Free and cheap movies

I love going to movies, but I'm a bit cheap about going. It has to be something I can't wait to see and something that is best appreciated on the big screen. Since many movies aren't musts on the big screen, I save a lot of money just waiting for the DVD and picking it up at the library for FREE.

But one great way to see free movies before anyone else is getting screening passes. The bad is that the promoters usually put out more passes than seats. So if it's a movie that is expected to be popular, you need to show up at least 2 hours early to be seated. If it's not, you can pretty much walk in 15 minutes before.

You can complain about the wait, but you are potentially getting in for free. The screenings aren't so much for you as they are for promoters. They want to ensure the house is full, get your feedback and get you talking about the movie. Hopefully free makes you like it a little more, too.

You can spot these screening pass distributions in The Arizona Republic (check the ads in the movie listings) and on Facebook at buzzbo Phoenix.

If you don't get in free, here's what I like to do to save money:

If I go to AMC Theatres or Hollywood Theaters, I go to their $5 movies. At many AMCs, films before noon are $5. I just double check the individual theater web site to be certain. At Hollywood, the first show of the day is $5 (click on box office info).

If I go to Harkins, I either go to a matinee ($7 adults) or buy the VIP "ultimate" passes at Costco (2 for $14.99) if I plan to go at night or to a 3D movie before 6 p.m. Kids 13 and younger are $5.50 all the time.

Since I go to Harkins most often, I have a popcorn T-shirt ($25) and loyalty cup ($4.75). I get a free medium popcorn every time we bring the shirt to the theater, and the cup gets you $1 soda refills. I also buy $25 gift cards and use them to pay for our tickets. Each $25 you put on the card gets you a free medium popcorn. I'm not ashamed to just ask for a cup of water, which is free and good for your body.

I'll also check out the cheap theaters ($2-$3 tickets), but I've kinda gotten used to the nicer stadium seating at the first-run theaters. I'm typically willing to pay a few dollars more for the seat. Besides, my snacks are generally cheaper, at least when I go to Harkins.

I've not done drive-ins, but one of my girlfriends loves them. She says her family gets to see two movies for fairly cheap, especially on Tuesday nights. They also bring their own snacks to save, but you can buy snacks, too. I'll need to check this out one of these days.

Cheers!