Criterion Crazy: November 2026 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
It is safe to say that any hardcore cinephile will always be looking ahead at the monthly Criterion Collection announcements, but I don’t know if anyone was anticipating the ass-whooping we’d get for the month of November. While Criterion always caters to all walks of life with their lineups, I think it is safe to say that the November 2026 lineup is the most quality slate all across the board. Not only do I think that there is a title for any film lover this time around, but I think that literally all of the films here are the film to different circles. From cult followings to beloved classics, this November lineup is near perfect in an objective sense. How can anyone not explode out of pure excitement with this announcement, or feel blown away by the future release of at least one title? For myself, I am giddy for around five films here and know how much the other films mean to people. We don’t really have any 4K upgrades of previously existing titles here, but we do have seven new entries (to varying degrees) and a Criterion Premieres release (a damn good one at that) to look forward to. What are you waiting for? Venture forth and explore one of the best Criterion lineups of all time.
The Favourite: Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965)
I know you may be expecting a different film to take my number one spot here, but any avid readers of Films Fatale will know that I am a massive fan of avant-garde master Sergei Parajanov. For many years, the only Criterion release of any of his films was his magnum opus, The Color of Pomegranates. Now, we finally have another Parajanov classic of experimental arthouse cinema: Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors. This poetically resonant, challenging picture is available on both 4K and Blu-ray (always go with the best quality possible when you are dealing with a visual genius like Parajanov). The release is also blessed with quite a few features, including an introduction by Martin Scorsese (whose preservation initiatives and his leadership with The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project have acquainted us to films like this one), a documentary about Parajanov, audio commentary by historian Joshua First, and new short film Shadowsur about Parajanov’s son (by Martiros Vartanov). Even though this is my favourite film of the pack, Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors is an abstract, difficult film for most viewers; I think it is a must for anyone who connects with avant-garde cinema, but curious newbies might want to try streaming this or any other Parajanov classic instead of blind buying it; regardless of how you feel about these films afterward, you will be changed once you discover Parajanov.
The Right Time For: The Right Stuff (1983)
The eighties was rife with feel-good stories about underdogs, perseverance, and triumph. One of the best examples — and one that doesn’t feel artificial or misguided — is Philip Kaufman’s greatest film, The Right Stuff. One of the top films about the efforts of astronauts and the space race, The Right Stuff is an ambitious, gripping look at all of the trials and errors that go into pulling off the impossible. This is the kind of crowd pleaser that earns its stature and legacy without any false notes or manipulations. Available on 4K and Blu-ray (4K will take you to a new dimension of thrill; I highly recommend going all-out here), The Right Stuff comes with much behind-the-scenes analysis, from programs about the special effects and technical elements, to archival features; there is also an older interview with Kaufman regarding the film. I do like that the features are all contingent with the film’s themes of making magic happen, but I do think that The Right Stuff having only that one primary angle with its features may feel limiting to some buyers. Honestly, I’d just love to have this film on 4K.
Total Fucking Anarchy: Wild at Heart (1990)
I will always celebrate an additional David Lynch film in the Criterion Collection (a majority of his films are now in it, outside of unlikely possibilities like Dune and The Straight Story); Wild at Heart was the last probably entry to be included. As one of the biggest Lynch superfans you may ever meet (down to having a Mulholland Drive tattoo, three copies of that film, and every Lynch project on physical media, et cetera), I usually invite scorn when I confess that Wild at Heart is not my favourite film of his. I adore it as the chaotic mess of passion and nostalgia that it is, but I usually steer newcomers to David Lynch to other films like Blue Velvet or The Elephant Man. Nonetheless, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for this insane hybrid of those hokey Elvis Presley films of yesteryear, The Wizard of Oz, and John Waters’ controversial works. Available on 4K and Blu-ray (and with a terrific design; the fire-based gatefold is quite something), Wild at Heart has quite a few features, including archival footage and interviews, deleted scenes, and… Lynch’s music video for Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game”? Sure, why not. It’s important to note that this is the first Lynch Criterion release after his passing and without his complete involvement, but I feel like Criterion has done its best to make it authentically Lynchian.
