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How to Get Discounted Movie Tickets

3/19/2025 • 4 min read

Movies are one of the most affordable family entertainment activities, but we all still want to save money where we can! If you're looking for discounted movie tickets and strategies for saving money on movie tickets, the good news is that you have several options.

From movie theater membership programs to group rates and special offers, here are several reliable ways to get discount movie tickets.

Gift Card Discounts

We have gift card promo campaigns a few times every year, which is a great time to buy a few extra gift cards at a reduced price to use for future ticket purchases! For example, we have a Valentine’s Day 2025 Gift Card promotion running this year. From February 9 to February 16, if you spent $50 or more on gift cards, you'll get 15% off the order. Online purchases only.

Being Flexible with Matinee Showtimes 

Matinees at Cinemark are a great, low-key way to see movies—the prices are lower, the theater is typically less crowded, and they are a fun, family-friendly option for a daytime outing. Discounts and timing vary by location with matinee hours ending anywhere from 2 PM through 6 PM. Find matinee showtimes near you online or in the Cinemark app by checking your local theater, adding tickets to your cart, and seeing the price at checkout. Check out matinee showtimes discount at your local theater and score savings of up to $6 off per ticket. 

Unlock Extra Savings with Student, Senior, and Military Discounts 

Many theaters also offer special discount for student, senior, Military Discounts. Just show your valid ID at the box office to snag these deals. Whether you're a student catching a break between classes, a senior enjoying a day out, or a military member looking for some well-deserved relaxation, these discounts make movie-going even more affordable.

Membership Has its Privileges

Major movie chains, and many smaller ones, offer membership or loyalty programs that reward frequent visitors. Many have a free tier where users can accumulate points with each purchase. These points can be redeemed for tickets and/or discounts on future visits.

Most programs also offer a paid tier for which a monthly fee covers at least one ticket, sometimes with the option to roll over unused tickets to future months. Other discount pricing such as companion ticket prices and concession discounts may also be part of the program. Each one is different, so check your local theater to see their options.

Skip the Online Fees

With reward programs like Cinemark Movie Club, AMC Stubs A-List or Regal Unlimited, you won't just earn points and discounts. You can avoid online ticketing fees, too. That immediately lops a few dollars off your purchase, or more, depending on where you live. It's one of the quickest ways to save if you go to more than a few occasional movies.

Discount Days and Group Rates

Some theaters will offer discounts for large groups or special events. This can be a great way to save money if you're planning to watch a movie with friends or family. You may also be able to buy movie tickets in bulk at a discounted rate. The most obvious use for these discounts is for gifts or corporate events, but those who want to plan ahead and can put down the lump sum for many tickets at once might be able to save.

Third-Party Deals on Movie Tickets and Memberships

And while the benefits of some rewards memberships are tied to a monthly fee, movie membership discounts are available, too. Check Groupon for deals on multi-month and annual memberships, which can significantly decrease your monthly cost for a top-tier membership.

For those who work at larger companies, you may have access to a retail portal that offers discount movie tickets. Major movie chains all offer these discounts, and the savings can be significant — as much as 40%, depending on the theater chain!

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