All the ways to get cheap cinema tickets
Pixar's Onward
Your favourite pass-time just got a whole lot cheaper
Remember when cinema tickets cost a fiver? Well those days are long gone but don't lose hope, there are still a number of ways to see the latest must-see releases on the cheap. From kids clubs to bargain days to unlimited cards, we've created a definitive list of ways to save on cinema tickets to big hitters like Vue, Cineworld, Odeon, Picturehouse and Showcase. If you know of more, feel free to share in the comments ...
Third Party Discounts
Kids Pass – save up to 40% off adult and child tickets
The UK's leading family discount app offers members huge savings on cinema tickets, family days out and more. Cheap tickets are available 7 days a week with numerous participating cinemas to choose from.
Cost: 45 day trial £1, £39.99 annual.
Pros: Affordable subscription that covers the whole household. Vast range of participating cinemas. Members get thousands of discounts for food, theme parks, family holidays and many more.
Cons: Just for families / kids.
Discount: Booking via App/Website.
Start a Kids Pass trial.
Compare the Market – Meerkat Movies 2-for1 tickets
Whether you're insuring a car for the first time or renewing your home insurance you are eligible for Compare the Market's 2-for-1 cinema ticket deal. To qualify, insurance seeking folk should register with Compare the Market before delving into that much loved quote gathering process on the website.
One of the cheapest ways to unlock the 2-for-1 cinema tickets for a whole year is to buy travel insurance after using the comparison feature. The offer is unlocked once you've registering your insurance policy number and as one of the cheapest forms of insurance that everybody needs before a trip, it's a no-brainer.
Cost: Price of qualifying insurance policy.
Pros: 2-for-1 Meerkat Meals also available. Discount applicable at most Cineworld, Odeon, Showcase and Picturehouse cinemas and more. Check your local cinema using the search tool.
Cons: Tuesdays and Wednesdays only, must use Compare the Market site to qualify.
Discount: Codes available via app.
Membership Cards
Cineworld Unlimited – unlimited films each monthCardholders are invited to watch as many films as they want for one monthly cost. With the price set at barely more than a single ticket this is a great way to save on tickets for anyone who attends the cinema twice a month. On top of the mammoth savings, cardholders also get priority invitations to previews and advanced screening.
Cost: £17.90 monthly.
Pros: All you can watch. Bonus 10% discount on cinema snacks plus 25% off restaurants like Pizza Hut, Frankie & Benny's and Chiquito.
Cons: 2D films only (discount on 3D).
Sign up to Unlimited.
Video: Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch. Released in cinemas on Fri 28 Aug.
Picturehouse Membership
With this annual membership card receive up to four free tickets on sign up. Considering the price of a single ticket, the four freebies pretty much write off the annual cost in an instant. From there on in you can save up to £3 on tickets year round, enjoy priority booking, no fees and free previews.
Cost: Central (all cinemas) £30–90, London £25–£62, Regional £25–52.
Pros: Bonuses include free three-month subscription to streaming service Mubi, 25% off at Gourmet Burger Kitchen and more. Great student and concession discounts.
Cons: Discounted tickets only, limited locations. Points reward scheme was retired on 28 Feb 2019 :(
Find out more.
Odeon Limitless
Another membership perfect for those catching the newest movies as and when they happen. It only takes two films to make this monthly cost viable and with the new extra swish lux screens, saving on cinema tickets has never been so comfortable.
Cost: Regional £17.99, London £19.99.
Pros: Unlimited screenings including luxe cinemas, plus 10% off cinema snacks.
Cons: Not many bonuses.
Sign up to Limitless.
Showcase Insider
This 20-cinema chain offers a membership service that is completely free! Though there is no all-you-can watch deal, discounted tickets are available after 7pm Sun and all day Mon and Tue. On top of this attendees earn 10% back on tickets, snacks and drinks and 25% off select restaurants like Frankie & Benny's and Chiquito.
Cost: Free
Pros: It's free! 10% reward scheme, advance screening offers, discount admission.
Cons: Discounts only on certain days.
Find out more.
Kids Clubs
Video: The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run is released in cinemas on Fri 22 May.
Cineworld: Movies For Juniors
When? Sat and Sun mornings and select mornings throughout school holiday.
Where? Most Cineworld cinemas.
Vue: Mini Mornings
When? Sat and Sun mornings from 10am.
Where? Most cinemas check your local Vue
Odeon: Kids
When? Sat and Sun mornings and every day during the school holidays.
Where? Most Odeon cinemas
Exchange Loyalty
Nectar Card
Each 500 points = £2.50 to spend at Vue cinemas.
Tesco Clubcard
50p in points = £1.50 to spend at Cineworld.
Cheap Days
Most cinemas have a quiet day in the week, to boost sales they reduce tickets. Flexibility is key for this and companies can change the day depending on location so be sure to check in with your local cinema.
Cineworld: Bargain Tuesdays
When? Tuesdays.
Where? Limited cinemas only. Check Cineworld for full list.
How? Online or in cinema.
Vue: Super Mondays
When? Mondays.
Where? Most cinemas, check Vue for full list.
How? Online promo code sent to your email.
Odeon: Supersaver tickets
When? Mon to Thu before 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
Where? Most cinemas, check Odeon for full list.
How? Book online or at your chosen cinema.
