Criterion Channel’s October lineup delivers John Carpenter films, 2000s horror, Hong Kong action classics, Kira Muratova, Body Horror, and more.
The Criterion Channel is welcoming October with a massive slate of films and collections that span horror, action, and world cinema. Streaming beginning October 1, the new lineup highlights genre legends, international icons, and rediscovered gems, making it one of the most eclectic and thrilling months yet for the platform.
John Carpenter Spotlight
October features a full retrospective of horror master John Carpenter, celebrated for transforming B-movie concepts into stylish and terrifying works of cinema. From the eerie chills of The Fog and Christine to dystopian classics like Escape from New York and They Live, Carpenter’s blend of subversive social commentary and pulse-pounding thrills takes center stage. The program also includes Prince of Darkness, In the Mouth of Madness, and cult favorites such as Big Trouble in Little China and Starman, accompanied by Carpenter’s iconic synth-driven soundtracks.
2000s Horror Collection
The Criterion Channel also dives into the horror boom of the 2000s, showcasing inventive takes on haunted houses, found-footage scares, and psychological dread. Highlights include What Lies Beneath, The Others, [•REC], Lake Mungo, Trouble Every Day, and Triangle. With contributions from both veteran filmmakers and daring newcomers, the collection captures a decade where horror pushed boundaries and embraced experimental styles.
Hong Kong Action Classics
Fans of action cinema will find an extensive tribute to Hong Kong’s golden era of the 1980s and ’90s, when directors like John Woo, Ringo Lam, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Tsui Hark created genre-defining films. The lineup features A Better Tomorrow, The Killer, Police Story, City on Fire, Once Upon a Time in China, and Hard Boiled, among many others.
Body Horror Showcase
Transformation and mutation dominate Criterion’s body horror collection, spanning from early classics like Eyes Without a Face and Eraserhead to David Cronenberg milestones Shivers, The Brood, and The Fly. The program also includes Ken Russell’s Altered States, Andrzej Żuławski’s Possession, Claire Denis’s Trouble Every Day, William Friedkin’s Bug, and Mitchell Lichtenstein’s Teeth. Together, they capture the genre’s fascination with the instability of the human form.
New Criterion Collection Editions
October also adds a selection of newly available Criterion Collection editions, such as Hard Boiled, The Killer, My Winnipeg, The Others, To Sleep with Anger, Pierrot le fou, A Woman Is a Woman, and Altered States. Each release comes packed with supplemental features, from audio commentaries and filmmaker interviews to rare behind-the-scenes footage.
Rediscoveries And Restorations
The platform shines a spotlight on rare and underseen works, including Charles Burnett’s tender romantic comedy The Annihilation of Fish, Claire Denis’s No Fear, No Die, Robina Rose’s Nightshift, and Uli Edel’s harrowing Christiane F.. These rediscoveries highlight overlooked voices and vital stories from global cinema history.
Director Spotlights
October’s programming also honors filmmakers who forged distinctive cinematic visions. Ukrainian director Kira Muratova is celebrated with works such as The Long Farewell, The Asthenic Syndrome, and The Tuner. French cult auteur Jean Rollin gets a six-film showcase featuring Requiem for a Vampire and The Living Dead Girl. Independent trailblazer Charles Burnett is spotlighted with classics like Killer of Sheep and To Sleep with Anger, alongside rarely seen shorts. The month also features a special spotlight on Taiwanese master Edward Yang, introduced by critic Dennis Lim.
With horror, action, arthouse, and rediscovered treasures, Criterion Channel’s October lineup is a cinephile’s dream, offering an unmatched mix of genre thrills and auteur-driven artistry.
