A glance at the current top 10 on Paramount+ reveals the films that resonate most with audiences. The supernatural horror film Passenger continues to lead the list, while Joe Dirt, discussed last week, sits comfortably in the top five—both productions exhibiting dismal Rotten Tomatoes ratings. Clearly, viewer preferences vary widely.
However, don’t take the rankings at face value; five noteworthy films missing from the chart have sparked endless debates, dialogue, and repeat viewings over the years. In particular, my top recommendation holds a special place in my collection.
5
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
Vince Vaughn faces off against Ben Stiller in this comedic favorite
Believe it or not, I played in an adult dodgeball league for years, and I can tell you it’s just as fierce as any traditional sport. Participants frequently quote this movie while playing. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story tells the witty tale of Peter La Fleur (Vince Vaughn) and his struggling Average Joe’s gym, home to quirky patrons.
As crippling debt looms, and the ruthless White Goodman (Ben Stiller) threatens to demolish the gym for a parking lot, Peter and his team enter a dodgeball tournament in Vegas in hopes of securing the funds to save it. They are coached by the legendary Patches O’Houlihan (Rip Torn), who employs unconventional training methods and shares the five D’s of dodgeball.
4
Seven
A murderer using the seven deadly sins as a guide
Even though David Fincher’s Seven debuted in 1995, it remains one of his most significant works, featuring a shocking twist ending that’s hard to forget. This chilling psychological thriller follows seasoned detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) as he approaches retirement and is paired with newcomer David Mills (Brad Pitt), who arrives in town with his wife Tracy (Gwyneth Paltrow).
A twisted killer emerges, staging murders to correspond with the seven deadly sins, pushing the duo to solve the case before more victims meet their grim fate.
3
Rocky
The definitive underdog story
Rocky is inextricably tied to Sylvester Stallone’s journey. Frustrated by constant rejection for roles, he wrote the screenplay over a few days and insisted on playing the lead, a decision that led to three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and spawned an iconic film series.
If you’re not familiar with the plot, it centers on an underprivileged boxer from Philadelphia who gets an unexpected shot at the heavyweight title against Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). With passionate trainer Mickey (Burgess Meredith) and his love interest Adrian (Talia Shire) supporting him, Rocky aims to prove his worth, ultimately surprising everyone. All six Rocky films are available for streaming on Paramount+, perfect for a movie marathon.
2
Creed
The son of Apollo Creed seeks the perfect mentor
Whether you view all the previous Rocky films beforehand or not, the 2015 hit Creed serves as both a seamless continuation and a fresh entry point to the franchise. Directed by Ryan Coogler, it follows Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Johnson, Apollo Creed’s son, who is raised by Apollo’s widow and strives to step into his father’s footsteps.
Adonis relocates to Philadelphia to train under Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), who reluctantly agrees. As Adonis prepares for a championship bout against “Pretty” Ricky Conlan, he must learn to confront his legacy and embrace his father’s name. Stallone received an Oscar nomination for his performance, marking his first in 40 years. Both Creed II and Creed III are also available on Paramount+.
1
Tommy Boy
A humorous adventure around a big-hearted character
I’m somewhat embarrassed by how often I’ve parodied the “fat guy in a little coat” scene at gatherings, but it never fails to entertain—at least among my friends! That’s the essence of slapstick comedies like Tommy Boy; they’re designed to elicit laughter. With comedic legends Chris Farley and David Spade, it’s no wonder this film remains a classic.
When the dim-witted Tommy Callahan (Farley) finally graduates college after seven years, he returns to Ohio to work at his family’s auto parts factory. Following the sudden death of his dad, Big Tom (Brian Dennehy), at his wedding reception, and suspicious new stepmother Beverly (Bo Derek), Tommy and his assistant Richard (Spade) embark on a road trip to boost sales and rescue the family business from being sold. This is classic Farley and Spade, and it’s my top pick this week.
Plenty of choices on Paramount+
Every week, we offer a selection of film recommendations for Paramount+ users in the U.S. In addition, we compile lists of thrilling movies available on the platform. If you’re also subscribed to Netflix, we have you covered with a plethora of suggestions for that service as well.
