Cinema

Your Guide to Finding Cheap Cinema Tickets For the Latest Blockbusters!

There are around 750 cinemas in the UK, so there's a good chance you live close to one. And if you head down to your local multiplex or community cinema, there's also a high chance of seeing something extraordinary. Over a century after its invention, cinema continues to enchant every new generation with space epics, animated treasures, and action-packed adventures.

However, attending cinemas could definitely be cheaper, there's no doubt about that. So how can you find the films you love at prices that let you watch them all on the big screen? This hotukdeals buyer's guide will explain everything you need to know to find cheap cinema tickets and all other cinema deals.

From Silent Movies to Superhero Spectaculars: A Quick Cinema History

When did cinema start? It's actually a contested question, and numerous countries claim to be big screen pioneers. Historians generally agree that the Lumiere Brothers were the first to create a recognisable cinema experience for leisure, projecting moving images onto a white screen for Parisians in 1895. However, Berlin's Skladanowsky brothers also screened a big-screen show in 1895, while the UK's William Friese-Greene is thought to have created the first moving pictures.

What's certain is that by the 1900s, movie theatres were springing up across Europe, the United States, and even Australia (Melbourne had one of the first in the world). Until the 1920s, cinemas mixed live entertainment from musicians with on-screen action, due to the technical difficulties involved in mixing sound and vision. But this had been overcome by the mid-20s.

In 1927, the first “talkie” arrived in the form of the Jazz Singer, and the cinema changed again. Live orchestras disappeared, films became longer, and movie stars needed to mix glamorous looks with vocal delivery. Blockbusters like "Gone With the Wind" or the "Wizard of Oz" became possible, and swept the world.

Colour was technically possible from the early 1930s, but the cost of using techniques like technicolour meant that its introduction took 30 years or more. All the while, cinemas expanded and became more exotic, seducing customers with their architecture and atmosphere as much as the films they showed.

Fortunes dipped a little in the 60s as attendance dropped, films struggled to meet quality standards, and TV emerged. But the rise of a new breed of blockbusters (starting with Jaws and the Godfather) in the 1970s brought cinema back to the forefront of urban life.

In the 80s, smaller cinemas started to lose out to multiplexes, vast multi-screen complexes, generally located on the outskirts of towns. But some specialist “art house” cinemas clung on, resulting in a diverse cinema scene. It's not rare to find complexes with 20 screens, and single screen operators nearby. But the choice of films and the service on offer differs quite a lot – and that's what this buyers guide will help to explain.

How are Movies Rated?

Before you even think about heading to a cinema near you, it's essential to know what films are showing, when they are being screened, and information like their age ratings. All films have to be assessed and categorised by the BBFC (the British Board for Film Classification), which divides them into the following categories:

• U – Films that everyone can watch safely without any problems.

• PG – Films where “parental guidance” should be exercised. May contain light violence and adult language.

• 12A – Suitable for those aged over 12, but lacking “dangerous behaviour” that young viewers may copy. However, parents should note that drug use and sex may be briefly discussed (but not portrayed). Films may also feature “moderate physical and psychological threat and horror sequences .”

• 15 – Movies that are only suitable for those aged over 15. Will contain more explicit sexual content and violence than 12's.

• 18 – Guaranteed to contain sexual references and images, as well as violent scenes.

• R18 – Very rarely seen at mainstream cinemas, these films are restricted to licensed premises due to their extreme content.

When checking the local listings, parents will want to keep those ratings in mind. As for listings, cinema fans have a few options when seeking out information.

• Google – As with many aspects of modern life, Google's search engine is a decent source of information about film times. Search for a film by title and the engine will come up with times near you, and you can click through to brief descriptions with classifications and film durations. Clicking the times will usually take you to cinema websites where you can book online.

• Cinema Websites – If you have a favourite cinema brand, bookmarking their homepage is a great option. New releases should be clearly listed as soon as they appear, with quick booking and extra options for members (see the section on memberships below).

• Timeout – Londoners can find up to date information and reviews of recent movies at Timeout's website, which is always a handy cinema resource.

• IMDB – The Internet Movie Database is the oldest and largest online film encyclopedia, and it's a superb resource for discovering new releases. The upcoming films section provides advance warning about big titles, allowing fans to plan their cinema attendance, and every film has an incredibly detailed listing, with descriptions, cast, duration, and much more.

The Major UK Cinema Operators: Odeon, Vue, Empire, and More!

