The Criterion Collection started out in the 1980s as a simple distribution company. Over the years, the brand has expanded its scope, earning itself icon status among cinephiles for preserving essential pieces of film history. As you might expect, the online shop is the best place to buy hard-to-find cult titles you’re unlikely to find in traditional brick-and-mortar stores and retailers. Plus, where mainstream content is concerned, you can also find plenty of gorgeous collector's editions to flesh out your Blu-ray display, like The Wes Anderson Archive, which includes the ten films the esoteric maestro has released over 25 years, organised into one delightfully twee package.

The Criterion Collection has two major sales each year at Barnes & Noble and Amazon that let you save 50% on the entire collection. These usually happen in July and November and last a full month. The Criterion Collection website will also have 24 hour flash sales sometimes in the spring and fall. These are the best times to buy overall.

Amazon

You can’t really mention online shopping without talking about the behemoth that is Amazon. Boasting a monster-sized collection of limited edition Blu-rays and 4K boxsets all the same, Amazon hosts one of the most definitive catalogues of Blu-rays to buy online. Alongside special releases and steelbooks, you can also find numerous collector's editions, which come with art books and accessories. For example, a new release of Netflix's Cobra Kai series on Blu-ray comes with all six seasons an tons of bonus features.

If you're looking for deals, Amazon sometimes offers a "3 for 2" or "3 for $33" sale on 4K and Blu-ray movies around sales events. With all of the Prime-Exclusive sales events fast approaching in 2026, it's likely we will see this again before November is over.

Walmart

Like Amazon, Walmart is a titan of online retail, offering avid buyers a wide range of products to browse, from washing machines to Halloween decorations and Blu-ray discs. As is to be expected, the collection of physical media on the site is gargantuan, with many releases receiving multiple options like 4K versions, steelbooks, and collector’s editions, too. In addition to preorder options and site exclusives, Walmart also collates its bargains into subcategories like ‘$5 and Under’ and ‘Movie Deals’ for easy deal-based browsing.

Walmart is an especially good source for any movies that are no longer available on Amazon. If you're searching for all of the Lord of the Rings Blu-rays, for example, there are some you'll only be able to grab from Walmart.

Target

Target doesn't have nearly as large of a collection as Amazon, but it does have a decent number of 4K Blu-ray movies available at any given time. More specifically, Target is a good place to look for new 4K releases ans popular steelbooks that might have already sold out elsewhere. Considering Target also has quite a few brick-and-mortar locations, it's worth noting that it does have some movies available for pickup as well as shipping. For the most part the only films where this option applies is popular 4K Disney movies (including Star Wars and Marvel), but it's a good option for last-minute gifts.

Barnes & Noble

I know what you’re thinking – isn’t Barnes & Noble a bookshop? The short answer is yes. However, nestled next to essential reads like The Lord of the Rings and Twilight, you can also find a solid catalogue of Blu-rays from Robert Eggers' gothic vampire flick Nosferatu, to Hayao Miyazaki’s iconic isekai Spirited Away, and everything in between. Located in the Music and Movie section on the top bar of the site, Barnes & Noble categorizes its alternative media into multiple sections to browse, often featuring a discounted titles section perfect for bagging a bargain. For example, for Black Friday last year, Barnes & Noble discounted the entire Criterion Collection.

Gruv Entertainment

Unlike the other stores on this list, Gruv is entirely dedicated to selling 4Ks, Blu-rays, and DVDs. Gruv is actually owned by Universal pictures and essentially functions as its retail arm for physical media. That means it primarily sells movies from Universal, Warner Bros., and MGM. Recently it has expanded its offering to include titles from Paramount, Shout Factory, and more. It's not as robust of a selection as a site like Amazon, but it will sometimes offer discounts you won't find anywhere else.

Gruv regularly has some great discounts and shipping is free. Although the shop is limited compared to larger online retailers, it's a great place to get 4K movies for a steal. And considering the only way to watch HBO Max movies in 4K is via the most expensive subscription, this is a great alternative.

Zavvi

A home for LEGO, graphic tees, and collectors' items, Zavvi is a haven for pop culture enthusiasts online. As such, you can find a solid range of Blu-rays, including a selection of store exclusives, like a special edition of Marvel’s Deadpool 2, which features an image-shifting lenticular cover. If you’re looking to expand your physical media collection but operating on a budget, Zavvi also offers a carousel of coupons, including discounts, free shipping, and multi-buy deals.

eBay

If you aren’t bothered about brand new, eBay is a great place to find a deal or a special edition item that’s no longer available in retail stores. eBay is a place for personal sellers and shops to hawk their goods, and you can often find a decent selection of Blu-rays for reasonable prices. Best of all, eBay’s international footprint enables you to make purchases from other countries – just be sure to check the region code on the item before diving in. Of course, when purchasing second-hand items, there are always risks to consider, so it’s essential to buy with caution and thoroughly vet sellers before making a purchase. Thankfully, if you do encounter issues, eBay offers online support that may help facilitate refunds.

Upcoming Releases We're Excited About

If you’re looking for the latest releases in Blu-ray land, be sure to check out our list of Upcoming 4K UHD and Blu-ray Release Dates. It features releases for new film titles One Battle After Another and Wicked: For Good. Plus, if you’re a bargain hunter looking for tips, our guide to the best time to buy 4K and Blu-ray movies at a discount every year is sure to have you covered.