5 Best Theater Subscriptions, Ranked

The average cost of a movie ticket in the US now hovers around $16, with prices in big cities like New York or Los Angeles easily double that for regular time shows.

If you see more than two movies a month, paying a la carte is probably too expensive.

Theater chains have turned strongly to subscription models to stabilize their revenue. For you, this means the gym membership model has arrived at the cinema: Pay a low monthly fee and watch as much as you want.

But like gyms, the price depends entirely on how often you show up – and whether you read the fine print about premium formats and easy payments.

Here are five of the best movie theater subscriptions available, categorized by viewing style.

1. AMC Stubs A-List: Perfect for premium formats

If you refuse to see a blockbuster in anything less than IMAX or Dolby Cinema, this is a statistically superior choice. AMC Stubs A-List costs between $19.95 and $24.95 per month, depending on your status.

The main advantage here is the inclusion of premium formats. While other chains charge an extra $5 or more for IMAX, 3D, or Dolby screening, A-List includes them in the base price. You can see up to three movies every week.

• Statistics: Seeing one IMAX movie per month in a major city usually covers 80% to 100% of the subscription cost.
• Catch: There’s a three-month minimum commitment, so you can’t sign up for one month of a summer blockbuster and cancel right away.

2. Regal Unlimited: Perfect for volume viewers

For the viewer who goes to the movies just to be at the movies, Regal Unlimited offers the highest volume: none. You can watch as many 2D movies as you want, at any time, with no blackout dates.

Pricing is tiered based on theater location, typically from $18.99 to $23.99 per month. However, Regal is strict about charging. You’ll pay extra for premium formats like ScreenX, IMAX or RPX.

• Hidden costs: You must pay a reduced convenience fee (usually $0.50) for all tickets booked through the app. You can avoid this by booking in-store in person, but you run the risk of selling out.
• Advantage: Members receive a full 10% discount on all concessions, which adds up quickly when you buy popcorn each time you visit.

3. Cinemark Movie Club: Perfect for casual viewers

If you go to the theater once a month, unlimited shows are a waste of money. Cinemark Movie Club takes a different approach. For about $12 a month, you get one 2D ticket credit.

Importantly, this debt expires. If you skip January and February, you will have three credits waiting for you in March. This eliminates the worry of use-it-or-lose-it attachments to other subscriptions.

• Advantage: You get a 20% discount on clearance and waived fees for online bookings.
• Flexibility: You can buy additional tickets for friends for the membership fee ($12), which is usually much less than the Friday night box office price.

4. Alamo Drafthouse Season Pass: Great for the experience

The Alamo Drafthouse caters to diners with strict no-talk policies. The Season Pass allows you to see one movie per day. Prices vary widely by market, usually from $20 to $30 per month.

Because the Alamo theaters are server-based (you order food at your seat), subscriptions combine well with their premium experience. However, there is a fee for each ticket (usually around $2.19) unless you upgrade to their higher level “Big Boat” or “Indoor” plans, which waive these fees.

• Warning: You can reserve seats up to seven days in advance, but if you don’t show up, they may charge a penalty to block the reserve seats.

5. MoviePass: Great for the theater variety

After a tumultuous few years, MoviePass has settled down with a credit-based system. Plans range from $10 to $40 per month. You get a bank of credits to “spend” at the movies.

The cost of movie credits varies according to demand and time of day. A Tuesday meeting would be worth 10 credits, while a Friday night premiere would be worth 30.

• Benefit: It is chain-agnostic. You can see an indie film at a local art theater one week and a Marvel movie with a major franchise the next.
• Rollover: You can roll over unused credits for up to two months, giving some flexibility if you’re traveling or have a busy month.

Calculate your break-even point

Before signing up, do some 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 quickly. If you rate one movie or less, Cinemark is a safe bet to avoid wasting money on unused access. For those looking to support local independent theaters, MoviePass remains the only viable subscription option.