Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and KPop Demon Hunters have been included in the Criterion Collection as of 2025. Both films, released on Netflix, are among the year’s most praised and widely viewed titles, currently contending strongly in the Oscar race. The addition highlights their cultural and artistic significance in contemporary cinema.
Frankenstein’s Awards Recognition and Production Journey
Frankenstein earned nine Academy Award nominations, including best picture and best supporting actor for Jacob Elordi, who portrays the creature. Del Toro spent many years passionately working to realize his lavish interpretation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel, facing several interruptions before finally completing the project. The film stands out for its striking visual style, featuring elaborate sets and rich cinematography. True to del Toro’s style, the monster is portrayed with depth and empathy, contrasting sharply with the darker human characters. Alongside Elordi, Oscar Isaac, Christoph Waltz, and Mia Goth contribute powerful performances in the film.
KPop Demon Hunters’ Unprecedented Popularity and Awards
KPop Demon Hunters became a viral sensation after its Netflix debut in the previous summer and went on to become the streaming service’s most popular film to date. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the animated feature won both Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Awards for best animated motion picture and for its song Golden. The song notably became the first K-Pop track to win a Grammy. The film is also nominated for best animated feature and original song at the upcoming Academy Awards.
Criterion Collection’s Ongoing Commitment to Celebrated Films
The Criterion Collection is known for releasing films worldwide in editions that emphasize exceptional technical quality and include valuable extras, such as interviews and behind-the-scenes content. The collection already features notable Netflix productions, including Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog, Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story, and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. Recently, Criterion announced it will also add other acclaimed 2025 films like Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident, and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s The Secret Agent.
Significance of These Additions to the Criterion Collection
Adding Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein to the Criterion Collection not only celebrates a long-awaited artistic vision but also secures the film’s place in cinematic history. KPop Demon Hunters joining alongside it emphasizes the growing recognition of diverse storytelling and animation excellence. As these films continue to compete in major awards, their inclusion in Criterion ensures that audiences can revisit them through high-quality presentations and enriched viewing experiences, marking a notable moment for the intersection of streaming platforms and classic film preservation.
