How to Get Cheap Movie Tickets
Just like with seemingly everything these days, the cost of a movie ticket is on the rise. In fact, in just 10 years, ticket prices have gone up by more than 60%. A standard evening ticket at AMC can cost you as much as $13.99 or more.
But you don’t have to let costs keep you from enjoying the movies. Tactics like discount days, matinees and rewards programs can make tickets more affordable. Here’s how to make your trip to the movies less of a sting on your budget.
The Cheapest Ways to Get Movie Tickets (Quick Answer)
Some of the best ways to save on movie tickets include joining theater rewards programs, going earlier in the day and avoiding the weekends. For example, members of AMC’s loyalty rewards program, Stubs, can get 50% off tickets on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Alamo Drafthouse runs a similar promotion, with $5, $7 or $9 tickets on Tuesdays, depending on participating locations.
Here’s how to get cheaper movie tickets:
- Go on Discount Tuesdays (or the day your chain cinema has a discounted ticket fare)
- Choose matinee showings (typically 20–30% cheaper)
- Join free rewards programs (earn points and qualify for special discounts)
- Use discounted gift cards (save 10–25% by buying discounted gift cards on sites like CardCash)
- Try movie subscriptions like MoviePass (as low as ~$5 per movie)
The Best Ways to Get Cheap Movie Tickets (Ranked by Savings)
If you’re really looking to crunch the numbers and get movie tickets for as cheap as possible, it depends on how often you go to the cinema. In any case, some strategies almost always deliver.
- Subscription plans — up to 60–70% savings if you go often
- Discount Tuesdays — typically 30–50% off
- Gift card stacking — around 10–25% savings
- Matinee pricing — about 20–30% cheaper
- Rewards programs — roughly 5–15% back in value
Use this ranking to help you prioritize the strategies that deliver the biggest impact first.
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The Best Way to Save Based on How Often You Go
The best way to save on movie tickets depends on how often you go and who you’re going with.
If You Go 1–2 Times Per Month
If you only find yourself at the box office once or twice a month, then you may want to choose one of the tried-and-true strategies that don’t depend on frequent viewing to give you a discount. These would be Discount Tuesdays and matinees. They’re discounted based on when you’re going to see a movie and not how often you see them.
You can combine these with discounted gift cards to lower your total cost even further without committing to a monthly fee.
If You Go to the Movies Weekly
Do you want to see the latest films each week at the box office? If you’re there at least once a week, look into a subscription plan. It could get your per-movie rate down as low as $5 a flick.
But even if you just see two movies a month, you may be able to break even. Look into the various subscription plans and see which option might work best for you.
If You Go With Family or Groups
If you tend to go with larger groups, combining discount days, group pricing and gift cards can deliver the biggest savings.
For example, a family of four could save $20 to $40 per visit by combining strategies like Discount Tuesday, movie subscriptions and gift cards.
How Much You Can Actually Save (Real Examples)
The amount you save on movie tickets depends on the strategy you use, but the difference can be significant. MoviePass data shows the average cost of a movie ticket is around $12-$15, if you live in a mid-size city.
Quick comparison
| Strategy | Ticket Cost | Monthly Cost (two movies) |
|---|---|---|
Regular pricing |
$15 in a mid-size city |
$30 |
Discount Tuesday |
$8 |
$16 |
Subscription plan |
~$3–$5 |
$6-$10 |
These examples show how quickly costs can drop when you switch from standard pricing to discounted options. Prices vary by location, theater and subscription plans.
Go at the Right Time for the Lowest Prices
Adjusting your moviegoing time is an easy way to save money at the box office. Theaters are always looking to fill seats at odd hours and on odd days.
Discount Tuesdays Are Usually the Cheapest Day
Discount Tuesdays are widely considered the cheapest day to go to the movies, with many theaters offering significantly reduced ticket prices.
Major chains like AMC, Regal and Cinemark often run Tuesday deals where tickets are marked down by about 50%, which could drop a standard $13.99 ticket to around $7. That could be lower or higher depending on location.
Matinee Showings Cost Less Than Evening Tickets
Matinee showings cost less because theaters are trying to attract more viewers.
You can typically save 20% to 30%, meaning a $15 evening ticket might drop to around $10 or $11 earlier in the day. (This could also be even lower, depending on where your local movie theater is based.)
Late-Night Showings Can Also Be Cheaper
Late-night showings can sometimes be cheaper, especially for less crowded screenings.
Although not as consistent as other discounts, it can still offer small savings when available.
