Going to the movies is a classic American pastime. Whether it’s family night or date night or even a moment to slip off and enjoy cinema by yourself, there’s nothing like losing yourself in the midst of a good story on the big screen. However, the big screen can also equal big dollars. Here are a few ways you can be sure to save big the next time you take in the show. I give you my exclusive “How to Save Money at the Movie Theater” guide!
Use Rewards Points. Even though our family doesn’t typically drink Coke products, we regularly collect and enter the reward points found on caps and inside of packaging. Friends and family give us the codes they would typically just throw away and we spend a bit of time entering them into our account. Best of all, one of the easiest rewards to save for is good for admission at AMC movie theaters. Many reward point programs have either gift cards or vouchers that you can use at your favorite theater.
Skip the Snacks. True confession: I really love movie theater popcorn. In fact, I even have a little technique where I put a straw on that awful for you but oh so delicious “buttery topping” spout so that I can get more of it spread throughout the bottom layers of popcorn. But the truth is, the snacks at the theater are ridiculously overpriced. It’s better come after eating a full meal or snack at home than to show up hungry and purchase $50 worth of food.
Check For Apps. Cinemark theaters offer special perks to viewers who use their app to put phones in “CineMode” while watching the movie. That’s right you can gain discounts or even free food simply for not texting or talking on the phone. The app is free but you’ll need to open it in the theater to take advantage of the incentives.
Look for Reward Programs. If you frequent the movie theater often you might want to join their eClub or see if they have a free rewards program. I get weekly coupons for Cinemark (most often for concessions) and even a free small popcorn on my birthday just for signing up for their eClub. As always, use an e-mail address designated specifically for freebies and coupons so you don’t jumble your inbox with e-mails from your child’s school and coupons.
Matinees, Family Nights, Saturday AM Features and More. Get acquainted with any special weekly promotion your theater might run. Do they have discounts for senior citizens on certain days of the week? Are there hours when movies are more affordable? A simple phone call or poking around the theater’s website might yield a treasure trove of results. Especially during the summer but also sometimes in the spring months, theaters will offer a free or $1 children’s movie on a Wednesday or Saturday morning. These films are not recent releases but popular titles from years prior. Check to see if your theater has such an offering. Pro Tip: Arrive early to guarantee a seat as many of these styled promotions have the potential to sell out.
Being frugal doesn’t mean you have to be miserable. You can still enjoy entertainment as long as you keep within your budget. Hopefully these tips will encourage you to make the most of your movie experience.
Gain inspiration to pay off debt! Check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
[…] this week’s Queen on 13 segment where I shared How to Save Money at the Movie Theater? Check out the above video for a recap. Loyal Money Saving Lords & Ladies who subscribe via […]