Letterboxd to launch new movie rental feature in December

Social movie-tracking platform Letterboxd is preparing to roll out a new digital video store in early December, allowing users to rent films directly in the app. The company first revealed its plans at the Cannes Film Festival in March, though it did not announce a firm release date until now.

In a recent blog post, Letterboxd shared more information about the upcoming feature, called “Video Store.” The catalogue will include a mix of titles: festival favourites that haven’t secured wide distribution, films that have been hard to find but are frequently added to watchlists, newly restored classics, and select limited-time releases.

Introducing rentals feels like a natural step for Letterboxd, enabling users to watch movies instantly without leaving the platform. A significant advantage over renting through Apple or Amazon is the platform’s built-in social discovery. If you see that a friend has logged a film, you can immediately check their review and rent the same title on the spot.

The selection in the Video Store will also be shaped by member demand. Letterboxd will tap into its data — watchlists, activity patterns, and trending titles — to curate a lineup that reflects what users actually want to see, rather than offering a scattershot assortment like many streaming libraries.

Letterboxd has not yet confirmed rental prices or the list of launch titles. The company noted that availability and costs will differ by geographic region. The service will not use a subscription model, and there will be no late fees.

Video Store will work across iOS and Android devices, plus Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, and AirPlay, with more smart TV apps expected in the future.

Since being acquired by Canadian firm Tiny for about $50 million in 2023, Letterboxd has continued expanding its discovery tools. It recently introduced Featured Lists, which help users explore curated collections by genre, studio, theme, and category, such as films by women directors. Last year, it also rolled out a more advanced search system that can recognise acronyms and correct misspellings.