Movie-going That's Cheaper Than Renting

Going to the movies used to be the one thing that even people on a budget could afford to do, and even take the whole family along. Now, a night at the movies can cost as much as an evening of fine dining. Even matinee prices are up to $9 and climbing. Well, there's still hope for movie lovers on a budget. You may not be able to see films on the night of their worldwide premiere, but if you can live with that, you can save some serious moolah. I've compiled the following list of movie theatres that won't break the bank, and is especially helpful if you have kids. Yes, some of these places are a little out of the way, but when you consider saving $7-$12 a person just on tickets, even at current gas prices, you'll still be in the black. Individual tickets at the first few theatres on the list actually cost less than renting a DVD, while the others may cost you a bit more but will still be significantly cheaper than traditional movie theatres. And roll 'em!

Silver Super Saver Cinema 8 - Norwalk
13917 Pioneer Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 804-5615
Shows mostly current popular flicks that have been in theatres for a while. Most shows are $2-$2.50 during the week and $2.75 on weekends. The last time I was there, the snacks were also very reasonably priced.

Academy Theatres - Pasadena
1003 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106
626-229-9400
http://www.regencymovies.com/main.php?theaterId=8
Shows current films. Matinee tix are only $2, and evening shows are $3.

LA County Museum of Art - Leo S. Bing Theatre
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 857-6010
http://www.lacma.org/programs/FilmListing.aspx
Shows American classic films every Tuesday afternoon at 1pm; tickets are $2 (only $1 for seniors). There is however only paid parking available.

Redondo Beach Cinema 31509 Hawthorne, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
(310) 371-4567
Shows current films. All shows only $3.25.http://www.regencymovies.com/main.php?theaterId=11

Fairfax Cinemas
7907 Beverly Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 655-4010
http://www.regencymovies.com/main.php?theaterId=16
Shows current and classic films. Matinees tix (all films before 6pm) are just $4.

Flagship Theatres - University Village 3
3323 South Hoover Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 748-6321
http://www.flagshipmovies.com/
Shows current films. Matinee prices for everybody and tix for kids and seniors are just $4.50.

Foothill Cinema 10 - Azusa
854 E Alosta Ave., Azusa, CA 91702
626-334-6007
http://www.regencymovies.com/main.php?theaterId=6
Shows current films. Matinee prices (all films before 5pm) are $5.

New Beverly Cinema
7165 West Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 938-4038
http://www.newbevcinema.com/
Shows indie, classic and foreign films. Your ticket admits you to a Double Feature (that's two films for one ticket) and prices range from $4-$7.

***UPDATE:  Also check out the update on this topic at the following link:

http://artistssurvivalguide.blogspot.com/2010/06/cheap-movies-update.html