For those who enjoy horror movies or the cozy atmosphere of fall in October, there’s a wealth of content to explore on Paramount+. The streaming service has added a variety of films to its collection, including a romantic gross-out creature feature, an iconic horror classic, and groundbreaking works from some of the most celebrated filmmakers.
Here are the seven best new movies you can watch on Paramount+ this month.
“The Fly” (1986)
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
These words serve as both a warning and a promise for viewers of David Cronenberg’s body horror masterpiece, “The Fly.” Jeff Goldblum stars as Seth Brundle, a scientist whose dreams of revolutionizing transportation lead him to create a teleportation device. However, a mix-up involving jealousy and alcohol results in a disastrous transformation that turns him into a grotesque fusion of human and insect.
Cronenberg’s film is a visceral experience, with every stage of Brundle’s transformation depicted with painful realism. The makeup work by Chris Walas and Stephan Dupuis is nothing short of remarkable, earning an Oscar and effectively selling every step of his evolution. The film also delves into deeper themes of sexuality and mortality, using body horror as a vehicle for exploring these complex ideas.
Goldblum and Geena Davis deliver powerful performances that add emotional depth to the story, making “The Fly” more than just a gross-out film—it’s a terrifying exploration of what it means to be human.
“Good Will Hunting”
A perfect autumn watch, Gus Van Sant’s “Good Will Hunting” is one of the standout films available on Paramount+ in October. The movie launched the careers of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who co-wrote and starred in this compelling story about a young man struggling to overcome his abusive past.
Damon delivers a stellar performance as Will Hunting, balancing cockiness, humor, and tragedy with ease. Affleck, while playing a smaller role, brings depth and poignancy to key moments. Robin Williams, in his Oscar-winning role as Will’s therapist, gives a heartfelt and nuanced performance that stands out as one of the best in his career.
“Heat”
It’s no exaggeration to say that “Heat” is a masterpiece. Michael Mann’s 1995 crime epic follows the intense rivalry between career criminal Neil McCauley (Robert DeNiro) and Police Lieutenant Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino). Their cat-and-mouse game across Los Angeles highlights the toll their professions take on their lives.
The film’s most memorable moment comes when McCauley and Hanna meet in a diner, a scene that perfectly captures their mutual understanding. Val Kilmer delivers a standout performance, and the film’s action sequences are among the best in the genre. Despite its success, a sequel never materialized, leaving fans wanting more.
“Men in Black”
The original “Men in Black” remains a beloved classic, even if subsequent entries failed to live up to its magic. Ed Solomon’s script is clever and introspective, creating fully-realized characters within a fun sci-fi adventure. The dynamic between Agents K (Tommy Lee Jones) and J (Will Smith) is a highlight, with their bench meeting being a standout moment in the film.
While the franchise has struggled to recapture the original’s charm, the first film set a high bar that still holds up today.
“No Country for Old Men”
The Coen Brothers’ “No Country for Old Men” marked a turning point in their career, winning them Academy Awards after a relative dry spell. Based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel, the film follows Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) as he becomes entangled with a ruthless killer, Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem).
Bardem’s performance is chilling, portraying Chigurh as a cold, emotionless figure. The film takes a more serious tone than many of the Coen Brothers’ previous works, yet it retains their signature style and precision. While not everyone’s favorite, it remains a thought-provoking and visually stunning film.
“Scream” (1996)
There’s never been another “Scream.” Wes Craven’s 1996 slasher film redefined the genre with its blend of meta humor and genuine horror. While the film is known for its witty commentary on horror tropes, it also delivers moments of real tension and fear.
The iconic opening sequence featuring Drew Barrymore is particularly unsettling, and the film’s ability to remain fresh and relevant nearly 30 years later is a testament to its brilliance. It’s a horror classic that continues to captivate audiences.
“Silence”
Martin Scorsese’s “Silence” may not be the most popular entry in his filmography, but it’s one of his finest. The historical drama, starring Andrew Garfield, explores deep religious themes with a patient and thoughtful approach. It stands apart from Scorsese’s other works, offering a unique and profound cinematic experience.
Though it didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of his other films, “Silence” is no less compelling or thought-provoking. It’s a testament to Scorsese’s versatility and artistic vision.
