Many theaters offer free showings of family movies, one example is Regal Entertainment Group, which hosts a Free Family Film Festival every Tuesday and Wednesday the end of August each year.

Buy discount tickets from Entertainment Book for $6 apiece, use employee discounts or Costco. Many new movies also have free ticket deals that come with DVDs or food items. You can buy bulk tickets at AMC Theatres, they come in increments of 50 for $6 to $7.50 each. The tickets don't expire. By purchasing these tickets you hedge your cost and prevent any price increases.

Small movie theatres often have $1 dollar showing. The only downside is that many of the movies are not new releases. Usually these small theatres have lower concession prices as well.

For example, prices in Pasadena, Ca theatre located at Colorado and Catalina is $1 dollar. .

Buy online and you'll get charged a surcharge such as Movietickets.com which has a $1 surcharge and Fandango.com of 75 cents to $1.50, depending on the area.

Many theatres located in malls are required to allow patrons to bring in food and drinks. By not buying the overpriced popcorn and drink, you will save at least $10-$20 each trip.  If you can’t bring food, always purchase the kids meal which has a good variety and are usually priced much cheaper.  

Joining the loyalty club at your favorite theater can bring large savings.

AMC Theatres' AMC MovieWatcher Rewards offers coupons for a free small popcorn each week, plus two points per ticket purchased. After you've earned 30, you'll get a free ticket. The Regal Crown Club awards one point per $1 spent. Rack up 120 points and you can redeem them for a free ticket.