Paramount+ may not have the extensive collection of thrillers compared to its streaming competitors, but the gems it does offer are truly a cut above the rest.
This selective approach benefits viewers, as the thrillers available on Paramount+ are recognized as some of the most outstanding in cinematic history.
Chinatown exited the platform this month, but never fear: Paramount+ has welcomed two thrillers that are nothing short of iconic: Face/Off and Witness.
Explore the captivating lineup below, featuring recommendations from the Watch With Us team for essential thrillers to stream on Paramount+.
‘Face/Off’ (1997)
Not many films allow an actor to delve into the roles of both hero and villain simultaneously, but Face/Off is an exception. Directed by Hong Kong cinematic maestro John Woo, this thrilling tale pits FBI agent Sean Archer (John Travolta) against terrorist Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage) in an intense duel fueled by revenge.
After Archer bests Troy, he learns that an impending bomb threat from Troy’s earlier attack looms. Reluctantly, Archer undergoes a temporary face transplant with the defeated Troy to infiltrate and locate the bombs, leading to Troy’s resurgence and an elaborate plan to assume Archer’s life. It’s a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game for Archer, who must fend off a wide-reaching manhunt while reclaiming his identity.
Face/Off is currently available on Paramount+.
‘Witness’ (1985)
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Witness stands out as a criminally underrated thriller. Starring Harrison Ford as John Book, a Philadelphia detective, the film revolves around a young Amish boy, Samuel Lapp (Lukas Haas), who unwittingly becomes the sole witness to a murder.
As the plot thickens, Book soon realizes Samuel and his mother, Rachel Lapp (Kelly McGillis), face imminent danger from the corrupt officers involved in the murder. After suffering injuries in the line of duty, Book recuperates within the Amish community, and romantic tensions emerge between him and Rachel. Meanwhile, the corrupted officials relentlessly pursue them to eliminate any witnesses.
Witness is available for streaming on Paramount+.
‘Red Eye’ (2005)
In Red Eye, the directorial expertise of Wes Craven shines as he navigates the dynamic between Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy. Murphy’s character, Jackson Rippner, appears to be the charming gentleman any parent would approve of, but that’s merely a facade.
As the story unfolds, Lisa Reisert (McAdams) discovers Rippner’s chilling plans that threaten her father’s life unless she complies with his sinister demands, blurring the lines between danger and deception high above the clouds.
Red Eye can be streamed on Paramount+.
‘The Untouchables’ (1987)
While director Brian De Palma and screenwriter David Mamet may have taken creative liberties with the real-life saga of Eliot Ness and Al Capone, the resultant film The Untouchables is undeniably captivating. A youthful Kevin Costner portrays Ness, a passionate Bureau of Prohibition agent determined to dismantle Capone’s nefarious empire.
The iconic late Sean Connery earned an Academy Award for his role as Jimmy Malone, a seasoned cop aiding Ness in rallying ethical officers to confront Capone. As they embark on this dangerous journey, they soon realize just how deep-rooted corruption runs within the Chicago police force and the sheer risk of challenging such a powerful criminal.
The Untouchables can be found streaming on Paramount+.
‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ (1999)
Matt Damon embodies Tom Ripley in The Talented Mr. Ripley, a character who specializes not in earnestness, but in deceit and charm. Ripley cleverly persuades Herbert Greenleaf (James Rebhorn) to send him to Europe with the mission of retrieving his son Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law).
Even with Dickie entangled in a romantic relationship with Marge Sherwood (Gwyneth Paltrow), it’s Dickie himself who captures Tom’s interest. As rejection stings, Tom concocts an elaborate scheme to assume Dickie’s identity, leading to tense encounters among those familiar with the truth.
The Talented Mr. Ripley is currently available on Paramount+.
‘Changing Lanes’ (2002)
Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson create an engaging dynamic in Changing Lanes. After a trivial traffic mishap, both men find their lives irrevocably altered. Gavin, played by Affleck, leaves Doyle stranded, only to discover that a vital legal document now lies in Doyle’s hands.
The resultant fallout ignites a series of vengeful retaliations between the two, spiraling into chaos that threatens to dismantle their personal lives.
Changing Lanes can be streamed on Paramount+.
‘Basic Instinct’ (1992)
Decades ago, Basic Instinct elevated erotic thrillers through Sharon Stone‘s captivating role as Catherine Tramell. A successful crime novelist, she’s also central to the investigation of her rock star boyfriend’s murder, playing a seductive game with the detectives.
SFPD Detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) finds himself entangled in a perilous affair with Catherine, jeopardizing his professional integrity and personal safety. The tension between attraction and danger is palpable in this pulsating thriller.
Basic Instinct is available for streaming on Paramount+.
