Frugal Movies

Tips for watching movies and sticking to your budget

A number of alternatives exist for frugal movies that allow you to watch great movies much cheaper than paying full price at a first-run theater. Consider these options next time you’ve got a hankering for some cinema:

Movie kiosk machines. A number of kiosks have been popping up in places such as grocery stores or outside fast-food restaurants that allow you to rent movies right from the kiosk. Redbox is a popular one, but it’s not the only one. The downside of a kiosk is that selection is limited to whatever is in the machine, so you may be disappointed if you’re looking for something specific. But the typical price for the rental is about a dollar, which is much cheaper than a theater or even a traditional rental store. That price is generally only good for a 24-hour rental, though, so be sure you plan to watch and return the movie within 24 hours. Late fees can turn frugal movies into expensive ones quickly.

Rental stores. There aren’t as many rental stores as there used to be, but they are still around, and they are still a much better deal than a theater – about a third of the price during peak times. The advantage they have over kiosks is better selection and you usually can keep the movie anywhere from three days to a week, depending on the title.

Home delivery service. Home delivery services are a good deal for people who watch a lot of movies, don’t have time to go out and rent them and don’t mind waiting a day or two for delivery. Netflix and Blockbuster, for example, both offer plans where customers pay a flat amount and can choose the movies they want online, and the movies are delivered in order, with no set return time. Some plans have limits on how many movies a customer can get at once or per month. Do the math, though. If you’re only watching one movie a month, it's cheaper to rent the movie at a kiosk for a dollar than to pay $10 a month for a subscription service.

Movie channels. If you have movie channels included in your TV service package, you’re already paying for movies that are being delivered right to your living room. Try not paying for any outside movies for a month and only watch movies from your movie channels. You’ll save money and discover some interesting movies you might not have watched otherwise!

Online movies. A number of online services offer the ability to watch movies online - some of them for free (and free movies are the ultimate frugal movies!). One of the more popular sites is hulu.com, which has an extensive library of both TV shows and movies available, all for free. Many of the movies are old or TV movies, though, so the limitation you’ll find is selection. Don’t expect to find the latest release online for free – at least not legally!

Dollar theaters. It takes a little longer for movies to show up at dollar theaters, but if you have one nearby and can wait, dollar theaters are the most frugal movies on the big screen. Just watch out for the concession stand. Ticket prices at dollar theaters may be cheaper, but concession prices are often just as high as those at first-run theaters.

Theater discounts. If there’s something you really want to see in the first-run theater, check and see if you can get a discount. Many theaters offer discounts for students or seniors, and some even have coupons available through Entertainment books or gift certificates that people can give as gifts (when you’re making out your Christmas list, put that on the list!).

Matinees. Without a special discount, the most frugal movies at a first-run theater are matinees. Most theaters have certain days and times where they offer lower ticket prices. Typically, showings before 5pm or 6pm are discounted, and off-peak days, such as Tuesdays or Wednesdays often feature lower prices. Check with the individual theater to see when it offers matinee prices.

Skip the popcorn. Nothing smells more appetizing than movie theater popcorn, and nothing will empty your laughing wallet faster! The prices for theater concessions are exorbitant, so do yourself a favor and eat before you go to the theater, or (and you didn't hear this from me) sneak in your own candy. Paying 50 cents for chocolate bar from the grocery store will taste way better than paying $3.50 for the exact same candy at the theater.

Frugal Dining

Frugal Entertainment

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