MoviePass
MoviePass, a U.S. movie ticket subscription app, is seen on a mobile phone in this photo illustration in New York, U.S., May 15, 2018.REUTERS/Mike Segar/Illustration

There is no doubt that MoviePass has changed the theatre-watching landscape in the US. However, the almost-demise is now trying to change the scenario once again. On Tuesday, the cult-favourite subscription service announced its new pricing model—hiking its standard monthly rate of $9.95 per month to $14.95 per month. However, the biggest shocker came when they announced that big releases like "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" will not be available to its subscribers.

In addition, the accessibility to movies on its first and second week will be limited. In other words, it looks like subscribers have to wait a little longer to get a glimpse of their favourite film in the theatres. However, the new plans have not been implemented yet and some changes are likely to happen.

"We must reduce availability for big new-release titles at least for a while as we adjust the business model. We are working on making this more clear in the app so you know which titles are available," the company said in a press statement. "Showtimes that are offered through our service will vary from day to day, and every showtime may not be available. We encourage you to check the MoviePass app for showtimes before you leave for the theatre," it added.

Over the past few months, reports of the company facing deep financial crisis have hit the headlines regularly. However, the new move has not gone well with the subscribers as complaints on social media were rampant.

With MoviePass undergoing a drastic revamping process, what are the options in the market?

A-List: A direct MoviePass competitor from the AMC theatre chain; it works on the subscription-based model and also provides reward program for users. It is a bit expensive compared to MoviePass— for $19.95 per month, users are offered three movies each week (excluding premium experiences like IMAX, 3D, RealD, D-Box, and others).

Cinemark Movie Club: With $8.99 monthly subscription, the plan offers just one 2D screening ticket every month. If unused, the ticket can be used the following month.

Sinemia: An offering similar to MoviePass but with a definite cap on how many movies can be watched every month. The basic model begins at $3.99/month with one movie ticket per month while the $7.99/month option provides two movie tickets. The elite plans (includes premium experiences) are priced at $9.99 and $14.99 with two and three tickets monthly, respectively.

And finally, with almost everyone having access to one of the online streaming services, this is likely to bring a big blow to the movie watching experiences at theatres.