17 Must-Own Criterion Collection 4K Blu-rays for Serious Cinephiles
The Criterion Collection [graphic by The Cinema Group]
A collector’s guide to beautifully restored cinematic masterpieces; Our Picks from the CRITERION Collection
In an era dominated by streaming services and digital downloads, the tactile experience of physical media offers a unique, irreplaceable value. Owning a film on Blu-ray or 4K UHD isn’t just about watching a movie; it’s about preserving a piece of cinematic history, complete with meticulously curated bonus features, director commentaries, and high-quality restorations that streaming often can’t match.
The Criterion Collection stands at the pinnacle of this physical media renaissance. Renowned for its dedication to preserving important classic and contemporary films, Criterion offers cinephiles an unparalleled viewing experience. Each release is a testament to the art of filmmaking, featuring restored visuals and audio, insightful essays, and a wealth of supplementary materials that deepen our understanding and appreciation of cinema.
Whether you’re building your dream movie shelf or hunting for the perfect gift for a cinephile, Criterion Collection 4K Blu-rays offer the gold standard of film preservation and presentation. These releases aren’t just movies—they’re art objects. Each disc is lovingly remastered with bonus features, essays, interviews, and crisp transfers that elevate the viewing experience. From American indies to global masterpieces, here are 17 of the most essential Criterion 4K releases every film lover should own.
1. Anora (The Criterion Collection) 4K
Neon
Sean Baker’s Anora is a groundbreaking film that swept the 97th Academy Awards, winning five Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. The film tells the story of a New York sex worker who impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, exploring themes of love, identity, and societal expectations. Baker’s direction offers a raw and empathetic portrayal of marginalized communities, making Anora a modern classic that challenges and captivates audiences.
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2. After Hours (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
Warner Bros
Martin Scorsese’s After Hours is a darkly comedic odyssey through the nocturnal streets of New York City. The film follows Paul Hackett, a word processor whose attempt at a casual date spirals into a series of surreal and increasingly bizarre encounters. Scorsese masterfully captures the city’s unpredictable energy, blending elements of noir, comedy, and psychological thriller. The Criterion 4K restoration enhances the film’s moody cinematography, immersing viewers in Paul’s nightmarish journey.
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3. Le samouraï (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
Fida Cinematografica
Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Samouraï is a minimalist masterpiece that redefined the crime genre. The film centers on Jef Costello, a stoic hitman whose meticulously ordered life unravels after a botched assassination. With its austere aesthetic, deliberate pacing, and Alain Delon’s iconic performance, Le Samouraï explores themes of isolation, honor, and existentialism. The Criterion edition offers a pristine 4K transfer, preserving the film’s stark visuals and atmospheric tension.
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4. Dazed and Confused (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
20th Century Studios
Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused is a nostalgic trip to the last day of high school in 1976, capturing the essence of teenage freedom and rebellion. The ensemble cast, featuring future stars like Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck, delivers authentic performances that resonate across generations. The film’s rock-infused soundtrack and laid-back narrative structure create an immersive experience. Criterion’s 4K edition enhances the film’s vibrant colors and period details, making it a must-have for fans of coming-of-age stories.
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5. Paris, Texas (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
Universal Pictures
Wim Wenders’ Paris, Texas is a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and redemption. The film follows Travis Henderson, a man who reemerges from the desert after a four-year absence, seeking to reconnect with his young son and estranged wife. Harry Dean Stanton’s haunting performance anchors the narrative, while Robby Müller’s cinematography captures the vastness and desolation of the American landscape. Criterion’s 4K restoration brings clarity to the film’s visual poetry, reaffirming its status as a cinematic landmark.
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6. Sound of Metal (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
Prime Video
Darius Marder’s Sound of Metal is an intimate portrayal of a drummer coping with sudden hearing loss. Riz Ahmed’s transformative performance captures the emotional turmoil of losing one’s identity and finding solace in silence. The film’s innovative sound design immerses viewers in the protagonist’s experience, fostering empathy and understanding. Criterion’s 4K edition preserves the film’s raw authenticity and includes valuable insights into its production and themes.
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7. Risky Business (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
Warner Bros
Paul Brickman’s Risky Business is a sharp satire of youthful ambition and capitalist excess. Tom Cruise delivers a breakout performance as Joel Goodson, a high school student whose entrepreneurial venture into a makeshift brothel spirals out of control. The film’s stylish direction, memorable soundtrack, and dark humor offer a nuanced critique of the American Dream. Criterion’s 4K release enhances the film’s sleek visuals and provides insightful commentary on its cultural impact.
