, my bedroom was often covered in magazines like Rolling Stone, SPIN, and NME. These publications fueled my passion for journalism, and when Cameron Crowe’s film Almost Famous debuted in 2000, it resonated deeply with me.
This Oscar-winning film, which draws on Crowe’s own experiences, follows 15-year-old William Miller (Patrick Fugit) in 1973. He secures a cover story for Rolling Stone, which leads him to tour with the fictional band Stillwater. As he pursues an interview with the elusive guitarist Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup), William also finds himself enamored with Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), a free-spirited groupie.
Simultaneously, William’s concerned mother (Frances McDormand) attempts to bring him back home as the band self-destructs and heartache looms. This film is filled with unforgettable scenes, including a memorable sing-along to Tiny Dancer on a bus and Russell declaring, “I am a golden god!” during a surreal rooftop moment. Almost Famous stands as one of the finest films ever made.
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Total Recall
Arnold ventures to Mars amidst chaos
Paul Verhoeven’s 1990 sci-fi film Total Recall is a campy, visually stunning masterpiece that remains enjoyable even today, making it hard to skip if it appears on your streaming options. The film, which received an Oscar nomination for its groundbreaking special effects, more than justifies its nearly two-hour runtime.
The movie features Arnold Schwarzenegger as Douglas Quaid, a man in 2084 who goes to Rekall to implant memories of a Mars vacation. Based loosely on Philip K. Dick’s short story We Can Remember It For You Wholesale, the plot takes a wild turn when the procedure uncovers memories Quaid was intended to suppress. He soon realizes that his supposed wife (Sharon Stone) is after him, and he’s being hunted by a ruthless agent named Richter (Michael Ironside) as he makes a daring trip to Mars to join a rebel group fighting against a tyrannical regime.
Everyone loves Schwarzenegger’s memorable one-liners like, “Consider that a divorce!” and let’s not forget the iconic three-breasted mutant and the legendary “Two Weeks” scene featuring the mind-blowing animatronic exploding head.
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Scream VI
Ghostface wreaks havoc in Manhattan, and Hayden Panettiere makes a comeback
For those familiar with Hayden Panettiere’s notable TV roles, such as Claire Bennet from Heroes and Juliette Barnes from Nashville, her most memorable film role is undoubtedly as Kirby Reed in the Scream series. Tragically, the world recently lost the talented actress, so what better way to honor her than by watching Scream VI this week?
After successfully campaigning for her character’s return following her apparent demise in 2011’s Scream 4, Panettiere reprised her role in the 2023 installment of this beloved franchise, which serves as a direct sequel to the 2022 soft reboot. This time, Kirby is an FBI agent called to New York after Ghostface appears to be targeting survivors of the Woodsboro murders—namely sisters Sam (Melissa Barrera) and Tara Carpenter (Jenna Ortega), along with twins Chad (Mason Gooding) and Mindy Meeks-Martin (Jasmin Savoy Brown).
While the group aims for a fresh college experience, they find themselves pursued by a new, more ruthless Ghostface. Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) and Kirby must join the chase, with both facing significant danger. Scream VI is the first installment without original cast member Neve Campbell and serves as one of Panettiere’s last performances.
Comfort films and a tribute to a cherished star
While these three films are among my personal favorites, they may not be to everyone’s taste. I hope you’ll enjoy them, but if they don’t resonate with you, there are plenty more options available across various streaming platforms.
