If you’re looking for the best ways to get cheap cinema tickets, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve compiled this handy guide packed with easy ways to get cheaper tickets and save money on your next cinema trip.
With the cost of living continuing to rise and the average cinema ticket price gradually increasing too, now’s a great time to get clued up on where to buy cheap movie tickets.
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Whether it’s a date night with your special someone or a family day out during the summer holidays, the cinema is always an enjoyable place to spend a few hours.
And while we can so easily watch films from the comfort of our own homes these days, there’s something special about the cinema experience that can’t be perfectly recreated on our sofa. We're passionate about helping our readers to save money on days out, so let's get started...
How much is a cinema ticket?
The answer to this question depends mostly on where you live. In London, you can expect to pay between £10 and £20 for a standard ticket.
Elsewhere in the UK you may pay something between £5 and £15 per ticket, depending on the area and cinema chain. The local rate for ticket prices at each big chain will vary, but some chains do come out cheaper overall.
While the standard price of film tickets at one cinema chain might be cheaper, other chains may offer better discounts, loyalty programmes and freebies.
Other factors might come into play when you make your decision too, such as screen size and type, film selection, food quality and customer service. Don’t forget that if you’re looking to book IMAX tickets or premium seats, you’ll probably have to pay slightly more than the standard price.
Which cinema has the cheapest tickets?
We’ve compared the prices of the main cinema chains in Cardiff, Glasgow, the Midlands and London to give you an idea of movie ticket prices across the UK.
We've given the cheapest peak ticket prices we can find where possible, so if you book off-peak you may pay less. Check the prices on the company’s website for the most up-to-date figures.
Vue ticket prices
Ticket prices: £4.99–£9.99
Booking fee: 90p per ticket
Vue consistently offer the cheapest cinema tickets of all the big chains. Most venues (including Birmingham Star City, Cardiff Central and Glasgow Fort) offer Super Saver tickets for under a fiver.
They don’t offer further cinema discounts like family tickets, student discounts or concession rates for children or senior citizens.
While Vue tickets in Leicester Square are considerably more expensive than all of their other branches in the UK, Vue still come out cheapest overall in the London area.
For kids, Vue Mighty Mornings include showings of relatively recent releases as well as nostalgic classics like Chicken Run and Wallace & Gromit.
Every Saturday and Sunday at 10am and during school holidays
From £2.49
ODEON ticket prices
Ticket prices: £5–£14.49
Booking fee: £1 per ticket (included in ticket price)
ODEON have simplified their ticketing system, making it far easier to choose the right ticket for you.
ODEON offer adult tickets and children’s tickets, with the child rate generally costing a couple of pounds less than the adult rate. The downside is that there are no separate ODEON ticket prices for students or seniors.
ODEON have also introduced an adult and child bundle ticket for one adult and one child. You'll pay the equivalent to two kids' tickets, so there are savings to be snapped up here for families.
The charts below show the prices of standard seat tickets, but bear in mind that ODEON charge extra if you want to sit in a premium seat. These prices are for customers booking online, whereas booking in person at ODEON will cost you slightly more.
While ODEON charge a £1 booking fee per ticket, it’s included in the price of the tickets outlined above, meaning you don’t need to worry about additional charges when you reach the checkout stage.
With ODEON Kids showings, you can take your little ones to see recent films like Inside Out 2. Make sure you’re signed up to myODEON and order your tickets online if you want to get the best price.
Every Saturday and Sunday at 10am and during school holidays
From £2.75
Get cheap ODEON tickets with myODEON saver and Screen Unseen
ODEON offer a range of showtimes for films throughout the week at a discounted price. myODEON Saver tickets are available for selected showings between Tuesday and Sunday every week, as well as all day on Member Mondays.
ODEON Saver tickets start from £5 each and it’s totally free to sign up and start taking advantage of these fantastic deals.
While you’re checking out cinema listings on ODEON’s website, you can filter your search to only show myODEON Saver showtimes. This way you’ll only see the cheapest tickets available for each film, helping you save money without even trying.
Fancy adding a bit of mystery to your cheap cinema experience? Check out ODEON’s Screen Unseen showings, where you pay as little as £6 for your ticket to a totally surprise film.
All films are highly-acclaimed pre-releases, but you won’t know what you’re seeing until the lights go down.
Cineworld ticket prices
Ticket prices: £8.99–£18
Booking fee: 95p per ticket
Cineworld are the UK and Ireland’s biggest cinema chain. Their ticket prices are generally pretty reasonable, depending on which branch you’re visiting.
