How Do People Go to The Movies for Cheap in 2023?

allTheseLimes on 17/08/2023 - 15:31

So I recently went to see Oppenheimer at the cinema, my first time there since 2020.
Because of the popularity of the movie I went and reserved the seats online to avoid turning up and having to go home.

Hoyts charge an extra fee for you to print your own ticket at home, what bull!
I begrudgingly paid the for the tickets because I don't think I had a choice.
I also tried looking at the prices for different days of the week, because I remembered there used to be cheaper tickets on a Tuesday, that seems to be no longer the case.

So I'm asking here, what's your way to go to the cinema on the cheap in this day and age? Any discounts or hacks?

Please don't suggest piracy in the comments, I'm not desperate enough to watch someones dodgy camcorder work.

Entertainment Movie Ticket

Comments

          • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2023 - 00:29
            +1

            @MakkhiChoos: ALL of them. ;-D

    • capslock janitor on 18/08/2023 - 21:42
      +1

      You're looking for the restroom

  • randomusername2017 on 17/08/2023 - 18:47
    +3

    $11.50 Hoyts on shopback from time to time.

    • Thenarrator on 20/08/2023 - 13:58

      cheaper if you have aia

  • SnowDragon on 17/08/2023 - 18:55
    +9

    You can get into the Westpac rewards site using the code WPBD2040
    Currently has $13.50 for restricted tickets or $16.20 for unrestricted

    I think you need to wait 24 hours before using them though, so plan accordingly.

    • montorola on 21/08/2023 - 15:24

      Legend, thanks mate!

  • JimmyF on 17/08/2023 - 19:02

    Any discounts or hacks?

    Foxtel offers discounted tickets.

  • DingoBilly on 17/08/2023 - 19:26
    +4

    The realistic answer is just to wait and watch it streaming at home.

    I mean, is it really going to make a difference if you wait a few months before watching the next movie?

    • Sammy2000 on 17/08/2023 - 21:03
      +1

      It isn't that long until it goes on to streaming services that I am already paying for.

    • horseshoe on 17/08/2023 - 23:22
      +5

      The last time I was looking forward to a movie at the cinemas was to see it with a bunch of friends as a way to celebrate the end of our exams. Their last exam finished a day before mine and they couldn't wait and went and saw it without me. That movie was Matrix Revolutions.

      I think I got my revenge.

      • MakkhiChoos on 20/08/2023 - 21:54

        They still your friends?

        • horseshoe on 22/08/2023 - 13:37

          Nah. They were not particularly close friends, it was just a study group.

  • solidussnake on 17/08/2023 - 21:02
    +5

    Utorrent…

  • jrvb42 on 18/08/2023 - 09:05

    Does tightarse tuesday still happen? That's when I used to go.
    Other options are meal deals at restaurants where you buy a meal and get a discount ticket to a nearby cinema as a package.

  • reactor-au on 18/08/2023 - 09:18
    +6

    Haven't been to the cinema since 2019.

    I do prefer my 65" OLED, 2,000W 7.2 surround sound, recliner, no interruption, my choice of grub and drinks, not having to look for parking, no need to rush.

    I used to go to cinema only because it was part of a night out with mates but we're all over the place these days.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2023 - 00:34
      +1

      Beat ya. Haven't been since 2000. (Chicken Run.)

  • golfer dad on 18/08/2023 - 11:13

    Buy Village giftcard when Coles and Woolies have them on 10% off or bonus 2,000 FB/Woolies points (equivalent to 10% off). Currently 10% off in Coles until next Tue.

  • bobwokeup on 18/08/2023 - 12:11
    +2

    Not sure if it’s been mentioned already, but you definitely don’t have to print the tickets out, I’ve been doing it for years on my phone. They just scan the barcode at the desk and then you walk in.

    The ticket prices for Hoyts in Western Australia is decent so I just buy gift cards when they are discounted.

