How Many Films Do You Need to Watch for a Theater Subscription to Pay Off?
For many, summer is associated with outdoor adventures. Long walks in the woods, morning runs on the beach, and picnics in the park are just some of the activities I won’t be participating in over the next few months. This is because, to me, a season is synonymous with one thing: summer blockbusters.
And what a blockbuster season it’s shaping up to be. Over the next few months, we’ll be adorned with some real thugs. I’m talking about the next chapter in the Jurassic Park franchise, a new part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and even a hell of an origin story for the one and only Buzz Lightyear .
Unfortunately, the cost of those trips to the cinema to watch these blockbusters can quickly add up and you won’t make any money. Fortunately, we are living in the golden age of subscription cinemas. Obviously, nothing can ever match MoviePass (RIP) , but from the ashes a phoenix is rising in the form of several other viable cinema subscription options.
Let’s take a look at the subscription services offered by some of the largest movie theater chains in the United States and see how many films you need to watch to make their services financially worthwhile.
AMC Stubs A-List
Price: Starting at $19.95 per month.
What’s included: Ticket to three films per week (including IMAX® and Dolby Cinema screenings).
Keep in mind that although they start at $19.95, this is just the first tier of a three-tier system. This tier includes access to your plan in 34 states only. If you want to be able to use your membership in all fifty states, you’ll have to set aside $23.95 per month.
Conclusion: The fact that your AMC Stubs A-List membership also extends to IMAX and Dolby Cinema screenings is indeed a clutch. Under the right circumstances, your AMC Stubs A-List membership can pay off in a month after watching just one movie. If you watch two movies a month, it’s worth it. Just deal with the fact that you’re going to see Nicole Kidman a LOT.
Royal Unlimited
Price: from $18 per month.
What’s included: Ticket to unlimited 2D movies, plus 10% off all food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Keep in mind: just like the AMC Stubs A-List, it includes a three-tier system. To have access to all Regal Cinemas across the country, you’ll have to shell out $23.50 per month. Also, this service does not include IMAX screenings. Be prepared to pay extra if you want to enjoy entertainment beyond the standard two dimensions.
Conclusion: What’s great about the Regal Unlimited plan is that it has no blackout dates or time limits. The plans are not to see you only at matinees. Depending on the cost of living in your state, this plan will pay off after two or three movies a month.
Season Pass at the Alamo Drafthouse
Price: Starting at $19.99 per month.
What’s included: Ticket for one 2D movie per day.
Keep in mind, this plan can technically start at $16.99 per month, but that’s only if you only plan to visit their El Paso and Lubbock, Texas offices. For $19.99 a month you get access to most cities, and for $29.99 you get access to all theaters nationwide. You’ll also have to pay $1.99 to watch the movie in 3D, 70mm, or Dolby. There is also a $1 fee for each ticket you purchase.
Conclusion: Watching two months a month will cover the cost of your Alamo Drafthouse season pass – just note that all Alamo Drafthouses are cinemas to dine in, so it’s tempting to spend the extra cash on food and drink, so you’ll need some discipline. to make this plan really worth the money. When you factor in the hidden fees, it’s hard to justify the Alamo Drafthouse season pass compared to what AMC and Regal offer.
Cinemark Cinema Club
Price: Starting at $9.99 per month.
What’s included: One 2D movie ticket per month plus 20% off.
Mind you: good news? Your unused tickets are carried over from month to month. But your subscription only includes one ticket per month. You can purchase additional tickets at the member price and cancel your subscription at any time.
Conclusion: I believe this subscription is worth the price the moment you cash in your one ticket. A 20% discount on concessions is good, although in the end it’s still a losing proposition compared to completely refusing to buy concessions . For the average moviegoer, this plan makes sense, but if you find yourself going to the theater more than once a month, there are better options.
Theaters by Marcus MOVIEFLEX
Price: Starting at $9.99 per month.
What’s included: Ticket for one 2D movie per month plus 10% discount.
Keep in mind: they also offer a more expensive subscription called MOVIEFLEX+, which also gives you free access to movies on Tuesdays. It starts at $14.99.
Conclusion: MOVIEFLEX by itself is a great deal, nothing outright, but MOVIEFLEX+ can be a steal if you have the flexibility on a Tuesday. This is a great option for the casual movie buff who occasionally watches a few movies a month.