Going to the movies is one of America’s favorite pastimes. And when it comes to movie theaters, two big names stand out – AMC Theatres and Cinemark USA. These chains dominate the cinema landscape, offering moviegoers a mix of blockbuster films, indie flicks, and everything in between.
But with two major players in the market, how do you choose where to see your next movie? Let’s take an in-depth look at AMC and Cinemark to see how they stack up.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | AMC Theatres | Cinemark USA |
| Screens in US | Over 8,200 | Over 4,500 |
| Premium formats | IMAX, Dolby Cinema, Prime | XD, D-BOX, Some IMAX |
| Pricing | $10-17 for standard ticket | $6-14 for standard ticket |
| Subscription | A-List – up to 3 movies/week for $15-25/month | Movie Club – 1 movie/month for $9-10/month |
| Food/drink | Wide range of specialty items, full bars | Standard snacks, pizza/burgers, some full bars |
| Loyalty program | AMC Stubs with 3 tiers | Cinemark Movie Club |
| Theaters | More variety in premium screens, plush recliners | XD screens, D-BOX seating, recliners in newer theaters |
| Customer Service | Generally better staff engagement | Mixed reviews, depends on location |
Overview of AMC Theatres
AMC Theatres is the largest movie theater chain in the world with over 8,200 screens across 620 locations in the United States and over 1,000 worldwide. The company originated in Kansas City, Missouri in 1920 under the name Dubinsky Brothers. In 1987, AMC acquired the Medusa
Theatres chain, making them the second largest theater group in the country. After a period of expansion through acquisitions, AMC went public in 2013 and was acquired by Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group in 2012.
Today, AMC offers patrons both standard and large format viewing experiences. Their proprietary large format screens include:
- IMAX: Immersive 270-degree screens and powerful sound systems for an unrivaled viewing experience.
- Dolby Cinema: Dolby Vision dual 4K laser projectors and Dolby Atmos sound create incredible brightness, contrast, and audio.
- Prime at AMC: Large screens with upgraded sound for blockbuster films.
AMC also operates the dine-in theater concept AMC Dine-In, which offers restaurant style food and beverages that can be ordered from and delivered to your seat.
Some of the other amenities at AMC locations include:
- Reserved seating, allowing customers to select their seats in advance.
- PLF (Premium Large Format) screens for enhanced viewing.
- 3D showings of popular movies.
- Bars and lounges for moviegoers 21+.
On the technology side, AMC offers an app and website to make ticket purchasing fast and convenient. Members of their free loyalty program AMC Stubs get additional perks like free size upgrades on popcorn and drinks.
Overview of Cinemark USA
Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Cinemark USA is the third largest movie theater chain in the US, operating over 330 theaters and 4,500 screens across 42 states.
The company was founded in 1984 when founder Lee Roy Mitchell acquired a cinema in Dallas suburb. Through acquisitions and new builds, Cinemark expanded rapidly over the years. They were also an early pioneer of the stadium seating concept.
Cinemark seeks to differentiate itself through new theater experiences and amenities. Their theatres feature auditoriums with large screens and enhanced technology:
- XD Auditoriums: Extra large screens with wall-to-wall screens, wraparound sound, and 4K projectors.
- D-BOX Motion Seating: Seats with immersive motion technology that syncs with the action on screen.
- IMAX: Several locations feature IMAX screens.
Many Cinemark locations also boast premium VIP sections that cater to adults. These VIP areas have oversize reclining seats, in-theater dining, reserved seating, and a lounge area with a full bar.
Cinemark also has loyalty programs that provide discounts and rewards for frequent moviegoers. Their Movie Club offers discounted ticket prices and concessions to members.
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Key Differences Between AMC And Cinemark USA
1. Comparing the Movie Selection & Pricing
When it comes to movies, both AMC and Cinemark show a wide range of new releases from the big studios, smaller independent films, foreign cinema, and more. As two of the largest chains, they generally get access to all the current blockbusters. However, there can be some differences in pricing.
AMC offers variable pricing based on factors like showtime, theater location, and seat choice. New releases generally cost between $10-17 for a standard 2D ticket. IMAX, Dolby Cinema or other premium showings cost more.
Cinemark pricing also varies by location but generally runs $6-14 per adult ticket depending on format. XD, D-BOX and 3D films cost extra.
Both chains offer reduced matinee pricing on shows before noon. Discounts are also available for seniors, children, and military personnel. Loyalty members get special members-only ticket pricing. Overall, AMC tends to be slightly higher priced in many markets.
2. AMC A-List vs Cinemark Movie Club
For avid movie buffs, AMC and Cinemark both now offer subscription programs that can save you money:
- AMC A-List offers customers up to 3 movies per week, in any available format, for a monthly fee of $15-25 depending on region. You can watch movies in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and standard formats and reserve seats online or via the app. There are no blackout dates for new releases.
- Cinemark Movie Club gives members one 2D movie ticket per month, 20% off concessions, discounted online fees, and the ability to accrue reward points. Pricing is $9-10 per month.
A-List offers greater flexibility and value for frequent moviegoers who like premium formats and want to lock in tickets for new releases. But Movie Club is a solid budget choice for those who see 1-2 movies monthly and don’t need advanced reservations.
