How to Save on Movie Tickets in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a vibrant coastal city known for its eclectic culture, scenic waterfront, and thriving entertainment scene. Among its most popular weekend activities is catching a movie at one of the city’s many theaters—whether it’s a blockbuster premiere at a luxury cineplex or a classic film at a historic venue. But with ticket prices steadily climbing, many residents and visitors are looking for smart ways to enjoy the big screen without breaking the bank. Saving on movie tickets in Long Beach isn’t just about finding the cheapest seat—it’s about leveraging local deals, timing your visits strategically, and using tools that maximize value. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you enjoy cinema in Long Beach at a fraction of the cost, whether you’re a solo moviegoer, a family, or a group of friends.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Identify the Major Theater Chains in Long Beach

Before you start saving, you need to know where you’re going. Long Beach is served by several major theater chains, each with its own pricing structure, loyalty programs, and promotional cycles. The primary operators include:

• AMC Theatres – Multiple locations including AMC Long Beach 16 and AMC Dine-In Long Beach
• Cinemark – Cinemark Long Beach and Cinemark Tinseltown
• Regal Cinemas – Regal Long Beach & RPX at The Pike Outlets
• Laemmle Theatres – Independent, arthouse cinema at the Playhouse 7
• Alamo Drafthouse – Though not in Long Beach proper, it’s a short drive away in nearby cities and offers unique value packages

Each chain offers different discounts, so knowing which one you’re visiting helps you target the right savings strategy. For example, AMC has a robust loyalty program, while Laemmle often runs $5 Tuesday screenings.

2. Join Loyalty Programs for Free or Discounted Tickets

Most major theater chains offer free membership programs that reward repeat customers with discounts, free concessions, and even complimentary tickets. Signing up is free and takes less than five minutes.

AMC Stubs – Join for free and earn points for every dollar spent. Once you hit 5,000 points, you get a free ticket. AMC Stubs A-List members (paid subscription) get up to three tickets per week, but even the free tier gives you $5 off on Tuesdays and birthday rewards.

Cinemark Movie Club – For $9.99/month, you get one ticket per week (any format, including 3D and IMAX) and 20% off concessions. This is one of the most cost-effective options if you go to the movies at least once a week.

Regal Crown Club – Free to join, and you earn 100 points per dollar spent. Redeem 2,500 points for a free ticket. Members also get 20% off on Tuesdays and exclusive early access to ticket sales.

Pro Tip: Use the same email address across all programs so you can track promotions and avoid duplicate sign-ups.

3. Target Discount Days

Every theater chain has designated discount days. These are often overlooked but can slash ticket prices by 30–60%.

• Tuesdays – Almost every theater offers discounted tickets on Tuesdays. AMC, Regal, and Cinemark all have $5–$7 tickets on this day. Some even include free popcorn with your ticket.
• Matinee Showings – Movies shown before 4 p.m. are significantly cheaper. In Long Beach, a standard evening ticket can cost $16–$20, while a matinee runs $9–$12.
• Senior & Student Discounts – Most theaters offer discounts for those 60+ and full-time students with valid ID. Some even extend discounts to high school students.
• Laemmle’s $5 Tuesdays – A Long Beach favorite. Every Tuesday, Laemmle Playhouse 7 offers $5 tickets to all films, no membership required. This is one of the most reliable savings opportunities in the city.

Always check the theater’s website before heading out. Some promotions are location-specific or require you to book online to qualify.

4. Use Cashback and Reward Apps

Modern moviegoers can combine traditional discounts with digital rewards. Several apps offer cashback or points when you purchase tickets through them.

Fetch Rewards – Scan your movie ticket receipt (digital or paper) and earn points redeemable for gift cards. Even a $10 ticket can net you 500–800 points ($5–$8 value).

Ibotta – Offers cashback on movie tickets at select theaters. Search for “movie tickets” in the app before you buy, and you may unlock a $2–$5 rebate.

Capital One Shopping – Browser extension that finds coupon codes and cashback offers when you check out online. Often uncovers hidden discounts on AMC or Regal websites.

PayPal Honey – Automatically applies promo codes at checkout. Try it when buying tickets on Fandango or Atom Tickets.

Pro Tip: Combine a cashback app with a discount day. For example, buy a $7 Tuesday ticket on Fandango, use Honey to get an extra $1 off, then scan the receipt on Fetch for $0.75 back. That’s a 30% discount.

