Do you love to watch movies in a theater? AMC and Cinemark are big names, but which is my 1st pick? I’ll share my choice to help you pick the best one.
Do note that everyone wants their movie visit to be great. So, this guide will help you find your best fit, whether it’s the snacks, better seats, or ticket prices.
So, get set! I’ll start with “AMC vs Cinemark: Which is My 1st Pick?” to find the best theater for you!
AMC vs Cinemark: Overview
AMC and Cinemark are among the leading movie theater chains in the United States, each with different strengths and weaknesses.
AMC, founded in 1920 and headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, is one of the largest theater chains globally. It’s known for offering its patrons various movie viewing options.
Regarding subscription services, AMC provides superior rewards programs like AMC Stubs A-List, offering more movies (3 per week, including premium formats) compared to Cinemark’s more limited offerings (1 credit per month, additional fees for premium formats).
On the other hand, Cinemark is an American movie theatre chain that started in 1984. It’s considered AMC’s more economical and restrained competitor.
While AMC aims for wider movie selections, Cinemark focuses more on providing superior concession options. Interestingly, in terms of financial strength, Cinemark is in a better position than AMC in reopening the movie theatres.
AMC vs Cinemark: Key Features Comparison
Let’s compare some key features of AMC and Cinemark, two major cinema chains in the U.S.
1. Loyalty Programs:
- AMC Stubs A-List: Offers three movies per week in any format, including IMAX and Dolby Cinema.
- Cinemark Movie Club: Provides one 2D monthly ticket with premiums for special formats. Unused tickets also roll over.
2. Price:
- AMC: The AMC Stubs A-List subscription price ranges between $19.95 and $23.95 per month, based on your location.
- Cinemark: Cinemark Movie Club costs a flat rate of $9.99 per month, irrespective of location.
3. Additional Benefits:
- AMC: Members enjoy free upgrades on concessions, waived online ticketing fees, and a priority lane at the box office and concession stands.
- Cinemark: Cinemark’s program offers a 20% discount on concessions, adds a companion ticket for $9.99, and allows ticket rollover.
4. Movie Selection and Offering:
- AMC: AMC prides itself on providing a wider range of movies in various premium formats.
- Cinemark: Cinemark offers a good selection of films, but shines more in its superior concession options.
5. Availability and Location:
- AMC: With over 1000 theatres worldwide, AMC has a larger footprint, providing more accessibility for moviegoers.
- Cinemark: While limited compared to AMC, Cinemark operates over 500 theatres in the U.S. and Latin America and is especially strong in mid-size U.S. markets.
6. Streaming Services:
- AMC: Unlike Cinemark, AMC also offers a streaming service – AMC Theatres on Demand, where you can rent or buy movies online.
- Cinemark: Currently, Cinemark does not provide a streaming service platform for online movie viewing.
AMC vs Cinemark: Pros. and Cons.
Pros:
| AMC Theatres | Cinemark Theatres |
|---|---|
| Largest theatre operator worldwide | Strong revenue growth |
| Well-rated customer experience | Maintains a stable approach |
| AMC Stubs A-List Program | Cinemark Movie Club |
| Extensive food and beverage options | Focus on cleanliness and safety |
| Premium film offerings | XD Theater experience |
Cons:
| AMC Theatres | Cinemark Theatres |
|---|---|
| Underperformed in revenue growth | Fewer screens than AMC |
| Financial challenges in 2020 | Fewer viewing options per week |
| Generally higher prices | No premium formats in the movie club |
| Limited independent/foreign film options | Fewer amenities and dining options |
Final Verdict – Which is Best?
After carefully comparing AMC and Cinemark, I conclude that Cinemark is better for moviegoers.
Cinemark’s Movie Club offers a subscription service tailored to a casual film enthusiast who values savings and wants discounts on concessions.
So, while AMC is the largest theater operator worldwide and offers generous perks through the AMC Stubs A-List Program, it is often more expensive than Cinemark.
That’s all me. What about you?
What do you think – which is better? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
