The Criterion Channel is a movie streaming service that caters to film lovers who appreciate classic cinema, independent films, and international masterpieces that offer thoughtful storytelling. The platform’s content library restores classics and significant films and is distinct from the mainstream streaming platforms. Here, the platform emphasizes quality and offers access to films with historical significance and cultural and artistic importance. The platform is broadly ideal for those who believe in thoughtful, classic, and international timeless cinema. We stumbled mostly on Japanese cinema, but there are films from other parts of the world, too, mainly African-American classics, which are full of stories.
Through this review, let us quickly understand the pricing structure, features, and added value the platform offers and if it is worth subscribing to it.
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The Criterion Channel: Classic and Contemporary Cinema
The Criterion Channel: Quick 1-Minute Review
The Criterion Channel offers a unique streaming experience with a focus on classic, independent, and international cinema. For $10.99/month or $99.99/year, subscribers get access to a rich collection of restored films, director features, and more. While the platform lacks 4K stream and parental controls, HD streaming, wide compatibility, and offline downloads, it is still one of the top picks for streaming classics.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pricing | $10.99 per month, $99.99 per year (with a 14-day free trial) |
| Free Trial | 14-day free trial |
| Content Library | Classic, international, independent films, curated thematic collections |
| Bonus Content | Interviews, director commentaries, video essays, behind-the-scenes |
| Video Quality | HD resolution, no 4K streaming |
| Offline Viewing | Available |
| Device Compatibility | iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, web browsers |
| Cross-Platform Syncing | Yes, syncs progress across devices |
| Exclusive Features | Curated collections, extensive bonus materials |
| User Interface | Simple, easy to navigate, encourages film discovery |
| Parental Controls | No dedicated parental controls |
| Customer Support | Email support, detailed Help Center, no live chat |
The Good
- Includes classics, international films, and thematic collections.
- Rich in special features like director commentaries, interviews, and video essays.
- Available for uninterrupted watching.
- Provides deeper insight and context for film enthusiasts.
- Available on multiple platforms.
The Bad
- Limited to HD quality, which may not satisfy viewers seeking ultra-HD experiences.
- Families must manually monitor content.
- Lacks live chat or phone support for immediate assistance.
Pricing and Plans
The Criterion Channel is priced at $10.99 per month or $99.99 annually, offering substantial savings for those who opt for the yearly plan, essentially saving you $10 and worry-free streaming. The platform does look pricier than what it has to offer, but when you look at the top competition, like MUBI, which also offers similar content, the price is a little less in comparison.
The platform also offers a 14-day free trial, which allows users to explore the content library, look through their streaming experience, and all the nooks and corners of the platform before actually committing to it. The Criterion Channel also offers live TV features and supplemental features like director commentaries, interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights, making it worthwhile for dedicated film enthusiasts.
Content Library
The Criterion Channel’s content library is its standout feature, offering a vast selection of restored classics, independent films, foreign cinema, and documentaries. Subscribers can watch films from legendary directors like Akira Kurosawa, Ingmar Bergman, Federico Fellini, and Agnes Varda.
There are sections like featured collections, popular picks, new in theatres, encores, American independents, and many more. The platform frequently highlights thematic collections, such as French New Wave, Silent Cinema, and Film Noir, making it effortless for users to dive into specific genres or periods, which makes it easier for the audience to make a pick.
The Criterion Channel goes beyond just presenting films; it enriches the experience with bonus materials that add context and depth, such as director interviews, video essays, and expert commentary. This additional content allows viewers to gain deeper insight into the film’s creation and significance. For cinephiles, the chance to explore the nuances of film history and artistry is unmatched.
User Experience
The interface of the Criterion Channel is simple, clean, and geared toward easy discovery. The homepage is well-organized, showcasing featured collections, newly added films, and editorial content. Navigation is intuitive, with options to browse by director, country, decade, and genre, which encourages exploration.
While Criterion’s interface lacks the modern personalization algorithms found on larger platforms, this is part of its charm; it invites viewers to explore based on genuine curiosity rather than algorithm-driven suggestions. The service is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and web browsers, making it accessible across a range of devices. Unlike some streaming services, Criterion Channel supports offline downloads, allowing users to watch films without an internet connection. So, watch your favorite on the go with no need to access the internet again and again.
Streaming Performance
Like most of the niche streaming apps, The Criterion Channel does not support 4K streaming. However, you can still get the best of the sound and video with its HD quality streaming, which adjusts based on your internet connection.
