How to Be a Movie Buff Without Busting Your Wallet

Whether you love the blockbuster hits, quirky comedies or action flicks, going to the movies is a great way to be entertained. It's the perfect first date, a cure for boredom at home, and it's exciting to be a part of Hollywood for a few hours. Still, movies have become pricey, with ticket prices going up each year, concession food more expensive than most anything you'd find at a mall food court, and with gas going up as well, a simple trip to the local movie theater becomes a costly adventure. There are, however, ways to remain a movie buff and save money, without having to sacrifice much (or anything at all).

If you love going out to the movies, you know that the food is always expensive. Eliminate snacking on costly (and unhealthy) food by eating before the film. If snacking during the movie is too enjoyable to pass up, bring a small bag of trail mix or candy with you (this is easiest if one of you has a purse; most theaters don't allow backpacks). If you're thirsty, take a few moments to drink out of a water fountain instead of buying a huge beverage. This will also cut back on bathroom runs (and the possibility of missing a great part).

Go in groups! Most theaters give a discount rate for large groups, but they do mean large; Cinemark Theaters offers a Supersaver discount for groups of at least fifty. The same applies for the Director's Discount Club card at Rave Motion Pictures, and with National Amusements Theaters and AMC Theaters. If the entire office wants to see the latest chart topper, make a date of it and tell everyone to bring friends and family. If you belong to a large club, suggest a movie night. Also, you could ask local residents online if they want to start a large movie fan club, and explain the benefits of going in a large group. It's also a great way to meet people who share your love of the cinema.