The Criterion Channel
The Criterion Channel

The Criterion Channel

Entertainment

| The Criterion Collection

Play on PC with BlueStacks or from our cloud

  • Overview
  • How to Download

Page Modified On: May 29, 2025

Run The Criterion Channel on PC or Mac

What’s better than using The Criterion Channel by The Criterion Collection? Well, try it on a big screen, on your PC or Mac, with BlueStacks to see the difference.

About the App

If you’re someone who appreciates great movies, The Criterion Channel feels a bit like a front-row seat at the world’s best film festival—right from your couch. Curated by true movie fans at The Criterion Collection, this streaming app brings you handpicked classics, fresh discoveries, and underrated gems across all kinds of genres and decades. Whether you love golden-age Hollywood hits or want to check out influential directors from across the globe, you’ll always find something surprising to watch.

App Features

  • Massive Streaming Library
    Dig into a seriously impressive collection of over 1,000 classic and contemporary films, including loads from the Criterion Collection’s own catalog—some you probably can’t find anywhere else.

  • Curated Programs & Themed Picks
    Each week, the app puts together thoughtful programs: Sunday showcases, Tuesday’s Short + Feature combos, and the Friday double feature, offering a fun way to explore new themes or revisit old favorites.

  • Special Guest Recommendations
    Want movie picks from directors like Barry Jenkins, Guillermo del Toro, or Mira Nair? The Criterion Channel invites guest curators to share their favorites, so you’re always in good hands.

  • Original Video Series
    Get deeper into film with original series like Observations on Film Art or Adventures in Moviegoing, whether you’re a film student or just a curious viewer.

  • Rich Supplemental Content
    Find insightful extras—audio commentary, behind-the-scenes footage, scholarly discussions, and interviews—so you can really appreciate the art and craft of those films.

  • Flexible Subscription Options
    Choose a monthly or yearly plan right within the app. Everything’s managed in your Google Account, making it a breeze. Oh, and if you ever want to enjoy movie night on a bigger screen, BlueStacks is there as an option.

  • Exclusive Editions
    The app includes many of the full editions released on Blu-ray and DVD, sometimes with bonus material not available anywhere else.

  • Easy Discovery Tools
    Don’t know where to start? Hop into spotlight sections, browse by genre, or jump into retrospective collections highlighting directors and stars.

The Criterion Channel is all about helping you find your next great watch, whether you’re in for an art-house classic, a festival standout, an indie surprise—or all three in one evening.

BlueStacks gives you the much-needed freedom to experience your favorite apps on a bigger screen. Get it now.

How to Download and Run The Criterion Channel on PC or Mac

  • Download and install BlueStacks on your PC or Mac

  • Complete Google sign-in to access the Play Store, or do it later

  • Look for The Criterion Channel in the search bar at the top right corner

  • Click to install The Criterion Channel from the search results

  • Complete Google sign-in (if you skipped step 2) to install The Criterion Channel

  • Click the The Criterion Channel icon on the home screen to start playing

video
Watch Video

Minimum System Requirements

With BlueStacks 5, you can get started on a PC that fulfills the following requirements.

  • Operating System

    Microsoft Windows 7 or above, macOS 11 (Big Sur) or above

  • Processor

    Intel, AMD or Apple Silicon Processor

  • RAM

    at least 4GB

  • HDD

    10GB Free Disk Space

Note:

* You must be an Administrator on your PC. Up to date graphics drivers from Microsoft or the chipset vendor.

The Criterion Channel - FAQs

  • How to Run The Criterion Channel on Windows PC & Mac?

    Run The Criterion Channel on your PC or Mac by following these simple steps.

    • Click on ‘Download The Criterion Channel on PC’ to download BlueStacks
    • Install it and log-in to Google Play Store
    • Launch and run the app.
  • Why is BlueStacks the fastest and safest platform to play games on PC?

    BlueStacks respects your privacy and is always safe and secure to use. It does not carry any malware, spyware, or any sort of additional software that could harm your PC.

    It is engineered to optimize speed and performance for a seamless gaming experience.

  • What are The Criterion Channel PC requirements?

    Minimum requirement to run The Criterion Channel on your PC

    • OS: Microsoft Windows 7 and above:
    • Processor: Intel or AMD Processor:
    • RAM: Your PC must have at least 2GB of RAM. (Note that having 2GB or more disk space is not a substitute for RAM):
    • HDD: 5GB Free Disk Space.
    • You must be an Administrator on your PC.