Horror flicks at Regal and AMC during October

Below is a comprehensive list* of movie theaters in the Seattle-Tacoma area, including independent first-run movie theaters, art film houses and second-run discount movie theaters, major cinema multiplexes, and drive-in theaters in the Puget Sound region. Check this list anytime you’re in the mood to see something on the big screen. We provide insight on their discount prices so you can conserve your entertainment dollars while enjoying a good flick.

*Let us know if you have a favorite theater that we left off our list. Email us: editor@greaterseattleonthecheap.com.

We love a good movie on the big screen and know all the ways to save on tickets  Depositphotos.com

Special discount movie tickets & film screening events

Regal Cinemas $8 Eerie Movies for October

Each week in October, Regal is bringing back one of your favorite A24 horror films for $8 a ticket. Celebrate the spookiest time of year with A24’s Eerie Series. More info: A24 Presents: An Eerie Series — $8 Tickets | Regal

AMC Theatres Thrills & Chills®

Something terrifying is breaking through at AMC. Thrills & Chills® brings the best in horror and suspense to AMC theatres in a variety of styles, budgets, genres, and corners of the globe—all created to explore the things that scare us the most. Ticket prices vary (location, time, format, etc.).  More info: AMC Thrills and Chills

How to get discount movie tickets

See the first showing of the day, usually the least expensive ticket price at most movie theaters. Friday and Saturday evenings are usually the most expensive ticket price.

Sign up for the newsletter and/or like social media accounts for your favorite independent theater. Some will have special offers available only to subscribers and fans. It’s a great way to save while supporting local business. Find a list of independent movie theaters below.

Head to a second run theater, which have lower ticket prices. Find a list of these theaters below.

Join loyalty and membership programs offered at many movie theaters and cinema multiplexes, so look for these at your favorite location.

Volunteer at SIFF and receive vouchers that you can use year-round at first-run SIFF Cinema, as well as and the SIFF international film festival.

Buy discounted movie tickets from Costco. Requires Costco membership. Selection varies, but might include discounts on movie tickets, streaming service, and rental programs. Be sure to read the fine print before purchase.

Enjoy Discount Tuesdays at AMC Theatres. AMC Stubs loyalty members (all three tiers: A-List, Premiere, Insider) can get discount tickets every Tuesday for about 50% off at most locations. (Fine print: Discounted price may vary by location. There is an upcharge for premium formats and special events. Other exclusions may apply.) The discount Tuesday ticket offer is available at the box office and online — just be sure to present your membership card or login into your account first. If you’re not already an AMC loyalty club member, sign up for the FREE AMC Stubs Insider, their most basic loyalty program.

Also check Our big list of annual film festivals

Seattle-Tacoma indoor movie theaters

Independent movie theaters

These locally owned independent movie theaters offer first run films, and may also screen foreign and independent films. Scroll down for second run theaters and art film houses.

