MSN: “The movie theater revival: 6 clever ways to save money at the movies”

MSN, October 21, 2026 — Reporter Chris Adams explains in today’s article on MSN.com that of all the generations, Gen Z enjoys going to the movies the most. At least, that’s what a recent Fandango survey found. Unfortunately for them, it’s a pastime that’s seen its fair share of inflation. According to CableTV.com, the average cost of a movie ticket in the U.S. is $16.30, and a typical movie date night sets you back $54.08.

Adams turned to certified financial planner (CFP) and CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth, Marguerita Cheng, who has multiple clients who love going to the movies, and in her case, they’re not all Gen Z.

“It’s something my clients have done together even before retirement,” Cheng said. “It’s a tradition, and they’ve implemented some simple strategies to save money without sacrificing the in-person theater experience.”

If you love going to the movie theater but hate seeing the charge on your card, Cheng shared six clever moves to keep the popcorn habit alive without blowing your budget.

1. Sign Up for Reward Programs: This may be one of the easiest ways to save money. Sign up for a rewards program at the box office or online, and you can earn free tickets or concessions once you hit a point or visit threshold. In addition, see if you can sign up for the theater’s email list. You may receive special deals, birthday discounts and previews of upcoming deals.

2. Go on Deal Days: Ticket prices don’t stay the same all week. Check your local theater’s website and social media for its discount days, which are often weekdays when crowds are thin. In the case of Cheng’s clients, she said there are some who go to the movies twice a month and specifically wait to go on a discounted Monday.

3. Buy Tickets Directly from the Theater: Using a third-party booking site for your tickets could be costing you money. “Skip third-party booking fees by buying from the theater’s app or box office,” said Ali Zane, personal finance expert and CEO of IMAX Credit Repair Firm. “Those options are better because you avoid service charges that really add up over time.”

4. Use Available Discounts: Students, military members and seniors may qualify for discounts, so ask before you pay. Cheng and her daughter, an ROTC scholar, were able to catch a popular movie this summer using a military discount.

5. Eat Before You Go: “Theater food is overpriced,” said Melanie Musson, a finance expert with Quote.com. “Get a good meal before you go and you’ll enjoy something that will actually sustain you so you can avoid junk food bought at the theater.

6. Look for Drive-In Theaters: Musson’s other tip takes you out of the multiplex entirely. The days of cramming a carload of friends in for one ticket price are mostly over, but drive-in theaters can still be surprisingly affordable. Some even offer double features for one low price, which makes for a long night at a fraction of the cost.

Read more: msn.com