5. Buy Tickets Through Third-Party Platforms with Promo Codes

While you can buy tickets directly from theater websites, third-party platforms like Fandango, Atom Tickets, and MovieTickets.com often run exclusive promotions.

Search for “Fandango promo code Long Beach” or “Atom Tickets discount” before purchasing. Common codes include:

• “FANDANGO10” – $10 off $30+ spend
• “ATOM5” – $5 off first ticket
• “MOVIE25” – 25% off select showings

Always compare prices across platforms. Sometimes, a ticket is cheaper on Fandango than on AMC’s site—even without a code—because of bundled deals or dynamic pricing.

Also, consider purchasing gift cards during holiday sales (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Christmas). Many retailers like Target, Costco, and Sam’s Club sell $50 movie gift cards for $40. That’s a 20% discount right there.

6. Take Advantage of Bundled Deals and Meal Combos

Many theaters offer value bundles that include tickets, popcorn, and drinks at a lower combined price than buying separately.

For example:

• AMC’s “Popcorn & Drink Combo” for $12 (normally $18)
• Cinemark’s “Snack Pack” – ticket + popcorn + soda for $14.99
• Regal’s “Dine-In Bundle” – ticket + entrée + drink for $22.99 (often cheaper than ordering à la carte)

These bundles are especially useful for families. Instead of paying $18 for a ticket and $12 for snacks, you pay $25 total for both. That’s a $5 savings per person.

Pro Tip: If you’re going with a group, ask if the theater offers group discounts for 10+ people. Some locations in Long Beach offer 10–15% off for parties of 10 or more.

7. Visit During Off-Peak Hours and Weekdays

Weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights, are the most expensive times to see a movie. The best savings come during low-demand periods:

• Monday–Thursday evenings – Especially before 7 p.m. These showings are often priced like matinees.
• Early weekday mornings – Some theaters, like Laemmle, offer morning screenings for seniors and students as early as 10 a.m. with discounted pricing.
• Weather-dependent days – Rainy or unusually hot days in Long Beach often mean lower attendance. Theaters may drop prices or offer last-minute deals to fill seats.

Use the theater’s website to view the daily schedule and compare prices across times. Don’t assume the 8 p.m. show is the only option—sometimes the 5:30 p.m. show is just as good and costs $5 less.

8. Look for Community and Nonprofit Events

Long Beach has a strong community culture, and many local organizations host movie nights as fundraisers or cultural events—with free or low-cost admission.

Check out:

• Long Beach Public Library – Hosts free outdoor movie nights in the summer at the Central Library and other parks.
• Long Beach Film Festival – Offers discounted tickets to local residents and student passes.
• Long Beach Museum of Art – Occasionally screens classic films with free admission or $5 suggested donation.
• Neighborhood associations – Some HOAs and community centers host weekly movie nights in parks with free popcorn.

These events are often family-friendly and include pre-movie activities like games or food trucks. They’re not just cheap—they’re memorable.

9. Use Student, Military, and First Responder Discounts

Many theaters in Long Beach honor discounts for specific groups—even if they’re not always advertised.

• Students – Present a valid student ID for 10–20% off. Some locations require you to book online using your school email.
• Active Duty & Veterans – AMC, Regal, and Cinemark offer discounts for military personnel. Often $2–$5 off per ticket.
• First Responders – Firefighters, police, and EMTs can often get discounted tickets with ID. Call ahead or check the theater’s website for details.

Don’t be shy about asking. Many employees are authorized to apply discounts even if the system doesn’t auto-populate them.

10. Monitor Local Deal Sites and Social Media

Long Beach has a thriving local digital scene. Follow these sources for real-time movie deals:

• Long Beach Post – Regularly publishes event calendars, including free and discounted movie nights.
• Nextdoor – Neighborhood groups often share exclusive promo codes or group discounts.
• Facebook Groups – Search “Long Beach Movie Lovers” or “Long Beach Free Events” for user-shared deals.
• Instagram – Follow @longbeachmovies or @laemmletheatres for flash sales and behind-the-scenes promotions.

Some theaters post last-minute deals on their social media—like “2-for-1 tickets if you show up before 6 p.m. today.” These are rarely advertised on their websites.