Cineworld Cardiff is one of the cheapest cinemas out of the big chains in Cardiff, so it’s definitely worth keeping them in mind if you live in South Wales.
Cineworld family tickets give adults access to children's ticket prices. These tickets are available to groups of two adults and two kids, or one adult with three kids. Children's tickets are available up to the age of 14.
With Cineworld's Movies For Juniors, you to treat your kids to an unforgettable cinema experience without overspending. Catch recent films like Migration and Inside Out 2 for a fraction of the usual price.
Every Saturday and Sunday at 10am and during school holidays
From £2.50
Showcase ticket prices
Ticket prices: £9.95–£15.50
Booking fee: £1 per ticket
Showcase are a relatively small and cheap cinema chain within the UK, with 16 UK cinemas.
We’ve compared ticket prices at Showcase around the UK, but as they don’t have a London branch, we’ve looked at prices at their Bluewater cinema in Kent instead. This is a Deluxe cinema, meaning tickets cost more.
Showcase have recently launched a Group Together package scheme, where customers can get a 10% discount when they book four adult tickets together.
A family ticket at Showcase is valid for groups of four containing at least one adult and two children aged 14 or under. The fourth ticket can be either an adult or child.
We also spotted cheaper family tickets at selected Showcase cinemas during the 2024 summer holidays. For £25, a family of four (two adults and two children or one adult and three children) could get entry to a selected kids' film, plus a free large popcorn to share.
Everyman ticket prices
Ticket prices: £16.75–£20.90
Booking fee: £2.25 per transaction
Everyman offer a distinct level of luxury, so while they’re certainly not the cheapest cinema chain, they’re great for special occasions.
The prices for tickets in the charts below are for peak showings, except for concessions and family prices. This is because Everyman cinema concessions prices are only available at off-peak times.
Booking fees at Everyman are £2.25 per transaction when you book tickets online, which is very reasonable if you’re booking more than a couple of tickets.
Everyman family tickets are only valid for groups of two adults and two children (up to the age of 14). They also don’t offer family tickets for all screenings, so make you check before you book.
Cinema memberships
If you’re a regular cinemagoer or want to make a habit of visiting your local cinema more often, a loyalty membership might be perfect for you.
Cinema membership schemes are a fantastic way to save money on cinema tickets, especially if you’re someone who likes to watch all the latest films as soon as they come out. Some of the memberships we mention below also include discounts on food and drink.
Many of the UK’s biggest cinema chains have their own membership schemes, including Cineworld, ODEON, Vue, Everyman and Showcase. Here’s a brief overview of each scheme to help you decide which might be best for you.
ODEON myLIMITLESS annual membership
If you’re looking for a meaningful gift for a loved one or just a treat for yourself, a myLIMITLESS ODEON cinema pass is a smart idea.
A myLIMITLESS pass will get you free tickets to all the latest films on the big screen whenever you want. You’ll also get a 10% discount on most cinema food and drink, so you can treat yourself without breaking the bank.
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The monthly fee for this membership scheme is £14.99 per month. A standard adult ticket at ODEON will likely cost you somewhere between £5 and £14, depending on what part of the country you’re in.
So, if you’re planning on using your pass three times a month or more, you’re pretty much guaranteed to break even on your membership cost. This means any extra showings you go to are essentially free.
Upgrade to the myLimitless Plus membership and you'll get free entry to Luxe cinemas too. This membership costs £17.99 per month, or £179 annually, which means you could get 12 months for the price of 10 if you pay upfront. You'll also get infinite seat and screen upgrades as part of this membership.
And on top of all these amazing member benefits, you’ll also get exclusive offers to see member-only advanced screenings of films before they’re released. If you’re a true film buff, we have no doubt this will be the cherry on the cake for you.
Don’t forget to check TopCashback for a relevant cashback offer before you order your ODEON myLimitless or myLimitless Plus card online. We often give our members cashback for buying their myLimitless cards through us, which will help you save money on your subscription.
My Cineworld Plus and Cineworld Unlimited
Please note: the My Cineworld Plus scheme is no longer available to purchase. Existing My Cineworld Plus customers can use their discount until the end of 2024.
There are brilliant savings to be made when you sign up for Cineworld Unlimited. Unlimited. Cineworld Unlimited membership card prices start from £12.99 per month, which is cheaper than a standard ticket at many UK cinemas.
Where your local cinema is will dictate which group your membership falls under and prices vary depending on the cinema group.