In the past, most UK towns would have had an independent cinema (or two). Nowadays, the marketplace is more concentrated, and a few significant operators dominate the scene, with some exceptions. Here are the leading brands to look for when planning your viewing schedule:

• Odeon – Wherever you are in the UK, there's probably an Odeon cinema within easy reach. This huge chain has been around since 1930, and while its roster of properties has slimmed down in recent years, it still manages 122 cinemas across the country. Famous for its discounted tickets, Odeon generally covers all of the current big-ticket films, with weaker coverage for foreign language or arthouse movies.

• Vue – Similar to Odeon in terms of the style of films it shows, Vue is actually even larger, managing over 220 cinemas in the UK. Vue cinema sites tend to be multiplexes, even in urban centres, and there are 3 IMAX screens around the country, offering the most advanced cinema experience available. Vue's cinemas have moved to a digital ticketing system in recent years, which can give their foyers an empty feeling, but it makes purchasing tickets faster than other operators. And, as with any other major chain, there are places to grab popcorn, Coke, or other soft drink before taking your seat. As with the Odeon, Vue cinemas are excellent places to redeem offers, and the Mini Mornings promotion is ideal for entertaining younger children at a very low cost.

• Picturehouse – Picturehouse has expanded rapidly in recent years, becoming one of the UK's number one alternative cinema chains. Not precisely an arthouse chain, Picturehouse shows most of the big films, but mixes them with foreign and left-field releases as well. There are only 23 Picturehouse locations (10 of them in London), but they do provide a great option in towns like Brighton, Exeter, and Norwich.

• Cineworld – Another multiplex specialist, Cineworld is a global giant, running over 9,000 screens around the world. Based in the UK, it is the country's busiest chain, and also one of the most innovative, spearheading new technology like laser IMAX projectors. Discounts are common, especially on Discount Tuesdays, when half price Cineworld cinema ticket offers are routine.

• Empire – Empire runs a range of multiplex sites across the UK. There are 14 UK locations, many of which have IMAX or high-resolution IMPACT screens, including Empire cinema options in London's Haymarket, Slough, Sunderland, Ipswich, and Wigan. Deals are frequent at Empire locations as well, including free drink promotions and special cinema offers for seniors and kids. So check out the hotukdeals cinema listings before booking anything.

• Curzon – Generally regarded as an up-market cinema chain, Curzon focuses on less mainstream releases, while offering comfortable seating and cafe/bar dining on-site. There are 12 Curzon locations in the UK, including 6 in London, as well as cinemas in Ripon, Canterbury, Knutsford, and Colchester. Tickets tend to be much cheaper during the day, while Curzon's membership scheme also allows regular customers to make significant savings.

• Everyman – Another slightly left-field operator, Everyman runs 27 cinemas across the UK, and most have over 2 screens. Many of them have been purchased from other operators and refitted, upping the luxury level and adding features like food delivery to seats and craft ale bars.

• Independents – The businesses above add up to a considerable chunk of the UK's cinema community, but don't tell the whole story. There are plenty of incredible independent cinemas, often with close community links. For instance, London-based cinephiles adore the Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley, the Electric delights Birmingham's cinema lovers, while the Cornerhouse in Manchester is part of a vibrant cultural centre.

Odeon Limitless

Finding Cheap Cinema Tickets: Your Essential Guide

Cinemas used to be extremely cheap, but prices have risen in recent years. Since 2000 alone, the cost of the average ticket has almost doubled, which is one factor behind declining attendances and cinema closures.

However, these prices are a little bit deceptive. There are actually plenty of ways to cut the cost of visiting your local cinema, although many people fail to take advantage of them. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you take your seat, and still have change left over to upgrade your popcorn to a bottomless bucket:

• Student Discounts – Most cinemas will offer some form of concession or cinema student discount. For example, students and teens can save money at the Odeon, and these prices can be even lower during the day (a time that students may find convenient).

• Daytime Tickets – Cinema tickets rise in price in the evening and at weekends, sometimes dramatically. At some cinemas, tickets can rise from £7 to £13 between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, catching visitors unawares. So bear the cinema in mind when you have some annual leave or time off. It can be a great chance to catch up with the latest releases for a fraction of the typical cost.

• Shopping Cards – Many of us use cards like Taste to rack up points as we shop, and these cards can also be used at major cinema chains. For instance, members of the Tastecard+ scheme can claim discount cinema tickets at Vue, Picturehouse, Odeon, Cineworld, and Empire. With savings of 40%, it's an excellent way to pay daytime prices for peak time tickets.

• Discount Days – UK cinema chains tend to reserve at least one day a week for special discounts. For instance, Odeon offers “Meerkat Movies” on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. To redeem the deal, customers will need to use CompareTheMarket and download the Meerkat Movies app. After that, you'll receive weekly codes for 2 for 1 cinema tickets. Vue offers “Super Mondays” for members of its website, the Barbican cinema in London slashes prices on Mondays to £6, and Picturehouse cuts prices on Mondays as well. Promotions vary, but always check your local cinema as discount days are extremely common.