Join Free Movie Theater Rewards Programs
Free movie theater rewards programs are one of the easiest ways to save because they offer ongoing perks without any upfront cost.
Programs from AMC, Regal and Cinemark let you earn points on tickets and concessions, which can be redeemed for discounts or free items over time. Certain loyalty programs, like Stubs, qualify you for special promotions, like 50% off tickets on Tuesday and Wednesday at AMC.
Even occasional moviegoers can benefit, because rewards accumulate automatically with each purchase.
Use Movie Subscription Plans (Best for Frequent Moviegoers)
Movie subscription plans are one of the most cost-effective ways to lower your ticket price if you go regularly.
AMC Stubs A-List, Regal Unlimited and Cinemark Movie Club each offer different pricing and benefits, but they all reduce your cost per movie when used consistently. Programs like MoviePass allow you to see up to three films a month for a monthly or annual price.
Most plans become worth it if you see at least two movies per month, though they may come with tradeoffs like monthly fees and limited theater participation.
Buy Discounted Movie Tickets and Gift Cards
Buying discounted movie tickets and gift cards can reduce your total cost before you even choose a showtime.
Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club often sell bundled tickets or gift cards at a discount, while resale platforms like Groupon may offer additional savings. Websites like CardCash also sell discounted gift cards.
This strategy works especially well when combined with Discount Tuesdays or matinee pricing.
Use Apps and Deal Sites for Discounts
Apps and deal sites can help aggregate discounted movie tickets and limited-time promotions.
Platforms like Fandango, Groupon and Atom Tickets sometimes offer promo codes, cash back or bundle deals that reduce your total price.
If you’re flexible about which theater you pick or when you go to the movies, this could be the best option for you.
Get Free Movie Tickets (Yes, It’s Possible)
You don’t have to be a celebrity to get tickets to free movie screenings. It’s true that you’ll have to scour the Internet for these offers, but when you find one, it will all be worth it.
Sites like Gofobo allow you to input your ZIP code and find screenings nearby. And the film studios themselves may promote giveaways through social media or email lists. To make the most of these, show up 30-45 minutes early to make sure you get a seat.
Availability is limited and varies by location, but this can be a great way to see movies at no cost.
Look for Special Discounts (Student, Military, Senior)
Special discounts for students, military members, people who work for the government, nurses, teachers, first responders and seniors can lower ticket prices depending on the theater.
These offers vary by location, but they can provide consistent savings if you qualify and ask before purchasing tickets. If you work in a field that may qualify, look up your options before you go to the movies.
Save More When You Go With a Group or Family
Group and family deals can significantly reduce the cost per ticket when you buy multiple tickets together.
Some theaters offer bundled pricing or discounted children’s tickets, which can make a noticeable difference for larger groups.
Combining these deals with other strategies can lead to even bigger savings.
Are Cheap Movie Ticket Programs Worth It?
Cheap movie ticket programs can be worth it if you’re a frequent moviegoer. If you think you’ll be at the movies with friends and family at least twice a month, then you’ll probably stand to benefit from a rewards program.
The only drawback is these subscriptions are often limited to one theater chain and may require a monthly commitment. But if you’re a box office junkie, then that may just work out for you.
Final Verdict: The Best Way to Get Cheap Movie Tickets
The best way to get cheap movie tickets is to combine strategies: Discount Tuesdays, matinee pricing, rewards programs and movie subscriptions can add up to significant savings.
Occasional moviegoers may want to rely solely on picking a less popular time to go to the movies. More frequent viewers could benefit from subscription packages or loyalty programs.
Prices, discounts and availability vary by location, but using multiple strategies together is one of the most reliable ways to consistently pay less.
FAQ: Cheap Movie Tickets
The cheapest day to go to the movies is usually Tuesday, when many theaters offer discounted pricing that can reduce ticket costs by 30% to 50%, depending on the location.
You can get free movie tickets through advance screenings, promotions and giveaway events, often listed on sites like Gofobo or through theater email lists.
Movie theater memberships are often worth it if you watch at least two movies per month.
Matinees save money because theaters charge lower prices for daytime showings, typically reducing ticket costs by 20% to 30%.
The cheapest time of day to go to the movies is usually earlier in the day during matinee hours, when ticket prices are lower than evening showings.
Movie ticket prices do vary by location based on factors like theater chain, city and demand, which means discounts and deals can differ depending on where you go.
Writer Elizabeth Djinis is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder, often writing about selling goods online through social platforms. Her work has appeared in Teen Vogue, Smithsonian Magazine and the Tampa Bay Times.