Best Practices

1. Book Online, Not at the Box Office

Booking online is almost always cheaper. Theater websites often have exclusive online-only discounts, and you avoid the $1–$2 convenience fee charged at the box office for card payments. Plus, you guarantee your seat and skip the line.

2. Avoid 3D, IMAX, and Premium Formats Unless Necessary

IMAX and 3D tickets can cost $5–$8 more than standard. Unless the film is designed for immersive formats (like “Dune” or “Avatar”), stick to standard screenings. The visual difference is often negligible on smaller screens.

3. Bring Your Own Snacks (Where Allowed)

While most theaters prohibit outside food, some independent venues like Laemmle are more lenient. Even if you can’t bring snacks, consider eating before you go. A $12 popcorn and $8 soda add up fast. A $5 sandwich and bottle of water from home can save you $15.

4. Don’t Pay for Reserved Seating Unless You Need It

Reserved seating adds $2–$4 per ticket. For most movies, general admission is perfectly fine. Save the reserved seats for opening nights or popular films.

5. Use Group Discounts Strategically

If you’re going with a group of 4–6, split the cost of a bundle deal. For example, buy two “Popcorn & Drink Combos” and share the snacks. It’s cheaper than each person buying individually.

6. Set Price Alerts

Use browser extensions like Keepa or Honey to track ticket prices over time. If you’re planning to see a specific movie, you can monitor when prices drop and buy at the lowest point.

7. Avoid Peak Holiday Seasons

Christmas, New Year’s, and major holidays like Memorial Day and July 4th are the most expensive times to go to the movies. If possible, schedule your movie outing the week before or after.

8. Cancel Subscriptions If Not Used

Movie club subscriptions (like Cinemark Movie Club) are great—but only if you use them regularly. If you go less than once every two weeks, you’re losing money. Set a calendar reminder to review your subscriptions quarterly.

9. Combine Multiple Strategies

The biggest savings come from stacking discounts. For example:

• Use a $5 Tuesday ticket
• Apply a Fandango promo code for $2 off
• Pay with a cashback card that gives 3% back
• Scan the receipt on Fetch Rewards

This can turn a $16 ticket into a $9.50 experience with $1.50 cashback—nearly 50% off.

10. Keep Receipts and Track Your Savings

Save digital or paper receipts. Use a simple spreadsheet or app like Mint to track how much you’ve saved over time. This builds motivation and helps you identify which strategies work best for you.

Tools and Resources

1. Movie Ticket Comparison Sites

• Fandango.com – Compares showtimes and prices across theaters in Long Beach.
• AtomTickets.com – Often has exclusive app-only deals.
• MovieTickets.com – Reliable for Regal and independent theaters.

2. Cashback & Rewards Apps

• Fetch Rewards – Scan receipts for points.
• Ibotta – Cashback on select theater purchases.
• PayPal Honey – Auto-applies promo codes.
• Capital One Shopping – Finds coupons and price drops.

3. Local Event Calendars

• Long Beach Post Events Calendar – https://longbeachpost.com/events
• Visit Long Beach – https://www.visitlongbeach.com/events
• Laemmle Theatres Schedule – https://www.laemmle.com

4. Loyalty Program Sign-Ups

• AMC Stubs – https://www.amctheatres.com/membership
• Cinemark Movie Club – https://www.cinemark.com/movie-club
• Regal Crown Club – https://www.regmovies.com/crown-club

5. Browser Extensions

• Honey – Finds coupon codes at checkout.
• Keepa – Tracks price history for tickets.
• Capital One Shopping – Compares prices and finds cashback.

6. Free Movie Night Locations

• Long Beach Public Library Outdoor Screenings – Free, family-friendly, summer-only.
• Shoreline Village Summer Movies – Free screenings with food trucks.
• Long Beach Museum of Art – $5 suggested donation for film nights.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Budget-Conscious Student

Sarah, a 20-year-old student at CSU Long Beach, wants to see the new Marvel movie without spending more than $10. Here’s how she does it:

• She checks Fandango and finds the 5:30 p.m. Tuesday show at Regal Long Beach for $8.50.
• She applies the promo code “STUDENT10” (found on her school’s student portal) and gets $1 off.
• She uses her student ID to get an additional $1.50 discount at the theater.
• She pays with her cashback credit card, earning 2% back ($0.13).
• She scans her digital receipt on Fetch Rewards and earns 600 points ($0.75).

Total cost: $5.87. She saved $11.63 on a $17.50 ticket.

