1. Check for Local Cinema Memberships (WTW Cinemas Example)

Some independent cinema chains offer annual membership cards that make tickets far cheaper. For example, WTW Cinemas in Cornwall (with branches in Newquay, St Austell, Wadebridge, and Truro) run a membership scheme that costs around £9.95 per year.

This membership typically gives you:

• Around £2 off standard tickets

• Discounts on concession or already discounted tickets

• Occasional extra perks depending on the branch

Because membership is inexpensive, it usually pays for itself in just a few visits. It’s worth checking your own local independent cinema to see if they run a similar scheme.

 

2. Save Up to 40% on Cinema With Kids Pass

Kids Pass is a subscription service that offers big savings on family activities, including up to 40% off tickets at more than 400 UK cinemas. The discount applies 7 days a week, making it one of the easiest ways to reduce costs.

You can Kids Pass for £1 for 30 days with my referral link to see if it works for you. If your family loves regular trips out, it can be one of the most affordable memberships.

3. Join Cineworld Unlimited

If you’re a frequent filmgoer, Cineworld Unlimited is excellent value. For a monthly fee, you can watch as many 2D films as you like, with no limit on the number of times you go.

Other benefits include:

• Discounts on food and drink

• Invitations to advance screenings

• Savings at partner restaurants and retailers

Cineworld also runs regional pricing, so your monthly fee depends on where you live. If you go to the cinema more than twice a month, this membership usually saves you money.

You can also earn cashback when you sign up if you join via a cashback site: If you want to sign up to Cineworld unlimited then TopCashback currently have a cashback offer when you register for an Unlimited Card Subscription.

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4. Join Odeon Limitless

Odeon also offers an unlimited membership, known as Odeon Limitless. Like Cineworld Unlimited, it gives you access to unlimited films for a monthly fee.

Benefits include:

• Priority bookings and free advance screenings

• Savings on in-cinema food and drink

• Exclusive partner offers

If Odeon is your closest cinema, this pass is well worth considering. Cashback offers are also often available when you sign up at the moment via the ODEON TopCashback offer.

5. Use Meerkat Movies

One of the most popular ways to save is with Meerkat Movies. When you buy a qualifying insurance policy via Compare the Market, you get 2-for-1 cinema tickets every Tuesday and Wednesday for a whole year.

Even if you don’t need an expensive policy, you can buy something cheap like one-day travel insurance to unlock the deal. This makes it one of the cheapest ways to cut ticket costs all year long.

6. Go Off-Peak

Cinema prices vary depending on the day and time. Cineworld offers off-peak tickets with small savings for films shown Monday to Friday before 5pm. Odeon also runs weekday value prices at some branches.

If you can be flexible with when you go, avoiding weekends and evenings is a simple way to get cheaper tickets.

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7. Watch Kids’ Screenings

Many chains run special family showings at lower prices:

• Cineworld Movies for Juniors – tickets from just £2.50 for kids and adults

• Odeon Kids – “pocket money” prices for family films

These showings are often in the mornings at weekends or during school holidays. They’re a brilliant way to introduce children to the cinema without the usual high cost.

8. Look for Groupon and Voucher Deals

Sites like Groupon regularly sell discounted bundles of cinema tickets, often 5 for £20 or similar. These are usually valid for a few months and can be used at participating Odeon or Cineworld branches.

Voucher codes for selected chains also appear online, especially during quieter months when cinemas want to fill seats. A quick search before booking is always worth it.

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9. Earn Cashback on Tickets

Both Cineworld and Odeon regularly feature on cashback sites. By booking through these platforms, you can earn money back on each ticket, membership, or food purchase.

For regular cinema visitors, this can add up to significant savings over the year.

10. Consider Student and Senior Discounts

If you’re a student with a valid ID, you can often save a few pounds per ticket. Seniors also benefit from discounted rates, and some cinemas run “Silver Screenings” during the daytime with reduced prices.

These screenings often include a free tea or coffee, making them a sociable and budget-friendly option.

11. Use Loyalty Points

Supermarket loyalty schemes and bank reward programmes often include cinema ticket offers. For example, some credit cards let you exchange points for free or reduced tickets. Tesco Clubcard has also partnered with cinemas in the past.

It’s worth checking your loyalty apps to see if you’re sitting on discounts without realising it.

12. Is It Cheaper to Buy Cinema Tickets Online?

In most cases, yes. Many cinemas now charge slightly less when you book online compared to paying at the counter. Online booking also guarantees your seats, which is helpful for popular releases.

However, some chains add a booking fee. Always check the final total before deciding whether to buy online or in person.

13. Watch for Special Promotions

Throughout the year, cinemas launch seasonal deals. These include discounted midweek tickets, student nights, and family bundles. January and September are especially good times to look, as cinemas tend to run offers after the school holidays end.

Signing up for newsletters from your local cinema is one of the easiest ways to hear about these promotions.

14. Family and Group Tickets

Some cinemas offer reduced “family of four” packages, which can work out cheaper than buying individual tickets. Similarly, group bookings of 10 or more can unlock bulk discounts.

If you’re planning a birthday party or large outing, check whether your cinema has a group booking offer.

15. Consider Alternatives to the Cinema

If you want to cut your film costs entirely, streaming services are an affordable option. Subscriptions to platforms like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video can give you unlimited films for less than the cost of one cinema ticket per month.

Some people even combine cinema memberships with streaming at home, using the cinema for big releases and streaming for everyday viewing.

Final Thoughts

Cinema tickets don’t have to be expensive. With a little planning, you can avoid paying full price and enjoy your favourite films for a fraction of the cost.

Whether you use memberships like Cineworld Unlimited, cashback offers, Kids Pass discounts, or two-for-one deals such as Meerkat Movies, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down.

Next time you fancy a trip to the cinema, check the options in this guide first. You’ll almost always find a deal that makes your outing more affordable.

By using a savings app, savings website and cashback you can make some amazing savings on your cinema tickets.  If you want to totally cut the cost then read my article on how to save money on Netflix and have access to loads of films in your front room whenever you want!

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