Photo by Krists Luhaers on Unsplash
We all love a trip to the cinema, but once you've paid for your ticket, snacks, and drinks, the cost can quickly add up.
This weekend marks National Cinema Weekend, and on the 5th and 6th September 2026, many participating cinema chains are offering tickets for £4, which is a great saving! You can search if a cinema near you is taking part on the Cinema Weekender site, and book tickets online! Some films and screens are excluded, so please check in advance to avoid disappointment.
If you're not able to get to a participating cinema this weekend, luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the latest releases on the big screen without paying full price. From discounted tickets and loyalty rewards to deals you might already have access to, we've rounded up some simple ways to save money on your next cinema trip.
Mobile Network Rewards
O2 Priority – 2 Vue Tickets for £9 plus 20% off cinema snacks and drinks
To access the offer, simply download the O2 Priority app and register using your eligible mobile number. Once you're signed in, find the Vue cinema offer and follow the instructions to claim your unique code. You can then use your codes when booking your chosen film with Vue.
Loyalty Schemes and Memberships
Meerkat Movies - 2-for-1 Tickets:
Meerkat Movies gives you 2-for-1 cinema tickets every Tuesday and Wednesday at participating cinemas. Download the Compare the Market App, sign in to your account. and claim your weekly Meerkat Movies code. You can then use your code when booking an eligible screening.
Showcase Insider:
If Showcase is your local cinema, sign up for Showcase Insider - it's free! Members can access special ticket prices and earn rewards when buying tickets, food, and drinks at any Showcase cinema. You'll also get access to their exclusive Saver Mondays, with discounted tickets available at participating cinemas! All you have to do is sign up online, and then make sure you're logged in when booking via the Showcase website.
Bank and Subscription Rewards
Sky Cinema - 2 Free Vue Tickets Every Month:
Are you already paying for Sky Cinema? Don't miss out on 2 free Vue tickets every month - simply open the MySky app, head to Sky VIP, and select Your Vue Tickets. Claim your two codes and enter them at checkout when booking an eligible Vue screening. You could get a whopping 24 free cinema tickets if you remember to do this every month!
Family Cinema Deals
Cineworld Movies for Juniors:
Cineworld Movies for Juniors offers cheaper screenings of selected family films on weekend mornings and during the school holidays. Tickets currently start at £3.99, although prices may vary. Simply visit the 'Movies for Juniors' section of Cineworld's website and select your local cinema to see what's on!
Other Ways to Save
You don't necessarily need a membership or rewards app to save at the cinema! A few small changes can make your trip cheaper too. Here are a few little tips and tricks to make sure you get the most out of your cinema trip.
Compare Cinemas: If you've got more than one cinema nearby, check ticket prices at each one before booking.
Try Booking Off-Peak Screenings: Morning and weekday screenings are usually cheaper than peak evening slots
Check Your Existing Perks: Your current phone network, bank, TV subscription, or workplace benefits may already include a cinema discount!
Skip the Upgrades: IMAX, 4DX and premium seats can quickly bump up the price. Stick to the basics and choose a standard screening if you're simply there for the film.
Bring Your Own Snacks: This may already be an unwritten rule for most households, but some chains allow you to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. This could save you a fair bit at the cinema. Check the policy with your local cinema first!
So, before paying full price for your next trip to the big screen, have a quick check of the discounts available to you. It only takes a couple of minutes to make your next movie night that little bit cheaper!
Editorial Disclaimer:
This blog is for general information only and is not advice or a recommendation. Please do your own research before making any decisions.
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