In my nearly four years of college, one of the greatest lessons I have learned did not occur inside the classroom, but instead in the reclining chairs of an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. I have always considered myself a certified movie buff, usually seeing a movie once a week and conveniently going on Tuesdays for the half-priced tickets. So, when I learned I could see unlimited movies for just $20 a month, I was overjoyed. I began seeing about three movies a week, averaging about 12 movies a month at my local theater. I believe that committing to my movie theater subscription was one of my greatest investments. Which is why I am writing to tell you four reasons why you should also get a movie theater subscription.
- The Savings
Let me nerd out for a minute here and tell you about the monetary value of investing in a subscription. For the purpose of an example, I will be using the prices at my local AMC Theaters. I know that Regal, Cinemark, Alamo Drafthouse and many other theaters also offer subscription services in the same price range. At my local AMC Theaters, an adult ticket costs $13.49. With fees and taxes included, your total cost ends up being approximately $17. This is just for the ticket alone; the cost of concessions is a whole different story.
An AMC Stubs A-List membership runs for $19.99. The cost of the monthly membership is less than a $5 difference from that of a regular theater ticket. With the AMC A-List membership, you can see up to four movies a week. If you were to see four movies a week, which is about 16 movies total for the month, this would mean each movie would cost you less than $2. Four movies a week is obviously a lot, but just by seeing two movies a month with your subscription, you would be saving about $14. Seriously, how can you beat that?
- The Experience
With a movie theater subscription, I have found myself going to the theaters to see movies that I would have never seen otherwise. A recent example of this was the new “Resident Evil” movie. I knew absolutely nothing about the video game the movie is based on. I honestly did not even know it was a zombie movie until it started, but I had so much fun watching.
I think a movie theater subscription is worth it because it allows you to break outside the bubble of what you would usually watch. You have already paid the money, so what is the harm in seeing something new? You could be very pleasantly surprised, or you could hate it, but either way you are in for an experience. My subscription has introduced me to so many new directors, actors and even films from different countries that have ended up on my end-of-the-year list of favorites.
- The Exclusives
With a movie theater subscription pass, there are perks beyond the financial savings. Some subscriptions offer discounts on concessions, rewards, birthday gifts, exclusive merchandise and even advanced screenings. With my subscription, I was able to see an exclusive screening of the new Robert Pattinson film “Primetime” before it was released to the public. Some theaters also host exclusive events for their subscription holders, including watch parties and moderated question-and-answer sessions with people behind the films. With a subscription, you build a relationship with your local theater and it does have its perks.
- The Escape
I am pretty sure I am not the only one who loves going to the movies just for the escape it provides from everyday life. I feel I can escape into the movie for a little while, and with my subscription, I can take a much-needed break a couple of times a week.
The only thing better than seeing a movie alone is seeing a movie with a friend. My close friends also hold subscription passes, so our idea of a perfect Friday night includes an escape to the movies. As college students, it is so important to take breaks and prioritize your well-being.
For me, and I imagine many others, going to the movie theater is an avenue of escape and self-care. You can turn your brain off for a few hours and just enjoy what is on the screen in front of you. You deserve a break, and a trip to the movie theater is a perfect way to get that.
I have spoken my truth, and I hope you have been influenced enough to consider a movie theater subscription, because it truly is life-changing in the best way possible. Take it from me, who basically lives at my local movie theater.