How to get cheap movie tickets this summer in Phoenix
Dina Kaur
As the hot summer rolls around, here's one way to stay cool and under budget: Find a cheap movie ticket at a metro Phoenix theater.
You don't have to spend top dollar to see the long-awaited movies "Barbie," "Oppenheimer," "Haunted Mansion" and "The Blackening."
Large chains such as AMC Theatres, Harkins Theatres and Cinemark and independent movie houses such as Pollack Tempe Cinemas offer deals that won't require you to shell out the big bucks this summer.
With special prices offered on Tuesdays, Summer Movie Fun and discount matinees every day, there is an offer for just about every budget and schedule.
Here's how to find cheap movie tickets in metro Phoenix.
What day is the cheapest to buy movie tickets?
At AMC Theatres you can buy cheap movie tickets every day at all theaters. Their discount matinee deals offer 30% off tickets before 4 p.m.
Harkins offers Tuesday Night Classics, with a classic film for $5 every Tuesday at 7 p.m. and an encore showing at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Titles include "Inglourious Basterds," "Legally Blonde," "Footloose" and "The Goonies."
Harkins also offers $2 off adult tickets and 50 cents off child, student, senior and military tickets on any show before 6 p.m.
Cinemark Mesa 16 theater offers Family Day deals every Monday for parties of three or more, discounted tickets at $5.75 each on Tuesdays and senior deals on specific days. Check the website for details.
What are the cheap movie theaters in Phoenix?
Pollack Tempe Cinemas offers second-run movies for a discounted price of $3.50. All you have to do is wait a few weeks after the movie's opening date to watch it at Pollack.
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According to their website, the theater offers a variety of snacks such as Blue Bunny Ice Cream, Hebrew National Hot Dogs, Dippin' Dots and more.
Movies on the schedule this summer include "Star Wars: A New Hope," "The Lion King," "Love Again," "Chevalier" and "Guy Ritchie's The Covenant."
What movie theaters offer student discounts?
With a valid student ID, AMC Theatres offer special student pricing of 25% off every day at the box office.
Harkins Theatres offers student discounts daily for about $2 less than adult prices with a valid ID.
Cinemark has student discounts when you present your ID, check local local box offices for pricing and specific days when the deal is valid.
What other discounts are available at AMC theaters?
By joining AMC Stubs Insider for free, you can get discounted tickets for around $5 on Tuesdays, a free refill on a large popcorn and a small combo of a fountain drink or Icee and popcorn for $5.
AMC also offers a 10% discount when you present your military ID at the box office. Guests 60 and older can purchase tickets for up to 30% off every day.
What other discounts are available at Cinemark theaters?
Every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. through Aug. 10 enjoy movies with the kids at $1.50 per ticket with Summer Movie Clubhouse. Movies include "Minions: The Rise of Gru," "The Bad Guys" and "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile."
Theaters will also offer food deals including $1 off kids' snack packs and any size popcorn and drink combos.
Military discounts are available for guests who present their ID at the box office. Discount days and times vary depending on the location.
What other discounts are available at Harkins theaters?
Harkins has brought back Summer Movie Fun for 2023, which includes eight movies over eight weeks for $8. Here's how the program works:
- Tickets are available only at the box office.
- All movies are at 9:45 a.m.
- When you purchase your season pass for $8 you must select the theater and day you plan to attend. You'll have to attend the same theater on the same day each week.
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Movies played for Summer Movie Fun include "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish," "The Secret Life of Pets" and "Trolls World Tour."
Harkins also has senior and military discounts for $2 less than adult prices.
Reach the reporter at BKaur@gannett.com. Follow @dina_kaur on Twitter.
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