    • cybapete on 20/08/2023 - 13:32

      the event cinemas app is the same you just buy online at home then present the barcode on your way in
      in gold class you can even order food & drinks from your seat

  • cfuse on 18/08/2023 - 13:32
    +4

    You don't do anything for cheap in this economy.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2023 - 00:38

      A sausage sizzle downwind of any Excrement Rebellion protest is still cheap and fun for family and friends alike.

  • Trekky on 18/08/2023 - 14:31
    +2

    I regularly go to the cinema (Once or twice a month). I have 2 Hoyts complexes near me.

    Hoyts (Mon-Thurs) via Student Edge (I'm not a student..) for $12.50 plus booking fee (normal sessions only, XS etc are more). Foxtel Rewards also has this offer (used to be Fri/Sat/Sun), but looks like every day now (plus booking fee).

    I also buy discounted gift cards when Hoyts have their sales. And I also claimed some Hoyts movie vouchers from my credit card rewards program.

    I sometimes go to Event, so I get my tickets via the Telstra+, also using discounted gift cards. Event also have Half price Tuesdays (Usually $10.50)

    • bobwokeup on 18/08/2023 - 15:01

      Nice one, sent you a DM.

  • iwantabargain on 18/08/2023 - 14:59
    +1

    Cheaper tickets through Optus, Telstra or RACV and sometimes unions

  • Breno785au on 18/08/2023 - 14:59

    Wait 2-3 weeks after release so you can be confident you can most likely turn up and still get a seat.
    Also, try Reading Cinemas if there is one near by, much cheaper. Smaller screen though , the sound is fine and $11 a ticket VS $22-$24 at Hoyts or Village is a big difference.

    • capslock janitor on 18/08/2023 - 21:45

      I remember when reading was sub $10, and then $10..

  • cnrmlj on 18/08/2023 - 15:22

    Telstra - seeing Oppenheimer in VMax for $16.50 on Sunday that i purchased using Gift Cards that i got for 10% discount on which i will earn Telstra points and Cinebuzz points. So around $14 net cost after all that by my rough calculation.

    There are plenty of places that sell discounted movie ticket vouchers such as entertainment book and staff clubs.

  • thereyougo on 18/08/2023 - 15:31

    Mildura Working Mans Club 2 x Wallis cinema tickets for $24

  • FH688 on 18/08/2023 - 15:55
    +2

    Some cinemas have arrangements with neighbouring stores, like Grill'd with Hoyts - free ticket with specific meals/min spend, stuff like that is great with mates.

  • Cheesysmiles on 18/08/2023 - 16:51
    +1

    Wait 2-3 months until the movie comes out onto a streaming service and then watch it on there.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2023 - 00:43
      +1

      Cancel the streaming service, keep the subscription fee, download a torrent, watch it weeks/months earlier. And don't have to put up with people in the back row getting each other off, or idiots ruffling chip bags over every important line in the movie.

  • LoserScott on 18/08/2023 - 17:04

    Hmm how many free ozbargains movie tickets do I have left, last I checked it was 150+ just use it to upgrade to extreme for $5

  • cdaddy on 18/08/2023 - 17:32

    Was $18 for me last week. Just don’t go when it’s freshly released and you won’t have to pre book

  • smalltime0 on 18/08/2023 - 17:46
    +1

    Some cinema chains offer a yearly membership. Grand in WA did one for I think about $50 a year. Unfortunately they went bust during covid and are now owned by hoyts.
    It didn't make the movie free, but it cost $10 with a small popcorn and a drink. New releases and everything
    If there is an independent cinema near you, it is likely they either have a similar deal or some sort of themed night.

  • Cherry12 on 18/08/2023 - 18:25
    +3

    Reading cinemas $11 anytime, any day. Also, popcorn and drinks combos are very cheap.

    • drprox on 18/08/2023 - 19:48
      +1

      Damn straight, how good is Reading! I wrote $13 below but was guessing, I just now it's good value

      • capslock janitor on 18/08/2023 - 21:46
        +1

        Used to be less than $10 tix haaa

      • Cherry12 on 19/08/2023 - 16:19
        -1

        I know! Always so cheap. I go once a month or so, depending on the movies.

