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Home > Entertainment > Topics:  Movies
How to Save Money Going Out to the Movies

Submitted by: Tip Hero  01/11/2010 10:36 AM
 
While going out to the movies can be more expensive than staying at home and watching a DVD from Red Box or Netflix, sometimes it's worth a little splurge to get out of the house and watch a flick on the big screen. And while you may be willing to fork over hard-earned dollars on over-priced popcorn, there are ways to cut costs.

The website savvysugar.com posted an article recently that lists a few tips for how to save money at the movies. While a couple of the tips are somewhat obvious (and have also been posted here on Tip Hero before), such as get a big bucket of popcorn and share it (rather then a couple smalls) and going to a matinee to save on the cost of the ticket (though not food and drink), we thought a few of their suggestions were interesting and ones we hadn't thought of:

Gift Yourself Cheaper Concessions — This may require a little extra effort, but how many times do you find yourself trolling eBay for discounted goods anyway? If you're already on the site, just do a quick search for theater gift cards and vouchers. Oftentimes concessions vouchers sell for as little as $1.99, according to SmartMoney, and are good for four small popcorn orders — great if you're headed out with a group. Additionally, unwanted gift cards sell on the site at discounted values, so you could score a $25 card for a little more than half its value.

Get Bulk Value — Buying concession vouchers in bulk from a chain like AMC could end up being a pretty smart investment, especially if you're an avid movie-watcher who loves popcorn. According to the article, AMC offers a pack of vouchers at a discounted price. The even better news is that the vouchers don't expire — so remember to stay organized and don't lose them. Perhaps file them away with your coupons or other special saving offers.

Your Weekend Movie Outing For Less

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Comments:
 
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A better idea is to get your wife to carry a big purse. Then stop off at the dollar store and load it up with candy and snacks. I even slip a couple cans of my favorite soft drink in there.
 
Posted by Mark on January 21, 2010 4:15 PM
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here's one.go online to see free movies
at www.imdb.com. click browse videos,
and click on whatever titles you want to see.
 
Posted by anonymous on January 21, 2010 5:36 PM
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I agree with Mark! Lol! Go to the matinee showing... it's usually a few bucks cheaper to get in and usually not as crowded.
 
Posted by Nae on January 21, 2010 5:58 PM
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AMC theaters are only $5 on all shows before noon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Get their moviewatcher card and get discounts (not substantial) on concessions and when your points add up enough free concessions or free movie ticket.
 
Posted by mesarobins on January 21, 2010 11:34 PM
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We likewise only attend deeply-discounted morning matinees and skip the concession stands. Have a good breakfast before attending the first matinee of the day and the total price of the outing is merely the price of admission and the gas to get there.
 
Posted by G. E. Swain on January 22, 2010 12:05 PM
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It's hard to say no to "movie popcorn", but depending on the time of day we go, I try to make sure the kids have just eaten a meal.

That way they're full and don't really want anything else, but I try to spring for a soda at least.

Our family of 6 (2 Adults, 3 students and 1 child) cost $50.50 (for admission only), last time we went, which was on Christmas Day.

Since this is an anual event, like buying our Christmas tree, I just budget for it.
 
Posted by Trish on January 22, 2010 2:50 PM
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My neighbor pays for one movie and them sneaks in and out of the others. I am surprised that he hasn't been caught!
 
Posted by anonymous on January 27, 2010 9:50 AM
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