As an Unlimited member, you’ll get free Cineworld tickets for all the 2D films you want, whenever you want.
You’ll also get the chance to attend exclusive preview screenings of upcoming releases, as well as 10% off snacks and drinks and 50% off Event cinema. Members can enjoy 10% off in-house Starbucks orders and don’t pay booking fees when booking tickets online. They even get 25% off food at Unlimited Restaurant Partners, which include Pizza Hut, Bella Italia and Las Iguanas.
If you're paying monthly, you'll be upgraded to a Premium Unlimited membership after your first year. Those who pay for 12 months upfront get automatically upgraded to Premium Unlimited at the point of purchase. With this membership, you can enjoy free 3D tickets and 25% off snacks and drinks.
With Cineworld Unlimited, you have to subscribe for a minimum of three months when you pay monthly. But with so many opportunities to save on your cinema trips, you’re going to want to stick around for longer than that, so you might want to invest in the Unlimited annual cinema pass instead.
Everyman memberships
Unlike other cinema membership schemes, Everyman have three levels of membership to choose from. Everyman tickets are more expensive in general than most other cinema chains, and their membership schemes are no exception.
However, if you’re looking for ways to enjoy the finer things in life at a slight discount, then an Everyman pass could be right for you. After all, who doesn’t love a bit of luxury every once in a while?
The standard Everyman pass has a £95 annual membership fee. This will entitle you to six tickets throughout the year, working out at just under £16 per ticket.
If you’re visiting your local Everyman on a Monday, you can bring a guest for free too. With this Monday cinema ticket deal, your six free tickets can quickly become 12 (taking your tickets down to around £7.90 each).
There’s no option to pay monthly for this one, so keep that in mind when deciding which tier you want to go for. Check out the prices and benefits of the other membership types below to see which one suits you best.
Everyman
- £95 per year
- 6 free tickets
- Bring a guest free on Mondays (excluding bank holidays & special events)
- 10% off food and drink
- 10% off private hire
- No online booking fees
Everyicon
- £350 per year (or £31 per month)
- 6 free tickets
- Bring a guest free on Mondays (excluding bank holidays & special events)
- 10% off food and drink
- 10% off private hire
- No online booking fees
- Access to exclusive Members' Previews
Everywhere
- £680 per year (or £59 per month)
- Unlimited tickets (2 per show)
- 10% off food and drink
- 10% off private hire
- No online booking fees
- 25% off all live satellite broadcast events
- Access to exclusive Members' Previews
Become a Vue Member
Vue offer their own membership which works differently from classic cinema membership schemes.
Although you won’t get unlimited free cinema tickets with a Vue membership, the big positive of this scheme is it’s totally free to join (with a one-time purchase of a cinema ticket).
As a Vue Member, you’ll be able to self-refund any tickets purchased online, up to three hours before the film is due to start.
You’ll also get access to rewards and exclusive freebies, including free upgrades, cinema food and drink and even tickets. If you live near a Vue, you’ve got nothing to lose by signing up.
Showcase Insider
Just like Vue, there’s no fee for joining the Showcase Insider membership scheme. The difference here is you don’t even need to purchase any tickets before you join – anyone over the age of 15 can join for free at any time.
As a member, you can enjoy 10% rewards on food, drink and tickets. You’ll also qualify for discounted tickets on Mondays.
While standard adult tickets at Showcase Cinemas can vary from around £10 to £15, Showcase Insider tickets cost £4.99 each at most branches.
Loyalty schemes for discounted and free cinema tickets
Many companies offer their customers cinema discounts as a thank you for shopping with them. In fact, you might already have access to discounted or free tickets without realising it.
We’ve got the lowdown on all the best customer loyalty schemes that’ll get you cheap and free cinema tickets.
Get a free film ticket every week with Meerkat Movies
The Meerkat Movies scheme is without a doubt one of the best ways to save money on cinema tickets.
With their 2-for-1 cinema tickets offer, you can enjoy an extra free cinema ticket every single week, as long as you use it on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
To qualify for this Meerkat cinema deal and enjoy a year of Meerkat Movies and Meals, all you need to do is purchase an insurance or utility product through Compare the Market.
The next step is to download their free app. Here you’ll find your 2-for-1 cinema voucher code, which refreshes each week.
Once you’ve bought your product and downloaded their free app, just show your discount code at the box office when you buy your tickets.
Most big cinema chains in the UK accept Meerkat Movies discount codes, with the exception of Everyman. Some cinemas allow you to claim your free ticket online too, if that’s easier for you.