There is a Light That Never Goes Out: Harold and Maude (1971)
You no longer have to take out a mortgage on your house to buy this release. Hal Ashby’s dramedy classic, Harold and Maude, was once a part of the Criterion Collection before it went out of print. It’s back, baby! Not only will it return on Blu-ray, Harold and Maude will now be available on 4K (if you have never seen the film and aren’t sure if you should pay the top dollar for the 4K copy, I think you can get away with the Blu-ray version of this film that rides more on its great performances, touching story, and dark comedy than its aesthetics). Welcome back, Harold and Maude!
Time for French New Wave: Shoot the Piano Player (1960)
Another out-of-print title that — as of five minutes ago (when I checked) — has plummeted in price on eBay and Facebook Marketplace (gee, I wonder why) is François Truffaut’s sophomore effort, Shoot the Piano Player; with the amount of other Truffaut films in the Collection and the 4K restoration that entered theatres two years ago, it only made sense that this film would re-enter the Collection. I feel like this one will sell out quite quickly, regardless of its 4K or Blu-ray option; I would consider getting this as soon as possible.
Let Them Eat Cake: Marie Antoinette (2006)
It’s about time that another Sofia Coppola film joined the Criterion Collection. While I would have been rooting for films like Lost in Translation, Somewhere, and The Beguiled more, having the reassessed Marie Antoinette also seems pretty obvious; I just hope that those other Coppola titles get considered. Available on 4K and Blu-ray (no love for DVDs this month, I’ve noticed), the anachronistic, historical dramedy, Marie Antoinette will have a few features attached to it. You’ll find an interview with Coppola, partial commentary from star Kirsten Dunst, a short film with star Jason Schwartzman, and — get this — a music video for band Phoenix’s “Run Run Run” (if I had a quarter for every Criterion film from November 2026 that had a music video as a bonus feature, I’d have fifty cents, which isn’t very much but it is a little interesting that it happened twice). While Marie Antoinette is not my favourite Coppola film, I know it is a dear title for many and I hope that this has opened the doorway to more of her works (besides, this film in 4K is likely a lush wonderland that I, too, cannot say no to).
Golden: KPop Demon Hunters (2025)
If you have stumbled upon this article from any search engine, chances are you were looking for this film. Here it is: KPop Demon Hunters in all of its glory. The already-worshiped animated film has been rumoured to enter the Collection for months now (and any Criterion nut would know about the company’s affiliation with Netflix, so this release was inevitable), and it’s finally here. I will say that the casing design for KPop Demon Hunters is exemplary; I won’t pretend to love the film as much as its biggest fans do (I think it’s a really good animated film, but not a great one), but Criterion have gone out of their way to make this an absolute artifact to have on your bookshelf or mantle. Available on all formats (4K, Blu-ray, and — finally — our first DVD format announced this month), this release has two different takes depending on who you are. If you are a Criterion fiend like I am, the features feel a little slim. You’ll get lyric videos (given its musical nature and the karaoke phenomenon attached to this film), a making-of documentary, and two video essays. However, if you are new to Criterion and just want to own KPop Demon Hunters physically, may this gorgeous release be your foray into a world of cinematic discovery and exploration; welcome.
Finally, Criterion Premieres: Blue Heron (2025)
Finally, the Criterion Premieres film for this month is also a banger. It’s Sophy Romvari’s acclaimed debut film, the Canadian coming-of-age breakthrough, Blue Heron. Criterion Premieres usually does a great job with selecting important contemporary titles, but consider Blue Heron’s stature as one of the most adored Canadian films in recent memory; this is beyond a good choice by Criterion — it is a flat-out must-have for cinephiles. Its Blu-ray and DVD options are both highly affordable, and I would entertain the idea of blind-buying this gem of a film.
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.