Criterion Channel

Criterion Collection curated films

As of 30 August 2026, Criterion Channel starts at $10.99/month. The Criterion Channel is a streaming service offering films from the Criterion Collection, featuring classics and contemporary cinema with critical essays and s. Softwr lists it under Entertainment. Criterion Channel is made by The Criterion Collection, launched in 2019, available on Web, Android, TV and console, iOS.

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Overview

What Criterion Channel does

The Criterion Channel is a streaming service offering films from the Criterion Collection, featuring classics and contemporary cinema with critical essays and special features.

What people use it for

Streaming classic, foreign, and independent films with curated collections and retrospectives
Watching filmmaker interviews, commentary tracks, and bonus/supplemental content
Following themed programming such as double features and director/actor spotlights
Educational and film-study use due to curated context and extras

Where it falls short

Concrete and checkable, so you can decide whether any of them matter to you. This is the half of a review a vendor will not write about Criterion Channel.

Maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD
No PlayStation 4 app available
HDCP compatibility issues reported on some devices like Chromebooks and Xbox One
No live chat or phone support for customer service
Limited library compared to mainstream services like Netflix and Hulu

Cross-shopped

What people choose instead of Criterion Channel

Each pairing was judged by two reviewers asking whether a buyer would genuinely weigh the two against each other. The ones that failed were deleted rather than published.

Criterion Channelvs
MUBI
MUBI: Curated indie and art-house films with a similar focus on cinema as critical art form
Criterion Channelvs
Hulu
Hulu: Broader streaming library including film content, though less curated and more commercial
Criterion Channelvs
Apple TV+
Apple TV+: Premium streaming service with theatrical film releases and original content

Pricing

What Criterion Channel costs

Taken from the vendor's own pricing page. Prices move, so check before you buy.

Monthly

$10.99 /mo

Annual

$99.99 /yr

Capabilities

Features

Criterion films
4K restoration
Essays
Special features
Curated selections
Smart TVs
Integration with Smart TVs
Streaming devices
Integration with Streaming devices
Account security
Account security security feature
Content access
Content access security feature
Web support
Available on web
Ios support
Available on ios
Android support
Available on android

Answered, with sources

Questions people ask

Each answer names the page it came from, so you can check it rather than take our word for it.

Can I watch Criterion Channel offline?

No, Criterion Channel requires an active internet connection for streaming. The service does not offer offline viewing or download capabilities.

Source

What devices does Criterion Channel work on?

Criterion Channel works on Amazon Fire TV, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, and Xbox. There is no PlayStation app or dedicated mobile app for iOS/Android.

Source

How much does Criterion Channel cost?

Criterion Channel costs $10.99/month or $99.99/year with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

Source

What is the maximum video quality on Criterion Channel?

Criterion Channel streams in HD quality only. The service does not offer 4K or Ultra HD resolution.

Source

Behind it

Who makes Criterion Channel

Company: The Criterion Collection
Based in: New York, NY

Timeline