6 savvy tips to save money at the cinema
Andrew Stuckey • May 18, 2020
Whether it’s special date night, an afternoon with mates or a family outing, a trip to the cinema is always an entertaining occasion which can leave you on the edge of your seat. However with the rocketing prices of tickets, popcorn, drinks or other treats to enjoy, it can end up costing a lot of money.
But there’s no need to panic, as you can watch your favourite movies and save money by following these 6 savvy tips.
Look out for special offers
Make the most out of cinema vouchers and special offers you can find online. Odeon, Cineworld and Vue regularly offer a variety of special deals which you can take advantage of, from discounts on tickets and gift cards to half price membership deals and food and drink vouchers.
Most cinemas also offer cheaper tickets for children and seniors, so if you’re taking the whole family, make sure to shop around to find a reasonable deal.
Booking tickets online could also save you some money. Check out your local cinema’s website to see what’s available and start spending less on entry fees.
Don’t go premium
Is there any perk or real advantage about sitting in premium seats or watching on IMAX? Granted, the seats may be a bit more comfortable and you get more leg room, but when you consider the difference in price it’s hardly worth it all. The cinema screen is massive so you’ll get a good view wherever you sit, unless you’re behind the BFG.
Save yourself a few quid and stay in the standard seats - you won’t notice the difference in front of a rip roaring action movie or tear jerking rom com.
Avoid the weekend
There are deals to be grabbed by going to the cinema on a weekday, instead of a busy Saturday and Sunday. Some theatres offer midweek deals – Cineworld offers ‘Bargain Tuesdays’ and other discounts for attending midweek. Other cinemas also offer cheaper prices for midweek before 5pm, so be sure to check them out.
If you’ve ever taken out insurance with Compare the Market, you could qualify for 2 for 1 tickets on a Tuesday or Wednesday, however always make sure you’re using them for the right reason, and don’t be swayed by freebies as there may be better deals elsewhere.
Find a membership deal
If you’re a hard-core cinemagoer, then a monthly subscription might be a good money wise solution for you. Paying a fee of around £17-18 each month can guarantee that you see an unlimited number of the latest films each month. This is great if you can commit to going regularly, but not so much if you don’t – you’ll end up wasting your money so, consider this before you sign up.
Some cinemas also offer discounts on restaurants for your monthly subscription fee, which is great for treating your loved one on a special occasion or date night.
N.B. Some cinemas charge extra for 3D or IMAX showings so always check the terms and conditions carefully.
Go Independent
There are many independent cinemas around the country, in which you can grab a movie bargain. Even though the films are often shown a few weeks later than the release date, it’s worth the wait when you consider the reduction in cost. A lot of these cinemas also show a mixture of foreign and independent films you might not see at your Odeons or Cineworlds, etc, so it’s worth checking to see what’s on in your area.
In London especially, there are great deals to be had, check out this blog to find an independent cinema with reasonable prices near you.
Read more:
How to make your money stretch in the city
BYO
Even if you do have to pay full price for a cinema ticket, you could still save money on food and drink by bringing your own in – you’re not obliged to spend a fortune on popcorn, a hotdog and a large drink at the concession stands at some cinemas.
Each cinema has their own policies on taking your own food in, some don’t allow hot food, most won’t allow you to take in alcohol, and others have a strict policy against bringing any kind of food or drink in, so always check their FAQ’s and terms and conditions first or you may be refused entry.
If there are no policies against taking your own food or drink in, pop to the nearest shop where you can bag some cheaper treats.
So before you head to the cinema to watch the latest blockbuster, it’s a good idea to do your research beforehand and shop around for the best ticket deals to suit you.
Need some more savvy money saving tips? Check out our other blog posts right here.