11 Ways to Score Discount Movie Tickets

A family-friendly outing. A rainy day activity. A cute date idea. Whatever your reason, going to the movies can be a fun and exciting activity for all ages. 

But when you’re paying for multiple tickets or visiting the theater often, that entertainment expense can really start to add up. Especially if you go during the evenings, you could be paying more than $15 for your movie ticket with the perks. And that’s not even counting the buckets of popcorn or boxes of candy you’ll purchase for during the movie. 

Keep your movie night going with easy to find deals, coupons and other savings opportunities for your next outing. Whether you’re taking along the entire family or just your date for the evening, discount movie tickets are easier to come by than you may think. 

Ways to Score Discount Movie Tickets 

Getting access to a little extra savings on your movie-going experience doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, there are some easy steps you can take to save your friends, family and yourself some money. To help you get started in saving money on your movie experiences, here we share some simple ways you can score discounts on your movie tickets as you head to the theaters. 

1. Choose the Right (Week)Day – Watch for your local theater’s deals and specials on a particular day of the week, which more often are on weekdays, when the number of attendees are lower. Sometimes, theaters have discounted ticket prices for movies shown during the week, rather than on the weekend. These discount days can help you save money on your ticket or any additional food and beverage prices depending on where you go. Big-name theaters like Regal, AMC and Cinemark each have their own value day programs that are worth a look. Having a flexible schedule of when to go see your movie can help you save overall.
2. Go Early For Lower Prices – When it comes to seeing a great movie, the time of day in which you experience it may just be irrelevant. Save some money by switching up your scheduled time. Matinee ticket prices are often cheaper than the evening rates at most theaters. If you want to try and get an even better rate, see if your theater offers a pre-matinee ticket price that lets you see movies before noon for a great price. But even if you can’t make it in that early, you can still save by going earlier in the day. Be sure to research your local theater first to know what times certain rates are available for the movie you want to see.
3. Discover Free Movie Screenings – At some theaters, movies may be offered for free or at cheap rates in exchange for sharing your thoughts and opinions of what you thought of the movie. You’ll have to sign up for an account, but once you do, you can get notified of movies showing in your area that can help you save on a new movie experience.
4. Check Cereal Boxes and Credit Card Deals – Remember those prizes and toys found in the bottoms of cereal boxes? Keep your eyes out for special promotions that food manufacturers run that might get you free movie tickets. While the opportunities vary, you might just discover a fun new surprise in the box you’ll want to take advantage of. But beyond cereal boxes, you can also find great promotions through your credit card as well. Depending on the perks your card offers, you may be able to accumulate reward points or other cashback features that helps to keep more cash in your pocket when you head out.
5. Buy in Bulk for a Group – If you’re bringing along a large group of around 20-25 or more, or visit the movies often, get your tickets in bulk to get some extra savings on your tickets. When you purchase several tickets at a time, you may be eligible for a discount on your tickets. You can share these tickets with a group or use them all for yourself and a friend over a period of time of which they’re valid.
6. Use Your Senior Status – If you’ve got some years on you, discover how your age can get you savings at the movie theater. Many theaters offer special senior rates for those around age 60 or better. Check your local theater’s schedule as discounts like senior rates may be valid only on certain days, times or for specific movies. As a AAA member, you may also be eligible for additional discount opportunities just for being you.
7. Check out Military Benefits – If you’re an active duty, veteran, reserves or other military personnel, you may be eligible for discounted rates at your local theater. Check out your benefits available to you as you head out to the movies. These discounts at popular theaters like AMC and Regal help to recognize you and to thank you for your service to the country and communities.
8. Put Your Studies to Your Benefit  – Going to school can be expensive and stressful enough. Use your valid student I.D. card to receive additional discounts on your movie ticket purchase.  These savings can help keep a little extra cash in your pocket when you head out to spend a day or evening out with friends or significant other.
9. Check out Coupon and Discount Sites – While you’re browsing for deals on clothes, experiences, restaurant gift cards, pick up discounted movie tickets, too. Sites like Groupon and Fandango offer discounted movie tickets and packages you can take advantage of easily. With Fandango, you can earn discounts based on online activity and past purchases through the platform. If you have a membership to club stores like Costco or Sams Club, you may also be able to find additional discounts or reduced ticket prices on the movies you’re craving to see. If you find the right deals, you may even be able to head out to the movies for free.
10. Become a Member – If you head to the movies frequently, consider joining your local theater’s membership program. You may be able to get extra deals and discounts along with your membership. Get rewarded for your frequent trips to the theaters with perks like redeeming points for reduced ticket prices. For many theater chains, you’ll accumulate points based on your visits and exclusive upgrades on foods and drinks. Popular movie theater chains like Regal Cinemas and AMC offer their own membership plans that come with benefits too good to pass up if you catch movies in theaters on a regular basis.
11. Skip the Fees – When you buy your movie tickets online ahead of time, you’ll ensure you get a seat. But that added convenience may also come along with an extra dollar or two fee tacked onto your overall ticket price. If you can, grab your ticket at the box office instead if there are any fees for online. While this may be more difficult for popular movies that are just released, it’s a great way to go if you have some flexibility. You can also avoid 3D and IMAX fees by simply opting out of those viewing experiences. Depending on the movie, watching a movie on a standard screen may be just as good as an IMAX or 3D experience.

Going to the movies can be a fun and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Check out these great ways to find discounts you want to help you save money on your movie ticket prices. With just a few small steps, you can end up saving a considerable amount overall. So check out the showtimes for that movie you’ve been wanting to see and head out to your local theater for some great entertainment.