You may remember reading headlines about MoviePass back in 2017, when it introduced the revolutionary concept of monthly movie theater subscriptions. Though MoviePass struggled to sustain its $10/month model and finally went under in September 2019, a few other programs have emerged in its wake to offer avid movie-goers a better way to save money.
The following three movie ticket subscription programs make it easier and more affordable to hit the movie theater each weekend. Of course, they also toss in added perks to earn your loyalty and keep you coming back for more.
AMC Stubs A-List
At its core, AMC Stubs is a standard points-for-dollars system that awards 20 points for every $1 you spend at an AMC theater. If you upgrade to become a Premiere or A-List member, you earn 100 points for every $1 instead. Every 5,000 points can be converted to $5. Becoming an AMC
Stubs member definitely has its other perks:
- Refill a large popcorn free at every visit
- Save on tickets every Tuesday
- Free gift on your birthday
The AMC Stubs A-List plan takes it a step further by offering a monthly subscription. It averages just $19.95 a month for access to up to three movies per week. Aside from excluding special shows like Fathom Events, you can use your A-List plan to see any movie you want without restrictions. Even 3D, IMAX, and Dolby showings are included without any upcharge for the “premium” experience!
This means that your $20 monthly fee gives you access to as many as 156 movies every year – with no strings attached. As long as you see at least two movies a month, you’ll get your money’s worth.
Regal Unlimited
Regal Unlimited uses a tiered system to offer what MoviePass first attempted: an unlimited movie pass system. Every tier allows you to watch as many movies as you want, as many times as you want, whenever you want. The only difference exists in the number of theaters you have access to use.
- Regal Unlimited: Pay $18/month + tax to watch unlimited movies at more than 200 Regal theaters nationwide.
- Regal Unlimited Plus: Pay $21/month + tax to watch unlimited movies at more than 400 Regal theaters nationwide.
- Regal Unlimited All Access: Pay $23.50/month + tax for access to all 550+ Regal theaters across the country.
Unlike the AMC A-List subscription, Regal does assess a surcharge for 4DX, IMAX, 3D, and other premium experiences. If you want to see a movie at a theater that’s not included in your plan, you can expect a surcharge up to $3 per ticket.
In return, Regal offers the following perks to keep its members happy:
- 10% off all food and non-alcoholic drink purchases in theaters
- No blackout dates
- Free large popcorn and drink on your birthday
It’s important to note that Regal doesn’t allow month-to-month membership. According to its FAQs, “Each subscription has an initial, non-cancelable term of one year.” You can pay monthly or annually, but you’re on the hook to pay the full annual amount either way.
Cinemark Movie Club
If you don’t have an AMC or Regal theater near you, the Cinemark Movie Club is a great option instead. It takes a different approach to the movie pass subscription by charging a lower fee – usually around $8 or $9 per month – for one credit each month.
Each credit gives you access to one 2D adult ticket that can be redeemed for any movie at any time. If you don’t use your credit during a month, it rolls over and never expires. Simply redeem your credit online or in theaters to get your ticket.
As an added bonus, you also snag 20% off all concession purchases, which can save a pretty penny. While this program offers flexibility to cancel anytime or redeem credits in the future, it provides only 12 total tickets a year.
Even in the age of Netflix and Hulu, it’s still exciting to watch a movie in theaters. AMC, Regal, and Cinemark each offer their own programs to make a weekend trip to the movie theater as easy and affordable as possible.
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