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8. 8½ (The Criterion Collection)
(Credit: Alamy)
Federico Fellini’s 8½ is a surreal, introspective journey into the mind of a filmmaker grappling with creative block and personal turmoil. Marcello Mastroianni stars as Guido Anselmi, a director navigating the blurred lines between reality and imagination. The film’s dreamlike sequences, innovative narrative structure, and rich symbolism have influenced countless artists. Criterion’s edition offers a high-definition transfer and extensive supplements that delve into Fellini’s visionary approach to storytelling.
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9. Thelma & Louise (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
Sony Pictures
Ridley Scott’s genre-defining road epic is not just a feminist landmark but a masterclass in tension, character development, and landscape cinematography. Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis deliver iconic performances in a film that redefined female-led action cinema. Criterion’s 4K release elevates Adriano Goldman’s vistas and Hans Zimmer’s haunting score, while packed supplements explore the film’s cultural legacy, impact on screenwriting, and ongoing relevance in the #MeToo era.
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Universal Pictures
John Hughes' The Breakfast Club is a seminal high school film that transcends its genre. Set almost entirely in a school library over the course of one Saturday detention, it explores the emotional vulnerabilities and social divisions of five teenagers from different cliques. With its iconic dialogue and unforgettable characters, this film has become a cultural touchstone. Criterion's edition brings out the nuanced performances and includes rich archival supplements that contextualize its lasting influence
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11. Blue Velvet (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
Paramount Pictures
David Lynch’s Blue Velvet peels back the surface of suburban Americana to reveal something dark and surreal beneath. When college student Jeffrey Beaumont finds a severed ear, he's drawn into a web of voyeurism, violence, and psychological intrigue. Featuring unforgettable performances from Dennis Hopper and Isabella Rossellini, Blue Velvet is both a disturbing noir and a critique of American innocence. Criterion's 4K transfer enhances the film’s visual palette, making it more hallucinatory and nightmarish than ever.
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12. Uncut Gems (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
a24
The Safdie Brothers’ Uncut Gems is a heart-pounding character study that showcases Adam Sandler in the role of a lifetime. As Howard Ratner, a compulsive gambler and jeweler navigating New York's Diamond District, Sandler crafts a performance that is raw, electric, and entirely unforgettable. The film's propulsive editing and nerve-racking tension make for a truly visceral experience. Criterion’s edition deepens our understanding of the Safdies’ chaotic vision with behind-the-scenes features and a pristine 4K presentation.
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13. Raging Bull (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
Amazon MGM Studios
Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull is a brutal and poetic biopic of boxer Jake LaMotta, featuring Robert De Niro in one of cinema’s most transformative performances. Shot in stark black and white, the film uses the boxing ring as a metaphor for LaMotta’s inner demons and volatile relationships. Scorsese's direction is both lyrical and unflinching, and Criterion's 4K edition is a revelation, enhancing the intensity of its iconic fight scenes while preserving their grainy beauty.
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14. Trainspotting (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
Searchlight Pictures
Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting captures the reckless highs and devastating lows of heroin addiction with blistering style and punk-rock energy. Set in Edinburgh, the film follows Renton and his ragtag group of friends as they drift between moments of euphoria and despair. Featuring a breakout performance by Ewan McGregor and a killer soundtrack, Trainspotting is as emotionally resonant as it is visually daring. Criterion’s 4K release heightens the film’s grittiness and momentum, while offering new context through interviews and commentary.
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15. To Die For (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
Columbia Pictures
Gus Van Sant’s To Die For is a biting satire of media obsession and ambition, starring Nicole Kidman in a career-defining role. As Suzanne Stone, an aspiring TV personality willing to go to deadly lengths for fame, Kidman delivers a performance that's both chilling and hilariously self-aware. The film blends tabloid aesthetics with dark comedy and true crime to disturbing effect. Criterion's release sharpens its razor-edged visuals and delves into its cultural critique.
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16. Citizen Kane (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
PHOTOFEST
Often cited as the greatest film ever made, Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane remains a landmark of cinematic innovation. Through its non-linear structure, revolutionary cinematography, and multilayered narrative, it chronicles the rise and fall of newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane. Every frame, every shadow, and every line of dialogue continues to be dissected in film schools around the world. Criterion’s 4K release restores the visual splendor and sonic detail that made the film a technical marvel in 1941.
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17. Gummo (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
Fine Line Features
Harmony Korine’s Gummo is a polarizing and provocative meditation on poverty, youth, and post-industrial decay. Set in a tornado-ravaged Ohio town, the film eschews conventional storytelling for a series of unsettling vignettes, blending documentary realism with avant-garde techniques. It’s a raw, challenging watch that has gained a cult following for its uncompromising vision. The Criterion edition brings Korine’s chaotic aesthetic to 4K, providing an immersive experience that’s as beautiful as it is disturbing.
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