5 Ways to Save at the Movies

Movies Cost Too Much is a Lie

Many people think that watching movies costs a lot of money, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Sure, if you plan on going to a new release at a place like Regal or Cinemark, it is going to cost you. But there are many ways to enjoy a great movie night without breaking the bank. I’ve been taking my family to the movies since they were each two weeks old, so everything below is from personal experience. How often do you go to the movies?

Purchase Tickets at the Box Office to Save Money

How do you typically purchase your movie tickets? If you’re taking your date or kids to the movies and wanting to watch a new release, the chances are you’re paying a pretty penny. But did you know that purchasing tickets at the box office can save you money? Online places like Fandango charge a convenience fee that the box office does not. Try going in the morning hours when the theater is less busy for a cheaper ticket price.

Matinees Cost Less:

You know all those movie matinees are sometimes half the price of a regular ticket. Be sure to call first to find out if your movie theater does, in fact, offer a matinee with reduced prices. Not all theaters have this option, but many do. (I just don’t think they want to tell you about it.) If you call, you can also find out what other days may have lower ticket prices than the regular $15 per person. I found out that our theater had $5 matinees every day before noon and $7 Tuesday night movies. Talk about a great deal! Don’t forget that children aged 3 and younger are typically free.

Join Rewards Programs for Freebies:

If you’re a frequent moviegoer, try joining your theater’s rewards program. After you go a few times in a year, you’ll start to earn rewards. The best part is that signing up is FREE, and you can receive all types of rewards from it. You might get a coupon for a free drink, food, or snack, and if you go often enough, you can get free tickets and other prizes. During the holiday season, they typically have codes for members to use for even more points.

Don’t forget that having a rewards card also allows you to enter any sweepstakes they have. Just a side note, if you want the free stuff, you will end up having to spend money to get it. I don’t care what people think; coupons are great, and if you can find one to lower the cost of the snacks at the movies, that’s even better. Sometimes, you can find them inside your membership mail, and other times, in the newspapers. Don’t forget to check out other discount places like Groupon, which offers huge discounts.

Split-Up Tickets:

With five kids, I learned early on to split up the cost. I even do this when I go out to the movies with my husband. If you’re taking kids or even going on a date, try sharing items instead of buying something for everyone. Do you really need a whole soda for yourself, or can you share it? This helps lower the cost, and I recommend having two kids share a drink but giving the oldest the item to hold throughout the movie because chances are they are responsible enough to know to pass it out in spurts. Tip: Try eating before you go to the movies to avoid the snack bar.

Find Movie Ticket Discounts:

Find out if your theater offers discounts for students, military personnel, or senior citizens. This could be a way to bring down the cost if you fit any of the above categories.

You will be surprised to find out how many ways you can save money on a movie night out. With a little bit of planning and research, you can easily cut down on the cost of tickets and snacks without compromising on the fun experience.

Another important thing to keep in mind is to choose the right time to go to the movies. Weekday afternoons are usually less crowded and offer lower ticket prices compared to the weekend. You can also consider going to a late-night show to save some money.

Lastly, if you’re a frequent movie-goer, consider investing in a movie subscription service such as AMC Stubs A-List or Cinemark Movie Club. These services offer perks like free tickets, discounts on concessions, and early access to screenings, making it a great way to save money in the long run.

Overall, going to the movies doesn’t have to be an expensive experience. By using the tips mentioned above and doing a little bit of research, you can easily cut down on costs while still enjoying a fun night out with friends and family.