Letterboxd Launches Video Store: A New Digital Rental Hub for Film Lovers

Letterboxd is launching a film rental service. The new Video Store will debut on December 10. It aims to bring hard-to-find movies directly to its massive community of movie fans.

This move addresses a growing problem in the film industry. Many independent and festival films struggle to find an audience. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the platform wants to use its community’s passion to champion overlooked titles.

Curated Shelves and Limited-Time Offerings

The initial launch will feature nine carefully selected films. The lineup includes Todd Haynes’s “Poison” and recent festival favorites. Titles were chosen based on direct demand from Letterboxd’s members.

Films will be organized on themed “shelves.” The “Unreleased Gems” shelf will highlight festival films without wide distribution. The “Lost and Found” shelf will resurface member-loved older titles.

Movies in the “Unreleased Gems” category will only be available for 30 days. This short window is intentional. The goal is to extend a film’s festival life and demonstrate audience demand to potential distributors.

How the Video Store Works for Viewers

The service will use a transactional video-on-demand model. No subscription will be required. Users can simply rent the individual films they want to watch.

At launch, it will be available in 23 countries, including the US, UK, and Canada. Rental prices in the US will range from $3.99 to $19.99 per title. Availability and pricing will vary by region.

Viewers can watch on TVs using Apple TV, Chromecast, or AirPlay. The films will also be available on the web, iOS, and Android apps. The company plans to add more smart TV apps in the future.

This launch solidifies Letterboxd’s role beyond a social network, positioning it as a direct facilitator for film discovery and distribution. The success of the Video Store could provide a vital new revenue stream for independent filmmakers.

Info at your fingertips

What countries will have the Letterboxd Video Store?

The service launches in 23 countries. This includes the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Availability will expand to more regions later.

How much does it cost to rent a movie?

There is no subscription fee. You pay per rental. In the US, prices at launch will range from $3.99 to $19.99 per film.

Will the films be exclusive to Letterboxd?

Not necessarily. Exclusivity is a bonus, but not the main goal. The focus is on curating sought-after films that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Can I watch on my television?

Yes. You can stream to your TV using Apple TV 4K, Chromecast, or AirPlay. Support for native smart TV apps is planned for the future.

Why are some films only available for 30 days?

This applies to the “Unreleased Gems” shelf. The limited window is designed to help films prove their audience potential. It can help them secure traditional distribution deals afterward.