Planning a group movie outing—whether it’s a birthday party, school field trip, or casual friend hangout—can be fun but pricey. With multiple tickets, snacks, and transportation, costs add up fast. Fortunately, there are several ways to cut the expense without cutting the experience.
Book in Advance and Use Group Rates
Many theaters offer discounted pricing for groups of 10 or more. These group sales often include reserved seating, streamlined check-in, and in some cases, reduced concession pricing.
- AMC Theatres allows booking group events directly online
- Cinemark offers special rates for schools, camps, and corporate outings
- Regal Cinemas supports private screenings and large group reservations
Call or email the theater in advance, as some require booking through their events or corporate teams.
Pick the Right Day and Time
Scheduling your outing during off-peak times—weekday matinees or early evenings—can result in cheaper tickets. Many chains also offer Discount Tuesdays or Value Days, which still apply to group ticketing.
- Check AMC Discount Tuesdays
- Look into Regal Value Days
- Cinemark discounts vary by location
Buy Discounted Gift Cards in Bulk
Instead of paying full price, consider buying gift cards ahead of time to use toward ticket and snack purchases. You can earn cashback with Regal gift cards or AMC gift cards through Fluz, then use those cards at checkout for the entire group.
This method gives you upfront savings while keeping payments flexible, especially if you’re coordinating a larger outing.
Coordinate Concession Combos
Snacks are where group outings often get expensive. To save:
- Share large popcorns and drinks (many offer free refills)
- Ask about group bundles or kid packs for younger guests
- Use theater apps or loyalty programs for discounts at the register
Use a Cashback App or Loyalty Program
Even when buying tickets in bulk, you can still activate cashback through platforms like Rakuten or Ibotta if you’re booking through sites like Fandango or Atom Tickets.
Plus, if you’re the one organizing, make sure all the points or rewards go to your loyalty account!
Consider Private Screenings for Special Events
For birthdays or school outings, some theaters offer private screening packages. These often include ticket discounts, customizable content (trailers or messages), and flat-rate pricing. It can be more affordable than standard group ticketing depending on group size.
Final Thoughts
Group movie outings don’t have to break the bank. Between group ticket rates, discounted gift cards, and strategic timing, there are plenty of ways to keep things affordable while still enjoying the big-screen experience together.
