Looking for the best ways to get cheap cinema tickets? Whether it’s a date night with your special someone or a family day out during the half term, we've got all the cinema deals and tricks you need to save on your next trip to the movies.
The price of a cinema ticket depends on where you live, when you visit and any memberships or schemes you’ve joined. We’ll start with cinema deals you may already have access to, then move on to talk about ways to save at the big UK chains.
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Discounts at multiple chains |
Cinema deals you may already have access to
You may already qualify for free or discounted cinema tickets without realising it. See if you qualify for any of the cinema deals below.
Sky Cinema
Usable at: Vue
Sky Cinema subscribers with access to the MySky app can get two free Vue tickets every month. These can be used to see any 2D film between Sunday and Thursday.
O2 Priority
Usable at: Vue
O2 Priority and Virgin Media Broadband customers can get codes for discounted Vue cinema tickets each month. Get two 2D general admission tickets for £9, or four tickets for £18.
Use your unique O2 Priority code to buy Vue e-codes, which can be exchanged for tickets online or at the ticket office. You’ll also get a 20% off voucher to use on food and non-alcoholic drinks during your visit, with a minimum £15 spend.
Club Lloyds
Usable at: Vue or ODEON
Club Lloyds customers who choose cinema tickets as their Lifestyle Benefit can enjoy six free Vue or ODEON cinema tickets as their chosen annual perk with Club Lloyds.
At Vue, you can also enjoy a half-price bucket of popcorn during your visit. The ODEON perk includes a free kids’ popcorn if you’re seeing a kids’ screening with your family. Your member benefits refresh every year, as long as you remain a Lloyds current account customer.
Vitality
Usable at: Vue or ODEON
People with a qualifying Vitality membership can enjoy a half-price Vue or ODEON cinema ticket every week.
You'll need to hit 12 Vitality Activity Points during one week to qualify for your discounted ticket. Hit a four-week streak with 12 points each week and you'll earn a completely free cinema ticket.
Octoplus
Usable at: Vue
If you have an Octoplus membership through Octopus Energy, there are often Vue cinema deals available. One offer will get you two Vue tickets for £8 (with no booking fees), plus 15% off food and drink. These deals are released weekly, so availability may vary.
AA Breakdown cover
Usable at: Vue
AA Breakdown customers get access to a range of exclusive offers, including up to 30% off Vue tickets. Log in to your AA Breakdown account to buy your Vue cinema vouchers via AA. You can redeem your voucher online or at the Vue ticket office to exchange it for your tickets.
Your voucher can be used on one standard 2D, 3D, VIP, Recliner, Gold Class, Xtreme Screen or IMAX ticket. If you don’t select a standard 2D showing, you’ll need to pay the difference in ticket price.
Three+
Usable at: Cineworld
As a Three mobile customer, you can access a range of discounts and rewards on the Three+ loyalty app, including two Cineworld cinema tickets for £10. Get two adult 2D standard tickets each week, which can be used on any day. Booking online will incur a booking fee.
Tesco Clubcard and Tesco Tuesdays
Usable at: Cineworld and Picturehouse
Convert your Clubcard points into vouchers to spend at Cineworld or Picturehouse. Your vouchers will double in value, so 50p in Clubcard vouchers becomes £1 to spend.
You can also put your Clubcard points towards a Cineworld Unlimited Pass. Even better, book online using Clubcard vouchers for a Tuesday showing at Cineworld to get £5 cinema tickets. This means you can exchange just £2.50 in Clubcard vouchers for a Cineworld ticket.
Lidl Plus
Usable at: various participating cinemas
Get up to 40% off cinema tickets at a range of participating cinemas with Lidl Plus via The Cinema Society. Use your discounted vouchers to exchange for tickets at various chains, including Vue, ODEON, Showcase and Omniplex.
Blue Light Card
Usable at: various participating cinemas
Blue Light Card members can buy discounted vouchers online or on the Blue Light app and exchange them for cheap cinema tickets. Offers vary, but often include Vue, Cineworld, ODEON and Showcase. Blue Light Card membership costs £4.99 for two years of benefits.
Discounts for Teachers
Usable at: various participating cinemas
Teachers can join the free Discounts for Teachers scheme to get discounted cinema vouchers. Exchange your vouchers for cheap tickets at ODEON, Cineworld or Vue, saving up to 40%.