Example 2: The Family of Four

The Garcias want to take their two kids to a Saturday matinee. A standard ticket is $16 each. Here’s their strategy:

• They buy two “Family Snack Packs” on Cinemark’s website for $14.99 each (includes ticket, popcorn, and drink).
• They use a $5 off coupon from Ibotta, reducing the total to $24.98.
• They eat dinner before arriving and bring water bottles.
• They attend the 2 p.m. showing, which is 30% cheaper than evening.

Total cost: $24.98 for four tickets and four snacks. Without the deal, it would have been $64. They saved $39.02.

Example 3: The Movie Buff

David watches three movies a month. He subscribes to Cinemark Movie Club for $9.99/month. He uses his weekly ticket to see a new release, then uses his free popcorn coupon on his second and third visits. He also uses Fetch Rewards to scan every receipt.

Monthly cost: $9.99 (subscription) + $0 (snacks) + $0 (tickets) = $9.99

Without the subscription: 3 tickets at $15 + 3 popcorns at $8 = $69

Savings: $59.01 per month. That’s over $700 a year.

Example 4: The Community Moviegoer

Janet, a retiree, attends Laemmle’s $5 Tuesday screenings every week. She brings her own tea in a thermos and sits in the front row. She also volunteers at the Long Beach Public Library’s summer movie nights and gets free tickets in exchange.

Annual cost: $5 x 52 weeks = $260

Alternative cost: $14 x 52 weeks = $728

Savings: $468 per year—plus she’s part of a community that values culture over consumption.

FAQs

What’s the cheapest day to go to the movies in Long Beach?

Tuesdays are consistently the cheapest day across all major chains. AMC, Regal, and Cinemark all offer $5–$7 tickets, and Laemmle offers $5 tickets with no membership required.

Can I bring my own snacks to a movie theater in Long Beach?

Most major chains prohibit outside food. However, independent theaters like Laemmle are more flexible. Always check the theater’s policy before bringing anything in.

Are student discounts available at all Long Beach theaters?

Most major chains offer student discounts with a valid ID. Laemmle and some community venues offer even deeper discounts for students. Always ask at the box office or check the website.

Do online ticket prices differ from box office prices?

Yes. Online prices are often lower due to exclusive promotions. You may also avoid the $1–$2 convenience fee charged at the box office for card payments.

Is it worth joining a movie subscription service?

If you go to the movies at least once a week, yes. Cinemark Movie Club and AMC Stubs A-List are excellent values. If you go less than twice a month, stick to discount days and cashback apps.

Where can I find free movie nights in Long Beach?

Check the Long Beach Public Library, Shoreline Village, and the Long Beach Museum of Art. These venues host free outdoor screenings during spring and summer.

Can I use a gift card from Costco to buy movie tickets?

Yes. Many theaters accept gift cards from retailers like Costco, Target, and Sam’s Club. You can often buy $50 movie gift cards for $40, giving you a 20% discount.

Do any Long Beach theaters offer discounts for seniors?

Yes. All major chains offer senior discounts (usually $1–$3 off per ticket for ages 60+). Laemmle also offers discounted matinees for seniors.

How do I find promo codes for movie tickets in Long Beach?

Search “Fandango promo code Long Beach” or “Cinemark discount code” in your browser. Also, check the theater’s official email newsletter or follow them on social media for flash deals.

Is it cheaper to buy tickets in advance or at the theater?

Always buy in advance. You’ll get better prices, guaranteed seating, and access to exclusive online-only deals. Buying at the theater often means paying full price.

Conclusion

Saving on movie tickets in Long Beach isn’t about sacrificing the experience—it’s about being strategic. Whether you’re a student, a senior, a parent, or a film enthusiast, there’s a tailored approach that fits your lifestyle and budget. By combining loyalty programs, discount days, cashback apps, community events, and smart timing, you can enjoy the magic of cinema without the sticker shock.

The key is consistency. Set reminders for Tuesday nights. Join one loyalty program. Scan your receipts. Follow local event pages. Over time, these small actions compound into significant savings—hundreds of dollars a year, and countless more memories.

Long Beach is a city that celebrates culture, creativity, and community. And with these tools in hand, you can be part of that culture without paying premium prices. So next time you’re planning a movie night, skip the impulse buy. Use this guide. Save your money. And most importantly—enjoy the show.