For $27.99 a month, you can join the hottest Gen Z club: AMC A-List

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Instead of using L.A. singles, one could say “some people in Los Angeles,” and instead of “calling card,” one could use “identifying feature” or “distinct characteristic.”

Some people in Los Angeles catch potential dates’ attention with pictures of their dogs, gym selfies, or promises that they enjoy going on adventures. Joel Lingaur’s distinct characteristic is his membership to a popular but not overly exclusive club: AMC A-List.

In online conversations and even on dating platforms, the subscription for a movie theater service has gained significant traction and unintentionally functions as a subtle signal or code, according to Lingaur.

As a cinephile myself, I appreciate the appeal of displaying my movie collection, yet I’m cautious about appearing overly zealous or snobbish. To me, that notion seems somewhat pretentious and off-putting.

In a chat, Culver City-based actor Lingaur (age 25) stated that flaunting his A-list status on Hinge sparks conversations or simply paints a clearer picture for potential dates who also have it displayed in their profiles. He mentioned that many young people, particularly those in L.A., consider A-List to be an intriguing detail to add to their profiles.

The highest level of AMC’s theater loyalty program, called AMC A-List, grants movie enthusiasts the opportunity to watch as many as four movies per week at a monthly cost that typically starts around $20. For California residents, where ticket prices are usually higher, the fee is $27.99 a month. One of the perks for A-List members is no additional charge for Imax or other premium formats.

The A-List program, initiated in 2018, emerged due to competition AMC faced in the late 2010s from MoviePass, a brief industry disruptor that enabled subscribers to watch nearly unlimited movies at various cinemas for a relatively low price. Even before COVID-19, theater chains like AMC were grappling with a gradual decrease in audience attendance, which worsened during the pandemic as theaters temporarily closed and has yet to fully recover.

Instead, A-List, boasting nearly a million members as claimed by the company, transcends its role as a simple subscription platform.

Belonging to an exclusive group is similar for many, but the prerequisite is merely a small recurring fee each month and, possibly, a fondness for cinema popcorn.

AMC is facing some major financial difficulties – they have approximately 4 billion dollars in debt, reported losses exceeding 200 million dollars in the first quarter of this year alone, and their stock price has been declining since it gained meme status four years ago. Despite reaching peak prices during the meme-driven market surge, it now hovers around $3.

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In the past, people would physically go to theaters to check the marquee for their next film. Nowadays, theaters are finding alternative methods to compensate for this lost business.

Despite facing numerous challenges, it’s clear that A-List is a shining example within our company, demonstrating that we have a dedicated fan base eager to support us. This defies the idea that going to the movies might no longer be a popular pastime for younger generations. Enthusiastic A-List members are consistently attending screenings, purchasing snacks, and even influencing others to join the program.

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Amidst all the hardships, A-List stands out as a beacon of hope within our organization, showing that we have a passionate fan base who are committed to supporting us. This goes against the belief that movies might no longer hold appeal for younger audiences. Passionate A-Listers not only attend showings regularly but also buy concessions and even persuade others to join the program.

There’s a variety of merchandise, some authorized and others not, such as a Christmas tree topper, cross-stitch patterns, and more. You’ll find numerous viral memes and an energetic online community of A-listers who proudly display their membership as a symbol on dating apps, social media platforms, and in everyday conversations.

Carrie Trotter, AMC’s vice president of customer loyalty and brand marketing, commented that they have been acting as a small marketing powerhouse for us,” or simply, “They have been serving as a mini marketing dynamo for us,” said Carrie Trotter.

Nicole Kidman, memes and meme stocks

Other movie theaters like Regal Cinemas, Cinemark, and Alamo Drafthouse offer subscription services and loyalty programs, but AMC’s version stands out as a cultural phenomenon. This is largely due to the unique aspects of AMC fandom that have earned the world’s leading theater chain a devoted, almost cult-like fanbase.

A significant portion of that culture’s growth can be attributed to actress Nicole Kidman, who appeared in an advertisement for the cinema chain and gained immense popularity online. The commercial, which precedes every movie, is filled with common phrases about cinematic magic, but it reaches its peak when Academy Award-winning Kidman delivers its most iconic line: “Heartbreak feels good in a place like this.

The $25-million campaign launched in fall 2021 aimed to boost theater attendance as theaters reopened following the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it might have revitalized some theaters that were struggling, it also led to various memes, imitations, and satirical works, even inspiring a sketch on Saturday Night Live.

Peter Gerard, a 24-year-old special education teacher and friend of Lingaur, mentioned that he’s one of several well-known figures who can memorize the script, often referred to as “the pledge,” word for word. During performances with particularly energetic audiences, there’s quite a reaction when the advertisement starts. “I delight in moments when people are in the theater, saluting and clapping, and I truly enjoy those instances,” Gerard shared.

