How To Get Cheap Cinema Tickets (Less than £3)
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Do you love going to the cinema? I really enjoy catching the latest movies but a trip to the cinema can be expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get cheap cinema tickets, with some offers bringing the cost down to just a few pounds per person.
Since our daughter started nursery two days a week, my husband and I have occasionally sneaked off to watch a movie together when he’s had a half-day at work.
Afternoon cinema trips are the best. It’s usually pretty quiet, you get your pick of seats and going mid-week means you can often find some great deals.
However, the first time we did this was a bit of a money-saving disaster. I didn’t book tickets online before we went and although I’d checked prices online beforehand, tickets were almost £5 more when I purchased them on arrival.
I didn’t have any coupons or vouchers that could be used and, although I enjoyed the trip and the quality adult time with my husband, I was annoyed at my own lack of planning.
Since then I’ve found lots of ways to make cinema trips cheaper, from free 2-for-1 tickets to cheap kids’ screenings and saver tickets.
Meerkat Movies Is Now Free
One of the easiest ways to save money on cinema tickets is through Meerkat Movies.
The good news is that you no longer need to buy insurance or another qualifying product to get it. Meerkat Movies is now available through the Compare the Market app for free.
All you need to do is download the app and sign in or create a Compare the Market account. Your 2-for-1 cinema offer will then be available in the Rewards section.
You get a new cinema code every week which can be used on Tuesdays or Wednesdays at participating cinemas. The offer gives you two standard cinema tickets for the price of one, with the cheapest ticket free.
You can use the code when booking online or show it at the cinema. The current free App-only Rewards Membership runs until 19 July 2027, although terms and participating cinemas can change.
The fact that you no longer need to buy anything to qualify makes this an even better deal than when I originally wrote this article.
How To Get Meerkat Movies
Getting your free cinema tickets is now really simple:
- Download the Compare the Market app.
- Sign in or create a Compare the Market account.
- Go to the Rewards section.
- Find your weekly Meerkat Movies code.
- Use the code when booking online or show it at the cinema.
There is no insurance purchase required.
Look For Cheap Kids’ Cinema Screenings
If you’re taking children to the cinema, look out for special family and kids’ screenings.
These are often significantly cheaper than standard cinema tickets and can be a great way to take the whole family to the movies without spending a fortune.
The films shown aren’t always the newest releases, but there are often plenty of family favourites and films that children will be excited to see.
For example, Vue currently has Big Shorts for younger children, with screenings from £3.99 when booked online, and Mighty Mornings for children around 4–11, with tickets from £2.49 online. Prices and films vary by cinema.
Picturehouse is another one worth checking if you have a local cinema. It currently has £3 child tickets at all its cinemas, with no booking fee added whether you book online or in person.
It’s always worth checking your local cinema’s website before you book to see what family screenings are available.
Take Advantage Of The 2026 Children’s Cinema VAT Cut
If you’re planning a family cinema trip during summer 2026, there’s another saving worth knowing about.
Between 25 June and 1 September 2026, the rate of VAT on qualifying children’s cinema tickets has temporarily been reduced from 20% to 5%.
The reduction applies to children’s tickets and qualifying family tickets, rather than standard adult tickets. Cinemas don’t necessarily have to pass on the entire saving in exactly the same way, so it’s worth checking the price when you book.
The temporary reduction is part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme and applies across the UK.
Book Online
It’s easy to assume that buying your tickets at the cinema will be cheaper because you avoid an online booking fee.
That’s not necessarily the case.
Some cinemas offer cheaper online prices, and ODEON specifically says that booking online is cheaper than buying in the cinema, even after its booking fee. Prices vary depending on the cinema and screening.
Always check the total price before you travel to the cinema. You don’t want to turn up expecting one price and discover that tickets cost considerably more at the box office.
Look For Saver Tickets
Many cinemas have cheaper tickets for certain screenings, days or times.
These can be particularly good for weekday afternoon trips or quieter screenings.
For example, Vue currently advertises Super Saver tickets online from £5.49, although prices vary by cinema.
Independent cinemas can also have their own weekly saver days, so it’s worth checking what’s available locally.
Take Your Own Snacks
Cinema food and drinks can add a surprising amount to the cost of a trip, so one of the easiest ways to save money is to take your own snacks.
There’s a common myth that cinemas don’t allow you to bring your own food, but you can take your own snacks and drinks into the cinema. Cinemas can have restrictions on things such as hot food and alcohol, but there’s no general rule preventing you from bringing your own sweets, popcorn, crisps or soft drinks.
If you enjoy sweets at the cinema, buying them from a supermarket or discount shop before you go can save a lot compared with buying them at the cinema.
The same applies to drinks and popcorn. A bag of popcorn from the supermarket can be considerably cheaper than a cinema-sized tub.
And if you’re taking children, packing their favourite snacks before you leave can make a noticeable difference to the cost of a family cinema trip.
Check For Family Deals
If you’re taking several people to the cinema, check whether your local cinema has family tickets or other bundles.
These can sometimes work out cheaper than buying each ticket individually.
It’s particularly worth checking during school holidays, when cinemas often run family promotions.
Consider A Cinema Membership
If you go to the cinema regularly, a cinema membership could save you money.
The big cinema chains offer unlimited cinema memberships, although the price depends on the cinema and membership level.
For example, Cineworld’s Unlimited membership currently starts at £12.99 a month for its lowest group and increases depending on which cinemas you want to use. There is a minimum three-month term.
Before signing up, work out how often you’d realistically go. If you only go once every couple of months, paying for a membership probably won’t save you money.
If you regularly see two or three films a month, however, it could be worth considering.
Look For Silver Screen Screenings
Many cinemas offer special screenings for older customers, often showing a mixture of classic films and newer releases at a reduced price.
These are generally aimed at people aged 60 or over, but some cinemas allow younger companions to attend too.
Check your local cinema for details, as prices, eligibility and films vary.
Look For Special Offers And Discounts
It’s always worth checking whether you have access to cinema discounts through other memberships and schemes.
These can include:
- Cashback websites
- Bank and current account rewards
- Supermarket loyalty schemes
- Employee benefits schemes
- Student discounts
- Mobile phone rewards
- Membership organisations
You may already have access to a cinema discount without realising it.
Before paying full price, have a quick look through the apps and memberships you already use.
Looking for more ways to cut costs? Take a look at my Money Saving Hub where I’ve brought together all of my best tips, tricks and guides to help you spend less and save more.
