The Ultimate Guide to Amazon Prime’s Hidden Feature: Free Movie Tickets, Popcorn & Drinks
Have you heard of getting free tickets to movie screeners? Screeners are pre-release showings of movies not yet available to the public. Well, this is like that with a few extra perks!
For example, you can claim free movie tickets and concessions. How sweet is that? I can’t remember the last time I went to a movie and didn’t get popcorn and a Coke. But, it sure adds up! Getting that free would be a real treat.
I’ve been to quite a few screeners, so I’ll share my experience with you and tell you all about how this works.
First, Amazon has a feature within Prime membership, called Prime Premiere that offers Prime members free movie tickets, concessions, and VIP access to new releases and shows before they are available to the public.
©Amazon Prime Premiere and AMC® are registered trademarks. All Rights Reserved.
Prime Membership Not Required
While someone will need a Prime membership to get the tickets through Prime Premiere, anyone can attend even without a Prime membership.
Enjoy free early screenings of new movies, with complementary popcorn. Prime membership is not required to attend. Arrive early as seating is first come, first served.
Advanced Screeners
Before everyone was an influencer, I was a blogger. I’m talking 15+ years ago when it was rare to be a blogger or influencer as they call them now. Back then, before we moved to the country from the city, I went to movie screeners regularly. These pre-screenings were available to the media — including bloggers — who wanted to promote the movie for the theater or studio.
My daughter LOVED it! We got to see some really cool movies and we were treated like celebrities. Being part of the press has its privileges. Regular screener tickets aren’t like that, but they can have some fun perks too.
When the website, Gofobo came out it gave the mainstream easy access to screeners as well. They were always available, but finding them wasn’t nearly as easy. Now, with Amazon Prime involved, it’s even easier to get the scoop on upcoming free shows.
Amazon Prime members get free tickets to exclusive advance screenings of Amazon movies and series, plus concessions and photo moments.
But that might mean even more competition, and that’s not always a good thing.
Are Screener Tickets Overrated?
The obvious pros to this program are getting free movie tickets and free concessions. Who wouldn’t want to save $50 or more on a movie night for two?
Another pro – or positive thing – about free screener tickets is getting early access. These screeners are not in theaters yet, so you’re seeing it first.
They also have a step-and-repeat media wall you can snap selfies in front of, reminiscent of an awards show. This is a fun experience that makes you feel like a VIP.
Some of the screeners I’ve attended gave small swag bags with promotional material for the theater, studio or the film itself.
Screener Ticket PROS
- free movie tickets and free concessions
- early access to not-yet-released shows
- may have a media area for photo ops
- possible swag bags
- possible celebrity sitings (but not likely)
But don’t head to the theater without considering the cons as well. As I said, Amazon Prime Premiere reminds me of Gofobo which we’ve shared for years. With Gofobo on the job, notifying about screeners became much easier, reaching many more people. That was good for the studios, but not always great for movie-goers. In other words, theaters would fill up fast.
Since screener tickets are first-come, first-served basis, and spreading the word about free tickets might mean longer wait times and potentially not getting a seat. You could spend your time and gas money getting there, only to be turned away because too many others showed up before you.
Screener Ticket CONS
- limited availability – you may not get a seat even if you have a pass. TIP: GET THERE EARLY!
- potentially long waits/long lines
- you may be required to give feedback
- not all will be blockbusters – some of the shows might not be hits or even good
- possibility of strict rules which may include: no cell phones or cameras, and some may restrict even leaving the theater and returning (i.e, no bathroom breaks)