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The Criterion Channel

The Criterion Channel

Watch classic movies and more

13K ratings
1194 reviews
#82 in top-grossing Entertainment
🎬 Entertainment
Free
In-App Purchases

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • April 8, 2019
  • July 2, 2026

Features

Developer

The Criterion Collection, Inc.
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About

Stream a curated collection of classic and contemporary films from around the world. Discover Hollywood, international, art-house, and independent movies with special features and exclusive series. Enjoy daily refreshed selections and in-depth film analysis.

✓Criterion Collection streaming library
✓Thematic film programming
✓Director and star retrospectives
✓Guest-curated film series
✓Supplemental film features
✓Original Criterion Channel series
Show original description

What users say

Summarized from real user reviews of The Criterion Channel. Based on 13K reviews and a 4.8/5 average, it highlights the 7 positives and 5 negatives reviewers mention most about this Entertainment app.

Positive things

  • 🎥Excellent collection of films
  • 🎨Great curation and themed collections
  • 🔍Ability to discover new and classic films
  • 🎬High-quality film viewing experience
  • 🤓Educational and informative supplementary content
  • 💰Good value for the price
  • 🏆Essential service for film enthusiasts

Negative things

  • 🔍Difficult to browse full catalog
  • 🔍Limited search and filtering options
  • 🐛Playback issues and interruptions
  • 🔌Problems with offline viewing and downloads
  • 🤖Lack of personalized recommendations
See all reviews

What's New in The Criterion Channel

10.301.1

July 2, 2026

* Bug fixes * Performance improvements

Subscription plans

Criterion Channel Subscription

Subscribe for full access to our library

$10.991 Month
7 Days trial
How to cancel The Criterion Channel subscription ⁉️

Charts

Top Grossing

📉 82-2

Entertainment

This app dropped -2 positions in Entertainment chart.

Last updated on August 9, 2026.

User reviews

Most RecentHighest RatedLowest Rated

Worth the price

The amount of classic, new, and important films is fantastic and worth every penny.
pfetschpfetsch

Best collection of movies

Can’t get enough Highest quality and great app I enjoy daily always pleased and surprised with great cinema
 Best movie experience hands down the number one go to for movie lovers
Eightyhate8Eightyhate8

Criterion owns

The criterion channel is by far my favorite streaming app that I use. The monthly collections have exposed to movies I never would have given a thought to.
John B ChanceyJohn B Chancey

The best streaming service for film lovers

This app is the best
JesseShawJesseShaw

The best streaming app

The only streaming service that seems to actually care about its product and customers. No algorithms, no ads.
darthquarkdarthquark
See 1189 more reviews

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User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

3 issues

Frequent playback interruptions and freezing

Bug

Unreliable offline viewing and download issues

Bug

Inconsistent app performance across devices

Bug
✨

Requested Features

5 requests

Ability to view full catalog of available titles

Feature

More advanced search and filtering tools

Feature

Improved playback stability and offline functionality

Feature

Personalized recommendations based on viewing history

Feature

Ratings and user reviews system

Feature

FAQ

What is the Criterion Channel?

The Criterion Channel is a streaming service offering a curated selection of classic and contemporary films from Hollywood, international, art-house, and independent cinema. It provides access to Criterion's extensive library of over 1,000 films, along with special features.

What kind of movies can I watch?

You can watch a wide range of movies including Hollywood classics, international films, art-house cinema, independent movies, documentaries, and short films. Selections are refreshed regularly and include thematic programming, director retrospectives, and guest-curated series.

How much does the Criterion Channel cost?

Access to all features and content requires a subscription to The Criterion Channel, available on a monthly or yearly basis. Pricing varies by region and is confirmed before purchase within the app. Subscriptions auto-renew unless deactivated at least 24 hours prior to the end of the current cycle.

What are the special features?

The app offers supplemental features to enhance your appreciation of film, such as audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, scholarly analyses, introductions, interviews, and trailers. These provide context and deeper insights into the films.

Is the Criterion Channel available on all devices?

The description does not explicitly state compatibility with all devices. However, it mentions payments are managed through your iTunes Account, suggesting availability on Apple devices. Subscription payments are managed within the app, implying it's a mobile application.