I love going to the movies. My partner and I visit the movie theater at least once a month. However, the high prices do make us pause. The average ticket price in 2024 is $10.78. Imagine trying to take a family of five. Tickets alone would be over $50! This doesn’t include snacks or any upgrades.
I found some simple ways to save money at the movie theater. I’ve found 12 tips to save money and put them on a list to help anyone interested. To curate this list, I’ve chosen tips I’ve used in the past. I also consulted a CNBC money-saving article for ideas.
Take a look at these tips and see if it helps you get back to the movie again.
1. Pre-pop Popcorn
Technically, most places don’t let you bring outside food in movie theaters. But I’m definitely guilty of pre-popping popcorn at home and bringing it in ziploc bags. It’s so much cheaper!
The last time I ordered a medium popcorn at a movie theater, it was almost $10! I can buy a pack of three popcorn bags for less than $5 at my local grocery store.
2. Bring Snacks
This tip is connected to the one above. Instead of buying overly expensive snacks at the movie theater, buy them from a cheaper store. I like heading to Dollar Tree or Five Below before the movies.
A bag of M&M’s in the movie theater is easily $6, while the same bag costs $1.25 at Dollar Tree. There is always a risk that the movie theater workers may ask to see your bag, but I haven’t run into this issue.
3. Share a Large Drink
Why not share one instead of buying separate drinks on a date night? My husband and I stopped buying two drinks months ago. We could never even finish them.
Also, the soft drinks at our local theater come with free refills. Of course, this tip only works if you’re comfortable sharing a drink. You could also skip buying drinks or snacks altogether.
4. Bring Blankets and Pillows
Why upgrade to a larger seat when you can bring comfortable items to a movie theater? I seldom forget to bring pillows and blankets when I book a movie theater with reclining chairs.
Always check to see if your local movie theater allows pillows and blankets. So far, like with snacks, I haven’t run into issues.
5. Use Age-Discounts
Don’t feel bad about asking for a discount, especially if the company already offers it. For instance, if you are above 65, only buy the senior citizen movie theater ticket. Every little dollar counts.
The same goes if your movie theater offers discounts to teachers, first responders, veterans, or active military personnel.
6. Go During the Weekdays
Another money-saving movie theater tip is skipping the movie theaters on weekends. If possible, I try to avoid going on weekends. Not only are movie theaters super busy, but they are also a lot more expensive.
Weekday and early movie times tend to be less expensive. This can mean significant savings if you’re going with a large group.
7. See Movies in the Morning
I love going to the movies by myself. There is something about treating myself to an early movie and lunch that warms my heart. It leaves me feeling a lot happier for the rest of the week.
If you can, save some money by visiting the movie theater during the day. Earlier showtimes are less expensive than those in the evening. They also tend to be less crowded. While attending morning showings, I’ve had the theater to myself three times.
8. Donate Blood
Did you know you can donate blood and receive movie tickets? The number of tickets and the theater varies by location. I’ve snagged free tickets with a blood donation multiple times.
It’s a great way to accumulate rewards while helping those in need. One Blood offers incentives like free movie tickets, e-gift cards, T-shirts, water bottles, and more.
9. Sign up for Loyalty Programs
I always recommend signing up for free loyalty programs whenever they are available. These points can add up even if you barely go to the movies. Points can be redeemed for free movie tickets, discounts at the concessions, and more.
I frequent Cinemark and always use my rewards program. So far, I’ve traded points for free movie posters, tickets, and a popcorn and drink combo.
10. Monthly Movie Programs
Do you go to the movies often? If so, consider enrolling in a monthly subscription for your movie theater. Many major movie theater companies offer monthly subscriptions with unlimited or multiple free tickets each month.
I used to do this through AMC and watched so many movies in the same month. Cinemark also has a similar program that may be worth the cost.
11. Complete Surveys
This tip must seem confusing. You’re probably wondering, what do surveys have to do with movie tickets? The answer may surprise you.
If you have free time and want discounted or free tickets, I recommend signing up for a survey reward website like Swagbucks. The more points you accumulate, the higher rewards you can cash in. I’ve earned many Cinemark and AMC gift cards on Swagbucks by playing games, answering surveys, and searching the web.
12. Free Summer Movies
Last, you can take advantage of any free or discounted movie days during the summer. I can’t tell you that every movie theater offers something like this, but my local ones do. With ticket prices averaging above $10, it is not hard to calculate what a huge savings this can be, especially if you have a large family.
In my local Regal Cinemas, you can watch movies for free early morning on weekdays during the summer. Sure, they aren’t new releases, and most movies are targeted at kids, but free is free.
15 Smart Tips for Living Well on a Strict Budget
In today’s economy, strict budgeting has become a reality for many, sometimes involuntarily. With fast fashion and rapidly changing trends, temptations are on the rise. Mastering a budgeting mindset can empower a person to manage their finances responsibly. It’s a step towards achieving self-fulfillment while leaving room for some fun.
14 Insanely Overpriced Fast Food Chains You Shouldn’t Bother With
Fast food is now a luxury. My family and I have completely limited our fast-food outings. Just ordering a basic meal can cost close to $15, and it’s easy to spend even more. Some fast food spots, though, are more expensive than others.
Being shocked by a food bill will surely leave a bad taste in anyone’s mouth. So when you plan an outing, consider the cost of where you will eat rather than just your favorite meals. At these prices, a sit-down restaurant with a more comfortable ambiance where you can better enjoy visiting with friends and family might be a more affordable choice.
So, to help you have the best experience, I chose 14 ridiculously expensive fast-food chains you should be aware of. Many of the restaurants on this list come from my own experience and occasionally wrecked budget. Here are 14 insanely overpriced fast-food chains you shouldn’t bother with.
The cost of living in the United States has skyrocketed in the last four years. So, what happens when the cost of living goes up? We stop buying certain things. I can think of many items and luxuries I’ve let go of because they’ve gotten so expensive.
Honestly, with the increasing prices, it’s not worth it. Maybe you’re experiencing the same dilemma. It’s hard to decide how to buy the things we need without breaking the bank. To help with those tough decisions, we curated these things based on luxuries and wants instead of needs.
Some may be more difficult than others to let go. However, in the end, we think it makes sense. What about you?