        • Cherry12 on 22/08/2023 - 11:06
          -1

          Reading Cinemas have $5 movie tickets this Sunday only!

    • ak47wong on 20/08/2023 - 22:20

      I think you'll find they're $14 now. Titan and Gold Lounge sessions are $19.

  • Name on 18/08/2023 - 19:37

    I go to my local cineplex which is $10 anytime. If it's a movie I really like, such as guardians of the galaxy I'll go to event cinemas but that's like $27.

  • drprox on 18/08/2023 - 19:47

    Honestly cinemas seem to be one of the things that haven't inflated in price. My local is a small chain though and it's always $13

    • AustriaBargain on 18/08/2023 - 20:34
      +1

      I remember Wallis Kidz Klub in Adelaide used to be like $3.50. And they had Galaga. Lost my mouth virginity in a Wallis..

  • bakemon0 on 18/08/2023 - 19:55
    +1

    me and gf had averaged 4 movies a month at the cinemas this year alone, Hoyts VIP is $15 for a whole year and you get double points which can go to a free ticket once in a while and discounted tickets, used to go through Optus/Racv before doing that.

    I'm pretty frugal but 2 hours of entertainment for $40~ is pretty worth it for us atleast, gives us something to look forward to and something to talk about afterwards, worth it imo.

  • ATangk on 18/08/2023 - 21:21

    I still have 2 for $25 tickets from NSW Dine and Discover vouchers…

  • capslock janitor on 18/08/2023 - 21:47

    NO LOVE FOR DRIVE IN CINEMAS?

    • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2023 - 00:44

      Time travel is REAL. :-O

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 18/08/2023 - 22:04

    Heddon greta is closing down
    http://www.drive-in.com.au/

  • Eeples on 18/08/2023 - 22:37

    I don't know.

  • kiriakoz on 18/08/2023 - 22:47
    +1

    I go to one movie every two years on a Tuesday. I chose to see Oppenheimer for my most recent one. That's enough fun until 2025 now.

  • shortgum on 19/08/2023 - 04:53

    try buy senior tickets at Event. once I was supposed to buy tickets for my parent elder friends but then they cancelled on us late. we were kinda force to watch the movie ourselves or else wasting these tickets. Went real smooth get into the cinema with it. Now tried this at least few times and gatekeeper never bother check the price but just ensure you bought a right ticket for a movie session.

    however, YMMV

    • reactor-au on 19/08/2023 - 10:26

      How many times have you been asked if you have a concession card this week? 🤣

  • Thinkswithelbow on 19/08/2023 - 08:57

    Event do cheap movies during the day ie 10am shows to fill up seats. Saw Oppenheimer for 17 each

    Also look at local theatres. One near me does $9 Tuesdays and 17 normal adult tickets

  • DemocracyManifest on 19/08/2023 - 09:57
    +1

    Get yourself a cheap home projector off marketplace haha

  • Misha Bakunin on 19/08/2023 - 11:50

    Not really a direct answer to your question, but I only watch maybe one movie in a cinema each year, it has to be very special for me not to bother waiting for the HD copy of it that comes out for me to watch at home on my big TV a few months later…

    So I don't care about paying a bit more because it's such a rare event for me.

  • beezlebub9 on 19/08/2023 - 12:57
    +1

    Wear a cap backwards and skateboard over the shoulder and waltz in with the student discount

  • kaleidoscope on 19/08/2023 - 14:06

    So I'm asking here, what's your way to go to the cinema on the cheap in this day and age? Any discounts or hacks?

    I don’t anymore. Used to watch movie or 2 every month when imax tickets were $12-15 (sgd, pre 2016). After I migrated here I only watched 1 movie in imax theatre (2016, suicide squad) and that was it. I’m not going to pay $60 for a movie ticket + 2 hours of driving and parking fees.

