Movies on a Budget: Enjoy a Night Out Without Breaking the Bank

These simple tips will help you enjoy some great movies at a discount, without feeling like you are missing out on anything.

Go to the Dollar Theatre - It is well worth it to find a decent discount theatre in your area. If you make it a habit to watch movies for the first time in the dollar theatre, it won't make any difference that you are watching movies that have been out for a while because they will all be new to you. Many of the nicer discount theatres are clean, well maintained, and have comfortable seats so you do not feel like you are missing out on anything.

Go to a Matinee - Go to a movie in the afternoon to save money on your ticket price. If you are planning dinner and a movie just plan to see the movie first and go to dinner after the show. This will not only save you money on the ticket price, but the theatre will be less crowded.

Buy Discount Tickets - Movies that are still in the regular movie theatre but have been out for a few weeks can be seen using discount tickets. Discount tickets can be purchased at credit unions, grocery stores, and other local businesses for several dollars off the price of each ticket.

Buy Yourself a Gift Certificate - Movie gift cards are usually only considered for gifts but they can be a great way to save some money on entertainment. Many gift certificates are sold for less than their face value and can be used for a night out rather than giving them away as a gift. You can purchase discount movie gift cards at Costco and other discount stores, online, or directly from the movie theatre. Be sure that you keep track of the expiration date, if the gift card has one, because you won't save any money at all if it goes to waste.

Skip the Popcorn - Popcorn, drinks, and other snacks can add up fast at the movie theatre. Their prices are high and they sell mostly high fat, low nutrient foods. Try having an appetizer party before or after going to the movie. Serve some caramel popcorn, veggies and dip, or finger sandwiches. This can be a fun way to get together with friends and enjoy having some time for conversation before going to the movies.

Have a Movie Night at Home - Sometimes it can be nice to enjoy a night at home, especially when you don't have a babysitter for the kids. Rent a movie from the video store, sign up for Net Flicks, or enjoy an old favorite that you own. Trade movies with a friend to get some variety in your collection. Red Box is a movie vending machine that many grocery stores and fast food locations have and it can be a cheap way to enjoy some of the movies that have been newly released to video. Many websites provide red box codes that give you a free rental. Have friends over for a fun movie night with snacks or enjoy a night on your own.