Pic-Waves

MoviePass claims to make movie-going accessible to everyone through its subscription service, promising significant savings. As a current subscriber paying $30 for 113 credits per month, they suggest I’m saving an average of 30% on movies. But do the numbers truly add up? Let’s dive into the math and see if MoviePass deserves a standing ovation or a thumbs down.

Ticket Prices in My Area:

• Before 2 PM: $7.75
• Before 5 PM: $8.50
• Normal Rate: $11.25

The Credit Conundrum

MoviePass inflates the credits required for weekend showings. Based on my observations, here’s a look at the numbers:

• Standard Weekend Rate: 29 credits per movie
• Monthly Allotment: 113 credits
• Movies Per Month at Weekend Rate: 113 / 29 ≈ 3.89 movies

Cost without MoviePass:
3.89 movies x $11.25 (normal rate) = $43.76

Cost with MoviePass:
$30

Advertised Savings:
$43.76 – $30 = $13.76 (Approximately 30%)

The Matinee Myth

Now, here’s where things get interesting. If I watch a movie before 2 PM on the weekends, MoviePass only pays $7.75 per ticket, but sometimes the credits required are still 29.

Matinee Cost without MoviePass:
3.89 movies x $7.75 = $30.19

Cost with MoviePass:
$30

Actual Savings:
$30.19 – $30 = $0.19

Clearly, this is far from the advertised 30% savings.

The Varying Credit Values

Usually for matinee, the credits required seem closer to 25 per movie, offering a slightly better deal:

Movies Per Month at 25 Credits:
113 / 25 ≈ 4.52 movies

Cost without MoviePass (Normal Rate):
4.52 movies x $7.75 = $35.03

Cost with MoviePass:
$30

Actual Savings:
$35.03 – $30 = $5.03

This translates to a savings of around 15%, which is more impressive but not consistent.

When the coveted 19 credit movies are found:

Movies Per Month at 19 Credits:
113 / 19 ≈ 5.95 movies

Cost without MoviePass (Normal Rate):
5.95 movies x $7.75 = $46.09

Cost with MoviePass:
$30

Actual Savings:
$46.09 – $30 = $16.09 (close to 35%)

Practical Considerations

While MoviePass might seem like a great deal under optimal conditions, there are practical challenges:

• Card Failures: Occasional issues with the MoviePass card.
• App Glitches: Troubles with the app can disrupt plans.
• Purchasing Snacks: Requires separate transactions, which can be inconvenient.
• Regulation: MoviePass cannot verify the movie you’re watching, so watching a different, cheaper credit movie than the one you selected technically violates their agreement.

The Verdict: Is MoviePass Worth It?

Ultimately, the value of MoviePass depends on your movie-watching habits and local theater costs. If you frequently attend matinees or find higher credit movies, the savings might be minimal. However, if you often watch prime-time showings and manage to snag those rare low-credit deals, the savings can be significant. Bonus, it works with most theaters.

For those who face regular issues with the card or app, or who prefer a more straightforward experience, AMC and Regal offer their own subscription services, which may provide more consistent savings and convenience.

So, before you roll the credits on MoviePass, consider your personal viewing habits and weigh the cost against the potential inconveniences. Do the math and decide if this subscription service truly deserves a place in your movie-going repertoire. If you use MoviePass, tell me how your experience has been.