Moviefone
| File:Moviefone logo.png | |
| Moviefone | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founders |
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| Headquarters | United States |
| Services | Online media, movie theatre information, movie tickets |
| Parent |
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| Website | moviefone |
Moviefone operates as a U.S.-based service offering comprehensive movie listings, local theater schedules, film critiques, advance ticket purchasing, television programming information, and a search feature covering cinemas, TV channels, and streaming platforms. The platform is currently owned by Born in Cleveland LLC, the holding entity of Cleveland O'Neal III, known for producing the syndicated entertainment program Made in Hollywood.
History
The concept behind Moviefone originated in 1987 through Doug Hoitenga in Manhattan Beach, California. By 1989, Hoitenga collaborated with Russ Leatherman, Rob Gukeisen, Andrew Jarecki, Pat Cardamone, and Adam Slutsky to introduce an interactive phone-based service targeting Los Angeles and New York City markets. Russ Leatherman became widely recognized as the voice of "Mr. Moviefone." The service eventually expanded its reach across the United States and launched its digital presence via Moviefone.com.
In May 1999, AOL completed its acquisition of Moviefone for $388 million. Two years later, in 2001, Moviefone allied with MovieTickets.com to facilitate reciprocal ticket sales links; by 2004, MovieTickets.com had purchased Moviefone’s online business. Despite this, in 2012 Moviefone established a ticketing agreement with competitor Fandango.
Moviefone discontinued its telephone call-in service on February 23, 2014 but continued offering its mobile application. On May 5 of the same year, it unveiled a revamped platform that incorporated television content alongside an upgraded search function for films and TV shows across cinemas and streaming outlets.
On April 5, 2018, Helios and Matheson Analytics—the primary stakeholder of MoviePass—acquired Moviefone from Oath Inc., paying $1 million in cash plus $8 million in stock. Following Helios and Matheson's bankruptcy in early 2020 amid MoviePass-related difficulties, Moviefone was operated by a sole employee and valued at roughly $4.4 million—approximately one percent of its initial AOL acquisition price.
In March 2020, Cleveland O’Neal III took ownership of Moviefone through his firm Born in Cleveland LLC, initiating a new era for the brand under the guidance of an experienced entertainment producer.
In popular culture
The Seinfeld episode titled "The Pool Guy" (season 7, episode 8) features Cosmo Kramer receiving misdirected calls intended for a satirical version of Moviefone after changing his telephone number.
Within the animated series Dilbert, the Pointy-haired Boss confuses Moviefone with a stock information hotline, inadvertently resulting in movie ticket purchases.
In the Family Guy episode "I Dream of Jesus," Marlee Matlin attempts to contact Moviefone to check movie times but unintentionally buys tickets due to speech difficulties.
The 2001 motion picture Josie and the Pussycats portrays Mr. Moviefone as the voice behind subliminal messaging embedded within pop music.
In the 2023 film Beau Is Afraid, Moviefone briefly appears among recently dialed contacts.