With rising ticket prices and a packed release calendar, many moviegoers are turning to theater subscription services to save money and watch more. AMC, Regal, and Cinemark all offer monthly memberships with perks like free tickets, discount pricing, and priority access. But are these subscriptions actually worth it?
Here’s a breakdown of the top movie subscription programs—and whether AMC Stubs A-List delivers the best value for frequent film fans.
AMC Stubs A-List
AMC Stubs A-List is AMC’s top-tier subscription. For a monthly fee (starting at $19.95 and varying by region), members can see up to 3 movies per week in any format, including IMAX, Dolby Cinema, RealD 3D, and reserved recliners.
Key Benefits:
- Up to 12 movies per month with no blackout dates
- Priority seat selection and online booking with waived fees
- 10% back on food and drink purchases
- Free large popcorn refills
- AMC Stubs Premiere benefits included
If you watch two or more movies per month, especially in premium formats, A-List can easily pay for itself.
Cinemark Movie Club
Cinemark Movie Club is one of the most affordable options at $9.99/month. It includes:
- One 2D ticket per month (unused tickets roll over)
- 20% off concessions
- Discounted companion tickets
- Waived online fees
Cinemark’s program is ideal for casual viewers who see 1–2 movies per month and still want perks without paying for a high-tier plan.
Regal Unlimited
Regal Unlimited offers unlimited movies for a flat monthly rate starting at $18/month (price depends on your region).
Features include:
- Watch as many movies as you want per month
- Access to all standard and premium formats
- 10% off concessions
- Free large popcorn refill
- Ability to reserve seats and skip lines
Members must pay a small convenience fee for each ticket booked online, but this can be waived when using free tickets earned through Regal Crown Club points.
Which Is Best?
Here’s a quick comparison by user type:
- Frequent Moviegoers (2+ per week): AMC Stubs A-List or Regal Unlimited
- Casual Moviegoers (1/month): Cinemark Movie Club
- Premium Format Fans: AMC Stubs A-List
- Budget-Conscious Viewers: Cinemark Movie Club offers consistent monthly value
- Access to Many Locations Nationwide: Regal Unlimited has broad geographic coverage
Other Things to Consider
- Booking fees: AMC and Cinemark waive fees for subscribers; Regal charges unless covered by rewards
- Gift cards & cashback: You can pay for some subscription plans using a gift card. For example, if you get rewards with an AMC gift card or earn cashback with a Regal gift card through Fluz, you may be able to apply it toward your monthly plan or concession purchases.
- Food discounts: All three programs offer snack and drink perks, but AMC and Cinemark provide the most consistent food-related savings
Final Verdict
If you’re committed to seeing multiple movies a month and value premium formats, AMC Stubs A-List delivers top-tier benefits. Casual viewers may prefer the affordability and rollover perks of Cinemark’s plan. Ultimately, the best subscription depends on how often you go, which chain is most convenient, and how much flexibility you want.
