How to Cancel Criterion Channel and Where to Watch Classic Films for Free (2026)
Updated February 2026 • 5 min read
✅ Easy to cancel. No phone call, no retention gauntlet. But you must cancel through the same platform you subscribed on.
The Criterion Channel is the streaming home of classic, arthouse, and international cinema — curated by the legendary Criterion Collection. At $10.99/month ($99.99/year), it is a niche service that cinephiles love. But if you are not watching enough to justify the cost, here is how to cancel without losing your watchlist history.
Before You Cancel
Save your watchlist: Screenshot or write down your "My List" — there is no export feature
Check for expiring films: Criterion rotates titles monthly; some leave the platform each month
Consider annual billing: If you watch regularly, $99.99/year ($8.33/month) is a better deal than monthly
Manage Your Subscriptions → Criterion Channel → Cancel
Free Alternatives for Classic Film Lovers
Kanopy (free with library card): Excellent selection of classic, indie, and international films. Many Criterion titles available. The best free alternative, period.
Tubi: Free (ad-supported), growing classic film library including some Criterion titles
YouTube: Many classic films (pre-1964) are in the public domain and free on YouTube
Internet Archive (archive.org): Thousands of public domain films, including rare gems
Pluto TV: Free live channels dedicated to classic movies
MUBI ($10.99/month): Not free, but if you want curated arthouse cinema, MUBI rotates 30 hand-picked films. Different vibe than Criterion but similar audience.
💡 Best free replacement: Your local library card + Kanopy. Many libraries offer unlimited Kanopy streaming with a surprisingly deep catalog of classic and arthouse films.
The Subscribe/Cancel Rotation Strategy
Criterion Channel rotates its library monthly and releases themed collections on a schedule. A smart strategy:
Subscribe for 1-2 months when they feature directors or genres you love
Binge the curated collections during that period
Cancel and come back in a few months when new content interests you
No penalty, no reactivation fee — you can do this indefinitely
Summary
Price: $10.99/month or $99.99/year
Difficulty: Easy — cancel through web, Apple, Amazon, or Roku
Before canceling: Save your watchlist (no export feature)
Best free alternative: Kanopy (via library card)
💡 How many streaming services are you paying for?Upload your bank statement to JustCancel — we will find every subscription and show you the total. Most people are shocked by the combined cost.