MoviePass Signs Deal to Provide Subscription Services to Independent Cinema Alliance Members

MoviePass has formed a strategic partnership with the Independent Cinema Alliance (ICA). This agreement allows the ICA to implement an integrated subscription model within its theater network, which includes approximately 180 member companies and nearly 5,000 independently operated screens across the United States and Canada.

In a discussion, MoviePass Founder Stacy Spikes highlighted that the ICA’s coalition ranks as the third largest domestic exhibition group, following AMC and Regal, and surpassing Cinemark. He also noted that these theaters generate over $1 billion in annual box office revenue, representing roughly 15 percent of the North American market. “This significantly expands our reach,” Spikes remarked.

The partnership integrates MoviePass’ subscription infrastructure directly into the ICA’s cinema network, enabling users to select and reserve seats, among other features. This integration could enhance attendance at participating theaters. Spikes pointed out that users are more inclined to purchase tickets from cinemas where MoviePass is fully integrated into the ticketing system. He also emphasized that MoviePass users tend to be younger and more tech-savvy, with the largest group being men aged 25 to 26 and women aged 24 to 25. In a release promoting the agreement, MoviePass cites research from the exhibition industry trade group Cinema United, which found a 25% year-over-year increase in Gen Z moviegoing frequency — the highest of any demographic — and a Fandango study indicating that Gen Z and Millennials are increasingly driving box office growth. “Our customer base aligns with the most frequent users in the industry,” Spikes stated. “We believe we can drive business to these theaters.”

MoviePass members will be able to use the app for premium format tickets and will receive “concession and theater-specific perks” at participating ICA locations starting this year.

“This collaboration demonstrates ICA’s ongoing commitment to finding practical, scalable opportunities that can help independent exhibitors compete, increase attendance, and enhance customer loyalty,” stated ICA Executive Director Frank Rash.

Rash further noted that many of his members lack the capital to develop their own proprietary subscription platform, describing it as “not financially realistic.”

Coinciding with the partnership launch, MoviePass is introducing its “Summer Season Pass,” offering moviegoers three months of movie access starting at $30 ahead of the release of blockbusters like “The Odyssey” and “Toy Story 5.”