
“Oscar-Nominated ‘Flow’ Joins Criterion Collection—Here’s Why You Need to Watch It!”
The critically acclaimed animated film Flow has been making waves across the awards circuit and the box office, and now it’s about to make history—joining The Criterion Collection in a special 4K release later this year!
Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, Flow is one of the most celebrated animated films of the year, earning two Academy Award nominations (Best Animated Feature & Best International Feature – Latvia) and a string of prestigious wins, including the Annie Award for Best Indie Animated Feature and the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature.
And it’s not just critics who love it—the film has just passed $20 million at the international box office, making it one of the most commercially successful indie animated films in years!
Flow Joins The Criterion Collection – A Dream Come True

- The Criterion Collection is synonymous with cinematic excellence, preserving and celebrating some of the greatest films in history. For Zilbalodis, being included alongside legendary directors like Scorsese, Cuarón, and Anderson is a surreal honor.
- Zilbalodis shared his excitement:
“It’s an absolute dream come true to see Flow featured in the Criterion Collection. I grew up admiring legendary filmmakers, and I can’t thank Criterion enough for this incredible honor. I have so much great stuff to share for the ultimate 4K special edition. It’s going to be amazing!”
This special edition 4K release will be distributed through Sideshow and Janus Films, ensuring that fans get the definitive version of this breathtaking film.
A Record-Breaking Indie Animated Hit
While most indie animated films struggle to gain mainstream traction, Flow has been a massive commercial success:
- International Box Office: $20M+
- North American Box Office: $4M+ and counting
- Award Wins: Golden Globe, Annie Award, European Film Award, National Board of Review, New York & Los Angeles Film Critics Association awards, and more!
- Upcoming Nominations: BAFTA, César, ACE Eddie, Art Directors Guild Award
For comparison, Flow’s earnings put it among the highest-grossing indie animated films in recent years, second only to Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron.
Where to Watch Flow – Streaming & HBO Premiere
- Can’t catch Flow in theaters? No problem!
- Streaming Debut: Flow will premiere exclusively on Max (formerly HBO Max) on February 14.
- TV Premiere: The film will also air on HBO linear on February 15 at 6:30 p.m. ET.
If you haven’t seen Flow yet, this is your chance to experience one of the most stunning and emotionally resonant animated films of the year.
What is Flow About?
- Synopsis: Flow follows a courageous cat navigating a world transformed by a massive flood. Teaming up with a capybara, a lemur, a bird, and a dog, the group sets sail in search of dry land, facing perils, wonders, and a journey of trust, courage, and survival.
Directed by Gints Zilbalodis (Away), the film is a breathtaking visual spectacle that also delivers a profound message about friendship, survival, and the fragility of our environment.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch Animated Masterpiece
With stunning visuals, a gripping story, and a powerful environmental message, Flow is a true triumph for indie animation.
- What’s next?
- A potential Oscar win at the Academy Awards
- More international box office success
- A highly anticipated Criterion 4K release
This film is proof that animated storytelling continues to break boundaries—and Flow is leading the charge.
- Have you watched Flow yet? Let us know what you think!