How to Save Money at the Movies

My husband loves going to the movies and last year before I was into the frugal lifestyle we didn't go at all.  But now I've gotten tips from other savvy shoppers and have been able to combine techniques to really save on going to the movies.

1. Buy discounted gift cards on ebay.  Although this works for many things you can usually get a $25 - $50 gift card for a movie theater you frequent for 80% off.  I always buy one and keep one on hand for the next time we go to the movies.  Besides that you can get cash back on your purchases through BigCrumbs, ebates, and Shop at Home.  So click on one of those links to set up an account or sign in and start shopping around. 

2. Take advantage of your Entertainment Book if they offer coupons for movies.  My Entertainment book offers me several coupons to buy tickets for AMC theaters at $7.50 so I pay just 75% off the normal price.  Go here to see if the Entertainment book in your area offers the same thing. I bought mine early and paid $30 but to date I have used it four to save $5 on food and saved a total of $12.50 on movie tickets.  So I have recouped what I paid and still have more months to use it.  Entertainment books are now $15 with several cash back options.  The best one is through Shop at Home that gives you $7 cash back.  If you have never signed up with them you get a $5 bonus which makes the book then only $3 out of pocket!

3. Before or after you go.  Eat a homemade dinner before you go or eat out after with a coupon from the Entertainment book or your local savings guide (usually hiding in your junk mail.)  Or bring your own candy and snacks IF ALLOWED. 

4. Get the Rewards card.  If you can't eat before you go most rewards cards will help you build up points for free concession items, eventually free movies, and some times reguarly give you coupons to use immediately.  I must admit I need my popcorn.  If you haven't joined yet go to the following clubs: AMC Movie Watcher Rewards, MJR Rewards, Regal Crown Club or search for your local movie theater (preferably using Swagbucks!)

5. Take Advantage of free movie optiosns available.  There are tons of these that pop up.  Recently Kroger offered a Digital Reward when you bought a certain amount of certain items which could be redeemed for a free movie ticket.  So I shopped and got some things plus a free movie ticket.  Rewards have been offered on packages of buying all kinds of items.  Check out some of the deals still available here. 

6. If it works into your schedule go at a non-traditional time.  This usually doesn't work for me but there are always weekday, matinee and early bird specials.

7. Keep your eyes peeled for family fun or kids promotions.  Frequently during peak seasons certain movie theaters offer $1 movies for chidren and different other promotions.  So keep your eyes open for those.  Check out some of those promotions here. 

So savings could go like this: Normal price two adult tickets: $20, one combo $17.50 (two drinks large popcorn) total $37.50
Save $5 by buying discounted gift card, save $5 on two tickets from Entertainment book coupon save $.50 on combo from coupon that printed when ticket was purchased Final cost $27 out of pocket savings of 28%.  Or if you skip the popcorn and drinks save even more!
What are your tips for saving money at the movies?