Criterion Channel

The Criterion Channel represents the streaming home of the Criterion Collection, the gold standard for film restoration and curation since 1984. For serious film enthusiasts, the Channel provides unmatched access to world cinema, classic Hollywood, and contemporary arthouse films with scholarly supplements and expert curation.

The library includes over 3,000 films spanning the entire history of cinema, from silent era masterpieces to contemporary world cinema. Every title is carefully selected and presented with the attention to quality that has made Criterion the most respected name in home video. Films by directors like Akira Kurosawa, Ingmar Bergman, Alfred Hitchcock, Agnes Varda, and Wong Kar-wai sit alongside discoveries from emerging filmmakers.

What distinguishes the Criterion Channel is the supplementary content accompanying each film. Audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews with filmmakers and scholars, and video essays provide context that deepens appreciation. This educational approach transforms viewing into a film school experience.

Programming is thoughtfully organized into themed collections: director retrospectives, film movements, actor spotlights, and curated double features. Monthly programming schedules introduce new additions while highlighting connections between works. The Saturday Matinee feature programs family-friendly films, while the Art House America series explores regional film culture.

At $10.99/month or $99.99/year, the Criterion Channel offers exceptional value for cinephiles. While not for casual viewers seeking mainstream entertainment, serious film lovers will find it indispensable.