Discover the Criterion Channel Experience
The Criterion Channel is a streaming platform that gathers an extensive assortment of landmark and contemporary films from across the globe. Offered as an iPhone app, it’s free to download and presents a rotating catalog that spans Hollywood hits, international cinema, arthouse gems, and independents — with fresh selections added regularly so there’s always something new to watch.
Curated Series and Special Programs
- Art-House America
- Adventures in Moviegoing
- Observations on Film Art
These original programs provide themed lineups and contextual programming that guide viewers through film history, movements, and exhibition practices.
Supplemental Material That Deepens Appreciation
- Trailers and previews
- New and archival interviews with filmmakers and contributors
- Audio commentaries from critics and creators
- Filmmaker introductions and program notes
- Behind-the-scenes featurettes and extra footage
- Scholarly essays and critical analyses
The Channel bundles extras — from commentaries to archival interviews and academic perspectives — to give films historical and artistic context beyond the screening.
How to Get Full Access
The app itself is freely available for iPhone users, but subscribing unlocks the complete library and all supplementary features. Subscriptions can be purchased monthly or annually and renew automatically through the app. The interface is designed to be intuitive, making browsing and discovering titles straightforward.
A Free Alternative to Consider
- Delta Executor (free)
If you’re looking for a no-cost alternative with a different selection and approach, Delta Executor is a suggested option to explore.
Final Verdict
For anyone passionate about cinema — whether a casual viewer or a dedicated cinephile — the Criterion Channel is a rich, thoughtfully curated resource that’s well worth trying.
Technical
- iPhone
- Free