How to save money at the movies
Why is going to the movies so bank-breaking? When you fork over your $13, half goes to the movie studio. The theater takes the rest, which covers their basic expenses—including that air conditioning. And this is why the concession stand is mind-blowingly expensive: Selling cheap snacks at an outrageous markup helps the theater turns a profit.
What’s a movie buff to do? Here’s advice for you, and for you to share with your kids when they come asking for cinema subsidies:
- Weigh your options. Compared to some activities—seeing a concert, going out to dinner—$13 for a movie is still relatively cheap.
- Skip the snacks. Growing up with Depression-era parents meant we never had popcorn at the movies.
- Snag a deal. Try matinees, cheap nights, and student/senior prices (if applicable). See if the independent theater is cheaper than a big chain. And skim daily deal sites for discount tickets at your local theater.
- Netflix, baby. A few bucks a month buys you unlimited movies and TV shows. It’s not the same experience, but it’s not a bad alternative.
