Movie fans: learn about movie deals, both in Charlotte and across the country. An evening at the movies can be pricey, but there are ways to save. Read on to learn about a couple of movie subscription programs, plus some theaters in the Charlotte area that just have great ticket prices. Also, learn which day of the week is the cheapest one to go to the movies.
Also, keep on reading for information on film clubs, drive-in theaters, free outdoor movies, cheap summer movie programs for kids, a video store that screens quirky films (usually for free).
Finally, peruse a big list of upcoming film events in the Charlotte area, with a focus on the free and cheap. (Especially free.)
Regal Unlimited
Regal Unlimited is a new program from Regal. With an annual Unlimited movie subscription pass, you can watch as many movies as you want, as many times as you want, at whatever Regal Cinema location you want.
In addition, you get 10% off all food and non-alcoholic beverages in the theatre. You can get advance tickets as soon as they go on sale. Plus, enjoy the benefits of the Regal Crown Club. And you get a free large popcorn and soft drink on your birthday.
There are no blackout dates.
To join:
- Download the Regal app.
- Click on any Regal Unlimited banner and follow the steps.
- Pay in full or month to month by debit or credit card.
You can get your Unlimited ticket on the app, at the theatre box office, or at theatre kiosks.
The cost, below, does not include tax, and you have to get it for a year, even if you pay month-to-month.
- Regal Unlimited for $18 per month (or $216 annually) — see movies at more than 200 select theaters nationwide.
- Regal Unlimited Plus for $21 per month (or $252 annually) — expand your viewing options to include more than 400 theaters nationwide.
- Regal Unlimited All Access for $23.50 per month (or $282 annually) — get access to all 550+ theaters nationally.
Note that in North Carolina, at the time of this post, ALL participating Regal locations are part of Regal Unlimited, so you should not need to get one of the more expensive plans. If you’re in South Carolina, though, check the list. You can see all the theaters here.
Some things to know:
- If you make a ticket reservations via the app, you will be charged a convenience fee (at the reduced rate) of 50 cents per ticket.
- If you buy a ticket for premium format showtimes (including ScreenX, 4DX, IMAX, RPX, 3D and VIP), theaters not included in your plan or eligible movie event showtimes (including marathons, double features and fan events), you will be required to pay a surcharge. Plus, all showtimes may be subject to an additional surcharge for premium seating.
AMC Theatres Discount Tuesdays
AMC Theatres also has a loyalty program, called AMC Stubs, and there are three levels to it. You can join the basic level, Stubs Insider, for free, and get discounts on tickets every Tuesday. The discount may vary by location and by movie, but in some cases, the price is $5 (plus tax and fees.) There is an upcharge for premium formats and special events, and the promo is not valid on holidays.
Stubs Insider also gets you:
- FREE refill on your large popcorn
- $5 reward for every 5,000 points (20 points earned per $1 spent)
- Waived online ticketing fees for 4+ tickets
- Birthday gift
- Member-exclusive offers, screenings and more
AMC Theatres A-List
AMC Theatres Stubs program has two more levels, and if you are a serious movie-goer, you might want to consider the highest level, called A-List. If you join A-List you can go to three movies every week. In addition, online ticketing fees are waived. There are no blackout dates.
The cost of AMC A-List in North or South Carolina is $19.95 a month, plus tax. (It’s $2 more in some other states.)
If you go to movies even three times a month you will definitely save money.
Cinemark Movies 10
This is just a great deal. Most tickets at Cinemark Movies 10, 9508 Northeast Court, Matthews, are just $3. On Tuesdays, tickets are just $1.75. If you don’t need to see a movie the minute it comes out, this is a great option.
Gem Theatre
The beautiful Gem Theatre, at 111 West 1st Street, has been around since 1936. It was gutted in a fire in 1942, but rebuilt in 1948. It’s the oldest single-screen movie theatre in the United States. Tickets are just $5 for adults, and $4 for children and seniors.
Ayrsley Cinemas
Ayrsley Cinemas, at 9110 Kings Parade Blvd., features $5 tickets on Tuesdays, as well as for shows before 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. And, yes, there are plenty of shows that early!
Queen City Cinephiles
Queen City Cinephiles is a group of film fans. They screen indie movies that you won’t see anywhere else. The screenings take place at bars, breweries and other venues.
Upcoming screenings are $5 and take place at Thirsty Nomad Brewing, 4402 Stuart Andrew Blvd.
They also can occasionally offer free tickets to preview screenings that take place in theaters, so follow them on social media and you’ll know when those opportunities come up.
VisArt Video
Yes, there is still a video store in Charlotte, and it’s awesome. VisArt Video, at 3104 Eastway Drive, is also a spot for watching (often quirky) films. They regularly screen what they call “Cult Movies in the Cave.” They also host VHS Potluck, where you can bring in your old VHS films. Many of these events are free.
Drive-In Movies
Drive-in movies are not only a great family tradition; they are also very affordable. There are three drive-in movie theaters near Charlotte: Hound’s Drive-In in Kings Mountain, Sunset Drive-In in Shelby, and Badin Road Drive-In in Albemarle. The first two charge per car load ($15 and $12 respectively) and Badin’s costs $7/adult, $5/kids 6-11, and free for kids under 6. Learn about all three drive-in theaters near Charlotte.
Free Outdoor Movies
In warmer months (and in Charlotte, that’s a lot of months) there are many opportunities to see outdoor movies, usually for free. See the big list of outdoor movies around Charlotte.
Kids’ Summer Movie Programs
Trying to keep the kids cool in the summer? Check out one of these five summer movie programs for kids. They are all inexpensive. Most of them are $1 or under.
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Lisa says
Studio Movie Grill at Epicentre also has $5 tickets and food discounts on Tuesdays.