Cheap Cinema Tickets Deals & tricks to bag bargain seats for the big screen
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This is a daily updated list of vouchers, deals and offers on cinema tickets.
We aim to ensure all vouchers can used by everyone but policies can change - check before you go. Thanks to all MoneySavers who spotted them (suggest other Cheap Cinema Tickets). See tips for safer online transactions.
Important! Ensure you know how to shop safely before trying these deals
Tips for shopping safely
Whether it's a retailer or restaurateur, airline or air-conditioner seller, computer shop or car rental company, there are always two main risks: either it's a dodgy company, or it's a legit company that has financial problems and goes bust.
The aim of these tips is to help you minimise the risks.
What happens if a company goes bust?
Quite simply, its customers are immediately transformed into creditors.
This hits hardest if you've ordered goods or tickets from them, and not had delivery, as then you are simply one of a line of people trying to get your money back out of the company's assets, and you usually get back much less than you paid in.
Even if you've had delivery, if the company you bought from goes under and there's a problem with the goods, it can mean you've no comeback.
While MoneySavingExpert.com endeavours to check deals are valid, we don't check companies' finances - even huge names like MFI and Woolies have folded - so it's very important you use the right strategies to stay protected where possible...
DO: Pay by credit card for goods over £100
Pay by credit card for something over £100, eg, flights, kitchens, sofas, and Section 75 laws super-charge your consumer rights.
Unlike debit cards, cheques & cash, pay in full or part (even just £1) on a credit card and by law the lender's jointly liable with the retailer. This means you have exactly the same rights with the card company as you do with the retailer, so if it goes bust, you can simply take your complaints there instead and get money back if no delivery.
Yet it's important you ALWAYS REPAY IN FULL each month, so there's no interest cost. See the Section 75 guide for a full guide and Cashback Credit Cards for how to earn cash on top too.
DO: Protect purchases under £100
Section 75 doesn't apply to purchases under £100, but there's still an option which can help. It's not a legal protection, just Visa rules, but it's a good secondary back up.
Spend on a Visa credit or debit card and, if the goods don't appear within 120 days, you can ask your bank to reclaim the cash from the seller’s bank. See the Visa Chargeback part of the Section 75 guide for full details.
DON'T: Use unfamiliar sites without checking
Bogus websites are often set up to cash in on popular products like Ugg boots and Tiffany necklaces, so be wary if it's an unfamiliar site. And don't think that because it appears on a reputable search engine, that makes it a reputable site - always check.
DO: Check the site's legit
Most folks know to look for a security padlock on a website's bottom right, but that doesn't mean the site's legit, just that payment's secure.
To find out who registered the site and when, search the Whois database. Reputable firms should also appear on the Companies House site, the UK Govt's official companies register. Be very wary of businesses with just a PO BOX or email address.
Study the site's worldwide web ranking on Alexa. Anything in the top 100,000 means it's reasonably big - a good, though not foolproof, indication of legitimacy. Do a quick Google search for other shoppers’ experiences.
DON'T: Let your anti-virus run out
Crucially, ensure your security's up-to-date - free software can be downloaded to your computer in five mins. Full details in the Free Anti-Virus Software guide.
DO: Know your distance selling rights
Many people are surprised to learn you've MORE rights buying online (or telephone/catalogue) due to the Distance Selling Regulations.
This gives a legal right to send most goods back within a week for a full refund (including outward delivery costs), even if there’s no fault. You'll usually need to pay for the return delivery. Read Consumer Rights for a full guide.
However, of course this is balanced by the fact that, order online, and that automatically means a time gap between ordering and delivering - when the company has your money. So if it goes bust in that time, the distance selling rights don't help.
DO: Understand sometimes there's no protection.
Ultimately, there is always a risk that a company can go bust. If the above routes don't apply, then you have to make a decision about whether you're willing to take the risk of parting with your cash.
Don't be overly scared of this: every day we all make transactions based on trust, and this is part of that, but do balance up the amount you're spending against the risk. Don't give large amounts of money to a company you're not sure of.
