7 Best Movies to Watch on The Criterion Channel Right Now (September 2025)

This cinematic masterpiece dramatizes the infamous Watergate scandal that effectively toppled President Richard Nixon, chronicling the relentless pursuit of truth by self-styled journalistic superheroes Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. Featuring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman in lead roles, it’s a film that has firmly established itself as a hallmark of Redford’s illustrious career.

Set during the late 1970s, the duo—working tirelessly from their desks at The Washington Post—uncovers a web of corruption beginning with a botched break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. As they delve deeper, their pursuit of the truth puts both their careers and lives on the line—an enduring reminder of the dangers that can accompany the quest for journalistic integrity.

Starring acclaimed French actress Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill, Possession weaves a complex narrative directed by Polish icon Andrzej Żuławski. This haunting tale of psychological horror was deemed a “video nasty” upon its release in England and heavily censored in America, where it was reduced to merely 81 minutes—losing a significant portion of its unsettling content.

The film chronicles the disintegration of a marriage between an international spy (Neill) and his increasingly erratic wife (Adjani), whose request for divorce spirals into a bewildering descent into madness and horror. Combining elements of psychological terror and fantastical imagery, Possession is an unforgettable performance showcase as both lead actors spiral into psychological disarray.

From the mind of William Friedkin, director of The Exorcist, Sorcerer finds its roots in Georges Arnaud’s 1950 novel, Le Salaire de la peur. This gripping tale revolves around four desperate men in a poverty-stricken Central American locale tasked with transporting two trucks of highly unstable, nitroglycerin-laden dynamite—a mission that could indeed make them or break them.

Featuring Roy Scheider, this film initially bombed at the box office but has since undergone a renaissance of appreciation, emerging as an undisputed classic. Its stunning cinematography, coupled with a haunting score by Tangerine Dream, creates an intense auditory and visual experience that keeps viewers riveted, particularly during the adrenaline-pumping bridge scene.

Regarded as a paragon of controversial cinema, The Devils, directed by Ken Russell, faced severe censorship at its release—a consequence of its intertwining of provocative religious themes and graphic content. It famously garnered X ratings in both the U.S. and the U.K.

The narrative unfolds in 17th-century France, depicting a convent where the nuns are captivated by the allure of the charismatic Father Grandier (Oliver Reed), leading to a plot that accuses him of Satanism. By delving into themes of sexual repression and systemic corruption, The Devils serves as a searing, unforgettable critique of societal imperfection.

Minimalist in her storytelling approach, director Kelly Reichardt captures the intertwining lives of four distinct women in the American Northwest in her film Certain Women. With performances from renowned actresses such as Laura Dern, Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart, and Lily Gladstone, the film mesmerizes with its careful pacing and relatable themes.

Structured in sections based on short stories by Maile Meloy, the film paints a rich portrait of each woman’s attempts to navigate life’s challenges. Certain Women encapsulates the subtle, bittersweet realities of life, inviting audiences to find echoes of their own experiences within its narratives.

In The Parallax View, Warren Beatty excels as Joe Frady, a political journalist delving into a conspiracy tied to the assassination of a presidential hopeful. As he unravels layers upon layers of deceit, Frady’s quest for truth leads him into a perilous world where every revelation seems to cost lives.

This adaptation of Loren Singer’s novel is a hallmark of political thrillers, marked by innovative editing techniques and striking cinematography that enhance the gripping storytelling. Beatty’s portrayal marries charm with paranoia, exemplifying the film’s exploration of dark political undercurrents.

In Noah Baumbach’s charming yet chaotic adult coming-of-age film, Frances Ha, we follow the trials of 27-year-old dancer Frances (Greta Gerwig) as she grapples with the vagaries of life in New York City. Struggling to find her footing—both in her career and personally—Frances embodies the myriad challenges of young adulthood, from financial instability to the pursuit of happiness.

This delightful film captures the essence of youth, striking a perfect balance between life’s unpredictable nature and the sweetness that comes when one embraces those uncertainties. It’s a comedic yet poignant reminder of the growing pains we all experience.