Curzon Home Cinema is the streaming arm of Britain's oldest cinema chain. It's a different proposition from MUBI or BFI Player: while those services curate libraries, Curzon specialises in day-and-date releases — films available at home the same day they open in Curzon cinemas.
Think of it as the streaming service for people who'd go to an arthouse cinema if they could, but want the sofa option.
What Sets Curzon Apart
- Day-and-date releases: New arthouse films available at home on opening weekend
- Subscription + TVOD hybrid: Monthly subscription plus rent/buy options for new releases
- Strong international range: European, Asian, and Latin American cinema prioritised
- Festival circuit focus: Films from Cannes, Venice, and Sundance often premiere here
Price: £7.99/month for Curzon Home Cinema subscription, plus £6-15 for premium new releases.
Top 12 Films to Watch
1. Perfect Days (2023)
Dir: Wim Wenders
A Tokyo toilet cleaner finds joy in routine. Wenders' return to form is meditative, beautiful, and unexpectedly moving.
Why it's worth it: The quiet pleasures of everyday life, shot like poetry. Oscar-nominated for Japan.
2. The Zone of Interest (2023)
Dir: Jonathan Glazer
The commandant of Auschwitz and his wife maintain their idyllic home beside the camp. Glazer's horror masterpiece shows evil through absence.
Why it's worth it: Best Picture nominee. A new language for depicting the Holocaust. The sound design is unforgettable.
3. Anatomy of a Fall (2023)
Dir: Justine Triet
A woman is accused of murdering her husband. Palme d'Or winner is a courtroom drama that's really about a marriage.
Why it's worth it: Sandra Hüller deserves every award. The dog is also excellent.
4. All of Us Strangers (2023)
Dir: Andrew Haigh
A screenwriter reconnects with his long-dead parents while falling in love with a neighbour. Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal break hearts.
Why it's worth it: The most emotionally devastating film of 2023. Will leave you sobbing.
5. Past Lives (2023)
Dir: Celine Song
Childhood sweethearts reunite after 24 years. Celine Song's debut asks what might have been.
Why it's worth it: Quiet, observational, absolutely devastating. The final shot stays with you.
6. Aftersun (2022)
Dir: Charlotte Wells
A woman reflects on a holiday with her father when she was eleven. Charlotte Wells' debut is a memory piece that reveals itself slowly.
Why it's worth it: Paul Mescal gives career-best work. The Queen song scene destroys everyone.
7. The Worst Person in the World (2021)
Dir: Joachim Trier
A young woman navigates love and career in Oslo across her late twenties. Renate Reinsve won Cannes' Best Actress.
Why it's worth it: Funny, sad, incredibly relatable if you've ever felt lost in your twenties.
8. Drive My Car (2021)
Dir: Ryusuke Hamaguchi
A widowed theatre director travels to Hiroshima to stage Uncle Vanya. Three hours of quiet brilliance.
Why it's worth it: Won Best International Film Oscar. Hamaguchi understands grief like few directors.
9. Decision to Leave (2022)
Dir: Park Chan-wook
A detective investigates a woman whose husband fell from a mountain. Park's romantic thriller is his most elegant film.
Why it's worth it: Hitchcock filtered through K-drama. Beautiful and strange.
10. Triangle of Sadness (2022)
Dir: Ruben Östlund
A model couple join a cruise for the ultra-wealthy. Chaos ensues. Palme d'Or winner has the most memorable dinner scene in years.
Why it's worth it: Satirical, disgusting, hilarious. The yacht sequence is legendary.
11. Tár (2022)
Dir: Todd Field
Cate Blanchett is a world-famous conductor whose past catches up with her. Field's first film in 16 years is a masterclass.
Why it's worth it: Blanchett's greatest performance, which is saying something.
12. Shoplifters (2018)
Dir: Hirokazu Kore-eda
A family of petty thieves takes in an abused child. Palme d'Or winner asks what family really means.
Why it's worth it: Warm, devastating, Japanese cinema at its finest.
What's Included in Subscription vs TVOD
| Type | Cost | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription library | £7.99/mo | Older releases, catalogue titles |
| Day-and-date premieres | £6-15 rental | New releases, first few weeks |
| Buy to own | £8-20 | Recent releases, permanent library |
New major releases (like Oscar contenders) typically launch at premium TVOD pricing, then move to subscription after 6-12 months.
Curzon vs MUBI vs BFI Player
| Curzon | MUBI | BFI Player | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New releases | Day-and-date | Limited | Limited |
| Library depth | Medium | Medium | Deep |
| UK focus | International + UK | Global | British focus |
| Price | £7.99/mo + TVOD | £11.99/mo | £4.99/mo |
| Best for | Seeing new arthouse films at home | Curated discoveries | British cinema history |
Verdict: Curzon if you want new releases; MUBI if you want curation; BFI if you want British depth. Many film fans subscribe to all three.
Worth the Subscription?
Yes if:
- You would go to arthouse cinemas but don't always have time
- You want to see Oscar contenders when they're in cinemas, not 6 months later
- You appreciate European, Asian, and independent international cinema
- You live outside London and lack nearby arthouse screens
No if:
- You're happy waiting for films to arrive on other platforms
- Your taste leans mainstream
- You only want subscription content (premium releases require extra payment)
Value proposition: The subscription alone is thin compared to MUBI. The real value is access to premium day-and-date releases.
FAQ
What's the best single film on Curzon? Perfect Days or Anatomy of a Fall — both Palme d'Or winners, both essential.
Can I watch on TV? Yes — apps for most smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Chromecast support.
Is it worth it for one film? Individual rentals are available without subscribing. For occasional viewers, just rent what interests you.
Looking for more arthouse options? Compare with BFI Player and MUBI.