How to Save Money on Cinema Tickets in the UK

1. Take Advantage of Discount Days

Many cinemas offer discounted tickets on specific days of the week. These midweek promotions can save you a lot compared to peak-time prices.

Best Discount Days at Major Cinemas:

• Vue: “Super Monday” and “Mini Mornings” for kids.
• Odeon: “Super Saver Tuesdays” in some locations.
• Cineworld: “Bargain Tuesdays” at select sites.
• Empire Cinemas: “Sav£rday Tuesday” with reduced prices all day.

Before booking, check your local cinema’s website for the latest offers.

2. Use Cinema Memberships and Subscription Services

If you watch films regularly, a membership or subscription could save you a lot over time.

Best UK Cinema Memberships:

• Cineworld Unlimited (£10.99–£18.40 per month): Unlimited films and discounts on food and drinks.
• Odeon MyLimitless (£14.99–£19.99 per month): Unlimited films with special offers on snacks and drinks.
• Picturehouse Membership (£20–£75 per year): Free tickets, discounts on food and drinks, and priority bookings.

If you visit the cinema at least twice a month, these memberships can easily pay for themselves.

3. Get 2-for-1 Tickets with Meerkat Movies

Meerkat Movies offers 2-for-1 tickets every Tuesday and Wednesday when you buy qualifying insurance through Compare the Market.

How to Get It:

1. Buy a cheap insurance policy (e.g., travel insurance for a few pounds).
2. Receive a Meerkat Movies code to use each week.
3. Enjoy half-price cinema trips!

This is one of the best ways to save money if you go with a friend or family member.

4. Check for Student, NHS, and Employee Discounts

Many cinemas offer discounts for students, NHS staff, and employees of certain companies.

Where to Find These Discounts:

• UNiDAYS & Student Beans: Exclusive student discounts for major cinemas.
• Blue Light Card: Savings for NHS, emergency services, and armed forces.
• Company Benefits Schemes: Some employers offer discounted cinema tickets through Perkbox or Tastecard.

5. Buy Tickets in Bulk or Use Gift Card Deals

If you go to the cinema regularly, bulk-buying tickets can save you money.

Best Ways to Buy Cheaper Tickets:

• Costco: Discounted cinema vouchers for Vue, Odeon, and Cineworld.
• Groupon & Wowcher: Regular deals on cinema tickets.
• Gift Cards with Discounts: Tesco Clubcard and Nectar points can be redeemed for cinema tickets.

6. Watch Films Off-Peak for Cheaper Prices

Evening and weekend screenings are more expensive. Opt for morning or early afternoon showings for lower prices.

Cheapest Times to Watch Movies:

• Vue Mini Mornings: £2.49 tickets for kids’ films (adults pay the same price!).
• Odeon Silver Cinema: Cheap midweek tickets for over-55s.
• Independent Cinemas: Often have lower prices than big chains.

7. Use Cashback and Voucher Code Websites

Cashback sites and voucher codes can help reduce the cost of cinema tickets.

Where to Find the Best Deals:

• TopCashback & Quidco: Earn cashback on ticket purchases.
• VoucherCodes & HotUKDeals: Find discount codes for major cinema chains.
• Honey & Pouch: Browser extensions that find and apply discounts automatically.

8. Consider Streaming or Outdoor Cinema Alternatives

For a cheaper movie experience, consider alternatives to traditional cinema visits.

Money-Saving Alternatives:

• Outdoor Cinema Events: Often cheaper than mainstream cinemas, and you can bring your own snacks.
• Local Community Cinemas: Lower ticket prices than big-name cinemas.
• Streaming Services: Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime offer movies at home for the price of a single cinema ticket.

9. Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks

Cinema food is notoriously expensive. Most cinemas allow you to bring your own food, as long as it’s not hot or in glass containers.

Best Snack Hacks:

• Buy sweets and drinks from supermarkets beforehand.
• Use meal deals from places like Tesco or Boots.
• Bring reusable water bottles instead of buying overpriced drinks.

10. Follow Cinemas on Social Media for Flash Sales

Many cinemas promote exclusive discounts and flash sales on their social media pages.

Where to Follow for Deals:

• Twitter & Facebook: Follow your favourite cinemas for updates.
• Newsletters: Sign up for email alerts from Cineworld, Vue, and Odeon.
• Apps: Download cinema apps to receive exclusive mobile-only discounts.

Conclusion

Going to the cinema doesn’t have to be expensive. By using discount days, membership schemes, Meerkat Movies, and other money-saving hacks, you can enjoy the latest films without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a film fanatic, these tips will help you cut costs on cinema tickets in the UK.