AMC to charge extra for ‘best’ movie seats, and fans aren’t happy. Here’s what to know

A night at the movies could get more expensive for some moviegoers — depending on their seats.

AMC Theatres, the largest movie theater chain in the U.S., is updating its pricing and will charge more for the “best” seats in the house under its new Sightline at AMC system, according to a Feb 6 news release.

Under the three-tier plan, “preferred” middle of the theater seats will come at a premium while less desirable front row seats will be sold at a cheaper “value” price, the release said. The most common “standard” seats will be available at their current regular price.

Sightline at AMC has already launched in select cities and is expected to roll out at all U.S. theaters by end of year.

News of the change sparked mixed reactions among movie buffs on social media.

“How do we get people to go to the movie theater more? It’s simple: make it more expensive and more annoying,” one person on Twitter said.

AMC Theaters that offer Sightline will provide customers with a detailed seat map that outlines the seating options when they purchase tickets online, on the AMC app or at the box office, according to the news release.

Sightline pricing applies to all showtimes after 4 p.m., excluding Discount Tuesdays.

“While every seat at AMC delivers an amazing moviegoing experience, we know there are some moviegoers who prioritize their specific seat and others who prioritize value moviegoing,” Eliot Hamlisch, executive vice president for AMC Theatres, said in a statement.

“Sightline at AMC accommodates both sentiments to help ensure that our guests have more control over their experience, so that every trip to an AMC is a great one,” Hamlisch said.

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