CEA Card
Usable at: various participating cinemas
If you have a disability or are a carer for someone who does, you could save money with a CEA card. You can get one free ticket to accompany a full-priced ticket to as many screenings as you like throughout the year. The CEA card costs £6.50 per year. Get more information about eligibility on the CEA website.
Cinema memberships, loyalty schemes and discount days
Read a summary of the main discounts, deals and membership schemes at the UK's biggest cinema chains below.
Vue
Offers worth checking: Club Vue, Sky Cinema, O2 Priority, Club Lloyds, Vitality, AA Breakdown, Octoplus, Blue Light Card
Vue are generally regarded as an affordable cinema chain. You can often get Super Saver tickets for around £5, but bear in mind that seat upgrades will cost you more. Tickets are usually cheaper when you book online, with the booking fee included in the ticket price.
Become a Club Vue member for free and collect a digital stamp in the Club Vue app every time you make a booking. Once you have 10 stamps, you'll be rewarded with a free film ticket. Other member perks include the chance to earn free cinema food and drink, as well as the option to self-refund any tickets purchased online up to two hours before the film is due to start.
For kids, Vue Mighty Mornings include discounted showings of relatively recent releases as well as nostalgic classics like Chicken Run and Wallace & Gromit. These showings run on weekends from 10am, as well as during school holidays.
ODEON
Offers worth checking: ODEON Limitless, Screen Unseen, Club Lloyds, Vitality, Lidl Plus, Blue Light Card
ODEON now have a simplified ticketing system, offering only adult and children tickets. There are no concession prices for seniors or students, although students can often get discounts on paid ODEON memberships.
Tickets are cheaper when you book online, and the booking fee is included in the ticket price. Premium seats will cost more.
ODEON EXTRAS is a free loyalty scheme where members get access to discounted tickets starting from £4.50 on Saver Mondays, flexible bookings, fuss-free refunds and a free birthday treat each year. You'll also earn 25 loyalty points for every £1 you spend at ODEON, which can be turned into discounts on future visits.
If you see two films at ODEON within three months, your membership can be upgraded to EXTRAS PLUS. You'll get all the same perks, plus 10% off tickets when booking online and access to member-only screenings. Instead of 25 points per £1 spent, you'll earn 50 points, and you can also enjoy large popcorn at medium popcorn prices.
With an ODEON myLIMITLESS pass, you can see all the latest films on the big screen whenever you want, plus 10% off most cinema food and drink, all for £16.99 per month. Other perks include exclusive invites to see films before they're released and 25% off at PizzaExpress. Get one month free if you pay for your pass annually.
Upgrade to the myLIMITLESS Plus membership for £19.99 per month, or £219 annually and get one month free. This membership includes access to Luxe cinemas, as well as infinite seat and screen upgrades.
Enjoy a mystery cheap cinema experience with ODEON’s Screen Unseen showings, where you pay as little as £6 for your ticket to a total surprise film. All films are highly-acclaimed pre-releases, but you won’t know what you’re seeing until the lights go down.
Take your little ones to see recent films at discounted ODEON Kids showings every Saturday and Sunday at 10am, and during school holidays. Make sure you’re signed up to myODEON and order your tickets online if you want to get the best price.
Cineworld
Offers worth checking: Cineworld Unlimited, Three+, Tesco Clubcard, Blue Light Card
Cineworld tickets are often cheaper online, although there is a booking fee.
See unlimited 2D films with a Cineworld Unlimited membership card, with prices starting from £12.99 per month (depending on your area). You’ll be able to pre-book up to five films at a time and attend exclusive preview screenings of upcoming releases. There’s also 10% off snacks and drinks, up to 50% off Event Cinema, 10% off in-house Starbucks, and 25% off food at various restaurant partners.
If you're paying monthly for Cineworld Unlimited, you'll be upgraded to a Black Card after your first three months. Those who pay for 12 months upfront get automatically upgraded to the Black Card at the point of purchase. The upgrade won’t cost you anything, but means you’ll be able to book 3D tickets and get 25% off snacks and drinks.
Cineworld family tickets give adults access to children's ticket prices. They’re available for groups of two adults and two kids, or one adult with three kids (14 and under). Catch recent family films for a fraction of the usual price every Saturday and Sunday at 10am and during school holidays with Cineworld's Movies For Juniors.