The team behind the ad was amazed when the response surpassed their most optimistic expectations, according to Trotter, who played a significant role in creating it. Regarding the numerous parodies and internet jokes about the advertisement’s 60-second version, Trotter mentioned that she and her colleagues couldn’t help but notice them. AMC has released merchandise with “The Pledge” on it and capitalized on the celebrities’ obvious excitement through their social media platforms.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was believed that the traditional theater experience might become obsolete for younger audiences, who tend to prefer online platforms like social media, streaming services, and video games. However, surprisingly, movie theaters have maintained their appeal among Generation Z and millennials.

In light of the pandemic, it’s been observed that Generation Z is expanding at an unprecedented rate among our premium tier, A-List. The demographic profile of our membership base is now younger, more inclusive, and predominantly male, contrasting with the diversity of other loyalty programs under AMC and the overall moviegoer audience as a whole. This was the company’s statement.

Trotter stated that the cinema is among the few spots left where one can fully detach and immerse themselves in the present. Given all the stresses people are facing nowadays, this might be a key factor why Gen Z has been attracted to our A-List program. It allows them to momentarily disconnect, and we’re excited to be part of that experience. That’s why we’re eagerly embracing it as well.

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On Wednesdays, beginning July 9th, AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. announced they’ll be providing a 50% reduction in the ticket price for movies shown during the adult evening hours.

These young individuals are excited to let you know they’re part of the program. Boasting high-status membership can sometimes be playful, but for Adora Adeyemi, a 22-year-old member who works as an assistant to a literary and talent manager, it also genuinely indicates a passion for films.

Adeyemi stated, “Expressing what you’re passionate about isn’t something novel, even going back as far as the Beatles’ era.

Dan Murrell, a movie critic and box office expert, pointed out that A-List emerged at an opportune time, hitting its mark. According to Murrell, who is also an A-Lister, the campaign for cinema comebacks coincided with a period when numerous Gen Z individuals were seeking a sense of community, which they may have missed during their formative years due to the pandemic.

Additionally, this event occurred shortly after AMC gained popularity as a subject for memes, following its adoption by internet-savvy individual investors in early 2021 amidst the “meme stock” craze that also included GameStop and BlackBerry. This trend caused AMC’s share prices to skyrocket at a time when some analysts believed the Kansas-based company was on the verge of collapse, a prospect many Wall Street experts were wagering on.

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For Subscribers

Meet the outlandish AMC boss betting on memes and a literal gold mine to save movies

Adam Aron navigated the trend of meme stocks to save AMC. His support for Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrencies, along with an eccentric advertisement featuring Nicole Kidman, have made him a divisive character.

Adam Aron, CEO of AMC, happily accepted the meme stock label, so when the A-List and Kidman commercial began receiving similar online buzz, it was only fitting to embrace the newfound interest.

In their line of work running a theatrical exhibition company, Murrell emphasized the importance of finding any advantageous position they could secure at this moment.

‘L.A.’s a movie town’

Many high-profile individuals have expressed that although the service is accessible across the country, the devotion towards A-List seems exceptionally intense in Los Angeles.

As numerous famous celebrities exited or entered AMC theaters throughout Los Angeles, they expressed their belief that they’re getting an excellent value considering the high ticket prices in the area. Additionally, they emphasized a strong sense of camaraderie with fellow movie enthusiasts and industry professionals, as many Angelenos share a passion for films.

In Los Angeles, you’ll find a specific group of high-profile individuals – genuine cinema enthusiasts – who frequently go to AMC screenings and also support local independent cinemas. One such individual is Ellie Bambach, who regularly visits these smaller theaters, along with her twice-weekly trips to AMC.

Movies

When Alamo Drafthouse sets foot in Los Angeles, let’s explore some nearby cinemas that cater to the insatiable cinephile.

Thirty-two-year-old Bambach expressed her fondness for the New Beverly Cinema in Fairfax District and the Vista Theatre in Los Feliz, both of these theaters being owned by the renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. These intimate venues allow her to appreciate classic films, while her A-List membership grants her access to view new releases, particularly those she wishes to watch in premium formats like Dolby sound and visuals, which are offered at AMC cinemas.

In some cases, the elite A-List group may include individuals who are particularly accustomed to Los Angeles, as they frequently encounter challenging parking situations. A few notable celebrities have shared that when visiting shopping centers like The Grove or Westfield Century City for shopping or dining, they sometimes sign up for one of the four weekly screenings available in these centers. This allows them to enter the movie theater and validate their expensive parking garage ticket without actually watching a film.

Regardless of the jests, partially ironic yet genuine declarations of loyalty to AMC, and the increase in prices, they continue to be devoted moviegoers at heart.

Los Angeles is all about movies, so if you’re a movie enthusiast, it’s hard not to be part of this scene at this point,” said Ellis Jones, a 25-year-old A-Lister. “Being an A-Lister makes you more involved in the discussion. I find that anyone who is passionate about movies has an A-List membership. If you don’t have it, I might think that you’re not really interested in watching anything.

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2025-07-30 13:33