Rated 7+ IMDb · 70%+ RT Little-known finds Curated by humans
Rated 7+ IMDb · 70%+ RT Little-known finds Curated by humans
Updated October 18, 2026 • By Renee Cuisia
AGMTW score, out of 10
The most carefully chosen catalog of films anywhere, and it costs less than Netflix.
Value for money8.0
A large classic and arthouse library with extras, for a mainstream price.
$10.99 a month. The cheapest service in the same category is $8.99 ($2 less). Weighed against what it carries (content 7.5/10), that comes to 8.0 on value.
Content quality7.5
233 recommended titles, a serious catalog.
Carries 233 titles from our recommended list.
Apps and devices7.6
Solid app, available on 7 of the 12 major devices.
Rated 4.78 on iPhone and 4.54 on Android. Works on 7 of 12 devices.
Streaming quality7.5
1080p, stereo; no 4K at any price.
Base plan streams in 1080p.
Criterion Channel is a curated movie-streaming service that offers ad-free and on-demand access to films from The Criterion Collection in HD. It is currently only available in the US and Canada. The subscription costs $10.99 per month or $99.99 per year. Like Netflix, the Criterion Channel also offers a physical rental service. The number of movies you can rent each month, for a flat monthly rate, depends on how quickly you can return them. You don’t need to subscribe to The Criterion Channel to buy or rent physical media on DVD and Blu-ray, but subscribers may get discounts.
With the introduction of Criterion24/7, Criterion Channel also entered the Live TV world, offering a great alternative to channels like Turner Classic Movies.
Criterion Channel carries 1+ channels, including Criterion24/7.
Without about 2,000 films in its collection going as far back as the 1900s, the Criterion Channel is definitely one for the fans of classic and art-house cinema in general. The collection reportedly features movies from 55 different countries, across six continents. Each month, the on-demand library is reorganised with a freshly handpicked set of films becoming available on rotation.
Curated for cinephiles: The selection of films that are available each month will certainly appeal to film aficionados looking for classic and foreign cinema. Offline viewing: The Criterion Channel supports offline downloads and full HD streaming for most content for Android and iOS devices, which is a great perk for movie lovers who are often on the go. Extra video features: Aside from restored old movies, each title features extras such as interviews, supplementary footage, and trailers. The original 1954 Godzilla alone comes with 15 extra videos! Simultaneous streaming: With one subscription to the Criterion Channel, you can stream up to three videos on different devices at the same time, which is aboverage the streaming landscape average.
How much does Criterion Channel cost?
Criterion Channel starts at $10.99/month.
Does Criterion Channel have a free trial?
Yes. Criterion Channel currently offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
What channels does Criterion Channel include?
Criterion Channel carries 1 channels, including Criterion24/7.
What devices support Criterion Channel?
Criterion Channel is available on Amazon Fire TV, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Xbox.
Can I cancel Criterion Channel anytime?
Criterion Channel is a month-to-month subscription with no long-term contract. You can cancel at any time without penalty.
Is Criterion Channel worth it?
Curated for cinephiles: The selection of films that are available each month will certainly appeal to film aficionados looking for classic and foreign cinema. Offline viewing: The Criterion Channel supports offline downloads and full HD streaming for most content for Android and iOS devices, which is a great perk for movie lovers who are often on the go. Extra video features: Aside from restored old movies, each title features extras such as interviews, supplementary footage, and trailers. The original 1954 Godzilla alone comes with 15 extra videos! Simultaneous streaming: With one subscription to the Criterion Channel, you can stream up to three videos on different devices at the same time, which is aboverage the streaming landscape average.
Four criteria, each scored out of 10. The overall score is their weighted average: content 50%, value 20%, apps 20%, streaming quality 10%.
Value for money
0The most expensive service of its kind.
10The cheapest service of its kind, with full content.
Content quality
0None of the 20 most-watched cable channels, or nothing from our recommended list.
10All 20 channels, or the deepest catalog of titles we recommend.
Apps and devices
0A one-star app that runs on none of the 12 major devices.
10Five-star apps on all 12 major devices.
Streaming quality
0Below 720p.
104K on the plan we price.