The average cost of a movie ticket is $8.65, up 26% from a decade ago, according to Box Office Mojo, an industry-trend-reporting service. In Los Angeles and New York, movie tickets can cost almost twice that. But there are ways to see new-release films on the cheap.
True film buffs can check out MoviePass. You pay a flat monthly rate—$45 in most cities and $40 in rural areas—to see up to one movie a day in any major theater chain in the country. (In New York and Los Angeles, you’ll pay $50.) Plans for less-dedicated moviegoers range from $15 to see two movies a month to $31 for three movies, depending on your locale. Use an iPhone or Android app to book showtimes, then swipe your MoviePass card at the box office to pick up your ticket.
Rub elbows with critics and insiders by taking in a screening before a movie’s official release date. Studios and public-relations firms offer free tickets through Gofobo to generate buzz and word-of-mouth publicity. Create an account at www.gofobo.com and you’ll get e-mails when screenings are available (mostly in major cities).
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Catch up on the 2017 Oscar winners and nominees at home with FandangoNOW, a new streaming platform from the online ticket seller. Prices are comparable to Amazon Prime, but you can accumulate reward points to rent more movies.
-
Disney Stock Sails to the Top of the Dow After Earnings. Is It Time to Buy?Walt Disney stock is higher Thursday after the entertainment giant beat earnings expectations and issued a strong outlook. Here's what Wall Street is saying.
-
Why Wall Street Is Bullish on Cisco Stock After EarningsCisco stock is lower Thursday despite the tech giant's beat-and-raise quarter, but analysts aren't concerned. Here's what you need to know.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime MembershipAmazon Prime Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
-
How to Haggle for Almost AnythingSmart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID CoverageCoronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
-
21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon — Either Online or In-StoreDid you know there are things you can't return to Amazon? Before tossing these items into your shopping cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scampersonal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
