See a Summer Blockbuster for $4 On National Cinema Day

A couple laugh as they watch a movie in a movie theater.
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Haven’t seen “Barbenheimer” yet? Sunday’s a good time to hit the theater.

National Cinema Day, a time to celebrate the magic of the silver screen without breaking the bank, is set for Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. This annual event is a cinephile’s dream come true, offering an opportunity to see the latest blockbusters and timeless classics on the big screen.

On Sunday, you can catch a movie in theaters nationwide for a mere $4 per ticket in all film formats — even IMAX! Thousands of movie theaters nationwide are participating, including AMC and Regal Cinemas, which is even offering a $4 concession combo.

What Is National Cinema Day?

Created by the film non-profit Cinema Foundation, the event’s purpose is to bring people together in theaters nationwide to share the magic of cinema.

One of our favorite aspects of National Cinema Day is the incredible deal it offers, especially with the price of movie tickets nowadays. (The average price this year is $10.53 per ticket.)

However, tickets to participating theaters are available for just $4 — 62% lower than the national average — making a Sunday movie an affordable outing for families, friends and solo moviegoers alike.

Can't make it to the movies Sunday? Here's our list of 15 ways to save at the movies.

How to Cash in on National Cinema Day

Getting in on the National Cinema Day action is a breeze. Here’s how you can make the most of this cinematic celebration:

Check participating theaters: First, find out which theaters in your area are participating in National Cinema Day. Most major theater chains join in the festivities, so chances are there’s one near you.

Choose your film: With a wide range of movies to choose from, pick a film that suits your taste. Whether you’re into action-packed blockbusters, heartwarming dramas or laugh-out-loud comedies, there’s something for everyone.

Arrive early: Theaters can get busy on National Cinema Day, so it’s a good idea to arrive a bit early to secure your seats and grab your snacks.

Enjoy the show: Once the lights dim and the screen comes to life, sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the cinematic experience.

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Catch Summer Blockbusters like ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ 

This year, National Cinema Day coincides with the recent release of some highly anticipated summer blockbusters: “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”

Margot Robbie takes on the title role in “Barbie,” which has broken box office records, grossing an estimated $551 million as of Aug. 19 in the U.S. alone. (It’s also the eighth-fastest film of all time to achieve this milestone.) In global revenue, “Barbie” has already passed $1.2 billion.

And with the mind-bending historical drama “Oppenheimer” directed by Christopher Nolan, there’s no shortage of excitement at the cinema. The film has already grossed $700 million in global revenue and is slated to be the fourth highest-grossing film of Nolan’s career.

Some people are even calling this phenomenon “Barbenheimer.” Since the two blockbuster films were released on July 21, many people have gone to see both films back to back on the same day, as a sort of movie marathon.

And on National Cinema Day, this famed double-header will only cost you $8.

Adam Palasciano is a personal finance-obsessed and money-savvy individual who loves to create content on all things saving and making money. His work also appears on The Smart Wallet, FinanceBuzz, Yahoo! Finance and JoyWallet.