    No I don’t pirate. I usually wait it out until price drops for digital edition / rentals or get the 2nd hand bd disk from marketplace 💪

  • Zondor on 19/08/2023 - 14:08
    +2

    Hoyts $13 tickets & eat/drink before the movie.

    • montorola on 21/08/2023 - 16:03

      Best is if you smuggle kfc into the movies and eat during the boring parts

  • Godric on 19/08/2023 - 19:26

    I prefer watching movies on my set up

  • spongebobsquare on 19/08/2023 - 20:36

    Aia offers 10.50 hoyts tickets

    I get my event tickets for $13 through
    https://giftshop.eventcinemas.com.au/Category/CBAHotOffer

  • [Deactivated] on 19/08/2023 - 22:51

    RAA in SA is $10.5 for Event Cinemas, just not for Saturdays.

    Unfortunately, those cinemas are down the other end of the city for me.

  • Bookiejim on 20/08/2023 - 10:42

    Cheap and Movies shouldn't be used in the same sentence..

  • cybapete on 20/08/2023 - 13:36

    if you have a cinebuzz card with event cinemas they have a movie of the week for $10 but it's usually some old piece of crap which is about to go off the next week so not always worth it

  • Stripes on 20/08/2023 - 17:00

    RAA members get $12 tickets to hoyts (i think)

    • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2023 - 22:57

      It's Event and it's less than $12.

  • Mi2 on 20/08/2023 - 20:20

    Reading cinemas with premium seating if it's close enough to you. Tickets are around $11 or $12.

  • congo on 20/08/2023 - 21:13

    I recall Bupa had some discounted Hoyts tickets before.

  • Fobsessive on 21/08/2023 - 01:48

    Haven't gone to a cinema since 2018. I watch live heavy bands for a similar price ($18) each week

  • bomberswarm2 on 21/08/2023 - 06:33

    Go to Reading Cinemas, couldn't believe how cheap they were for premium seats when I went last year.

  • melancholykeith on 21/08/2023 - 08:51
    +1

    Dumaresq street cinema - $7.50 a ticket
    https://www.dumaresqstreetcinema.com.au/films/o/oppenheimer/…

  • 7ty6er on 21/08/2023 - 09:00

    This site here will tell you quite a few ways to get discounts
    https://www.reviews.org/au/entertainment/cheap-movie-tickets…

    I believe Toyota also does them and isn't on this list

  • capslock janitor on 21/08/2023 - 10:05

    OMG WTF IS GOING ON

    https://lunardrive-in.com.au/

    Sun 9 Jul

    Lunar Drive-in closes forever after Sunday July 9.

    Thank you to all of our customers, staff & suppliers.

  • hashtagbargain on 21/08/2023 - 10:43

    Village has cheap tickets on Tuesday.

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 21/08/2023 - 13:37

    i use my RACV membership you can get tickets fairly cheap but there are some 'restrictions' on the times you can go

  • OG Puppy Banana on 21/08/2023 - 13:59

    There are amazing cinemas with premium seats, screens and sounds that are not run by Village or Hoyts.

    They'll always put your movies on for less than $15. Candy bar is also much cheaper.

    If you can hold out a few weeks, or go in low demand times like mornings, you shouldn't be paying more than $10 for Oppenheimer.

    If you want the big 2, get insurance or telco loyalty tickets to save $8 to $10 off a ticket.

  • burns13 on 21/08/2023 - 14:20

    Im swamped with cheap ticket offers especially for Hoyts. p
    Plus event tickets are half priced on tuesday

  • noideaa on 23/08/2023 - 12:53

    I agree that cinemas are out-dated and should have been replaced by streaming services that should charge $10 or so for those neely released movies.

    “ I'm not desperate enough to watch someones dodgy camcorder work”

    This is not 2012 anymore. Wait for a week or two and it will eventually get uploaded in 720p (if you lower your standard). Certain sub reddit provide tons.

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