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Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Technology
Malcolm McMillan

3 new to Paramount+ movies you need to stream this weekend (May 1-3)

Paramount+ logo on a purple blue smoke background.

Paramount+ is the perfect streaming service for building your next movie marathon. It adds dozens of movies at the beginning of each month; it's adding 82 new movies and shows on May 1. Plus, it adds new movies from Paramount Skydance studios on an ongoing basis.

With so many newly added movies to choose from, though, it can be tough to know which movie to start with. The good news for you is that I've looked through the full list, and I've found the three movies you need to watch first this weekend. This week I'm going with a trio of classics. First up, there's "Face/Off," which could be argued to be both John Travolta and Nicolas Cage's best movie (even if I'd argue otherwise). It's not the only movie on this list starring a dynamic duo of lead performances, though, and you'll need to read on to see what comes after John Woo's sci-fi thriller.

So without further ado, here are the three new to Paramount+ movies that you need to be streaming this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out our full guide to everything new on Paramount+ in May 2026.

'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+ starting May 1

'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+ starting May 1

'Swingers' (1996)

Genre: Buddy comedy movie

What's it about? Mike (Jon Favreau) is a struggling comedian, still reeling from being dumped by Michelle. So his buddy Trent (Vince Vaughn) convinces him to go to Vegas for a spur-of-the-moment trip to get over her. It goes poorly, but when they get back to Los Angeles, Mike does slowly start to get back in the game, albeit with mixed results.

Why you should watch it: If you've ever heard "Vegas, baby, Vegas," it's because of this movie. It's also quite possibly responsible for the swing music revival of the 1990s, and almost certainly responsible for accelerating it. But most importantly, Favreau and Vaughn are great in this, as are Ron Livingston and Heather Graham. "Swingers" helped launch their careers, as well as the career of director Doug Liman, who would go on to direct "The Bourne Identity," "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" and more.

Watch "Swingers" on Paramount+ starting May 1

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