AMC tears page out of MoviePass script

Grab some popcorn, because this fight might get ugly.

AMC Theatres, the world’s largest cinema chain, unveiled Wednesday a $20-amonth subscription plan to take on MoviePass.

The program, which will roll out Tuesday, will allow subscribers to see up to three films a week for a monthly fee of $19.95 plus tax — twice the cost of MoviePass’ $9.95-a-month rate. But unlike MoviePass’ plan, AMC’s plan will let moviegoers see multiple films on the same day and allow for IMAX and 3D showings.

AMC subscribers will also get additional perks including discounts on concessions and the ability to purchase tickets online in advance of the showtime — something MoviePass offers only at select theaters.

It’s the first real action that AMC has taken since MoviePass slashed its prices in August 2017 from $50 a month to its current rate. At the time, AMC came out against the plan, saying it is “not in the best interest of moviegoers.”

In a Wednesday statement, AMC CEO Adam Aron said his program’s pricing is “sustainable,” taking a jab at MoviePass’ recent financial woes.

MoviePass, however, was unfazed and took to Twitter to call out the competition.

“Heard AMC Theaters [sic] jumped on board the movie subscription train,” the company tweeted. “Twice the price for 1/4 the theater network and 60 percent fewer movies. Thanks for making us look good AMC!”

AMC will have a lot of ground to cover to catch up to its rival in the subscriber market. MoviePass last week announced it now has more than 3 million members.