Buying any of the following things through Compare the Market will allow you to qualify for this deal:
- Insurance: car, van, bike, caravan, taxi, motorhome, home, pet, life, health, over 50s, income protection, landlord, business or travel.
- Utilities: broadband, home telephone, digital TV, gas or electric.
- Credit card, loan or mobile phone contract.
As well as free movies, you’ll also get to enjoy 25% off your total bill at a wide range of restaurants.
Fancy a pizza? You can indulge in Papa John’s, Domino's and Pizza Hut delivery for half price, seven days a week.
Never fear… there’s actually a way for you to get access to Meerkat Movies while spending even less money. This is because it doesn’t actually matter which product you buy through Compare the Market.
For example, you could buy a £1 travel insurance policy that you have no intention of using and still qualify for the cinema 2-for-1 deal. And voila! A whole year of essentially half-price cinema tickets for as little as £1.
What’s more, if you visit Compare the Market through TopCashback before getting your quote, you can earn cashback on your purchase too. Whether you’re looking for car insurance, travel insurance, broadband or something else, don’t miss out on our Compare the Market cashback deals.
Get discounted Vue tickets with AA Breakdown Cover
If you’ve got breakdown cover with the AA, you’ll get access to a huge range of special offers.
Among the most exciting is their up to 30% off Vue tickets offer.
All you have to do is log in to your AA Breakdown account and buy your Vue cinema vouchers online. You then just take your vouchers to the cinema box office and exchange them for your tickets.
It can be used on one standard 2D, 3D, VIP, Recliner, Gold Class, Xtreme Screen or IMAX tickets, although you'll have to pay the difference in ticket price if you're not going for a standard 2D showing.
Get two Vue tickets for £9 with O2 Priority
Use your unique O2 Priority code to buy two £9 e-codes, which can be exchanged at your local Vue cinema for two 2D general admission cinema tickets. You’ll also get 20% off a range of food and drinks to enjoy alongside your film.
If you’re already an O2 Priority member or Virgin Media Broadband customer, make sure you don’t miss out on this Vue cinema tickets offer.
Get two free Vue tickets each month with Sky Cinema
Sky Cinema subscribers with access to the MySky app can enjoy two free Vue tickets every single month as an extra perk.
This deal will get you free entry to any 2D film at your local Vue between Sunday and Thursday.
Get free Vue or ODEON cinema tickets as a Lloyds bank account holder
Most banks have a range of incentives for opening a current account with them. If you’re a film fanatic, opening a Lloyds bank account offers a particularly good treat.
If you have a Lloyds bank account, you can access member benefits which include free tickets for films at your local cinema. As a member of Club Lloyds, you can opt to receive six free Vue cinema tickets or six free ODEON cinema tickets.
You can also enjoy a half-price popcorn with your Vue tickets, or a free kids' popcorn on your trip to ODEON.
These member benefits refresh every year, as long as you remain a Lloyds current account customer.
Get a free Vue or ODEON ticket with Vitality
Those with a qualifying Vitality membership can earn themselves one Vue ticket or ODEON ticket every single month. To get yours, you'll need to earn 48 Activity Points within one month.
Get 2 for £10 ODEON tickets with Octopus Energy
If you're an Octopus Energy customer, you can claim 2 for £10 cinema tickets at ODEON every week.
This deal is valid on standard cinema screenings between Monday and Thursday. There are sometimes time-limited offers too. Past offers include the chance to get two free child standard tickets per week during the summer holidays.
Get a Cineworld discount as a Three mobile customer
As a Three mobile customer, you can access a wide range of discounts and rewards on the Three+ loyalty app, including £3 Cineworld cinema tickets.
So, if you’re a movie buff looking to change your phone or SIM, it might be worth considering moving to Three in order to access this cinema deal.
Put your Tesco Clubcard points towards Cineworld tickets
If you’re an avid collector of Tesco Clubcard points, why not maximise their value by exchanging them for Cineworld or Picturehouse vouchers? By using your points at Cineworld or Picturehouse, you can double their total value.
So, if you have 50p in Clubcard vouchers (that’s the minimum you can exchange), this will become £1 when you spend them with Cineworld or Picturehouse. If you have £5 in Clubcard vouchers, this equates to £10 to spend, and so on.
You can even put your Clubcard points towards a Cineworld membership if you're a frequent cinemagoer.
Tastecard membership
With a Tastecard membership, you can enjoy up to 25% off your cinema tickets at over 350 cinemas. Membership can cost as much as £79.99 per year, which is equal to just under £6.70 per month.
