Virtual Cinema FAQ

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About us
Virtual Cinema FAQ

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How to watch

How does it work?

MoMA members have exclusive access to Virtual Cinema screenings. On the film page, click “Log in to watch,” enter your member information, and follow the prompts to begin your screening. If you’re already logged in, click “Watch now.”

What if I don’t see “Log in to watch” or “Watch now” on the screening page?

The film may not be available for streaming yet. The film page should indicate a date and time at which the film becomes available.

How much does it cost to watch?

There is no separate fee for members. Simply log in and begin watching.

Can I pay to watch without becoming a member?

No, Virtual Cinema is available exclusively to members.

How long are Virtual Cinema screenings available?

Many films are available on Virtual Cinema for a week or longer, but it varies from film to film. Refer to the individual film page for specific information about start and end dates.

How long do I have to watch my movie?

Once you’ve started watching, you’ll need to finish the film within the watch window indicated (usually 24 hours). Refer to the individual film page for details.

Can I start a film and come back to it later?

Yes, films can be paused and resumed at any time during the indicated watch window (usually 24 hours), but you must finish watching the film before the watch window closes.

Are screening times adjusted to my time zone?

No, all screening times are Eastern Standard Time.

Where do I find bonus content, Q&As, etc.?

Many titles come with bonus content like introductions and Q&As with filmmakers and performers. These materials appear as a separate screening on the same film page, below the film description. When you’re on a film screening page, be sure to scroll down and check for bonus content.

I’m getting a message that the film is “sold out.” Why am I unable to watch this film?

For some films, licensing agreements require that the total number of available “seats” be limited. On these rare occasions, it will be possible for a film to “sell out” before the end of its run.

Can I watch from anywhere in the world?

Unfortunately, Virtual Cinema streaming will only work in the US or US territories (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands). Exceptions may apply.

I’m getting an error message that the film is not available in my country, but I’m in the US. What’s going on?

It may be that you’re using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which masks your IP address. Sometimes VPNs make it appear as though you are in another country. All of our films are geo-blocked so that they are only available to IP addresses in the US, so you’ll need to turn off or modify your VPN before proceeding.

How do I enable closed-captioning on a film?

You can enable closed-captioning or descriptive sound by clicking on the “CC” button in the lower-right corner of the player and enabling captions.

System requirements and troubleshooting

What devices can I watch on?

You can watch on PCs (Windows 7 and up), Intel-based Macs (MacOS 10.12 and up). You can also watch on your browser on Android tablets and phones, iPhone, and iPad. You will need a broadband or fiber Internet connection; dial-up will not work. You’ll find a complete list of requirements below.

What are the requirements for Windows?

Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10. You can use Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, or Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser, as earlier versions may not be supported. Internet Explorer on Windows 7 is no longer supported. You will need a broadband or fiber Internet connection; dial-up will not work.

What are the requirements for Mac?

MacOS 10.12 or later. You can use Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser as earlier versions may not be supported. You will need a broadband or fiber Internet connection; dial-up will not work.

Can I watch on my tablet or smartphone?

Yes, you can watch using a browser on Android tablets and phones, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

I can’t stream any of the content. What’s going on?

Check the minimum system requirements above. We recommend that you update to the latest version of your browser. We use adaptive bitrate streaming, which means the streaming quality will automatically adjust based on your Internet speed. For high-definition (HD) streaming we recommend VDSL, cable, or fiber connections, as we cannot guarantee consistent HD streaming on ADSL.

I’m getting a black screen when I try to play my rental. What can I do?

Please ensure your system meets the minimum requirements. As an anti-piracy initiative, our Virtual Cinema platform will not work if you have a video sharing program open. Please make sure you have completely closed down all applications that have the ability to record your screen. This includes, but is not limited to, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Facetime, or any other screen-recording programs.

Why does video playback stall or not play smoothly?

If your Internet connection is poor or inconsistent you may experience problems during playback.

Can I use Chromecast?

Yes, you can Chromecast from a Chrome browser.

How can I watch on my TV?

You can use Chromecast to watch on a Chromecast-enabled TV or with a Chromecast dongle, or use AirPlay to watch on an AirPlay-enabled TV or through Apple TV. You can also connect an HDMI cable from your laptop/desktop to TV. If AirPlaying via Mac, we strongly recommend using Safari. Roku and FireStick are not supported. Chromebook is not supported as the appropriate DRM support is not available.