CloseFor O2 customers
O2 customers aged 16+ can get 50% off Sunday-Thursday Odeon tickets (until Sun 4 Sept) which is the highlight of its O2 Priority Moments promotion. You'll need a web-enabled phone to get the offer – there are two ways to access it.
1. Via an app. Get the free iPhone or Android O2 Moments app – it’ll then find deals in your area (remember to turn on the 'locator' function on your phone) and should give you an on-screen code.
2. Via mobile web. If you've any web-enabled handset you can also get the offers via a mobile website. Text MOMENTS to 2020 or enter your mobile number on the O2 website to get set up. You'll then be sent a link, click it to be shown a selection of offers near you. Select one and you'll get an on-screen voucher to show at the till.
You're given a unique code per user which can only be redeemed once per week.
It’s worth noting there are free O2 sim cards available which could let non-O2 customers access the deal, though you’ll need to be quick and may have to pay £10 monthly top ups.
Restrictions: Sorry Harry Potter fans, but you can't use the 50% off voucher to watch the new film until 11 Aug 2011, or till 12 Aug 2011 to watch Cars 2. It can be used on 2D or 3D films but excludes premier seats, gallery, IMAX, family tickets, senior screen, Odeon Kid's, Odeon Plus, premieres and special events.
The code's not valid with any other offer including Orange 2for1 Wednesdays.
Online only
Grab two free cinema tickets when you register for a free 30 day Lovefilm trial, via Moneysupermarket. The offer's for new customers only and ends Sun 1 Jan 2012.
Before you sign up, please be aware that there have been better deals in the past such as free M&S, Amazon and Arcadia (Topshop, Dotty P's etc) vouchers with trials. So if you're not keen on this offer, you may want to hold out in case something you'd prefer comes up in future, as you can only get a free trial once (though we don't know future deals).
What's the deal?
Register to DVD, Blu-ray and games rental site Lovefilm for its 30 day free trial, and you'll get two free cinema tickets to use at your chosen cinema.
Depending on where you live eg, London, a cinema ticket can be worth £10+ so this is a great deal.
How do I get it?
Register and start a free trial at Lovefilm via Moneysupermarket. While registering you'll need to enter credit or debit card details though you won't be charged during the free trial.
Then choose what package you want (1, 2 or 3 discs at a time). You'll need to select 10 titles before the first disc gets sent to you. Once the first disk is sent, the free tickets will arrive at your postal address within 30 days.
Any restrictions?
This offer's for new customers only, and if you've previously done a free trial with any Lovefilm-powered site, you're not eligible. The offer's limited to one per household, and isn't valid with any other offer. It ends Sun 1 Jan 2012.
The cinema tickets are valid at Odeon, Vue, Cineworld, Showcase and Empire cinemas. Tickets aren't valid for online bookings, with any other offer or for premieres or special events. Some T&Cs vary per cinema, eg, some locations or certain types of tickets aren't included, so check with the cinema first.
Anything to look out for?
Once the free trial's ended, you'll automatically become a paying member (£4.99 to £19.39 depending on which package you're on), so if you want to opt out, make sure you cancel before the end of your trial. You need to have sent out any titles you've got before cancellation can be completed.
Text Orange & show code
You can get 2for1 tickets at cinemas nationwide through Orange Wednesdays. Just text FILM to 241 from your Orange phone and Orange'll send you a code which you show to the cinema staff.
If you use a different mobile network, you can get a sneaky free Orange sim card, which you can pop in whenever you need to get the offer (read the article '2for1 Films for Non-Orange Customers' for a full how to).
Register online
What's the deal?
Sign up to film preview websites and they'll email you 'screening codes' for selected new films. Enter the code on their website, and if you're quick enough and a cinema near you is participating, you get in free.
Who are the companies?
There are quite a few, inc. Show Film First, See Film First, Momentum Screenings and Disney Screenings. The more companies you sign up to, the more chance you have of getting a code.
Why do they give free tickets?
To spread the word. Agencies are hired by studios to get people talking about new films, possibly with the hope that if you've seen a film for free you're more likely to give it good reviews. On occasion, they may request feedback via email or text message.
What can I see?
