12 Easy Ways to Get Cheap Movie Tickets (2026)
If easy ways get cheap is on your radar, this short guide cuts through the noise. Here is what is worth knowing, and how to put it to work today.
Key Takeaways
- 12 Easy Ways to Get Cheap Movie Tickets Seemingly like everything else, the price of a weekend movie continues to soar.
- Here are some savvy ways you can enjoy your cinematic getaway without breaking the bank.
- Written by Ben Huber Last Updated: April 1, 2025 Reviewed by Jeff Proctor Home Money Management Save Money Some of the links on DollarSprout...
Seemingly like everything else, the cost of a weekend movie continues to soar. Here are some savvy ways you can enjoy your cinematic getaway without breaking the bank.
Written by Ben Huber Last Updated: April 1, 2025 Reviewed by Jeff ProctorSome of the links on DollarSprout point to products or services from partners we trust. If you choose to make a purchase through one, we may earn a commission, which supports the ongoing maintenance and improvement of our site at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
Movie theaters are a excellent place to take a break from reality. But with the average cost for a movie ticket at $9.16, not including popcorn and drinks, seeing a blockbuster can be pricey.[1]
Since skimping out on friends due to budgetary issues is the last thing anyone wants to have to do, figuring out ways to score affordable movie tickets becomes the only option.
Fortunately, reducing the overall cost of your cinematic adventure won’t come hard. There are numerous ways to score discounted movie tickets so you can save money without missing out on friends or your favorite films.
1. Check Groupon for discounts
Groupon occasionally offers discounts that can reach up to 90% for a feature film. Source: Groupon.comCheck out sites like Groupon for deals on movie tickets in your area. Deals are not always consistent, but you can find excellent prices for local movie theaters for less than what they go for at the box office.
Groupon deals may have restrictions, so read the fine print before buying. Most deals are only valid for specific locations, days, or types of movies. Deals also expire, so don’t forget to redeem your tickets before the expiration date. Even with these rules, Groupon can be a gold mine for affordable movie tickets.
Related: 4 Ways to Get Free Netflix
2. Leverage discounted gift cards
Get up to 30% off AMC or Cinemark gift cards on gift card marketplaces like Raise. Source: Raise.comPay less for your next movie ticket by buying discounted movie gift cards on sites like Raise.com. Raise is a website that sells gift cards to a variety of retailers at a discount, including movie theater chains like AMC and Cinemark.
On Raise, you can find gift cards for up to 30% off the value of the card. For example, if a gift card has $100 on it, with a 30% discount you could pay $70 for $100 credit to your favorite retailer.
Gift card discounts and availability changes daily, so you may need to check the website from time to time to snag the best deals.
3. Take advantage of loyalty programs
Customer loyalty programs are a huge cash cow for businesses. They’re proven to increase customer retention and substantially boost profits.
Fortunately, nearly every popular theater chain is in the loop and will pass back some of these profits in the form of rewards to loyal shoppers.
It may be simple to shrug off your local theater’s invitation to download their app or join their loyalty program, but if you’re a frequent moviegoer, you may want to think again.
Free movie tickets, snacks, drinks, and VIP seating are but a few of the numerous perks theaters will dangle in front of viewers to get them back in those comfy seats.
4. Scout membership club offerings
Wholesale shopping for groceries and everyday necessities at places like Costco and Sam’s Club has exploded in popularity over the past 20 years.
But you may not have thought to check , or simply missed , the simple to gloss over section where they sell highly discounted movie tickets and gift cards. We’re talking super good deals, too. At least 20% off, or more, at nearly every major theater chain.
This is a excellent opportunity to snag affordable movie tickets and then double dip on savings by adding an e-gift card as a payment form to an already existing rewards app.
See current offers for:
5. Make it a dinner date
Restaurants.com has absurdly good deals on dinner + movie combos , sometimes as much as 70% off. If you’ve got about $25 in your budget, odds are you eat locally and see a movie for cheaper than you ever imagined.
For example, they’re currently offering 2 AMC movie tickets and a $25 Restaurants.com gift card for $29. There are nearly identical deals for Regal and Cinemark.
Pro tip: These make for excellent gifts for any special couple in your life.
6. Earn cashback on your ticket purchases
You can further cheapen your movie tickets by leveraging rewards and cash back apps.
Pogo is a free mobile app that rewards you for everyday purchases , including movie tickets , by scanning your receipts or linking your card.
After you install the app, just connect your debit or credit card and shop like normal. Once your transaction posts, you’ll be prompted to claim your points inside the app. You can also snap a quick photo of your movie receipt if you prefer the manual route.
The app supports thousands of merchants, including ticketing platforms like Fandango and major theater chains like AMC and Regal. Points add up fast, and once you reach 3,000 ($3), you can cash out instantly to PayPal.
7. Look for daily specials
AMC offers a Tuesday special that allows filmgoers the chance tickets to premier showings for as little as $5. Source: Atom TicketsSome movie theaters run specials for weekday showings since most people go to the movies on weekends. It’s a win-win for the theater and for moviegoers looking to score affordable tickets. The theater gets to fill up seats that would otherwise go empty and you get a good deal on a movie.
Check the websites for your local movie theaters to find out if they offer a weekday discount. The ones in my area offer discounts on Tuesdays when tickets are only $5 no matter what time you go.
If you can’t find any information online, call the movie theater and ask if it runs any specials.
Related: 14 Legit Ways to Make Money Watching Videos
8. Enjoy a matinee
Most movie theaters charge full cost tickets during the high-traffic, evening hours, but shave off a few dollars for matinee showings.
Since fewer people go to the movies during those times, theaters offer affordable movie tickets to get more moviegoers through the door. Instead of going for dinner and a movie, try going for a movie and then dinner to save money.
Related: 11 Places to Watch Movies Online (for Free)
9. Take advantage of car load sales at your local drive-In
Besides the fun of watching a movie under the stars, drive-in theaters run specials and can be cheaper than a typical movie theater.
Check your local drive-in theater for special “car load” sales. For these, you pay a flat fee for the entire car load of people rather than the usual per-person charge. Some will specify that if the per person cost is cheaper, you can pay the normal rate.
Let’s say you bring a family of four to the movies. The theater char
Final Thoughts
The bottom line: a little research on easy ways get cheap goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is one click away.
Originally published at dollarsprout.com.
Ben Huber
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