Saving Money at the Movies

Movies are not cheap. Period. Add concessions, and a family of four could spend $70 - $100 to see the latest blockbuster on the big screen. If you’re a movie buff, that price tag may be worth it to you. I refuse to pay it, which doesn’t always make me popular with my seven-year-old (who is already planning to see Transformers 3 when it opens July 1^st). To avoid being the “worst mom ever,” I have found ways to view blockbusters on a budget:

Go to the movies before noon any day of the week. You’ll see the same movies everyone else is seeing, but you’ll save up to 50 percent on each adult ticket and about $2.50 on each child ticket.

Say no to IMAX and 3D. Theaters add $5 or more to the cost of each ticket for these “enhanced” features which don’t always enhance the film. Last summer, we paid the extra money to see Toy Story 3 in 3D because we had a gift card. It quickly became one of my all-time favorite flicks, but I will never be convinced 3D added anything to that movie.

Wait until the movie hits a dollar theater. If you just want to see the movie on the big screen but don’t need to rush out on opening day, wait just a few months and catch it at the discount cinema. That’s how we caught Megamind on the big screen. There are several dollar theaters in the Dallas area:

Cinemark Hollywood USA Movies 15 on Shiloh Road in Garland
Starplex Mesquite Cinemas 10  just down the road from our branch on Belt Line Road
Cinemark Movies 10 on Coit Road in Plano
Starplex Irving Cinemas 10 on Pioneer Road

Do the math with concessions. At AMC, three small popcorns cost almost twice as much a one jumbo size, and the jumbo comes with unlimited free refills. Our family of three orders one jumbo popcorn and two empty small popcorn bags, and we share. My son can practically climb in to the jumbo bag, so we’ve never needed refills. If they won’t give you bags, ask for water cups. I’ve also been known to bring a few small bowls in my purse. I also bring a juice box for my son and water bottles for my husband and I. Now, I’m not telling you to break the rules about no outside food and beverages. I’m simply telling you what has worked for me.

How much will you save? When I follow each of these tips, my family of two adults and one child pays $21.50 to go to the movies and eat a jumbo popcorn. That’s a savings of $37. Without these cost saving measures, it would cost us nearly $60 to see a movie. I have yet to see a movie worth that much money.

Next Blog: Almost Free Summer Movies and Other Activities