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Have you cut back on going to the movies because of the ticket prices? I don't blame you for not wanting to pay anywhere between $8-13 just for a regular evening show. You don't have to give up seeing new releases to save money. Here are some ways to see that movie for less.
Screenings
A few weeks ago my husband and I saw Real Steel before the official opening by going to a screening. We attended this screening thanks to a media invitation, but there were hundreds of other people who took advantage of free seats.
The studio doesn't want the experience at screenings to include the audience reaction and will fill the theater with press first and then non-press afterwards. You can sign up for screenings in your city at various websites including Film Metro and gofobo.
A word of warning is to go early. More passes are awarded than there are seats so if you really want to see the movie go at least an hour early.
Matinees
We've been fans of the matinee shows because the prices are lower, the crowds are lighter and we're not too tired! Many theaters not only have lower prices before 4-6 pm, but they also may offer an additional discount for the first showing of the day.
Check the price structures of your local movie houses.
Discount Tickets
Most theater chains sell discounted tickets to groups. You can buy these through work, a warehouse club or the entertainment book. I've found the price to be comparable to matinee fees but you get to go to the evening show!
Sometimes you may have to mail in for the discounted tickets as well so this option requires advance planning.
Rewards
We recently received two movie tickets just for drinking coke products and entering codes online. One of the rewards available from my credit card is gift cards to a national movie chain. Swagbucks can be redeemed for a gift card to Fandango.
These are just three ways you can see free movies from some type of reward program. You may already be building points that can earn you a free movie seat.
Daily Deal Sites
Websites that sell one deal a day offer discounted movie tickets usually at least 50% their regular price. Sometimes they're packaged with refreshments. You are usually limited in the number of tickets that can be purchased and there is an expiration date if not used.
We've taken advantage of this several times and are happy to get two tickets, a popcorn and soda for $15. If you don't normally buy food then it might not be as good a deal.
Getting tickets for free or half price means you don't have to miss the latest installment of your favorite movie. How do you save money at the movies?
photo: by gailf548