Showcase
Offers worth checking: Showcase Insider, Lidl Plus, Blue Light Card
Showcase don’t have a huge presence in the UK, but they have generous discounts worth checking out. Groups of four adults booking tickets together can get a 10% discount with a Group Together ticket at select cinemas. Families can also enjoy discounts, valid for groups of four containing at least one adult and two children aged 14 or under. The fourth ticket can be either an adult or a child.
We’ve also seen cheaper family tickets at selected Showcase cinemas during some school holidays. For £25, a family of four (two adults and two children or one adult and three children) could get entry to a selected kids' film, showing before 5pm.
With a Showcase Insider membership, you can enjoy cheap movie tickets without paying for a subscription. It’s free for anyone over the age of 15 to join, and members get 10% rewards on food, drink and tickets. You’ll also qualify for discounted tickets on Saver Mondays, as well as 15% off upgrades to XPLUS.
Everyman
Everyman are a luxury cinema chain, so they’re usually not the best choice for cinemagoers on a budget. However, if you do want a little bit of luxury, there are a couple of ways to cut the cost of your tickets.
Concession prices and family tickets are available for off-peak showings. Everyman family tickets are valid for two adults and two children (up to the age of 14), but as they’re only offered at certain times, make sure you check before you book.
Everyman memberships are quite an investment, but they can help you save if you already pay for Everyman cinema tickets on a regular basis.
The standard Everyman membership costs £95 per year. Instead of unlimited tickets, you’ll get six free tickets per year. You can bring a guest for free on Mondays and sometimes Tuesdays (excluding bank holidays and special events). If you brought a guest along for all six visits, that works out at £7.90 per ticket. You’ll also get a few other perks, including 10% off food and drink and zero booking fees.
Upgrade to Everyicon membership for £350 a year and get 24 cinema tickets (plus free guest tickets on Mondays and sometimes Tuesdays) and exclusive access to member previews. The ultimate Everywhere membership costs £680 per year and gets you unlimited tickets for you and a guest.
Other cinema deals to consider before you book
The following cinema discounts can be used for a range of chains. You may need to pay a subscription or purchase a qualifying product to access these deals.
Tastecard
With a Tastecard membership, you can enjoy up to 25% off your cinema tickets at over 350 cinemas, plus a range of other perks.
This is a paid subscription with two tiers, although you may be able to get a free trial of Tastecard so you can try before you buy.
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Meerkat Movies
Meerkat Movies members get 2-for-1 cinema tickets every single week, which can be used on Tuesday or Wednesday.
To qualify for this Meerkat cinema deal and enjoy a year of Meerkat Movies and Meals, you’ll need to buy a qualifying Compare the Market product. Your weekly 2-for-1 cinema voucher code can be found in the Meerkat app. Show this code at the cinema box office, or apply it to your booking online.
ShowFilmFirst
Enjoy free and discounted cinema tickets with ShowFilmFirst. The scheme is free to join, and you’ll receive regular emails with offers for films, theatre shows and more in your area. You may be asked to share your feedback about any films or shows you see through ShowFilmFirst.
Discount sites
A quick search of discount voucher websites like Groupon and Wowcher can help you find a cinema deal. We’ve seen deals offering two Vue cinema tickets for £9.50, five tickets for £22, and 10 tickets for £40.
Discounts for different groups
Children, students, senior citizens and people with disabilities can often get cinema discounts. Not all cinema chains offer these concessions, so check before you go.
Families
Families can often get discounted group tickets at the cinema, although the exact offers vary between chains.
If you have a child under two, keep an eye out for discounted Parent & Baby screenings at your preferred cinema. These tickets are usually discounted, and the showings have a ‘lights up, sound down’ policy to help you feel relaxed while you enjoy the latest films without worrying about your little one making noise.
You and your child are free to move around the auditorium during the film without worrying about disturbing other cinema-goers. These Parent & Baby screenings are usually held on weekday mornings and afternoons, when cinemas are at their quietest.
Students
Some cinemas offer student discounts on film tickets, including Cineworld and Showcase. Everyman also have discounts for students, but only for off-peak showings. Make sure you bring a valid student ID with you in case you’re asked to prove your student status.
Seniors
If you’re over 60, you may qualify for a discount on your cinema tickets. Some of the big chains run Silver Screenings, where you can see a relatively recent film at a discounted price. You may need to show ID.
