Recent Criterion Collection Releases (2020-2025)

A Curated Selection of Critically Acclaimed Films

Key Takeaways

High-Quality Curation: The Criterion Collection continues to select films that are both artistically significant and critically acclaimed.
Diverse Genres and Origins: Recent releases encompass a wide range of genres and originate from various countries, highlighting global cinema.
Consistent Critical Acclaim: All listed films have received Rotten Tomatoes scores of 80% or higher, ensuring quality and audience approval.

Comprehensive List of Recent Criterion Collection Films

2020

Parasite (2019, dir. Bong Joon-ho)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
- A groundbreaking South Korean film that won the Palme d'Or and multiple Academy Awards.
- Added to Criterion Collection in October 2020.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019, dir. Céline Sciamma)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
- A French romantic drama celebrated for its artistry and emotional depth.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2020.
Uncut Gems (2019, dir. Safdie Brothers)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
- A tense thriller starring Adam Sandler, praised for its intensity and direction.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2020.

2021

The Irishman (2019, dir. Martin Scorsese)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
- An epic crime drama featuring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2021.
Da 5 Bloods (2020, dir. Spike Lee)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
- A powerful war drama about Vietnam veterans.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2021.
Memories of Murder (2003, dir. Bong Joon-ho)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
- A gripping South Korean crime thriller exploring investigative challenges.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2021.
Citizen Kane (1941, dir. Orson Welles) - 4K Restoration
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
- A foundational American classic meticulously restored in 4K.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2021.
Irma Vep (1996, dir. Olivier Assayas)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
- A meta exploration of filmmaking led by Maggie Cheung.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2021.

2022

The Power of the Dog (2021, dir. Jane Campion)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
- An Academy Award-winning exploration of masculinity and repression.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2022.
The Worst Person in the World (2021, dir. Joachim Trier)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
- A critically praised coming-of-age story set in Oslo.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2022.
Drive My Car (2021, dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
- An Academy Award-winning Japanese drama exploring grief and connection.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2022.
The Red Shoes (1948, dir. Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger) - 4K Restoration
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
- A stunning ballet-centered classic lovingly restored.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2022.

2023

WALL-E (2008, dir. Andrew Stanton)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
- The first Pixar film in Criterion, beloved for its strong environmental themes.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2023.
Miller’s Crossing (1990, dir. Joel and Ethan Coen)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
- A Coen Brothers classic known for its intricate plot and rich characters.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2023.

2024

After Yang (2022, dir. Kogonada)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
- A thoughtful meditation on identity, memory, and humanity.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2024.
Do the Right Thing (1989, dir. Spike Lee) - 4K Restoration
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
- A seminal exploration of race relations in America.
- Added to Criterion Collection in 2024.
Oppenheimer (2023, dir. Christopher Nolan) (Anticipated to be released by early 2025)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
- A landmark biographical film focusing on the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer.
- Scheduled for Criterion Collection release in early 2025.

2025

The Wages of Fear (1953, dir. Henri-Georges Clouzot)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
- An intense thriller about men transporting nitroglycerin through treacherous terrain.
- Upcoming 4K release in March 2025.
Night Moves (1975, dir. Arthur Penn)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
- A compelling drama exploring personal freedom and self-destruction.
- 4K release scheduled for March 2025.
Thief (1981, dir. Michael Mann)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
- A stylish crime thriller known for its direction and cinematography.
- Upgrading to a new Blu-ray release in March 2025.
Choose Me (1984, dir. Alan Rudolph)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
- A unique exploration of love and relationships.
- 4K release scheduled for March 2025.
King Lear (1987, dir. Jean-Luc Godard)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
- An avant-garde adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy.
- Blu-ray release scheduled for February 2025.
A Woman of Paris (1923, dir. Charles Burguet)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
- A silent film classic renowned for its narrative and performance.
- Blu-ray release scheduled for March 2025.

Detailed Overview

Diverse Selection Across Decades and Genres

The Criterion Collection's recent additions since 2020 showcase a commitment to preserving and celebrating a wide array of films from different eras and genres. From timeless classics like "Citizen Kane" to contemporary masterpieces such as "Everything Everywhere All at Once," the collection offers a rich tapestry of cinematic excellence.

Global Representation

Recent releases emphasize global cinema, featuring films from South Korea, France, Japan, and other countries. This international representation not only brings diverse storytelling perspectives but also highlights the universal language of film in conveying complex narratives and emotions.

Restorations and High-Definition Releases

Many of the recent Criterion Collection releases include high-definition restorations, such as 4K and Blu-ray formats. These restorations ensure that both classic and modern films are preserved in the highest possible quality, allowing audiences to experience them as originally intended by the filmmakers.

Acclaimed Directors and Performances

The collection features works by some of the most acclaimed directors in the industry, including Martin Scorsese, Bong Joon-ho, and Christopher Nolan. These films are often celebrated not only for their direction but also for outstanding performances by actors like Robert De Niro, Frances McDormand, and Michelle Yeoh.

Comparative Analysis

The films selected for the Criterion Collection since 2020 reflect a balance between honoring classic cinema and embracing contemporary voices. For instance, "Parasite" and "Minari" represent the forefront of international cinema with their compelling narratives and cultural significance, while "Citizen Kane" and "Do the Right Thing" reaffirm the collection's dedication to historically important films.

The inclusion of technologically advanced restorations for older films ensures that the collection remains relevant and accessible to modern audiences. This blend of old and new not only preserves cinematic history but also facilitates its appreciation by future generations.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, the Criterion Collection is poised to continue its tradition of selecting films that push the boundaries of storytelling and filmmaking. Upcoming releases like "Oppenheimer" promise to add significant titles to the collection, further cementing its status as a premier destination for cinephiles.

Conclusion

The recent additions to the Criterion Collection from 2020 to 2025 exemplify the collection's unwavering dedication to film preservation and curation of high-quality, critically acclaimed cinema. With a diverse range of films spanning various genres and countries, the Criterion Collection continues to be an invaluable resource for those seeking to explore the rich landscape of world cinema.