Recent blockbusters shown for free include The King's Speech, Gulliver's Travels, Unstoppable, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and The Social Network.
Only selected films have previews, and participating cinemas nationwide vary per showing, so there may not be any near you. Often there's more than one screening, with times/cinemas changing, so be quick to snag a seat!
The screenings are at less busy timeslots (ie, not weekend evenings) and are usually reserved for Mon/Tues early evenings.
Anything else I can do to get them?
Take a look at our Free Cinema Tickets forum and Free Cinema Tickets discussion threads, which are full of people on the hunt for free screenings, sharing codes, advice and reviews.
Weekend & school holidays offer
Children aged 2-12 can get £1.25 tickets to select morning movies at weekends and in school holidays with the Kids AM offer. What's more, accompanying adults get in for £1.25 as well.
What's on?
Previous films in the offer include Tangled, Toy Story 3 and Despicable Me. See full listings and cinema details for all the info.
The films aren't always the most up-to-date, but with adult tickets usually costing from £6.10 and child tickets from £4.30, it's still a great deal.
How do I get the offer?
You can buy tickets on the day, but seats can always sell out, so go early if possible. To be safe you can book online/over the phone, though you'll pay a 60p booking fee (90p for phone bookings).
The deal: £1.25 kids & adults tickets. Valid: Weekend/school holiday mornings. How: Book online / buy on the day. Expires: Ongoing. Excludes: Adults not accompanied by a child. Offer from: Vue. Restrictions: Selected screenings only. Kids tickets valid for ages 2-12.
Weekend & school holiday offer
One adult goes free per every child ticket, which cost £1 - £2.50 depending on location, in the Odeon Kids offer.
How do I get it?
The offer is for select movies on weekend/school holiday mornings. Check cinema listings for what's on and where. You can either just turn up at the cinema on the day and trust there'll be seats available or book online (though you'll pay 75p booking fee per ticket).
What's on?
Screenings are obviously aimed at a younger audience, so you won't find anything above PG certificate. Recent films include Megamind and The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
The deal: 1 adult goes free per child ticket (£1 - £2.50). Valid: Weekend/school holiday mornings. How: Book online / buy on the day. Expires: Ongoing. Excludes: Adults not accompanied by a child. Offer from: Odeon. Restrictions: Selected screenings only. Kids tickets valid for age 12 & under.
Carers and the person they care for can get 2for1 cinema tickets at 500+ cinemas nationwide with the CEA card. The card is £5.50, and valid for as many films as you like for one year.
How do I get it?
The person being cared for must apply and to be eligible must either be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance or be registered blind.
Fill out the CEA card application form and post it together with a passport-sized photo, proof of eligibility (examples given on application form) and £5.50 (cheque or postal order - no cash). Alternatively, pick up an application from participating national cinema chains.
It will take roughly three weeks to receive the card.
How do I use it?
Check for your nearest participating cinema and simply show the CEA card at the box office whenever you go. The person in care must buy one full price ticket, enabling their carer (who can be a parent, family member, friend, care worker etc.) to get in free.
The deal: 2for1 tickets. Valid: On the day. How: Buy CEA card (£5.50). Apply online or at participating cinema. Expires: One year after issue date. Offer from: The Cinema Exhibitors' Assocation Ltd Restrictions: Only valid for use of carer and person they care for.
Book online or buy at box office
These £1 tickets are available for selected Saturday morning screenings. Adults and kids can both get in for £1 per head, though adults have to be with a child in order to get the offer. To find £1 tickets, visit the Movies for Juniors offer page, then choose your film and cinema.
Though you can buy £1 tickets at the box office on the day, you may want to book as these tickets can go quickly. As it's only for selected screenings in selected cinemas, check your local Cineworld's participating before you go. Kids tickets are valid for 14s and under.
The deal: £1 cinema tickets. Valid: Sat mornings. How: Book online / buy tickets from box office. Expires: Ongoing. Excludes: Sundays only in Union Square, Aberdeen. Offer from: Cineworld. Restrictions: Offer on Sat & Sun in Bolton, Falkirk, Liverpool & Wandsworth.
For keen ODEON-goers, the cinema’s Première Club reward scheme is definitely worth a butchers.
