MoviePass Returns with New Subscription Plans, But Is It Still Worth It?

MoviePass has made a much-anticipated comeback with the launch of a new subscription service in the United States. After a limited beta release in September 2022, the popular movie-ticket subscription service is now back, offering movie enthusiasts an opportunity to watch films in theaters without the hassle of purchasing individual tickets. The new service features a revamped pricing structure, offering four tiers with varying benefits and credit allowances.

Under the new system, subscribers pay a monthly fee to access a specific number of movie viewings through a credit-based system. The Basic tier, priced at $10 per month, provides 34 credits, allowing users to watch approximately one to three movies monthly. The Standard Plan, available for $20 per month, offers 72 credits, enabling subscribers to enjoy between three to seven movies each month. The Premium tier, priced at $30 per month, grants 113 credits for five to eleven films. Finally, the Pro plan, which costs $40 per month, provides an impressive 640 credits, allowing moviegoers to watch up to 30 films within a 30-day period. The Pro plan can be seen as a spiritual successor to the previous version of MoviePass, which faced significant challenges.

 

 

According to a MoviePass representative, the cost of each movie in terms of credits is determined by factors such as the day of the week and the time of viewing. However, specific details regarding the credit allocation for different movie showtimes were not disclosed. A recent report from TechCrunch suggests that Tuesdays tend to be the least expensive, while opening weekends are among the pricier options. Unused credits can be carried over to the following month, with a maximum accumulation of two months’ worth of unused credits allowed per account, as stated by MoviePass CEO Stacy Spikes in an interview with TechCrunch.

It is important to note that prices for the subscription plans differ for users residing in Southern California and the New York metropolitan area. In these regions, the Basic tier costs $20, the Standard plan is priced at $30, the Premium tier is available for $40, and the Pro plan is offered at $60. Despite the higher prices, subscribers in these areas receive approximately double the number of credits compared to the general users. For example, the Standard plan provides 140 credits instead of 72 in Los Angeles.

MoviePass states that the introduction of this credit-based system allows members to select the plan that best suits their viewing habits and budget, catering to both casual moviegoers and avid film enthusiasts alike. While the subscription does not currently include 3D movies, MoviePass has plans to include “large format and premium screens” in the near future, possibly including IMAX screens. The service is supported by a vast network of over 4,000 theaters across the country, ensuring widespread accessibility for subscribers. Interested individuals can find a comprehensive list of participating theaters on the official MoviePass website.

The new subscription service is now open, just in time for the Memorial Day holiday. This timing presents an intriguing opportunity for MoviePass to gauge the response and success of its revamped offering. As the summer season kicks off and moviegoers flock to theaters, MoviePass will have a chance to demonstrate its value and regain the trust and support of movie enthusiasts across the nation.