Buzz
Do you recall those nights when you’d switch on the TV and channel-surf, only to stumble upon a movie already in progress and become completely engrossed? If you grew up during the streaming era, this might sound foreign, as you’re accustomed to on-demand viewing or endlessly scrolling through algorithm-driven recommendations. The Criterion Channel aims to revive that serendipitous movie-watching experience with its new Criterion 24/7 livestream, available to all subscribers. This feature streams an eclectic mix of films from its extensive library, ranging from arthouse masterpieces and cult classics to global cinema treasures. At any moment, you might find yourself immersed in a silent horror flick, a French New Wave gem, or even a misunderstood Razzie-awarded film.
The unpredictability is part of the charm—there’s no schedule or guide to reveal what’s playing next. As someone who regards the Criterion Channel as the ultimate streaming platform for film enthusiasts, I often struggle to decide what to watch due to the overwhelming variety. Criterion 24/7 eliminates that decision fatigue, offering a delightful, curated experience. It’s like having a personal film festival at your fingertips.
Recently, I found myself unable to sleep, so I tuned into the livestream via the Criterion Channel app on my phone. I stumbled upon a silent film exploring the history of witchcraft. As a frequent visitor of r/criterion, I instantly identified it as Häxan, a 1922 Swedish pseudo-documentary I’d been eager to watch for years. Thanks to the livestream, I caught a significant portion of it and can revisit it anytime through my subscription. While writing this, I had the pleasure of catching the finale of 1992’s The Player and the opening scenes of Jackie Chan’s Police Story—both films I’ve long wanted to see.
If you’re unsure what’s currently playing, you can rewind the livestream by up to 90 minutes. This feature helps you identify the film or gain more context. (Alternatively, Criterion has introduced a feed on X that reveals the current selection. Personally, I enjoy the element of surprise.)
Down with algorithms
What I adore most about Criterion 24/7 is the absence of algorithms. The platform doesn’t suggest films based on my watchlist, past viewing habits, or online activity. It doesn’t push recommendations tied to ads I might have clicked. Instead, the livestream is universal, fostering a shared experience even in the solitude of streaming.
(As Musical Lettuce Man noted on X, "The more people watching Chungking Express, the better.")
The service is still in its early days, but it’s already a hit among film enthusiasts. The Letterboxd community has responded with expected enthusiasm. The only drawbacks so far are the lack of captions (though non-English films include subtitles) and the inability to binge-watch it all day.
