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Streaming Hub
The Criterion Channel
The Criterion Channel, the streaming service dedicated to classic and arthouse cinema.
About The Criterion Channel
The Criterion Channel is a subscription streaming service operated by The Criterion Collection, a company long known for releasing carefully curated, supplement-rich physical editions of classic and arthouse films. Launched in 2019, the Criterion Channel brings that same curatorial approach to streaming, offering a rotating library of classic, foreign, and independent cinema alongside original supplemental content.
Rather than competing on sheer library size, the Criterion Channel positions itself around film history, curation, and context, appealing to cinephiles seeking a more editorially guided viewing experience.
History
1984
Criterion Collection founded
The Criterion Collection begins releasing curated home-video editions of important films, starting on laserdisc.
2019
Streaming channel launch
The Criterion Channel launches as a standalone streaming service, following an earlier partnership with FilmStruck.
Key People
The Criterion Collection
Film distributor and licensor that operates the Criterion Channel
Janus Films
Sister company whose licensed film library supplies much of the Criterion Channel's catalog
What's on the Criterion Channel
| Category | Notes |
|---|---|
| Criterion Collection titles | Curated classic and contemporary arthouse films |
| Director retrospectives | Themed collections built around filmmakers and movements |
| Supplemental content | Interviews, commentary, and contextual documentaries |
Financials
How It Compares
| Compared To | Key Difference |
|---|---|
| Shudder | Both are curation-focused niche streamers rather than broad-catalog platforms — the Criterion Channel for classic and arthouse film, Shudder for horror. |
Trivia & Fan Culture
Started on laserdisc
The Criterion Collection's curatorial approach to film preservation dates back to 1984, long before its streaming channel launched in 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Criterion Channel the same as owning Criterion Collection discs?
No, the Criterion Channel is a separate streaming subscription, distinct from purchasing physical Criterion Collection Blu-ray or DVD releases.
What kind of films does Criterion focus on?
The service emphasizes classic, foreign-language, and arthouse films, often grouped into curated collections and director retrospectives.
Is the Criterion Channel the same as the Criterion Collection's DVDs?
The Criterion Channel is a streaming service operated by The Criterion Collection, the same company known for its curated physical home-video releases, bringing a similar editorial approach to streaming.
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