The platform is surely reliable on slower connections, but who likes watching distorted videos or buffering while streaming something interesting? This is when you need an internet speed booster or change your ethernet cable to CAT-8 type. If you already have this setup, try upgrading to a higher plan with a better connection speed and reliability.
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We also used NordVPN and ExpressVPN to unblock The Criterion Channel outside of the geo-region, and we were able to unblock content successfully and with ease. The streaming performance is smooth, and there aren’t many connection drops.
Subtitles are available for most non-English films, ensuring accessibility for international audiences. So, even if you are watching a Japanese classic but don’t know the language, you can still enjoy it with the English subtitles at the bottom.
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Exclusive Features
One of the Criterion Channel’s most appealing features is its array of bonus content. Subscribers not only get to watch the films but also enjoy special features that include interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and critical analysis.
Another unique characteristic is Criterion’s thematic programming, which often includes curated collections that are showcased alongside contextual video essays or panel discussions. This educational approach provides deeper insight and allows viewers to appreciate the cultural and historical impact of the films.
Wait, there’s more. The Criterion Channel also solves one of the common problems of users: what to watch. Now, this is a common issue with users as the content library is so overwhelming that you cannot decide what to watch for the day. This is when you can watch the live channel on the platform, which is available 24×7, and stream content handpicked by the team.
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Device Compatibility
The Criterion Channel is available on a wide range of devices, including iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and web browsers. So, you are not limited to those small screens and laptops when you wish to watch your favorite films. For TVs that are smart but do not support adding The Criterion Channel to the app library, you can use the streaming devices and sticks to add The Criterion Channel and 2000+ other apps on your TV with the use of these devices.
Google Chromecast
Roku
Amazon FireStick
Additionally, the platform’s support for offline downloads allows users to watch content without internet access, a feature particularly useful for travelers or those with intermittent connectivity.
Parental Controls
The Criterion Channel does not include parental controls, which may be a consideration for families who share streaming services. While most of its films are aimed at adult audiences, there are some family-friendly classics that may be suitable for younger viewers. Parents would need to monitor content manually to ensure it aligns with their preferences for children’s viewing.
It is best if the platform introduces the parental control feature to help viewers get a controlled viewing and allow younger minds to explore other classic or international films that can nourish their minds.
However, if you wish to limit the number of hours you spend watching films, you can use external parental control apps such as Bark or Qustodio; these are great for monitoring, especially on smaller screens called smartphones.
Customer Support
Customer support is one of the crucial and underrated factors that most viewers don’t use when they face an issue with the platform. The Criterion Channel offers a comprehensive help center on its website, offering detailed FAQs and guides for common issues related to account management, billing, and technical support. Subscribers can also contact support using email, which typically resolves issues within 24-48 hours. And this is where the platform struggles a little: late responses.
We are in a fast-paced world. No one likes to wait. The lack of live chat or phone support may limit the users seeking immediate help with their account, technical, or even billing. It is high time the platform introduced live chat or phone call support for immediate help to subscribers. If the issues are common, viewers might slowly start drifting to the competitors.
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Competition
1. MUBI
MUBI is also known for its curated cinema, featuring a rotating selection of international and independent films. However, while Mubi focuses on contemporary festival favorites and lesser-known indie films, the Criterion Channel dives deeper into classic cinema and restored masterpieces, often accompanied by supplementary content that MUBI doesn’t match. MUBI’s “Film of the Day” approach offers a sense of discovery, but Criterion’s extensive permanent library provides more depth for viewers interested in film history. If you are interested in learning more about this platform, you can check our dedicated review on MUBI.
2. Kanopy
Kanopy is accessible through libraries and educational institutions, offering free streaming for users with a valid library card. Like Criterion, Kanopy includes a strong selection of classic and international films. However, Criterion Channel’s unique advantage lies in its curated collections, exclusive restorations, and bonus features that provide richer context and background for each film. For more information on the content library, you can explore our Kanopy review.
3. Netflix
Netflix is mainstream, offering a wide variety of content, including blockbusters, originals, and some independent films. While Netflix does feature some classic cinema, it fails in comparison with Criterion Channel as it doesn’t have much of this genre. Cinephiles who want films with cultural and artistic value are better served by Criterion, which focuses solely on high-quality cinema with additional educational resources, which Netflix doesn’t.
