The Criterion Channel is one of the best streaming platforms for an eclectic mix of Hollywood classics and films from across the world. It is the streaming home for The Criterion Collection and is perfect for cinephiles and those in the film academia world.
However, never fear. There is actually a way around this roadblock that can be applied to any other US-based streaming service. From Hulu to Netflix US or MGM+ , you can bypass blockers and consume all of your favourite shows and movies from across the pond.
Use a VPN to watch The Criterion Channel
Our only real recommended way of watching The Criterion Channel from abroad is via a VPN (virtual private network) service. It’s straightforward and relatively easy to set up on any PC/laptop.
For those who don’t know, a VPN will assign you a different IP address which will allow you to browse the internet anonymously. Your IP address is a virtual footprint of what you do online and is, therefore, a way that you can be tracked. For this reason, many internet dwellers use a VPN.
However, VPNs are also capable of making a website believe that you’re accessing content from a different country. It does this by assigning you a country’s IP address; in this instance, you would require a US IP address.
If you’d like a full explanation of what VPNs are and what they do, then read our full VPN explainer for more.
Which is the best VPN for The Criterion Channel?
There are a lot of different VPNs to choose from for watching The Criterion Channel, ensuring that they offer a range of servers in the US and have decent speeds and bandwidth allowances.
We used NordVPN during our testing, which has thousands of servers available and good pricing in comparison to some of its competitors. If you’d like a broader overview of all the different VPNs out there, take a look at our best VPN for streaming ranking .
It’s important to note that no VPN is fool-proof. The Criterion Channel may recognise that you’re using a VPN and block your access to content. In that case, we suggest trying out a few different servers within the VPN, and with a bit of luck one of them will work. Even if it doesn’t work on that particular day, you should try again at a later date as new servers do become available.
You can also access free VPNs if you want to save on those pennies, however, be warned that they come with caveats, including data/bandwidth caps, lower speeds and limited server options. All of these things may slow down your viewing experience, or potentially stop you from accessing the channel entirely.
Free VPNs are also not as secure with your browsing history and data as the paid options are, so we would highly recommend investing that extra cash into keeping your experience fast and secure!
How to watch The Criterion Channel with a VPN
Once you’ve selected your preferred VPN of choice, the next steps are relatively straightforward.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Plans are typically cheaper if you lock in for longer
Download and login to your VPN
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
You will need to create an account if it is your first time using this software
Connect to a US server
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Your VPN should choose the fastest available automatically
NordVPN offers servers across many states, so if one doesn’t work you can try another
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Choose your plan – both offer a 7-day free trial
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
You can either opt for monthly ($10.99 per month), or commit to an annual subscription ($99.99 per year)
New users can get a seven-day free trial, so you won’t start paying until after a week
Enter your payment details and click ‘start subscription’
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
We used a UK-based debit card for this
The website will confirm your subscription
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
You should get an email with confirmation as well
You should now be able to stream on The Criterion Channel
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
If something is buffering, you can try another server on your VPN
In terms of personal details, you only need to enter your name, email address and payment information. You also have the option to opt-in or out of any marketing emails from the company. Once you’re signed in you’re free to browse as many high-brow movies that take your fancy. We tested the site using NordVPN and had no issues with streaming.
Are there alternative subscriptions for this type of content?
If going down the VPN route sounds like a bit too much work for you, then there is another way to get your fix of the best in cinema. The British Film Institute (BFI) have their own subscription service, BFI Player , which offers classic and cult films from across the decades, as well as the newest releases on the UK indie film scene.
Author: Hannah Cowton-Barnes, Entertainment Editor, Tech Advisor
As Tech Advisor’s Entertainment Editor, Hannah is the resident expert in all things streaming, film and TV. Before joining Tech Advisor in 2019, she studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Leeds and created a website dedicated to geek culture and lifestyle. She’s also reviewed a whole range of gadgets including flagship smartphones, wearables and styling tools. Outside of Foundry, she’s written freelance pieces for Polygon, Metro and Den of Geek, and is proud to be a Women Techmakers Ambassador for Google.
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