20 Best Criterion Channel Alternatives Right Now

There is a lot to love about the Criterion Channel. Its collection of niche and underrated titles gives viewers a break from repetitive Hollywood blockbusters, and its quality curation has honed film buffs and filmmakers alike since it includes only the best of the best among its lineup. 

But despite its wide array of feature-length films, documentaries, commentary tracks, interviews, and even personal picks from celebrity cinephiles, the Criterion Chanel is not without its problems. For one, the streaming service is only available in the US and Canada, and for another, it is quite pricey compared to other similar platforms. 

If these issues affect you, you might want to check our list of the best Criterion Channel alternatives below. Some lean more on genre, others on classics, and even others on indie, but you can rest easy knowing that they're more accessible. It's up to you to decide which best fits your needs.

Our recommended five best criterion channel alternatives right now:
Hulu $7.99 Watch
Paramount+ Premium $11.99 Watch
Max $9.99 Watch
Magnolia Selects $4.99 Watch
Tubi free Watch

BFI Player Classics is a subscription service that makes the best of British cinema available to users around the world. These films are, according to the site, "widely loved and rarely seen,"  handpicked by the British Film Institute itself. They are carefully curated into collections which you can pick and choose based on your mood or interest. The streamer may not have the most extensive titles, only carrying little more than 300 at a time, but it's sure to have some of the highest quality libraries out there, perfect for cinephiles and Anglophiles alike. 

Price: $5.99/month

Free Trial: 7 days

Device availability: Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Website

Arrow is a streaming service for cult cinema, with a particular focus on horror and classics. If you love niche films and hidden gems, then this is for you. You'll also appreciate Arrow Player if you're into hand-picked content as it boasts a highly curated and carefully refined selection of titles. 

Quentin Tarantino has recommended the service a few times!

Price: $4.99/month

Free Trial: 30 days

Device availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Xbox One

Ready to cut the cord? Here are the 14 live TV streaming services that offer a free trial.

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The streaming services on this page were chosen by our editors. If you choose to subscribe to a streaming service we recommend as a result of our research, analysis, and curation, our work is sometimes (but not always) supported by an affiliate commission from the streaming service when you make a purchase.