How to Get Cheap or Free Movie Tickets

Watch for Free Movie Ticket Offers

Food manufacturers love to run free movie ticket promotions tied to the latest blockbuster, so keep an eye out for special offers on product packaging when you grocery shop. Cereal and candy manufacturers are especially fond of running these type of promotions.

Attend a Free Screening

Sometimes movie companies set up free screenings of movies before they're officially in theaters, as a way to build hype. (They're hoping you'll talk the movie up on Facebook and Twitter afterwards). Sign up with a couple free screening websites to receive alerts when free tickets are up for grabs in your area. Two companies to sign up for: Gofobo and SeeItFirst

Go to the Movies on a Weekday

Have a flexible schedule? Then, consider going to the movies during the week for an extra discount.

Here are some offers to check out:

• Cinemark Discount Days
• Cinemark Reel Family Time
• Regal Value Days
• Regal Crown Club Value Day Price Perks
• AMC Stubs Ticket Tuesdays

Go to a Drive-In Theater

Did you know that you can often catch two new-release movies at a drive-in for less than the cost of one ticket at a traditional theater? And that you can save even more by bringing your own snacks? Locate a drive-in near you, and discover the savings for yourself.

• Find a Drive-In Theater Near You

Go Early for Cheaper Movie Tickets

Matinees are cheap, but pre-matinees are even cheaper. Just catch a movie before noon to snag the early bird special.

For More Information:

• Cinemark Early Bird Discount

Work Your Memberships

Costco and AAA both offer discount movie tickets to its members. Lots of unions and trade organizations do, too. Revisit your benefits packages, and you may discover that cheap tickets are a part of your bennys.

For More Information:

• Costco
• AAA

Buy Your Movie Tickets in Bulk

Purchase your tickets one or two at a time, and you'll pay full price. Purchase them 25 or more at a time, and you'll pay a lot less. If you go to the movies often, or you can find a friend to split the purchase with, this is a good option.

Get the Details:

• AMC
• Cinemark
• Regal

Enter Sweepstakes to Win Movie Tickets

Movie tickets are a popular prize in instant win games and sweepstakes. Test your luck, and you may just come out a winner.

• Free Ticket Sweepstakes

Get a Movie Rewards Card

Lots of theaters have jumped on the rewards card bandwagon. Get a card for your favorite theater, so you can start earning free concessions and tickets.

Get the Details:

• Regal Crown Club (free)
• Regal Mobile App (free)
• AMC Stubs ($19.95 a month, but allows you to watch three movies each month)

Take Advantage of Student, Military and Senior Discounts

If you're in school, in uniform or you've reached senior citizen status, be sure to flash your ID, so you get your discount.

Programs to Check Out:

• AMC 10% Military Discount
• Cinemark Seniors Day
• Cinemark Military Discount
• Cinemark Student Discount

Cash in Your Credit Card Rewards

Credit card rewards can be cashed in for all sorts of things. Happily, movie theater gift cards happen to be one. Check your rewards catalog to see if they're an option for you.

Check All of Your Loyalty Rewards Programs

Disney Movie Rewards and Atom Rewards are just a couple of the programs that allow you to cash in your rewards points for free movie tickets. Check through the rewards catalog of every rewards program you belong to, and you should find multiple opportunities to earn free movie tickets.

• Loyalty Rewards Program to Sign Up For

Be Patient

Wait for a movie to move to the dollar theaters, and you'll pay a fraction of what you'd normally pay for the same big screen experience. The average movie run time at a full-price theater is four weeks, so you probably won't have too long to wait.

Catch a Free Flick

Most theaters run a free family movie series in the summer. These aren't first-run movies, but hey, they're free!

Buy Discounted Gift Cards

Gift Card Granny sells discounted gift cards to hundreds of businesses, including all of the major movie theaters. Buy a card; then, use it to buy your tickets.

Buy Discounted Movie Theater Gift Cards:

• AMC Theatres
• Loews
• Regal Cinema