3 new to Paramount+ movies you need to stream this weekend (Jan. 16-18)

(Image credit: Paramount+; Shutterstock)

Paramount+ has a lot to offer, but the thing that sets this streaming service apart from the others is its deep library of great movies. It adds new ones every month, too, and not just older classics. Because Paramount+ is owned by Paramount Global, it gets all of Paramount's new releases not long after they're done in theaters. In fact, it just added "The Running Man" (2025) earlier this week.

In short, if you want a weekend movie marathon, Paramount+ has you covered. Looking through the list of everything new to Paramount+ in January 2026, I've found three movies in particular worth adding to the watchlist this weekend and streaming with a big bucket of popcorn. There's the aforementioned "The Running Man," the lone new addition this week, but there's also a pair of 2017 movies that are worth watching (or rewatching) before some new movies come out in 2026.

‘The Running Man' (2025)

The Running Man | Official Trailer (2025 Movie) - Edgar Wright, Glen Powell - YouTube

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Unlike the 1987 movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, this version of "The Running Man" is largely adapted from the Stephen King novel of the same name (under the pseudonym Richard Bachman). It's set in a dystopian near-future version of America (the novel is set in 2025) where the economy is broken, and corporations rule what has become a police state. To pacify the masses, the media network in control has created FreeVee, which bombards everyone with endless entertainment.

One such form of entertainment is the game show "The Running Man." It's a deadly game; you either win or you die. But Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is willing to take that risk to provide for his family. This movie has the potential to be a scathing examination of late-stage capitalism or at least an incredible action movie. It falls short on both counts, unfortunately, but you'll still have a fun (yet forgettable) time watching it.

Watch "The Running Man" on Paramount+ now

'Spider-Man: Homecoming' (2017)

SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING - Official Trailer (HD) - YouTube

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"Spider-Man: Homecoming" is the first Spider-Man movie to star Tom Holland as the MCU's Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man. A high school student who fights crime after gaining powers from a radioactive spider, he made his first MCU appearance as a surprise debut a year earlier in "Captain America: Civil War."

In that movie, he had to fight superheroes. In this movie, he has to navigate taking his crush, Liz (Laura Harrier), to the homecoming dance while fighting the flying villainous Vulture (Michael Keaton). This may be a hot take, but I think it's the best Spider-Man movie. It's the right blend of comic and serious and is a believable portrayal of Peter as a high schooler. It also largely gets to stand on its own, something that the subsequent Spider-Man movies don't. But if you disagree with my take, watch "Spider-Man: Homecoming" this weekend, then tell me I'm wrong.

Watch "Spider-Man: Homecoming" on Paramount+ now

'The Martian' (2017)

The Martian | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX - YouTube

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"The Martian" is such a rewatchable movie. If you've watched it before, use this as an excuse to watch it again. If you've never heard of it, here's the rundown. In this epic sci-fi film adapted from an Andy Weir novel, Matt Damon stars as astronaut Mark Watney, the botanist on a Mars mission. He gets stranded on the red planet during a dust storm and has to survive for over a year while those on Earth scramble to rescue him.

This movie is a nice blend of comedic dialogue and tense dramatic moments. It's a propulsive, engaging movie that will have you rooting for Mark from the start, and is worth checking out before "Project Hail Mary," another Weir adaptation, comes out later this year.

Stream "The Martian" on Paramount+ now

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Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made.

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