AMC Theatres, the largest cinema chain in the United States, is offering affordable private watch parties for people who want to catch a flick during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Groups can have 20 people at most.
- The lowest cost to watch old movies on the big screen is $99.
- The cost to see newer movies like “Tenet” hovers between $149 to $349, depending on the theater and whether you add on snacks.
- Bringing in food from the outside costs $250.
- Getting access to the theater before 15 minutes ahead of the film costs $250 per hour.
- Adding a microphone to welcome your guests to the theater costs $100.
The big picture:
- The prices and details suggest people can rent out theaters for parties, small gatherings and other celebrations — not just people who want to see films on the big screen.
How to purchase
- The process is a little more involved than booking the theater. Guests will need to fill out a form on AMC’s website. An AMC representative will then contact you within three days with the details of your booking plan.
The modern movie?
Other movie theaters have embraced this model. Cinemark offers private watch parties for age-old classics like “Jurassic Park” and new films like “Tenet.” Megaplex Theatres started watch party events back at the beginning of the pandemic. It costs $375 for a party of 20 or fewer.