What’s the last movie you watched in theaters? via Shutterstock
This is a post by staff writer Yazmin Cruz.
The last movie I watched in the theater was The Help, from August of last year. So when I recently read a Time Moneyland story about MoviePass’ all-you-can-watch movie plan, I was intrigued. Could this pass be my ticket (literally) to watching movies in theaters without spending a lot of money?
Now there are ways to save money on movie tickets, but it usually entails waiting till everyone else has seen the movie. Plus, watching a new movie in an excited crowd can be so much fun. Oh, the struggles of a penny-pincher!
So is MoviePass a good deal?
It all depends on your movie watching habits, but here are some things to consider:
- MoviePass costs $25 to $40 per month, depending on where you live.
- The pass allows members to see one 2D movie daily at any movie theater that accepts credit cards (as you’ll have to use the MoviePass debit card along with a smartphone).
- Pass subscribers must have an iPhone to reserve and pay for their seats via the MoviePass app. An Android app is in the works.
- You can only watch movies once. So if you want to watch a movie for a second time, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
- Right now IMAX and 3D showings are not part of the system, and MoviePass also doesn’t work for advance tickets, so you can’t use it to get midnight showing tickets ahead of time.
- Although the pass is now available nationwide, you must request an invite.
- The pass can help you save money at the movie theaters by scoring you discounts on concession stand food, candy, and drinks.
- No word on whether you have to subscribe for an entire year, or whether you can pick a month or two to subscribe. Fall movie season, anyone?
If you have to join for an entire year, the cost would be $300 to $480. Ouch! If you instead paid a la carte for your movies – $12 per ticket – that’s how expensive they’re in LA – you’d have to watch more than 3 movies per month or 36 movies per year to break even. Are there even that many movies worth viewing throughout the year?
However, if you’re a movie addict, then this may be a cheaper alternative. As for me, I’ll stick to Hulu and renting movies from Redbox and the library. Would you buy a MoviePass to watch unlimited movies in theaters?
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
If you sign up at Redbox’s website, they send free codes, 1/2 off weekend codes and a birthday freebie throughout the year.
@fran I’m aware. “The Help” is the last movie I watched in theaters, but I have seen others (months after they have been released).
I get all my freebies on my iPhone. I signed up for Redbox via text message.
I wait for most to come to the dollar theatre here (its $2.50) and if they don’t come they are rented. So the year long pass wouldn’t work for me. Beside, some months there are no titles I particularly want to see, even for $2.50.
The problem I find with unlimited movie passes is that a lot of the times, you can’t use them to watch the really popular movies e.g. The Dark Knight Rises.
@Tony You can with this pass, but you won’t be able to get advanced tickets for premiere night.