Carers
Individuals with a valid CEA card can bring a carer or companion along with them for free. Many cinemas also offer accessible screenings, such as quieter showings where the house lights are left on.
Other ways to save on cinema trips
Here are a few final money-saving tips to help make your next cinema trip more affordable.
Skip the cinema food
Not all cinemas forbid customers from bringing in their own food and drinks. For the purpose of safety and everyone’s enjoyment of the film, most cinemas still say a big no to taking in hot food, alcohol or anything in glass containers (including glass bottles). If you’re not sure, ask a member of cinema staff about their food and drink policy.
Avoid ticket mark-ups
Many cinemas these days charge premium rates for better seats. You might get a more central seat with more legroom and perhaps a recliner, but you’ll often pay for the privilege. Film buffs might be happy paying extra, but if you’re not fussed when it comes to seating, this is a great opportunity to save money.
The type of screening you attend will also affect the price you pay, with 2D showings being cheaper than 3D and IMAX films.
Check out independent cinemas near you
Sometimes independent cinemas offer cheaper tickets. While the screens might not be as big or high-tech, you’re likely to enjoy a more intimate and memorable cinema experience.
Smaller cinemas sometimes run exclusive events alongside film screenings, including Q&As with cast members and directors. Why not support your local independent cinema and experience a different kind of film event?
Look out for National Cinema Weekend
What used to be National Cinema Day became National Cinema Weekend in September 2026, with two full days of discounted cinema tickets at a range of chains across the UK. Keep an eye out to see if this event returns in 2027.
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We have cashback deals to help you save on cinema tickets and memberships. When you purchase from one of our retailers after clicking through from our site, we'll give you a portion of your spend back.
We offer cashback on digital ODEON and Cineworld gift cards you buy through TopGiftCards. Read our guide to using TopCashback to learn more.
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Cinema ticket FAQs
How much is a cinema ticket?
Cinema ticket prices depend on where you live, with tickets in London costing considerably more. Premium seat upgrades, 3D tickets and IMAX tickets will nearly always cost more than standard 2D admission tickets.
Which is the cheapest day to go to the cinema?
Off-peak screenings can help you save money on your cinema tickets. For example, weekday mornings and early afternoons may be cheaper than weekends.
Can you buy a ticket at the cinema?
Yes, you can buy cinema tickets at the cinema box office or main counter at most cinemas. Buying your ticket in person can be a great way to avoid booking fees, although some chains offer cheaper tickets online.
Are cinema tickets cheaper online?
It can be cheaper to buy your cinema tickets online, depending on the chain. You may have to pay booking fees when booking online, but some people deem this worth the price because you can reserve your preferred seats ahead of time.
How far in advance can you book cinema tickets?
This will depend on the cinema you're visiting and the film you're hoping to see. You can often buy tickets for big releases weeks or even months before the films actually come out.
This is because cinemas know which films are likely to be popular, so they’ll allocate their biggest screens for those dates in advance. For smaller releases, tickets and times are usually released on a weekly basis.
Plan your next cinema trip today
The price of your cinema ticket depends on a range of factors, but there are ways to cut costs.
Before you book your next cinema outing, make sure you check whether you already have access to any deals. If you see films quite regularly, it could be worth comparing standard ticket prices with any membership subscriptions available.
Once you’re ready to book, have a quick look at TopCashback to see if we’re offering cashback at your chosen cinema.
What's your most memorable cinema experience?
Let us know in the comments.
My most memorable cinema trip was to watch Peppa Pig with my little girl then 2 ( now 9) watching her face light up as she entered the room and them Peppa on such a big screen. Eating sweets and Ice cream and popcorn all at once and getting up to dance at the end. Going to the cinema is still her favourite thing to do just the 2 of us.
I have learnt to go a bit lighter on the snacks though lol as she was sick in the car park after the film.
First date watching the first three Alien movies back to back
Watching my kids faces when a 3d film is on !
Falling asleep just as a film started to a film I really wanted to watch at the time, couldn't understand why was so tired, found out a week later was pregnant. Never got to see the film either since lol 😆
My dad, myself and my two older brothers queued for Gremlins 2 but they wouldn't let us in as I was under 12, so we went to see Back to the Future 3 instead and it was a much better film.
4D experience is something else 🙂, not for every movie but quite memorable for the right one
4DX screening of the original Jurassic Park movie with the family
Back in 1994 I went to an all day Star Trek movie marathon culminating with the premier of Star Trek: Generations.
