3 Movie Subscription Services To Explore Now
For nearly six years, MoviePass flew under the radar as a brilliantly simple way to see as many movies as possible without having to break the bank. In 2017, the company went all in on a strategy of offering a $9.99 plan for 30 movies in 30 days, resulting in more customers than they could handle, a months-long wait for those coveted red cards, and a bright spot of hope for the struggling theater industry.
But, like Icarus, MoviePass flew a little too close to the sun. Sure, it had hundreds of thousands of users and was fundamentally changing the way people approached going to the movies, but it was losing money—lots of it. The company resorted to increasingly desperate tactics like limiting the number of movies available on the platform and peak pricing, leaving customers wondering if the payoff is worth the effort.
It’s clear there’s a market for movie subscription services, and several companies have jumped into the fray. Here are three others to check out:
If Moviepass was an all-you-can-see buffet of moviegoing goodness, Sinemia is more of an a la carte menu. There are several Classic plans to choose from, ranging from $12.99 for three movies a month to $27.00 for 30 movies in 30 days, all of which include advance ticketing and your choice of theater. Elite plans offer the same lineup of ticket and theater options as the Classic, but with the added option of IMAX and 3-D screenings. One of the best features of the country-wide service is that it’s card-free. It’s a great option for those who live in major cities, where ticket prices are usually the most costly, and for film buffs who want to stay up to date on new releases and repertory screenings.
If AMC is your preferred movie theatre chain (or simply the most convenient), then Stubs A-List is for you. For $19.95 a month (with a minimum 3-month commitment) you get three movies a week with virtually no restrictions or blackout dates. You can see multiple movies in one day and even see the same movie more than once, since the benefits reset on Fridays (which maximizes your opportunities to see the newest releases). IMAX, Dolby Cinema, Real 3D, and other premium screenings are supported as well, and members enjoy added perks like 10 percent back on food and drink purchases, concession upgrades, and Priority lanes at the box office.
Launched in late 2017, Movie Club is to the Cinemark theater chain what Stubs A-List is to AMC—an in-house ticket subscription with plenty of perks. But whereas A-List is targeted toward frequent filmgoers, Movie Club is an ideal option for the more casual movie fan; $8.99 a month nets you one regular 2-D ticket with the option to purchase additional tickets for the same low price. Unused credits roll over each month, which can come in handy during summer blockbuster or awards season, and subscribers also receive a 20 percent discount on food and beverages. It’s also easy to see movies at the last minute with no-fee online seat reservations and ticket purchasing.
All of these services make it easier (and cheaper!) to go to the movies than ever before, so take the time to find the one that works best for you.
