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Tom’s Guide

Technology

Malcolm McMillan

Paramount+ just added 82 new movies and shows — here's the 5 I'm streaming first

Paramount United States Sean Archer Jack Ryan Ryan Reynolds

Paramount+ logo with yellow and blue lasers in background.

Paramount+ just added 82 new movies and shows to start the month of May 2026. That's not quite as many as the streaming service's previous monthly drop; last month, it added 147 movies and shows in a single day. But 82 new movies and shows are more than enough for you to try and watch in a single month.

That reality might overwhelm you with decision paralysis. Lucky for you, I've already looked through everything coming to Paramount+ in May, and I know exactly which of these movies and shows are a must-watch. One show with a devoted fan base is making the cut, but for the most part, this list is for the cinephiles. Some, like "Hamburger Hill," are acclaimed classics. Others, like "Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle," are in here because I couldn't leave them out.

So, without further delay, let's dive into the five newly added to Paramount+ movies and shows that I think you need to be streaming right now.

5 Paramount+ movies and shows to stream right now

'Battlestar Galactica'

Genre: Science fiction series

What's it about? After a 40-year armistice in a war between the humans of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol and the robotic Cylons they once created, the latter launch a surprise attack intended to exterminate the human race. It largely works, causing the aged spaceship Battlestar Galactica to be called back into service under the command of William Adama (Edward James Olmos).

Why you should watch it: This sci-fi series is beloved, with an ardent fanbase, and Paramount+ just added all four seasons, plus the 2003 miniseries. If you're a sci-fi fan and haven't seen "Battlestar Galactica" before, now's the perfect time. Especially since it's also streaming for free on Pluto TV.

Watch "Battlestar Galactica" on Paramount+ now

'Face/Off' (1997)

Genre: Sci-fi action thriller movie

What's it about? FBI special agent Sean Archer (John Travolta) has been chasing down violent criminal Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage) for years. After a traumatic incident, this shifts to a mission for revenge, and Archer turns to a revolutionary new technology that could give him the edge against Troy.

Why you should watch it: The movie's title alludes to this, but the conceit of the movie is that Archer manages to turn himself into Troy, and Troy then transforms into Archer. By the end of this John Woo action thriller, both men fully immerse themselves in the other's being to try and gain victory, creating a unique and incredible movie.

Watch "Face/Off" on Paramount+ now

'Hamburger Hill' (1987)

Genre: War drama movie

What's it about? This war drama covers the 1969 Battle of Hamburger Hill, which was a Pyrrhic victory for the U.S. The U.S. Army's 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Following a platoon within the 3rd Battalion, this war film shows how the soldiers managed to ultimately win the day, but at a terrible cost, in what is still considered to be a military disaster by most.

Why you should watch it: "Hamburger Hill" is a Vietnam War movie that manages to separate itself from the pack, not least of all because it has a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. It features an incredible ensemble cast that includes Dylan McDermott, Don Cheadle and Courtney B. Vance, and that alone is reason enough to watch this classic.

Watch "Hamburger Hill" on Paramount+ now

'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle' (2004)

Genre: Stoner comedy movie

What's it about? Friends and roommates Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) get high and decide to go to White Castle for burgers. But what should have been a quick drive for fast food turns into an all-night odyssey.

Why you should watch it: This movie is the best stoner comedy. It's one of the best movies ever made. It's an incredible comedy littered with poignant social commentary. Plus, it has a supporting cast that includes Ryan Reynolds, Neil Patrick Harris and more. Don't miss this one while it's on Paramount+.

Watch "Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle" on Paramount+ now

'The Hunt for Red October' (1990)

Genre: Spy thriller movie

What's it about? CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Alex Baldwin) joins the USS Dallas to hunt down Soviet Marko Ramius, captain of the sub Red October. This submarine has a "caterpillar drive" that makes it nearly undetectable via passive sonar. But when Ramius suddenly activates the drive, Ryan thinks that the Soviet captain is actually trying to defect to the U.S.

Why you should watch it: Submarine war movies are an underrated subgenre (no pun intended). "Das Boot," "U-571" and "Crimson Tide" are all classics, as is "The Hunt for Red October." So if you love a war movie or a spy thriller, this film is a must-watch for those who haven't seen it.

Watch "The Hunt for Red October" on Paramount+ now