MoneyConsumerDon't Waste Your Money

Actions

MoviePass $9 unlimited movies: What's the catch?

Pros and Cons or Netflix-for theaters
Posted
and last updated

Movie theaters are losing millions of customers to Netflix, Amazon Prime and other streaming services.

So they're fighting back with monthly subscription plans likeMoviePass, a sort of Netflix in the theater. But is MoviePass worth considering?

For just $9 a month, you can see a first run movie every day, even movies like the Star Wars' The Last Jedi as soon as they are released.

Pros of MoviePass:

  • Cheap movies. If you see one movie a week, that's just over 2 bucks per movie, a big savings. If you are a real movie lover, who goes several times a week, you can see first run movies for just pennies.
  • Easy to break even. Go to just one movie per month,and  you still break even.
  • Wide acceptance:  Moviepass is now accepted at 90% of theater chains, including AMC, Regal, and Cinemark  (though Cinemark has its own similar version, calledMovie Club).
  • No blackout dates.

Cons of Moviepass:

The pass does have some downsides, especially if you like to reserve your seats ahead of time, or buy 3 or 4 seats at once to a showing. Downsides include:

  • No advance purchase: This is the biggest downside. You can't use the app and buy your ticket until you are at your local theater, Which means you can't buy advance seats to a sold out movie.
  • Risk of sold out movies: If you get to the theater and Last Jedi is sold out, you are out of luck.
  • No 3D or IMAX movies: If you like 3D, you're out of luck: MoviePass is for only 2D movies right now.
  • Better for singles than couples: MoviePass is designed for one person to buy one ticket. Couples will want the pass on both phones. And forget about trying to buy a group of tickets for a birthday party.

Read more details pros and cons inthis piece on Variety.com.

Analysts say Movie Pass will have to raise prices at some point, because if too many people join it will become a money losing proposition for studios and theaters.  

But until they do its a great deal for movie lovers, so you don't waste your money.

CLICK HERE to watch the YouTube video of this report.

___________________

“Don't Waste Your Money” is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. (“Scripps”).

"Like" John Matarese on Facebook

Follow John on Twitter (@JohnMatarese)

Sign up for John's free newsletter byclicking here

For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com

Click here for more WCPO.com consumer reports

Contact John at jmatarese@wcpo.com

Don't Waste Your Money promo

Your source for deals, product reviews and consumer news.

Have a problem?
Send us an email, at jmatarese@wcpo.com or Taylor.Nimmo@wcpo.com or message John on Facebook and Taylor on Facebook.