• Edmond’s Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St, Edmonds, 98020. A historic single-screen theater with two balconies. Independently owned and operated by the same family for more than 30 years. Quality first-run movies and special events at an affordable price.
• Kirkland’s independently owned Parkplace Cinema 6 closed in January 2016 ahead of the planned redevelopment of the shopping center as Kirkland Urban. A theater owner or completion date was not announced last time we checked (July 2019).
• Seattle/Ballard’s Majestic Bay Theatres at 2044 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107, offers bargain matinees prices of $10.50 before 4:00pm. The state-of-the-art triplex features comfortable high-back chairs with armrest cup holders, Dolby Digital Surround-EX for crystal-clear sound effects and dialogue, and freshly popped popcorn with real butter.
• Seattle/Downtown Cinerama is the quintessential movie experience featuring a state of the art digital projection, sound system, and 70-foot screen to provide the best visual and audio experience found on the planet, along with local brand concessions. It handles old-school movies like no other, with Cinerama 3-strip projection, and 35/70mm capabilities. The existing film projectors have all been kept intact. There are only three theaters in the world that can still show Cinerama movies, and they have the one and only that can show Super Cinerama. Last time we checked, there were no discounted tickets; they used to discount shows before 4pm by $2. Either way, it’s a cool place to see a movie when you want to splurge. FREE street parking after 8pm on most streets and all day on Sundays and holidays.
• Seattle/Downtown Movies at MoPop features diverse film screenings and themed programming for adults and families on the 60-foot Sky Church screen  and in the intimate JBL Theater. 
• Seattle/Downtown Big Picture is a plush 90-seat theater for 21+ only. They discount movie ticket prices on matinees before 4:45pm.
• Seattle Center IMAX at Pacific Science Center. IMAX is a motion picture film format with greater size and resolution than conventional film systems. The format is available on screens at various theaters and multiplexes, as well as at PSC at Seattle Center. PSC offers discount IMAX tickets to Members only.
• Seattle (multiple locations) SIFF Cinemas is best known as host for the largest, most well attended film festival in the United States, the Seattle International Film Festival held every spring. The rest of the year, SIFF shows first-run feature films, independent films, and foreign films. Matinee prices before 4pm are $8/Discount Admission (regular $11). SIFF Festival tickets are higher; there is no discount. Member tickets are discounted $2 off regular admission and $5 off festival tickets. Annual membership begins at $55/person and includes ot only movie discounts, but free popcorn, special events, and more. Volunteers can get free admission to SIFF Festival and regular Cinema tickets, as well as discounted SIFF Membership. Locations: SIFF Cinema Downtown—formerly The Cinerama (2100 4th Ave), SIFF Uptown (511 Queen Anne Ave N), SIFF Film Center (Warren & Republican St), and SIFF Egyptian (805 E Pine St).
• South Seattle Ark Lodge Cinemas is a wonderful old-style neighborhood theater located in historic Columbia City at 4816 Rainier Avenue South (Google map). Movies before 4pm are discounted (8.75, regularly $11.75). Ark Lodge four screens show family-friendly animated films, action-packed blockbusters, and high-brow art-house films. The vintage building is state of the art with big screens and Dolby Digital 7.1 stereo surround sound available in every auditorium. Sign up online for the Ark Lodge Cinemas newsletter club and receive a coupon for a free small popcorn (with real butter!). Once month, they feature “Dark Lodge” and show a classic horror flick at regular prices; the party starts at 8PM and the movie follows at 8:30. Find free street parking nearby and include a visit to one of the many trendy restaurants or lounges before or after the show–some offering a discount when you show your same-day ticket.
• South Seattle The Beacon Cinema is Seattle’s newest, single-screen movie house in Columbia City. Retrofitted from an old storefront on Rainier Ave, The Beacon’s mission is to present movies that can’t be found anywhere else, everything from early silent cinema to TikTok. 
• Far Away Entertainment (multiple locations) renovated (or built) old-style neighborhood theaters in locations around Puget Sound where multiplexes don’t exist. They discount movie ticket prices on matinees before 4:30 pm.
  • Anacortes Cinemas
  • Bainbridge Cinemas at the Pavilion
  • Lynnwood Historic Theatre
  • Oak Harbor Cinemas
  • Ocean Shores Cinemas
  • Olympic Cinemas (renovated Redwood Theater)
  • Stanwood Cinemas in the Pavilion
  • Seattle Varsity Theatre in the University District
  • West Seattle Historic Admiral Theater
• Tacoma Grand Cinema is the South Sound’s nonprofit home for independent, foreign and local film. They screen first-run films 365 days per year, as well as host the Tacoma Film Festival and many other unique film programs and special events. They discount movie ticket prices on matinees before 4:45pm. 

Art film houses and second run movie theaters

Some of these movie theaters offer discount movies on the big screen every day, often second-run films. Second-run films are first-run films that will soon leave town for rental at places such as RedBox or the public library. Some of these theaters are also known for obscure and foreign films. Seattle is a hotbed for film production and screening, so consider many of these worth much more than first-run discount movies or movies at any price.