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4. HBO Max
HBO Max includes a robust film library that spans from recent releases to classics, including some of the best Criterion Collection titles. While it provides access to a mix of genres and popular films, its selection is less focused. The Criterion Channel surpasses HBO Max when it comes to offering special features, educational content, and an overall curated experience that appeals directly to serious film enthusiasts. Here, HBO Max also fails due to a narrow niche in this segment.
5. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video has a vast catalog that includes classic and international films, but it lacks the cohesive curation seen on Criterion Channel. While users can find some Criterion Collection films available for purchase or rent, the experience isn’t as comprehensive or enriched as Criterion Channel’s library, which includes bonus content that enhances the viewing experience. Rather, Amazon Prime Video majorly focuses on blockbuster movies that cater to a regular audience and not pure arthouse cinephiles, which, on the contrary, is the niche of The Criterion Channel.
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Most Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
No, the Criterion Channel requires a subscription at $10.99/month or $99.99/year, with a 14-day free trial for new users. The platform also offers offline download and streaming of international titles with subtitles.
Yes, offline downloads are available, allowing users to watch films with limited internet connection.
The platform specializes in classic cinema, international films, independent films, and thematic collections from renowned directors.
The Criterion Channel is available on Android and iOS devices and additionally available through web versions on browsers. You can also download the app on certain Smart TVs, and if not available, you can try one of the streaming sticks like Roku, Firestick, or Google Chromecast, which also offers access to 2000+ other platforms.
The platform offers interviews, director commentaries, video essays, and behind-the-scenes content to enhance the viewing experience.
While both platforms cater to cinephiles, Criterion Channel focuses more on classic and historically significant films, with extensive bonus features. MUBI emphasizes contemporary international cinema and has a rotating selection of films.
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The Criterion Channel Review: Final Verdict
The Criterion Channel is an essential platform for film enthusiasts who appreciate classic cinema, international masterpieces, and educational content. The platform does a great job of showcasing some of the best films that depict true filmography and cinema, and the content library is filled with all of them. Users also get access to bonus features and additional content, such as interviews and behind-the-scenes. The streaming performance was smooth and did not buffer a lot on normal connections; in fact, the platform also works even at a slower speed, but it is always a good experience if you can upgrade.
Some of the crucial highlights of the platform are offline downloads that allow you to stream your favorite content for times when you have limited internet access. We also like the 24×7 live TV option on the platform, which streams the best content from its platform for times when you cannot decide what you wish to watch.
Which is your favorite title or genre that you love watching on The Criterion Channel? Let us know in the comment section below. Also, if you like what you read, give us a quick share on your social media platform and give us all the love and support. You can also connect with us on our Telegram Channel, Facebook Page, Reddit Community, and X to never miss out on tech updates.
The Criterion Channel Review
The Criterion Channel Review-
Pricing and Plans4/5 GoodPriced at $10.99 per month or $99.99 annually, Criterion offers good value for its specialized content. The 14-day free trial is a great way for new users to explore. While it's more expensive than some mainstream options, it's worth it for those who appreciate what Criterion offers.
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Content Library4/5 GoodCriterion's vast library of classics, international cinema, and independent films, enriched by 3,500+ supplemental features, sets it apart. The educational context provided by director commentaries and interviews makes it a treasure trove for film buffs.
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User Experience4/5 GoodThe interface is clean and straightforward, encouraging users to explore based on their interests. Although it lacks algorithm-driven personalization, this design supports more authentic film discovery.
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Streaming Performance4/5 GoodWhile the channel provides reliable HD streaming, the absence of 4K support might disappoint viewers looking for higher resolution. The HD quality still maintains Criterion's high standards for film restoration.
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Exclusive Features5/5 AmazingThe platform's unique bonus content, including interviews and video essays, adds significant value and sets it apart from competitors. These features make Criterion more than just a streaming service; it's an educational resource.
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Device Compatibility4/5 GoodCriterion Channel's availability on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and web browsers ensures flexible access. The offline viewing option is a plus, but some users may wish for more device-specific enhancements.
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Parental Controls3/5 NeutralThe absence of parental controls can be a drawback for families. Since the content largely appeals to an adult audience, parents need to monitor access manually.
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Customer Support3/5 NeutralCriterion Channel's Help Center and email support provide solid assistance for common issues. However, the lack of live chat or phone support may be a limitation for users needing immediate help.
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Competition4/5 GoodCriterion's strength lies in its curated focus and supplementary content, making it distinct from competitors like Mubi and Kanopy. While other platforms like Netflix and HBO Max may offer more mainstream titles, Criterion's specialty content is unmatched for film lovers.