How it works
Odeon Première card holders accumulate 10 points for every full £1 spent. You can earn points on Orange Wed tickets, but only on the paid-for ticket, not the freebie.Points can then be spent as follows:
- Standard seat ticket: 800 points
- Small soft drinks: 300 points
- Small sweet or salted popcorn: 400 points
How much are points worth?
Generally, spending points on tickets beats food. Assuming you’re spending points on tickets, how good the scheme is depends on where you live. The more expensive the tickets are in your area, the better the scheme is for you.As an example, in London, this works out as one free ticket for every seven bought (Leicester Square cinema tickets are £12). Yet in Hull it’s one free for every 13 bought (normal ticket cost £6.50).
Step 1. Pick the right sign up package
Unlike most reward schemes, you have to pay to join. But you do get free points and it's a one-off, so not too bad.
There are three membership classes, with different free introductory points depending which you pick:
- Classic £2: 100 free points
- Deluxe. £5: 500 free points
- Ultimate. £10: 1000 points and double points for the first month
Choosing the right membership
The membership option you should pick varies according to how much tickets cost at your local. The more expensive your tickets, the higher membership you should opt for.
First go to Odeon.co.uk and check the price for your local cinema. Then use this chart to see how much you can gain (based on spending the points on tickets).
Also note that with the Ultimate membership (£9.99), you also get double points for the first month, so if you’re planning caning it early on, it might be worth a look.
The best membership option for you |
|||
Your local ticket cost |
1 point value |
Purchases for free ticket |
Best option |
£6 |
0.75p |
14 |
Classic (£1.25 loss) |
£7 |
0.88p |
12 |
Deluxe (60p loss) |
£8 |
1p |
10 |
Deluxe (free) |
£9 |
1.13p |
9 |
Ultimate (£1.25 profit) |
£10 |
1.25p |
8 |
Ultimate (£2.50 profit) |
£11 |
1.38p |
8 |
Ultimate (£3.75 profit) |
£12 |
1.5p |
7 |
Ultimate (£5 profit) |
Step 2. Get your card
Sign up at Odeon online and select which package you want, or do the same at your cinema's box office.
You must register your card at Odeon.co.uk within 28 days of joining or you will lose your introductory points. Introductory points can't be redeemed during the 3 days after the day you joined the club.
Apply online
For the more avid cinema-goer, those near a Cineworld can get an Unlimited Card for £15 a month (£18 inc. London West End). 
How do I get it?
You can sign up for the Unlimited Card online. It'll take 2 weeks to arrive but you'll be given a temp one to print off in the meantime.
What do I get with it?
You can see as many films as you want. If you see more than one film at the cinema a month, this card should save you cash, though check your local ticket prices just to be sure.
Plus we’ve confirmed with the Cineworld press office that the card works with Orange Wednesday, so passholders can take mates for free. Do remember that Cineworld makes its money back on expensive popcorn and drinks, so take along your own cheap snacks, provided the cinema's cool with it.
OR...
Use Tesco Clubcard Rewards tokens
If you’ve got a Tesco Clubcard, you can use your Clubcard points to buy Cineworld tickets.
How do I get it?
Just go to the Tesco rewards website to exchange £4 worth of reward points for one Cineworld adult token, or £2.50 worth of points for a child token. For a full explanation of how this works, read the full Boost your Loyalty Points guide.
How do I use them?
Your tokens will be sent to you within five working days. Take to your nearest Cineworld box office to exchange them for the ticket. Cineworld rewards tokens are non-transferable, and can’t be used in Dublin, Jersey or London’s West End cinemas (Chelsea, Fulham Road, Haymarket and Shaftesbury Avenue).
Grab £4-ish tickets on Tuesdays at selected Vue cinemas (exact price varies depending on cinema).
How do I get it?
All you have to do is register for a free ‘Cheap Day Tuesday’ card at the cinema, then show it when you next buy tickets.
The offer’s only on at 18 of Vue’s 64 cinemas, so check whether yours is taking part by going to Vue and clicking on your local cinema. If you see a 'cheap day Tuesday banner' - you're in!
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