• Seattle Central Cinema is Seattle’s only Dine-In Cinema in the Central District neighborhood at 21st & Union. Family friendly and all ages. They offer $2.00 off tickets advanced purchased tickets at least 24 Hours before the show: $8.80/advance general admission tickets, $10.80/day-of-show general admission. Sing-alongs, hecklevision, and other special shows will cost more. Central shows old classics, crazy cult movies, newer independents and foreign films. See great movies how they were meant to be seen, on a big screen, with big sound, in a room full of people, having a good time. Full menu is available at all shows with table service and comfy sofa seating. Gourmet Popcorn with Real Butter. Enjoy dessert & coffee or playing Scrabble before or after your show at Cafe Noir in the lobby, open 5-10pm every night of the week with happy hour prices from 5:30-6:30.
• Seattle Crest Cinema Center, where movies are always $4. A Landmark Theater, 16505 5th Avenue N.E. (at 165th Street), Shoreline. Crest shows an eclectic mix of programming at a discount price. Most films that play here are on their last stop before leaving Seattle area screens for good. So if you recently missed a first-run film on the big screen, this might be your last chance before considering Redbox.
• Seattle Grand Illusion regular tickets are $9; cash or checks only (no plastic). Buy a Membership |The Grand Illusion Cinema and get a discount on tickets for an entire year. Grand Illusion Cinema is a non-profit volunteer-run theater and Seattle’s oldest continuously running theater. You can see cinema classics, rarities and truly independent cinema from around the world, including lost and restored films. To volunteer, send email to mailto:http://volunteering@grandillusioncinema.org.
• Seattle Northwest Film Forum shows independently made and classic rare and underappreciated films. NWFF also offers filmmaking workshops, equipment rental, and supports filmmakers at all stages of their careers. Members get $5 discounts on regular film screenings (general admission $11), free refills on popcorn, discounts on special screenings and workshops, and other perks. Individual Membership is $50 (see 11 movies throughout the year, and it pays for itself) and dual Membership (good for 2 people at the same address) is $75 (see 9 movies throughout the year, and it pays for itself).
• Seattle Collide-O-Scope is a night of oddball video featuring nimbly edited montages of educational films, B-movie gems, lost Euro-disco classics, news bloopers, and indescribable visual delights – all presented with a healthy dose of camp sensibility and unbelievable PRIZE DRAWINGS! In addition to twice monthly(ish) 21+ only shows at Re-Bar (1114 Howell St, Seattle, WA 98101), they also present all ages programs at SIFF Cinema Egyptian, monthly screenings at Central Cinema, and other special screenings at venues around the Puget Sound region. For a schedule of upcoming screening, visit their website.
• Seattle Three Dollar Bill Cinema provides access to films by, for, and about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people and their families, and a forum for LGBTQ filmmakers to share and discuss their work with audiences. TDBC curates themed screenings throughout the year and produce programs in partnership with other organizations in the Greater Seattle area. Their signature event is the Seattle Queer Film Festival eld every October. Every FIRST MONDAY at RE-BAR, 1114 Howell St. they host Cineoke, where you can sing along while the film and lyrics are projected onto the screen. Doors 6:30, show 7:00pm. Cover:$8; discount for members.
• Tacoma Blue Mouse Theatre, 2611 North Proctor, Tacoma, WA 98407. One of the oldest continuously operating movie theaters in the country, Blue Mouse screens a mix of current and classic films. Mon & Tues Evenings and Sat & Sun Matinee’s, All Seats are $4. Tue-Sun evenings, adult prices are just $6.

Nationally branded cinema multiplexes

These are the nationally branded cinemas with multiplexes in cities and suburbs throughout the Puget Sound region. We also list the loyalty programs which get you discount movies beyond matinee prices.