You’ll also get other exclusive perks, such as 50% off pizza delivery and 2-for-1 restaurant offers, plus 25% off coffee at Caffè Nero and Black Sheep.
If you’re not ready to commit to an annual Tastecard membership, you can pay monthly for £7.99 per month. They sometimes have 30 and 90-day free trials you can take advantage of too.
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Get cheap cinema tickets through your work
Whether you’re treating yourself to tickets to the latest Hollywood blockbuster or an indie horror film to get your heart racing, it shouldn’t drain your bank account.
Luckily for us, lots of different types of workplaces offer their employees free or discounted cinema tickets as a perk of their employment.
Whether you’re a teacher, a paramedic or you work with us at TopCashback, there are a wide range of work benefit schemes that include discounted cinema tickets and food.
1. Discounted teachers’ cinema tickets and food vouchers
If you sign up to the free Discounts For Teachers scheme, you can enjoy up to 40% off at ODEON, Vue, Cineworld and more. It's free to join and start taking advantage of their variety of deals, which range from fashion to insurance.
2. Blue Light discounts
Did you know Blue Light Card holders are also able to get discounted cinema tickets? Vouchers can be bought online or on the Blue Light app, and you’ll then need to take the voucher codes to the cinema and exchange them at the tills for tickets.
Membership costs £4.99 for two years of benefits, so it really is worth signing up if you work for a qualifying employer. If you're keen to learn more about the scheme or are wondering if you qualify, our handy Blue Light Card guide explains everything you need to know.
3. Work at a cinema to get a generous cinema discount
If you’re looking for casual work, cinema jobs are enjoyable, interesting and a great way to save money on your cinema trips.
As a cinema employee, your managers will want you to be clued up on film, and watching new releases is one of the quickest ways to become an expert on all things cinema. This is why most big cinema chains give their employees free tickets to see films for themselves.
Some companies give their staff an allocated number per month, whereas others offer unlimited tickets per employee. You might also get a limited number of cinema tickets to give to friends and family too – a surefire way to become everyone’s best friend/favourite child.
Other cinema staff benefits may include discounted food and drink. When a large popcorn costs you a couple of quid and your tickets are totally free, it won’t take you long to realise that working at a cinema is one of the best part-time jobs out there.
Most cinemas are busiest during evenings and weekends, so this job is ideal for those looking for something outside of typical working hours.
And because cinema work is often quite casual, your contract might be as little as zero or four hours a week. This means you could theoretically only work one short shift each week and still benefit from the amazing work perks.
Are you already eligible for free or discounted tickets?
You may already qualify for free or discounted cinema tickets without realising it. Check to see if any of the schemes below could apply to you.
Get a free ticket for every cinema trip if you’re eligible for a CEA card
If you have a disability or are a carer for someone who does, you could get one free ticket to accompany a full-priced ticket to as many screenings as you like throughout the year with a CEA card.
The CEA Card is valid for a person aged five years or over who requires assistance and receives one of the following:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance (AA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Adult / Child Disability Payment (ADP / CDP in Scotland)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
Or holds:
- Severely Sight Impaired Registration (formerly Registered Blind)
- Sight Impaired Registration (formerly Partially Sighted)
Costing just £6 for a whole year, you’ll make back that money in one trip. All you have to do is fill out their application form online or send it by post.
So, how do CEA card discounts work? The free ticket is technically for the person accompanying the person with the disability, as the purpose of the scheme is to ensure disabled guests are able to visit their local cinema safely and comfortably.
Once you have your card, just present it at the till when you’re buying your movie tickets (or you may be able to use your CEA when booking online, depending on which cinema you’re visiting).
Parent and baby showings
Most big cinema chains hold Parent & Baby screenings for parents visiting the cinema with babies under two years old.
These showings have a ‘lights up, sound down’ policy to help you feel relaxed while you enjoy the latest films without worrying about your little one making noise (noisy babies are actually welcomed).
You and your child are free to move around the auditorium during the film without worrying about disturbing other cinemagoers. These Parent & Baby screenings are usually held on weekday mornings and afternoons, which is when cinemas are usually at their quietest.
Silver screenings
Many cinema chains offer senior screenings for people aged 60 and over, where a relatively recent film will be shown at a discounted price. Some chains include a free hot drink and biscuits with your ticket too.
These screenings are a fantastic opportunity to get to know new people, so don't be scared to go on your own!
Student discounts for cheaper food, drink and tickets
If you’re a student, remember to do some digging and find out if your chosen cinema offers a student discount.
