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BFI Player is a video on-demand streaming service - from the British Film Institute (BFI) - showing critically acclaimed, landmark and archive films.

Films are available either for rent, for subscription or for free - depending on their release and the rights we have secured with licensors.

Our rentals include the latest releases and acclaimed features, while subscription includes classic and cult films - with exclusives in both sections.

Our free archive films highlight the best shorts and features of the BFI National Archive as well as UK national, regional and partner archives.

Find out more under ‘How is content curated?’

You can watch BFI Player films only in the United Kingdom, because of licensor restrictions. 



To stream our films, you must have internet access. We offer adaptive bitrate for playback that automatically adjusts to your internet connection speed. However, buffering or pixelation may occur on internet connections below 5 Mbps.

You cannot download films. 

How do I subscribe?

You can subscribe here: https://player.bfi.org.uk/subscribe

How do I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel any time, via Account/Subscription - where you will also find your payment history.

How do I redeem a gift subscription?

Go to the web link on the card (https://player.bfi.org.uk/redeem). Either sign in with your existing BFI Player account or create one. On the next page enter your gift code in the 'Redeem gift code' field and press 'Subscribe'.

Please note you can't redeem a Gfit subscription if you are already subscribed to a trial or paid subscription.

Do BFI members get discounts?

BFI members can get 15% discount on all rentals by adding valid membership details. Membership details can be added to your profile page or when renting a film.

If you have a query about your membership details, you can email [email protected]. 

One-to-one technical support

Please contact Livechat

Non urgent queries

Email us at [email protected]

General feedback

Email us at [email protected] detailing the issue and a link to the relevant page or newsletter.

While we consider all emails, we may not reply directly.

Queries about Britain on Film

FAQs about BFI archive collections

Footage sales and bookings 

You can also contact the specific archive if it is listed on the individual film on the 'About the archive' tab.