“Gotti”Vertical Entertainment/MoviePass Ventures
Between frustrated customers, shady connections, a lack of cash, and collapsing stock, it has not been a good week for MoviePass.
MoviePass, a movie-theater subscription service that lets users pay a monthly fee to see a movie per day in theaters (with some exceptions), rapidly grew in popularity when it lowered its monthly price to $9.95 last year. It seemed too good to be true, and now customers are finding that maybe it was.
Many subscribers regularly voice their frustration with the service, whether because of the lackluster customer service or new features like surge (“peak”) pricing, in which MoviePass charges an additional fee for popular showtimes or films.
All of these factors might lead some subscribers to seek out movie-theater subscription alternatives to MoviePass.
Below are four alternatives to consider:
AMC Stubs A-List
AMC Theatres, the largest theater chain in the world, launched a new tier to its loyalty program in June called AMC Stubs A-List.
The new plan costs $19.95 a month, but includes many features that MoviePass does not, such as being able to buy a ticket in advance; premium tickets (IMAX, 3D); being able to see the same movie more than once; and concession perks like free refills on popcorn.
The biggest differences from MoviePass is that you can only see three films a week, whereas MoviePass allows you to see one movie a day. And you can use MoviePass in any theater that accepts it, whereas you can only use AMC Stubs A-List at AMC Theatres.
For more information, visit the AMC website.
Sinemia
Since AMC Stubs only works at AMC Theatres, Sinemia may be MoviePass’ biggest competitor, even though it has gone under the radar compared to MoviePass.
Sinemia is currently offering a “summer sale” in which interested users can start their subscription at $3.99 a month for one ticket a month, or $6.99 a month for two tickets a month.
Right now, its “Elite” plan includes three tickets per month for $13.99, and that includes premium tickets.
Sinemia also offers family plans, an advance ticket option, and a cardless feature — all features that MoviePass currently does not offer.
For more information visit the Sinemia website.
Cinemark Movie Club
Like AMC Stubs, Cinemark Movie Club only works at a specific chain, this time Cinemark Theatres.
The $8.99 a month membership gets the customer one 2D ticket a month, 20% off concessions, and eliminates online fees when purchasing a ticket.
The “credit” also rolls over into the next month, which AMC does not offer. So, if you don’t see a movie one month, the next month you could use your subscription to see two films. Unused credits don’t expire for members.
For more information, visit the Cinemark website.
Alamo Season Pass
Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas is currently testing its own subscription service. The first invites for people to test the beta were sent earlier this month in Yonkers, NY, and people can currently sign up on the waitlist.
The pass would allow members to see unlimited films at Alamo Drafthouse theaters for a monthly fee, but the company has not revealed the price yet.
The service would also allow users to purchase multiple tickets on the app without standing in line at the box office.
For more information, visit the Alamo website.
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