As we’ve already seen, some of the biggest chains offer cheaper tickets for students. Cineworld and Showcase advertise cheap tickets all week round and Everyman offer students discount tickets during off-peak times.
Whichever cinema you’re off to, make sure you bring a valid form of student ID (which has the dates of your study on it) as staff may check it before allowing you to enter the screen with your student ticket.
More tips to make your cinema trip cheaper
We're still not done with our list of ways to make your cinema visit cheaper...
Keep an eye out for National Cinema Day
One relatively new money-saving event is National Cinema Day, which takes place in August or September each year.
Hundreds of cinemas across the UK celebrate National Cinema Day, offering customers £4 tickets to mark the occasion. The most recent National Cinema Day took place on Saturday, August 31st, 2024.
Do a quick search for free cinema ticket codes or vouchers
If you go looking for Groupon cinema tickets, you’ll find a whole range of deals to choose from.
Past offers have included a discounted Tastecard membership to use at Cineworld or a discounted ODEON myLimitless membership.
You can also often buy bundle tickets for ODEON on Groupon. If you’re looking for tickets to standard screenings, past deals have included two tickets for £10 or five tickets for £22. We’ve also seen past ODEON Luxe deals where you can get two tickets for £14 or five for £30.
There’s a range of Vue ticket offers available to snap up over on Wowcher, so make sure you check out their current deals before you buy your tickets.
In the past, Wowcher customers have been able to enjoy two Vue cinema tickets for £9, five tickets for £20 or 10 tickets for £38 (making tickets just £3.80 each).
Avoid ticket mark-ups
Some cinemas will charge you a premium rate for better seats in the screen. You’ll generally get a little bit more legroom and sometimes you’ll get the option to choose recliner seats, but you’ll have to pay extra for the privilege.
If this is a dealbreaker for you, then of course don’t deprive yourself. But if you’re not that fussed about fancy extras when it comes to seating, this is a great opportunity to save some money.
The type of screening you attend will also affect the price you pay, so you might want to avoid 3D and IMAX showings if you’re trying to save money.
Saving money on cinema food
Did you know you can take your own food to most cinemas? Cinema chains don’t tend to advertise this because it discourages you from spending more money at the tills, but it’s true.
For the purpose of safety and everyone’s enjoyment of the film, most cinemas still say a big no to taking in hot food, alcohol or anything in glass containers (including glass bottles). But other than that, you can take in all the snacks, popcorn and drinks you like.
Join a film club to get free tickets to preview screenings
At ShowFilmFirst, you can enjoy free tickets to film screenings and other events in exchange for sharing your thoughts on the experience afterwards. ShowFilmFirst are dedicated to providing engaged target audiences for films and live performances.
All you have to do is help spread the word about what you enjoyed, create a buzz about new projects and provide valuable feedback about your experience.
If you’re genuinely passionate about film and theatre, it’s definitely worth applying to become a ShowFilmFirst member. And if you're into theatre and would like some more money-saving tips, check out our guide to getting cheap West End tickets.
Check out independent cinemas near you
Sometimes independent cinemas offer cheaper tickets. While the screens might not be as big or high-tech, you’re likely to enjoy a more intimate and memorable cinema experience.
Smaller cinemas sometimes run exclusive events alongside film screenings, including Q&As with cast members and directors. So, why not support your local independent cinema and experience a different kind of film event?
Check to see if you can earn cashback
Don’t forget to check TopCashback for relevant cashback deals on your cinema tickets and memberships.
All you have to do is visit the merchant through our site and you could earn cashback on your online purchases.
The average savings in cashback for our members each year is £300 and you don’t have to pay anything to join, so it’s definitely worth setting up your free account to see how much you could save.
You can even earn cashback when you buy digital ODEON and Cineworld gift cards through us.
Fancy earning a free £15? We're currently offering a £15 sign-up bonus when you join TopCashback via the green button below and spend £15 at any of our retailers.
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Spend £15+ on an ODEON myLIMITLESS membership or any of 5,000+ brands to get £15 back
It's really simple: our site takes just 30 seconds when you buy online.
You do the shopping, we'll track your purchase, and then you'll get cashback in your account to withdraw to your bank or as a gift card.
Here's how to get your £15 offer;
- Click: Click the green button
- Join: Create an account
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- Buy: Click Get Cashback then make a purchase
- Enjoy: We'll add £15 to your account once we track your purchase
How does TopCashback benefit? We make money when you buy from supported brands, which allows us to offer cashback with no hidden fees.