Watching all 7 movies on the big screen for the first time in one day while having food breaks inbetween was a great experience.
The screen was full and we all got attached to the characters more than ever, even shedding a few tears as Captain Kirk died at the end of the seventh film.
I like going to the cinema, it's a whole experience and a good night out.
Cramming a few films into one day on the last cinema day and it still ended up cheaper than a single ticket.
Going to see James Bond in the 80s with my mum and dad whilst on holiday. It was the 1st time we ever went as a family and was truly special because of this.
Going to see Braveheart in Glasgow in 1995 and at the end of the film people stood up and applauded- the only time I’ve ever experienced that at the cinema!
An awful experience entering a cinema a few years ago with no booking office, no-one around to ask and could not even see a ticket machine. I think we got in that time but we have never been to a cinema again!
Becoming a mummy for the first time after my waters broke watching The Mummy in July 1999!
Going to see Quadrophenia with my 1st boyfriend
Sobbing in 'Dancing with wolves' when I was very pregnant
Went to watch Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with my sister when it first came out. I cartwheeled down the corridor aged 29 🙃
Booking online saves so much time just walking in and 2 mins and it's all done, comfortable seats always and always nice and clean. Friendly staff always at pickets lock .
Probably the most memorable would be going to watch Anna and the Apocalypse at a cinema we don't usually visit and then driving 30 mins in the wrong direction when we left before we realised we needed to turn around to get home.
Sparticus, a real hero film, super acting and a great atmospheric viewing
My first ever visit as a child. I couldn't believe how big the screen was. The film was Bed Knobs & Broom Sticks
Going to see Jaws when it was first released way back in the day! , jumping out of my seat in fright and hubby having bruises on his arm from me grabbing on to him!
Watching my first blockbuster movie, ET with my family!
Watching minions with all family, good fun for evryone
When we went to watch scream one halloween and some people came running in 10 minutes into it, one dressed up like the killer and chased 'victims' around the cinema while they screamed. They were removed and the movie was restarted!
My most memorable moment is watching the first Deadpool movie with my partner.
It was our first movie together 👍
First 3d at Alton towers, sooooo many years ago, but a great memory
Avatar in 3D IMAX was something special
Taking my baby’s for the first time,
Watching a 4DX 3D movie for the first time.
I went to a Frightfest long weekend with a few films each day and free merch handed out. Was great for a horror fan.
Going to see The Matrix. Mind blown
Going to watch snow white and the seven dwarfs as a child, first visit to the cinema with my grandma
I always loved the cinema, but it wasn't until I saw The Lord of the Rings: The fellowship of the Ring that I was fully immersed. I loved the experience as much as the Book, and it remains my favourite adaptation.
Watching the Exorcist first time round, it was absolutely terrifying.
When I was little my dad took me to the cinema to watch transformers the animated movie. I came out crying after Optimus prime died, traumatised as a kid 😂
Watching Avengers: Endgame, my favourite movie ever.
I always have a few cinema trips in the school holidays with my grandchildren, we always look forward to seeing the new films that are out. Popcorn and drinks are a must with a meal out afterwards. I so look forward to it
Watching Alien Romulus! I love it! 🥳
Me and my boyfriend went to see avatar 2. We had the 4D experience where the water squirts at you. Well we didn’t know that at the time. How shocking. An amazing experience. I need to go to a Star Wars one so bad!!!
My very first date at the cinema ☺️
Seeing andre rieu with my daughter at the rex cinema in Elland, it was like being in maastricht
Taking my little godson to the pictures for the first time, his face was a picture when it started!! Plus he loved his littie munchie box 🖤
The moment Bambis mum died – when I was young and all the little kids in the Saturday afternoon special burst into tears.
I took my daughter to flowerbowl cinema in Preston to watch Frozen 2. The cinema was stunning, plush sofas and beautiful decor. It was an amazing experience and she still talks about it .
Watching Dead pool vs wolverine in IMAX – definitely worth the upgrade.
Jungle book.
Watching Harry Potter- and a woman standing up and screaming 'Noooo! Dobby!' when Dobby died.
Taking my kids to see Wonka, as a family we were all mesmerised, such a great film to share with the family.
Seeing any film in a comfortable cinema, recliner padded seats with cup holders, comfort is key to any cinema experience!