MoviePass Subscriptions Are Back -- and They're Cheap

Coke. Popcorn. Reclining seat. Ahh, that's the stuff. Casual movie-goers might be in for a treat. MoviePass subscriptions are back, and at only $10 per month, they're cheap. The service has competition, though, as it's fighting for elbow room with big chains like AMC and Regal.

Here are all the gory details of the monthly MoviePass subscription service.

The new MoviePass subscription is super cheap

MoviePass charges users a flat monthly subscription. In exchange, it offers movie-goers credits exchangeable for movie tickets. Here's the breakdown:

Pricing is more expensive for Southern California and New York City residents. It's $10 more for the Basic through Premium tiers, and $20 more for the Pro plan. That's pricer than it used to be (which is probably a good thing, considering MoviePass went bankrupt last go-round).

Here's the thing: MoviePass gives you credits, not tickets. Credits can be exchanged for tickets. High-demand tickets cost subscribers more credits. Basically, you can squeeze more movies from your subscription by attending lower-demand movie showings, like matinees.

How does MoviePass stack up to competitors?

While MoviePass is a steal for frequent movie-goers who want maximum flexibility, it has stiff competition. Here's how the most affordable MoviePass offering stacks up with competitors:

What makes MoviePass unique is that it gives users access to almost any U.S. theater, including biggies like Regal, AMC, and Cinemark -- over 15,000 screens.

But the right service for you depends on your movie-going habits. Big fans of Regal may find better value in a program like Regal Unlimited, which gives them unlimited viewings at some Regal theaters. It's a matter of personal preference, convenience, and what fits your budget.

Is MoviePass worth it?

It depends on which subscription tier you sign up for and how often you anticipate heading to the theater. A single ticket can cost more than $10, so if you attend movies at least twice per month, signing up for the Basic tier probably does save you money.

It goes without saying, but dedicated attendees would get more out of pricier tiers. There's no need to break the bank account for costly plans if you only plan on seeing movies twice a month.

Unlike bingeing Netflix shows at home, traveling to a movie premiere can be a fun group experience, and one worth getting excited about in a work-from-home America. It could be worth signing up with a group of friends to start a weekly get-together at the theater.

But folks who prefer the convenience of watching movies at home or who visit movie theaters infrequently may want to stick to purchasing tickets a-la-carte.

MoviePass offers a ton of flexibility, but some movie-goers don't need that. Folks who exclusively attend AMC, Regal, or Cinemark theaters will probably get more value out of subscribing to a theater-specific plan.

Interested movie-goers should consider their current habits before signing up. The service is still new, and the details may change. Nevertheless, cinema fans may find a MoviePass or competitor worth looking into for frequent discounts at theaters.