Saving Money When Going to the Movies

The big screen, the rumbling sound, the smell of popcorn, who doesn’t love going to the movies?  Unfortunately the regular price tickets for movies has gotten to be so expensive that it keeps many of us from going. Lucky for us, there are ways to see movies for less. Here are just some ways to save money on your trip to the movies.

Sign up for mailing lists- By getting the latest news from the theaters around you, you’ll know when the best deals are offered and maybe even get a coupon here and there. Also, you will know of all of the special rates that the theaters offer. By signing up for one of the mailing list of a theater near us, we found out they have a program that lets you see movies for $5 anytime after they’ve been out for 2 or 3 weeks.

Go to the matinee showing- You’ll save a few dollars just by going earlier in the day. Some theaters around me actually have even lower prices for one showing during the day. During the summer, one theater even offers a free family movie on Tuesday mornings. By knowing what the theaters in your area are offering, you can save a lot of money.

Find a  discount theater- There are often times theaters that show movies that have been out for a month or two and charge less than if you had seen it as soon as it came out.  While these theaters aren’t generally as nice as the others, you do get the big screen, rumbling sound, and popcorn smells.

Sign up for rewards clubs- Many theaters have rewards programs that offer free popcorn, candy and even free movies.  The more you go, the more you save.

Sign up for Fandango- I got a coupon recently for a $1 ticket to a new movie if you were one of the first to use it.  They offer discounts like this from time to time and it could give you just the reason you need to go to the movies.

Check local TV and Radio- Many times local tv and radio programs will have contests for free tickets.  You can get free tickets just by calling in or answering a trivia  question.

Search the net- Watch bargain sites, and check bargain forums. Many times you can get discounts for ordering online, or from the film’s production company.

Bring your own snacks- this one may be the most controversial, but you can save a lot of money on your trip to the movies if you aren’t paying the high prices for movie concessions.  Some would argue against the ethics of this, but I’ll let you determine that for yourself.

Those are all my tips, how do you save money when you’re going to the movies? Any other tips?