I like watching TV on my couch as much as the next guy, but sometimes you just need that classic theater experience. Movies can be transformative, helping us understand and connect to ourselves and the world in ways that other forms of entertainment can’t. Movies allow us to cry together, fight together, love together - and MoviePass paves the way.
MoviePass is a service dedicated to bringing back the magic of the movie-going experience by offering simple flexible plans that adapt to your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re catching a film a month or filling every weekend with the latest releases, they’ve got something for everyone. I tried it, and these are my key takeaways.
The History of MoviePass
Way back in 2011, MoviePass promised unlimited movie-going to any movie theater for somewhere between $40-$50 a month. Not wildly expensive, but not super affordable either—especially in 2011. But, after a later acquisition, the price dropped to $9.95, which is absolutely insane.
As you might guess, this too-good-to-be-true model was, well, too good to be true. The service couldn’t keep up with the costs and closed in 2019.
But like any great movie hero, co-founder Stacy Spikes wasn't ready to give up just yet. In a classic Hollywood twist, he bought back MoviePass in 2021 and relaunched it in 2022 with a smarter, tiered pricing structure fit for any budget.
And unlike other subscription services that tie you to one theater chain, MoviePass lets you roam free—indie theaters, local multiplexes, and big chains are all fair game.
A Quick Guide to Using MoviePass
Getting started with MoviePass is as simple as ordering popcorn. Here’s how it works:
- Pick Your Plan – Choose from the Basic, Standard, or Pro plans depending on how often you hit the theater and your budget. Basic runs $10/month and gets you between 1-3 movies, Standard is $20 for 2-4 movies, and Pro is $30 for 3-5 movies. Confused? Don’t be. The credit system is a snap!
- Receive Your Credits – Each month, you get a set number of credits depending on your plan. The value of a movie showing depends on the day, time, and theater location. Going for a midweek matinee will save credits, while a blockbuster opening night uses a bigger chunk. Oh, and any unused credits get rolled over to the next month, so you can even hoard points for the latest Marvel movie.
- Reserve Your Ticket – Use the MoviePass app to check credit prices for specific showtimes at specific theaters, then reserve your spot.
- Unlock Your Card – Just unlock your MoviePass card and use it to buy a movie ticket online or in-person at over 4,000 theaters nationwide (That’s 95% of all theaters in the U.S.). Boom, you’re in, and it’s time for the lights to dim and trailers to roll. No hidden fees, no restrictions, just pure cinematic inspiration.
Why I’m All In On MoviePass
The sheer value, convenience, and flexibility of MoviePass makes it a no-brainer. With the $20 Standard Plan, I can go out and see a few movies a month for a little more than the price of a single ticket. (Seriously, when did matinee tickets hit $15+?)
MoviePass also gives me the flexibility and freedom to enjoy movies my way—I can save my credits for the next big blockbuster or go on a spontaneous movie date with my girlfriend. Oh, and did I mention there are no blackout dates? That means I can snag opening night tickets without a problem.
Final Takeaway
At the end of the day, MoviePass is one of the few subscription services worth every penny. With no blackout dates, the freedom to choose any theater, and the ability to cancel anytime, it’s made movie-going part of my regular routine instead of an occasional splurge. It’s simple, affordable, and flexible—everything I could want from a subscription.
So, why not join me and countless others in rediscovering the joy of cinema with MoviePass? After all, life’s better when you’re watching it on the big screen. So grab your popcorn, choose your plan, and let’s go to the movies!