3. Food & Concessions
Watching a movie just wouldn’t be the same without popcorn and snacks from the concession stand. Both AMC and Cinemark sell all the traditional theater treats like popcorn, candy, nachos, hot dogs, and more. Pricing is comparable at the two chains.
Some key differences:
- AMC offers more specialty food and beverage items like pizza, chicken tenders, sliders, milkshakes, Starbucks coffee, and alcohol at most locations.
- Many Cinemark theaters sell pizzas and burgers, but selections vary more by individual theater.
- AMC’s dine-in concept theaters have expanded food menus with items like flatbreads, tacos, salads brought directly to your seat.
- Cinemark’s VIP sections also offer seat-side service with alcoholic drinks and more premium items.
So for the widest range of food options, AMC has the edge. But Cinemark still covers the basics along with some enhanced menus at upgraded locations.
4. Loyalty Programs
Both theater chains offer free loyalty programs with special perks and savings for members.
AMC Stubs has three tiers:
- Insider (free): Earns rewards points on tickets, concessions that can be redeemed for concessions discounts or free popcorn/drinks. Get a free refill on large popcorn.
- Premiere ($15 annually): Includes all Insider benefits plus free size upgrades on popcorn/drinks, free online ticket fees, and priority lines at box office/concessions.
- A-List ($15-25 monthly): Gives users ability to see up to 3 movies per week (details above). Also includes Premiere benefits.
Cinemark Movie Club costs $9-10 per month and gives members:
- 1 monthly 2D movie ticket
- 20% off concessions
- No online fees
- Rollover ticket if unused
- Reward points accrued with each ticket purchase
For the best perks and savings on tickets in particular, AMC Stubs A-List is the superior option for frequent moviegoers. You’ll easily recoup the monthly fee if you see at least 2 movies per month. But Cinemark remains a solid budget choice for occasional trips to the movies.
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5. Theaters and Seating
The most important part of the movie experience is what the theaters and seats are like. Both Cinemark and AMC have been modernizing older locations and building new multiplexes to enhance the viewing environment.
Key characteristics of AMC and Cinemark auditoriums and seating include:
AMC
- Comfortable plush recliners in most updated theaters
- Expansive wall-to-wall screens
- Enhanced sound systems
- Premium large format options (IMAX, Dolby Cinema, etc)
- Increased legroom between rows
- Reserved seating
Cinemark
- Leather recliners in newer locations
- XD auditoriums provide extra large screens
- D-BOX motion seating for select theaters
- Some IMAX and premium screens
- Wider, more spacious seating
- Reserved seating
Overall, most updated locations offer a comfortable reclining seat experience with good views of the screen and enhanced audio.
AMC locations generally have more variety in terms of different premium large format screens within a single multiplex. But Cinemark still delivers a quality viewing experience in most areas, especially XD auditoriums.
6. Cleanliness and Customer Service
Two other important factors that impact your movie trip experience are cleanliness and customer service. Most patrons want a clean environment and helpful staff for an enjoyable outing.
In general, cleanliness can vary from location to location with both chains. Newer, more modern theaters usually offer a higher standard while older ones can appear more worn. Many reviewers note AMC often delivers a slightly higher level of cleanliness across theaters, whereas Cinemark receives more mixed reviews.
For customer service, AMC and Cinemark once again earn similar satisfaction marks from patrons. Experiences really depend on the individual theater staff. But employees at both chains are generally rated as friendly and helpful.
AMC may have a slight edge again here, with staff that seem a bit more engaged. But decent customer service can be expected at both.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A few key advantages of AMC Theatres include: More premium large format screens like IMAX and Dolby Cinema at many locations, Broader food menu with specialty items not found at most chains, Well-rounded loyalty program with A-List subscription plan, Slightly higher quality seating and overall amenities.
AMC’s A-List membership provides much greater value for frequent moviegoers seeing 2+ films monthly. You can watch up to 3 movies per week in any format. Cinemark Movie Club makes sense for budget-focused viewers that see 1-2 movies monthly.
A-List members can see up to 3 movies per week in any available format. This includes IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and standard screens.
Advantages of AMC theaters include: More variety of premium large format screens like IMAX within locations, Expanded food menus beyond typical theater fare, Enhanced loyalty program and subscription plan, Comfortable recliner seating with plenty of legroom, Slightly higher overall quality of facilities and cleanliness.
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Final Verdict
When all factors are considered in a head-to-head comparison, AMC emerges as the winner between the two chains due to:
- Slightly higher quality theaters and seating
- Broader range of premium formats
- Better variety of food and beverage options
- Top-tier loyalty program with A-List subscriptions
However, there are many Cinemark locations that offer an exceptional moviegoing experience as well. Key advantages of Cinemark include:
- XD screens provide an affordable large format option
- D-BOX motion seating creates an immersive environment
- Adult-focused VIP theaters cater to 21+ crowds
- Movie Club provides good bang for buck if you see 1-2 monthly movies
The best option comes down to what’s most important to you and what theaters are available in your area. Avid movie fans will probably gravitate toward AMC and A-List for the maximum flexibility. But Cinemark remains a strong choice, especially for moviegoers on a budget. No matter which you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the show.