Popular Cinema Membership Schemes Compared

If you intend to attend nearby cinemas regularly, it's definitely worth checking out membership schemes. Almost all of the major chains offer memberships, which deliver reduced ticket prices and other perks. Over a year of viewing, they can make cinema much, much easier to afford:

• Odeon Limitless – For a monthly fee, Limitless members can watch as many films as they desire and access 10% discounts on food and drink. Card holders can also save 30% at restaurants like Garfunkels and Frankie and Benny's, so the rewards go well beyond cinema.

• Cineworld Unlimited - Again, for a monthly fee, Unlimited members can obtain tickets for any films they want to see, while enjoying 10% off snacks and drinks. This time, restaurant partners include Yo Sushi and Bella Italia, while other perks include advanced screenings and free months when they recommend friends.

• Picturehouse Membership – Members enjoy discounted tickets for an annual fee, as well as 10% discounts on coffees, cakes, popcorn, and other food and drink. Premium tier members get 20% off and special invitations to Premium Previews.

• Curzon – For an annual fee, Curzon members get a quota of free tickets (which pretty much covers the subscription price) as well as advanced screenings and food and drink discounts.

• Everyman Membership – Members at Everyman can enjoy 7 or 24 free tickets on the Everman or Everyicon tiers, and unlimited attendance with Everywhere. All tiers offer 10% off food and drink and add extra benefits, such as 2 for 1 Mondays and zero booking fees when you buy online. Prices range from £95 to £600, so the top tier is really for cinephiles only.

• My Empire – Empire doesn't offer a full-blown membership scheme, but signing up for My Empire does make managing bookings easier, and also delivers exclusive discount codes via email.

• Vue Membership – Vue doesn't offer subscriptions either. Instead, users sign up online to receive special deals and information about competitions.

What are the best membership schemes? Well, if you love blockbuster movies and know you'll be attending 2-3 times a month, Odeon and Cineworld have similar, and very attractive membership schemes. Both also dovetail with cinema restaurant deals, adding further savings. Arthouse fans will appreciate Curzon's free tickets, and snack savings at Picturehouse. But Empire and Vue fall down a little failing to entice customers with any kind of membership perks.

Are Cinemas Open on Bank Holiday Mondays and Christmas?

It would be incredibly annoying to organise a family cinema visit on Bank Holiday Monday, only to find that the doors are locked. Fortunately, this is rarely the case these days, and watching films is one of the most popular Bank Holiday recreation options in the UK.

Some cinemas even open on Christmas Day. Odeon trialled Christmas opening on 2016 and has repeated the idea since, an interesting Christmas Gift. A few Cineworld locations will also be open over the festive period, but whether Odeon or Cinework, check individual websites to make sure your local screens are open.

How and When to Make a Cinema Purchase

Over 120 years since the first cinema opened its doors, the silver screen has lost none of its magic. Visiting the cinema still feels special, from the adverts to the closing credits, and major studios continue to turn out masterpieces. From superhero epics to romantic comedies, from sporting documentaries to arthouse gems, there are films for everyone's tastes at UK cinemas.

However, the price of cinema tickets isn't always cheap. If you get it wrong, a family cinema trip can run to £40-50 before popcorn, chocolates and soft drinks are factored in. So it's important to find cinema discounts wherever possible.

As we've seen, there are plenty of ways to save, with cinema offers from all of the UK's biggest brands. And membership schemes can be huge money savers for regular attendees. But how can you find all of the latest cinema deals in one place?

Simple. hotukdeals aggregates regular discounts and one-off promotions from Cineworld, Odeon, Empire, Vue, Curzon, Picturehouse, Everyman, and countless smaller cinema operators around the country. We'll let you know about price drops and food savings, along with the most attractive subscriptions, letting you enjoy the movies you love, whenever you want to.

Always remember that timing your purchase makes a big difference. Some days are much, much cheaper than others, and there may be seasonal deals as well. Some chains run Christmas deals while others slash prices during Awards Season (usually January and February). Check hotukdeals regularly, and you won't miss out.

Enjoy the Finest Silver Screen Creations for Less with Cheap Cinema Tickets from the hotukdeals Cinema Listings

Cinema has a unique magic that no other form of entertainment can match. Whether you love the intensity of adrenaline-filled action movies, the raw emotion of romance, the side-splitting hilarity of comedies, or the offbeat charms of arthouse films, UK cinemas are the place to be. And film fans can guarantee huge savings by bookmarking the hotukdeals cinema listings.