AMC Theatres announced Wednesday (December 26) that six months to the day since it rolled out its AMC Stubs A-List subscription service it has surpassed more than 600,000 members.
In a press release, AMC Theatres said the service, which provides members with access to up to three movies per week in every available AMC showtime and format, was introduced on June 26 with an expectation to reach 500,000 members after a full year of the launch. It has now exceeded that in half the time.
“What an incredible 2018 for AMC Theaters and our AMC Stubs A-List members. When we launched A-List in June, we fully expected the program to be popular, but to exceed our 1-year goal of 500,000 members in 4 ½ months, then add another 100,000 members in the last six weeks of the year is astounding,” said Adam Aron, CEO and President of AMC, in the press release. “There can be no doubt that A-List has contributed to the record box office in 2018, and with the titles guests can expect in 2019, we remain extremely excited about what’s to come.”
AMC’s success with its A-List subscription service is in stark contrast to rival MoviePass, which has struggled all year after changing the membership costs associated with its program. In November MoviePass, which is owned by Helios & Matheson Analytics, disclosed in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing that it saw a big decline in the number of subscribers during the third quarter. The decline in subscribers came after MoviePass started limiting customers to three movies a month for the $9.95 monthly subscription free. Last year MoviePass offered subscribers access to one movie per day. When AMC launched its service its aim was to remove any limitations — which has resonated with customers, given the success it has had so far. In addition to accessing free movies, A-List members get discounts — including free upgrades on popcorn and soda, free refills on large popcorn, express service at the box office and concession stand, no online ticketing fees and a loyalty program.