Guess what, film lovers — MoviePass is back! After shutting down in 2019, MoviePass 2.0 is giving the once-popular movie theater subscription service a sequel.
Although you can’t expect to be able to watch 30 movies a month for just $10 like you used to, MoviePass is offering some new subscriptions, a bunch of new perks, and, fingers crossed, a stronger business model.
So what’s MoviePass 2.0 all about, and how can you sign up for the new beta app? We break it down:
What is MoviePass?
First launched in 2011, MoviePass was a subscription that charged $50/month for unlimited movies at cinema chains like AMC and Regal. Then in 2017, they dropped the price to only $9.95/month for one movie per day. That was 30 movies per month for under $10!
What happened to MoviePass?
The low monthly price sent new subscribers to MoviePass in record numbers, and subscribers grew from 400,000 to 3 million in under a year. But unlimited movies each month for less than the price of one cheap movie ticket didn’t make them a lot of money, and in 2019 MoviePass ultimately shut down after losing millions of dollars in profit.
But now they’re back and set for a Sept. 5, 2022 relaunch date.
How much is MoviePass 2.0?
Prices will vary depending on your area, but for the most part, MoviePass will have three price points: $10, $20, or $30. Each tier will have a different amount of credits — which you spend on movie tickets.
MoviePass hasn’t yet revealed how many credits each price level will get or how many credits it takes to buy a movie ticket, but we expect to hear more very soon.
TIP: We compared prices for other movie theater subscription services so you don’t have to.
How does MoviePass 2.0 work?
MoviePass has been pretty tight-lipped about how people will use the new service, but from what we can tell, subscribers will receive a set number of credits per month based on their membership tier.
Then they’ll use those credits to purchase movie tickets with a MoviePass-branded debit card — and the amount of credits each movie costs will vary based on the movie, the type of ticket, and the date and showtime.
According to Insider, it looks like we’ll be seeing a branded MoviePass debit card again. If it’s anything like 2019, here’s how the program will work:
- Receive a MasterCard MoviePass Debit Card five to seven days after registration.
- When you’re within 100 yards of your preferred theater, open the app, check in, and choose a movie and showtime.
- Your MoviePass debit card will get credited with the amount for the ticket.
- Go to the ticket counter or kiosk and use the MoviePass debit card to pay.
TIP: With the old MoviePass, you could book tickets days in advance, but you’d need to still be within 100 yards from the theater to check in. We aren’t sure if that’s going to change with the relaunch, but we’ll let you know.
How do I sign up for MoviePass 2.0?
The new MoviePass is in beta testing right now, so the only way to get access is if you sign up for the waitlist.
The MoviePass waitlist is officially open! Hurry to the website and sign up because spots are limited.
The list will stay open until 11:50 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 29 — unless spots run out beforehand. Anyone can join the waitlist, and there’s no purchase required (or even credit card info required) to get on it.
What happens if you don’t use all of your MoviePass credits?
Don’t worry if you don’t use up your credits in one month. Unused MoviePass credits will roll over every month. You’ll also be able to give away credits by transferring them to any other MoviePass subscriber.
But if you don’t want to go to a movie alone, there’s an exciting update: You can spend your credits on a companion. If you have enough in your account, you can buy multiple tickets for the same showtime.
Is MoviePass available near me?
We don’t have concrete details on where MoviePass will first launch — or whether it’ll be nationwide at first — but the website says that the regions with the most sign-ups will get the launch first before the service rolls out in waves across the rest of the country.
If you sign up for the waitlist, MoviePass will email you in advance, letting you know when it will be available in your region.
Will old MoviePass subscribers get any advantages?
If you were a previous MoviePass subscriber, you’ll have some free credits waiting for you.
Just make sure to sign up for the waitlist with the same information you used with your old account; you’ll get free bonus credits added to your account when they register.
Where is MoviePass accepted?
In the past, MoviePass was accepted at major theaters like AMC, Regal, Cinemark, and more. But in 2022, lots of those theaters have movie passes of their own now. MoviePass hasn’t yet said which theaters will be part of their program this time around, but their website says the program will be accepted at all major movie theaters that take credit or debit cards.
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