Attend matinees. Matinees are typically before noon, but you will have to check your local theater to be sure. These tickets will usually save you around three to four dollars off the normal ticket price. At most AMC theaters, for example, matinee tickets are tickets for shows before noon and they are $7.50 instead of the regular $9.50 (in some cities, prices may be higher but discounts usually still apply).
See if you qualify for special discounts. Many theaters offer special pricing for children, seniors and students. Most AMC theaters give children under 12 three dollras off the regular price and seniors one dollar off. AMC also has a student day and senior day each week at participating theaters where seniors and students receive three dollars off the regular ticket price. Some theaters offer student pricing all the time. Check your local theater for specific details, and ask if there are any other special discounts that you may be able to take advantage of, such as a military discount.
Look for member perks. Some organizations, such as AAA, Costco and Sam's Club, offer their members deals on movie tickets, although you may have to buy them in bulk. Some corporations, condo and apartment buildings, gyms or country clubs and other associations (Labor Union Members, for example can get discounted tickets through UnionPlus.org) also offer discounted movie tickets. Contact the club or association you belong to about this. Also ask your company or your homeowner's association if they offer discounted tickets.
Find discount theaters. Another way to get cheaper tickets is to wait a few weeks for the movies you want to see to get to the discounted, or find second-run theaters in your area. These ticket prices can be substantially cheaper. CinemaTreasures.org lists thousands of second-run theaters across the country as well as information about them and links to their websites.
Last but not least, many theaters offer special membership programs that allow you to either earn points towards discounts and free tickets, or get access to special perks and discounted prices. Kerasotes Theaters, for example, allows moviegoers to sign up for a $5 Club, which gives them access to all first-run movies that have been playing for at least two weeks for only five dollars, which is sometimes up to more than half off the ticket price. Check your local theaters to see which has the most attractive offer in the realm of member clubs.