* In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Affiliate links will have an asterisk (*) next to them. Please read my disclosure here.*
I love watching movies so it might surprise you that I haven’t gone to the movies this year. In fact, I now make a point of not going to the movie theater and still manage to stay somewhat culturally in the loop.
Star Wars just opened last week and even though I am a HUGE, HUGE fan of the series-I didn’t go. I hate going to the movies opening weekend for the following reasons: too many noisy people, too many noisy people, and it’s expensive. Pretty simple.
I prefer to watch movies in the comfort of my own home where I can: pause it and rush to the restroom without missing anything. I can eat a steak and no one freaks out because of the smell. If I felt like having a glass of wine I don’t have to sneak it in. You get the picture, it’s just easier and let’s be honest-much cheaper.
Movies in Denver are around $10 an hour. For many people that represents an hour of work. If I’m going to the movies I want: quiet, no one dropping stuff on the ground or talking during important moments, and I don’t want to hear the crunching noise people make when they eat popcorn. How to save money on movies is pretty simple: don’t go. Stay with me and don’t freak out-you will still see your favorite movies…just in a different way. Actually there’s a lot of ways to save and the following is a list of a few ways that I use to save money on movies:
Check Movies Out From The Library
I tend to reserve the latest movies from my library as soon as they are released. Myself and several hundred of my best friends end up on a list and as the cds/blue rays come in and people begin watching the movies one day I receive a notice that the movie has arrived and I watch it from the warmth and comfort of my home.
Love this!
Streaming
You pay a monthly subscription fee in order to access different t.v. shows and movies online. In order to judge the cost effectiveness of this option think about how much it costs for you to take your family to the movies. Think about: transportation cost, snacks, drinks, and ticket cost. You will probably find this to be a very wallet friendly option
Regular T.V.
I am so nerdy, but I admit that I still have a t.v. with rabbit ears. It works wonderfully, gorgeous picture quality and I have more than enough t.v. shows and movie options. I would say that this option is tricky if you would like to see your favorite movie in the year that it actually was released.
Matinees
Fortunately, many movie theaters still offer a lower priced matinee option or a day where movies are substantially cheaper until a certain time. Do a quick search in your town or city to see if there are theaters that offer discounted rates.
IBOTTA Rebates
I use the iBotta savings app * specifically to save on groceries. However, you can redeem your rewards for a Regal Movie Theater Gift Card of $25. Make sure that that you have a Regal Movie theater in your area before you use this option. There are other savings apps out there, just check your app to see how you can use your earnings. Check out my post on how to use IBOTTA here.
Second Run Theaters
There actually is a movie theater in Denver where it costs $3.00 dollars to see a movie before 6:00 p.m. and then it is $4.00 after 6:00 p.m. We used to refer to these theaters as dollar theaters but once it hits $3.00 dollars it’s a bit awkward to call those theaters dollar theaters anymore. The great thing about seeing movies at these theaters is it’s still a great movie watching experience: popcorn, drinks, and your favorite movie goers with you.
If you find that you’re too busy when a movie comes out, want to watch your budget, or just aren’t that into movies and don’t want to pay too much for them, these theaters are a great way to save money on movies and still have an authentic movie watching experience.
Movies Can Be Cheap
I should say that I am not against enjoying the opening night madness if that’s your thing. But, if you’re trying to save money, break some spending habits, and would like to stretch your money these are some ideas to consider.
Have fun watching your next movie, save your money, and may the Force be with you!
Latest posts by Michelle (see all)
- How Work Policies Against Black Women Birthed a Love of the Soft Life - 20 March, 2024
- How Taylor Swift’s IP Victory Could Change the Business of Music - 28 February, 2024
- Why Don’t More Personal Finance Content Creators Talk About Policy - 16 January, 2024
I do like to see certain movies at the theater (some Oscar ones and Star Wars tonight!!!) but mostly I watch on Redbox, which is $1.64 and a freaking steal if you ask me! Amazon also offers movies that are cheaper for around $5-ish, but usually I wait for redbox. PS, redbox will often send you codes for free movies as well.
I’ve never used Redbox and had completely forgotten about it! I may end up changing my mind regarding Star Wars and Mockingjay because the action scenes really need a big screen.
We don’t really go to the movies either. It’s expensive and we just don’t have time for it. When we have free time we’d rather spend it as a family at home. Plus having twin toddlers can make it hard to sit in a movie theatre too. 🙂
It’s funny because I do enjoy watching movies but the process of going and the cost is a turn off. I can imagine that the beans would lose their interest in a movie pretty quickly LOL!
I just pick which movie to watch in movie theater. For Star Wars, probably no. I’d definitely wait for an HD copy in the Internet. And, I am not that fan of the movie. 😀
I am excited about Star Trek! But, I really hate going to the theater it’s way too noisy.
I saw the latest Star Wars movie earlier today with my son. It was the first time I’ve been to the cinema in 6 months. The cost of the movie wasn’t bad but the popcorn and coke my son bought cost more than his ticket. I usually borrow movies free from my local library.
You sound like me! I hardly ever go to the theater at this point. Then, I feel compelled to sneak in snacks because the concession stand is so expensive. But, I feel a little guilty when I do that so it’s better for me to stay home and check out my movies from the library.
Don’t forget second-run movie theaters. Tickets are usually $3-5 each, and it’s never very crowded. It’s a great way to go if you want to see a kids movie on the big screen. That way, kids’ noise doesn’t bother you as much because you didn’t pay a lot to see the film.
My mom is nice enough to do My Coke Rewards and redeem them for movie passes for us. You can get tickets or, if the package is available, tickets, a large popcorn and two drinks.
Even so, we don’t go to a lot of movies because we don’t like to waste our passes on just anything. We’ve got a bit of a glut now, though, so I suppose we’ll venture out more.
We did pay out of pocket for Star Wars in order to reserve seats. (We didn’t want to stand in line for hours with our health problems, so we chose a theater that has reserved seating.) But we went to a matinee, so even with the 3D upcharge, we paid $19.20.
I had second run on my list but forgot to bold the header (oops!) I love those theaters. It’s really easy for me to get to one using the light rail in Denver so I can avoid dealing with traffic and parking. I’m excited that no one has spilled the beans on Star Wars or Mockingjay for me. I’m jus waiting to check them out from the library LOL! I’ve never heard of the My Coke Rewards. I think $20 bucks for 2 people is a good deal though for a new release.