Cinema ticket FAQs
Got any more burning questions? Check out these final FAQs:
Which is the cheapest day to go to the cinema?
If you’re keen to save money on your cinema tickets, you should consider booking tickets for off-peak screenings.
Many of us want to go to the cinema on a Saturday evening or bank holiday, so cinema tickets are always a little pricier on these days. Consider going to the cinema during a weekday morning or early afternoon if you’re not at work during this time, as tickets will likely be cheaper.
Can you buy a ticket at the cinema?
Yes, you can buy cinema tickets at the cinema box office or the main counter at most cinemas. Buying your ticket in person can be a great way to avoid booking fees.
Are cinema tickets cheaper online?
It can sometimes be cheaper to buy your cinema tickets online, so it’s definitely worth doing your research for your chosen cinema beforehand. If you have a cinema membership, you may be able to avoid booking fees, making it both easier and cheaper to book online.
And even if the booking fee does bring the total price up slightly, it might be worth paying this so you can reserve your seats ahead of the day.
This is especially important to remember if you’re going to a popular showing (such as an opening weekend showing of a big film). Booking online can help you make sure you’ve got a great seat to enjoy the action to the fullest.
How far in advance can you book cinema tickets?
This will depend on the cinema you're visiting and the film you're hoping to see. You can often buy tickets for big releases like Star Wars, Avengers and Indiana Jones weeks (and sometimes months) before the films actually come out.
This is because each cinema chain will know that these films will be very popular, meaning they can allocate their biggest screens for the dates in advance.
If you're seeing a less popular film, tickets are usually released on a weekly basis. For smaller releases, cinemas use forecasting to decide which screens to show which films in, and at what times.
Why are cinema tickets so expensive?
It’s true that cinema tickets can be expensive but cinemas certainly have their reasons for charging the amount they do. For starters, most cinemas don’t actually make very much money from selling cinema tickets.
The money you pay for your ticket has to be split between a large number of parties, including the production company, the actors, various marketing teams and more. If you think the cost of your ticket is going straight into the cinema’s pocket, you’d be wrong.
This is a big reason for the relatively high cost of food and drinks too. The percentage income each cinema gets from ticket sales isn’t likely to be enough to sustain them, so they increase the prices of their other offerings.
On top of this, the Covid-19 pandemic had a pretty devastating effect on the cinema industry. With all venues being forced to close for months on end, their income understandably took a nosedive.
Many chains had to furlough staff and make redundancies to keep their businesses afloat. Some chains, like Empire, were forced to close entirely. This is why it’s more important than ever to support your favourite cinema where you can.
Plan your next cinema trip today
So, you’ve come to the end of our ultimate guide for finding cheap cinema tickets. Whether you sign up for a cinema membership scheme or fancy giving Meerkat Movies a go, there are a huge number of things to try.
And as we’ve seen, while cinema tickets can sometimes be on the pricey side, there are plenty of ways to lower the costs.
What's your most memorable cinema experience?
Let us know in the comments.
My husband dropped his wallet on the floor and as he bent down, grovelling around in the dark (as it was in those early days) he sniffed up, not realising that his nose was over a full ashtray 🙈. He didn’t see much of the film as his eyes were watering and he couldn’t stop sneezing 🫣
My daughter is now of the age she loves going to the cinema. We thoroughly enjoyed Matilda the Musical. That was our favourite one we’ve seen together to date I think. It started my daughters love for Roald Dahl books.
Going to watch Herbie goes Banana's as a small child
Decided to take my 2 kids to the odeon one Saturday. Got there and as my 4 year old gets out of the car we realise he only has one trainer on! The other one was at home he just never had time to put 2 on apparently!! Then I treat them to popcorn only for the same child to spill his all over the floor before we even get into the cinema! Then while in the cinema I spill my Costa coffee all over myself
That was my most memorable cinema trip a few years ago !
Getting to the cinema, my son only has one trainer on. He apparently didn’t have time to look for the other one ! Get to cinema order popcorn
The same child drops all the popcorn on the floor !
Then while in the cinema I spill my coffee all over myself ! I won’t forget that day !!
The movie was good though !
Attending a red carpet premiere in Leicester Square London to see Knight and Day with Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise in attendance, They have both always been my favourite actors . We had to walk the carpet in front of all the press and crowds. Amazing experience and certainly memorable.
Watching the battle of hogwarts on the opening day of the last Harry Potter film! Having everyone cheer as the film ended!
