The average cost of a movie ticket in the U.S. now hovers around $16, with prices in major cities like New York or Los Angeles easily double that for prime-time showings.
If you see more than two movies a month, paying a la carte is likely costing you unnecessary money.
Theater chains have aggressively pivoted to subscription models to stabilize their revenue. For you, this means the gym membership model has come to the cinema: Pay a flat monthly fee and watch as much as you want.
But like gyms, the value depends entirely on how often you actually show up — and whether you read the fine print regarding premium formats and convenience fees.
Here are five of the best movie theater subscriptions available, categorized by how you watch.
1. AMC Stubs A-List: Best for premium formats
If you refuse to see a blockbuster in anything less than IMAX or Dolby Cinema, this is the mathematically superior choice. AMC Stubs A-List costs between $19.95 and $24.95 per month, depending on your state.
The primary advantage here is the inclusion of premium formats. While other chains have surcharges of $5 or more for IMAX, 3D, or Dolby screenings, A-List includes them in the base price. You can see up to three movies every week.
- The math: Seeing just one IMAX movie a month in a major city often covers 80% to 100% of the subscription cost.
- The catch: There is a three-month minimum commitment, so you cannot sign up for one summer blockbuster month and immediately cancel.
2. Regal Unlimited: Best for volume viewers
For the viewer who goes to the movies simply to be at the movies, Regal Unlimited offers the highest volume cap: There isn’t one. You can watch as many standard 2D movies as you want, any time, with no blackout dates.
Pricing is tiered based on theater location, generally ranging from $18.99 to $23.99 per month. However, Regal is stricter about upcharges. You will pay extra for premium formats like ScreenX, IMAX or RPX.
- The hidden cost: You must pay a reduced convenience fee (usually $0.50) for every ticket booked through the app. You can avoid this by booking at the kiosk in person, but you risk the show selling out.
- The perk: Members get a flat 10% discount on all concessions, which adds up quickly if you buy popcorn every visit.
3. Cinemark Movie Club: Best for casual viewers
If you only go to the theater once a month, unlimited plans are a waste of money. Cinemark Movie Club takes a different approach. For about $12 per month, you get one 2D ticket credit.
Crucially, this credit rolls over. If you skip January and February, you will have three credits waiting for you in March. This eliminates the use-it-or-lose-it anxiety attached to other subscriptions.
- The perk: You get 20% off concessions and waived online booking fees.
- The flexibility: You can buy additional tickets for friends at the member rate ($12), which is often significantly lower than the box office price on a Friday night.
4. Alamo Drafthouse Season Pass: Best for the experience
Alamo Drafthouse caters to viewers who want dinner and strict no-talking policies. The Season Pass allows you to see one movie per day. Prices vary significantly by market, typically ranging from $20 to $30 monthly.
Because Alamo theaters are server-based (you order food from your seat), the subscription integrates well with their high-end experience. However, there’s a convenience fee per ticket (often around $2.19) unless you upgrade to their higher-tier “Biggest Boat” or “All-In” plans, which waive these fees.
- The caution: You can book seats up to seven days in advance, but if you don’t show up, they may charge a penalty fee to discourage hoarding seats.
5. MoviePass: Best for theater variety
After a tumultuous few years, MoviePass has stabilized with a credit-based system. Plans range from $10 to $40 per month. You receive a bank of credits to “spend” on movies.
The cost of a movie in credits varies based on demand and time of day. A Tuesday matinee might cost 10 credits, while a Friday night premiere might cost 30.
- The advantage: It is chain-agnostic. You can see an indie film at a local art house theater one week and a Marvel movie at a massive chain the next.
- The rollover: You can roll over up to two months’ worth of unused credits, offering some flexibility if you travel or have a busy month.
Calculate your break-even point
Before signing up, do the back-of-the-envelope math on your viewing habits.
For example, if you average three movies a month, AMC or Regal will save you money immediately. If you average one movie or less, Cinemark is the safer bet to avoid wasting cash on unused access. For those who want to support local independent theaters, MoviePass remains the only viable subscription option.
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