• Home
  • News
  • Fortune 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
LifestyleMovies

‘Lord of the Rings’ star Elijah Wood blasts AMC’s new ticket pricing plan that will ‘penalize people for lower income’

By
Chloe Taylor
Chloe Taylor
By
Chloe Taylor
Chloe Taylor
February 7, 2023, 8:32 AM ET
Photo of Elijah Wood
Elijah Wood has hit out at AMC Theatres’ new ticket pricing plan. Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival

Hollywood star Elijah Wood has hit out at a major movie theater company over its decision to tier ticket pricing based on the comfort and view that comes with your seat.

AMC Theatres—America’s biggest movie theater chain—unveiled its new pricing plan on Monday, under which seat location will determine the cost of a ticket.

The scheme, which AMC has dubbed Sightline, will make seats in the middle of the auditorium cost a dollar or two more, while those in the front row will become a little cheaper.

By the end of the year, the company will have rolled the pricing structure out to all of its domestic locations for movie showings after 4 p.m.

The cheapest ticket prices will be available only to members of AMC’s loyalty program, AMC Stubs. Members of AMC’s “A-List” subscription membership will be able to upgrade their tickets to the most expensive seating for free.

In a tweet on Monday, Wood—who has starred in several blockbusters including the Lord of the Rings trilogy—accused AMC of destroying a “sacred democratic space” with its new ticketing system.

The movie theater is and always has been a sacred democratic space for all and this new initiative by @AMCTheatres would essentially penalize people for lower income and reward for higher income.

— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) February 6, 2023

Representatives for AMC were not immediately available when contacted by Fortune.

Wood wasn’t the only person to object to AMC’s plans, with many Twitter users calling for a reversal of the program or declaring their own plans to boycott the company’s theaters rather than pay a premium for a reasonable seat.

Me: An avid movie theater go-er.

Me now: You know what waiting for streaming ain't that bad.

— Stephen Ford (@StephenSeanFord) February 6, 2023

I am sure @AMCTheatres will be pleased to know that the price for me to stay home is remaining the same.

— Jess (@MirrorMan_jls) February 6, 2023

AMC, here’s a better plan. Remove the front seats. Add more seats to the rear. Be thankful people are still going to theatres.

— Scott Mechlowicz (@ScottMechlowicz) February 6, 2023

We have 5 kids & going to the movies is so expensive. we rarely go anymore. Tickets, Popcorn, drinks & it’s $150. We can rent a brand new release, pop our own popcorn & spend $20 to stay at home. They’re already losing customers so they make it even more expensive? Genius! 😒

— Kate Shelor (@KateShelor) February 6, 2023

Others speculated that AMC’s new strategy would “actively ruin” the business and increase the likelihood of cinemas undergoing a “long, slow, agonizing death.”

Many theater operators—including AMC—have long been offering premium or luxury movie viewings with plush seating and other perks for those willing to pay more for their ticket.

AMC’s Prime showings offer customers special comfort seating and enhanced projection technology, while other chains, like Cinépolis—which promises bottomless popcorn, in-theater waiters, and a gourmet menu—exist only to offer luxurious experiences for moviegoers.

Learn how to navigate and strengthen trust in your business with The Trust Factor, a weekly newsletter examining what leaders need to succeed. Sign up here.
About the Author
By Chloe Taylor
LinkedIn iconTwitter icon
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.