The best experience I ever had was when I went to see one of the Alien films at the Odeon, Leicester Square
Harry potter in 4dx
I will never forget seeing Titanic on the big screen at the Odeon with my Mum. An incredible movie that is a must see at the cinema
Taking our grandchildren to see Inside Out 2 and seeing them fascinated by the idea that they have emotions living inside them that might be controlling their feelings!
Seeing Grease when it first came out with my boyfriend. I was 17 x
Taking my mum to a big screen viewing of her favourite film we used to watch all the time on video as kids – The Ladykillers. An organ came out of the floor in the interval, and a lady selling ice creams – it made my mums year as it was just like the very first time she saw the film, the first time round.
Seeing King Kong with my last farther, first time to Cardiff cinema, new film, to me lol
I felt so special to be sitting in a big chair watching an enormous screen.
I had sweets, given by Salvation Army, remember it like yesterday 🥹
My most memorable experience was going to the cinema with my dad when I was about 5 or 6. The only thing I can remember is when he asked me if I wanted an ice cream to which I replied I did. He bought me a tutti frutti one and I didn't like the bits in it so he proceeded to eat it himself!
When I was young I went to see the Wizard of Oz. I thought it was so amazing that it instilled in me a love of going to the cinema, which has stayed with me since then.
Sharing an ice cream tub as we could only afford one between two.
It was when I went to see Flash Gordon as a teenager. Everyone was singing FLASH-ah-ah along with the music. It was a great atmosphere in a small town cinema – 1 screen!! Loved it!
My most memorable memories of the cinema experience is going to the dollar cinema in the States, saw some fab movies for just 1 dollar!!!! Ok so yes it was over 25 years ago but still…
James Bond and the Spy Who Loved Me, as Bond goes over the cliff and releases a Union Jack parachute, the whole cinema cheered.
Not seeing the hunt for red October when first going to the cinema with my wife, 30 something years on and we've still not watched it
Way back when Grease was first screened, queuing excitedly with all my school friends and being lucky enough to be near enough to the front of the queue to get in. The atmosphere inside was fabulous.
Taking my daughter to the cinema for the very first time, she was in awe of the whole experience, sat still for the whole film and enjoyed it so much she ALWAYS wants to go now! It was great to see her experience this for the first time 💖
It was my first ever visit as a child, to watch Pinocchio at the local picture house.
Taking my 4 year old son to the cinema for the first time. Finding Nemo.
Any film at the awesome showcase in Coatbridge but particularly WolverinexDeadpool! Hugh Jackman is awesome!!
I went to see the full Lord of the Rings trilogy at the Imax in London overnight. I think it finished around 8am in the morning. We brought pillows and blankets and they served coffee and snacks between the films and it was an incredible and unique experience.
I went to watch pirates of the carribean in Boston, USA and the aircon was so high I was freezing and shivered all the way through.
Going to any cinema with my best friend, as she always falls asleep 😂 and me having to give her a nudge cos she starts snoring 😂😂
First watching Star Wars in 1977. It was so different from the films I had seen before.
It has to be the thrill of getting in to see the original release of Top Gun as a 15 year old in the 1980’s with a group of friends – first cinema trip without parents…and what a film!😍
Closely followed by watching Top Gun Maverick with a group of football Mum friends in 2022…first trip to the cinema after Covid – what a treat!🥳
Some films just HAVE to be watched at the cinema – the classic soundtracks, your favourite actors, and snacks. Love it!!🍿
Best experience was chicken run at 12 years old. Me and my friend was the only 2 in the whole cinema and we was doing cartwheels down the ramps and running riot 🤣🤣
Seeing jurassic park as a child
Meeting Tom Hardy at the Jack Reacher premier at Odeon Leicester Square
I took my 9-year-old daughter to the VUE cinema in Edinburgh, where we had those amazing recliner seats—the kind you can practically lie down on. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you what movie we watched (something kid-friendly, as usual), but I can confirm that I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of lying back and dozing off in that comfy recliner!
Seeing Pulp Fiction at The Rex in Elland. Single projector, intermission, mugs of coffee. At the end, the entire audience stayed through the credits then stood up and clapped.
HP in Plymouth
When taking my grandchildren. They love the cinema experience. Popcorn and juice. Latest movie was despicable me 4 fantastic 👏 👌
I just love the huge screen and noise all around you. Makes for an unforgettable experience wvery time!
Seeing Mamma Mia with my pregnant sister and the baby (now 15) kicking away during the songs and now loves performing still makes me smile
Ben Hur in the front seats at the Liverpool odeon GORY!!