HOW TO BINGE ON OSCAR MOVIES IN CINEMAS FOR CHEAP

At $15 a pop in major cities — and sometimes more — going to the cinema can easily break the bank.

- 

That’s where a movie subscription comes in. Although MoviePass failed in its bid to let you catch first-run movies just about anywhere for a low monthly price, many theater chains are now offering plans of their own.

These plans cost more than MoviePass’ $10-a-month starting price, and they work only at each chain’s own theaters, which mostly show big studio releases. That means you’ll still have to pay full price for that obscure indie flick at the local art house. But these plans can still be a good deal if you average just a few movies a month at those theaters.

If you’re still looking to catch up on the Oscars nominees for the Feb. 9 ceremony, here are the major subscription offerings in the U.S. to consider:

AMC STUBS A-LIST

The nation’s largest theater chain offers three movies a week, including an unlimited number in premium formats such as Imax, Dolby and 3D, starting at $20 a month. The subscription fee is higher — $22 or $24 — in states where ticket prices are higher. You can watch all three movies on a single day if you wish.

You get same-day and advance tickets through an app, with no fees, and can cancel up until showtime. Some special events, such as concert and opera screenings, are excluded. One new feature lets you and friends who are subscribers book seats together. Otherwise, you can buy individual tickets for friends at regular prices.

There’s a three-month commitment, though you’re still billed monthly. If you cancel, you can’t come back for six months.