AMC Theatres has complexes throughout the Seattle area. Prices vary depending on location. In order by cheapest theater first, AMC complexes are located Eastside South Bellevue/Loews Factoria, North Seattle/Oak Tree, Seattle/University District (formerly Sundance Cinemas and Metro 10), South Seattle/Southcenter, Downtown/Pacific Place, and other locations farther out). AMC typically offers $7-$8 on movies before noon, $13-$14 before 3pm, and regular adult admission after 3pm (last time we checked was $14-$15). Other options for discount movies are list below.

• AMC Stubs FREE loyalty program members get a complimentary popcorn refill every visit, save on tickets every Tuesday, 20 points for every $1 spent, a $5 reward every time you reach 5,000 points, a birthday gift of a FREE large popcorn.
• AMC Stubs PREMIERE program for $15 a year and get a complimentary popcorn refill every visit, save on tickets every Tuesday, 100 loyalty points per $1 spent, a $5 reward every time you reach 5,000 points, a birthday gift of a FREE large popcorn.
• AMC Stubs A-List for $21.95 a month get a complimentary popcorn refill every visit, save on tickets every Tuesday, 100 points for every $1 spent, a $5 reward every time you reach 5,000 points, a birthday gift of a FREE large popcorn and large fountain  drink, up to three (3) movies every week with complimentary online reservations, 10% back on food and drink purchases. (The price varies by state, but starts at $19.95. In Seattle it’s $21.95—still a great deal.) Premium events such as See-It-First events, Fathom events, marathons, and Metropolitan Opera are excluded.
• AMC movie theaters “Safe & Clean” policies include reduced capacity, enhanced cleaning, employee health screening and PPE, social distancing, and simplified concession menu and cashless transactions to ensure short lines and quick service. Set reminders for film openings on the AMC website. More info: https://www.amctheatres.com/amc-safe-and-clean

Cinemark Theaters has locations in Bellevue at Lincoln Square, Federal Way, Tacoma and other locations farther out. Prices vary by location. Tuesday morning is Discount Day with the first movie before noon about $7, other days the matinee price is $9-$10 and full price is $12-$13. Other options for discount movies:

• Cinemark Connections FREE loyalty program earns points when you scan your smartphone Connections ID QR code when buying tickets and concessions. Redeem points for movie-related merchandise (such as posters, t-shirts, music downloads, etc.). Plus get access to promotional movie screenings, chances to win contests, advance notice of events, and other perks.
• Cinemark Movie Club costs $9 per month. No contract, cancel anytime. Your membership gets you one credit for one 2D adult ticket (any movie, any time). Unused credits roll over and never expire. Perks include the ability to buy two additional tickets each month for $9 each, reserved seats with no fees, savings of 20% on concessions by scanning your Cinemark ID at checkout, and points on concession purchases (redeem for goodies such as movie swag, digital downloads, and sweepstakes).
• Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark features eight weeks of kid-approved movies for just $1.50 per move ticket. No membership or secret password required; everyone is welcome to visit this family-friendly clubhouse. Save even more with $1 OFF deals on kids’ snack packs or small popcorn and small drink combo during Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes.

Costco typically sells multi-packs of tickets for discount movies at the large theater complexes, with prices about the same as movie matinee prices. Search the Costco website for “movie tickets” to see what’s currently available.

Fathom Events is owned by the nation’s three largest exhibitors – AMC, Cinemark, and Regal Entertainment Group – hosting cinematic experiences that offer high quality, affordable entertainment events broadcast to the big screen. Audiences get the best seat in the house, in the comfort and convenience of their local movie theater, for live and pre-recorded concerts, world-class opera, sporting events, comedy acts, original programming featuring the biggest names in radio and television and more.

iPic in Redmond offers luxury reserved theatre seating and options for dining. Tickets are $16, VIP service add $11. No matinee prices. Save on movie tickets by joining the iPic “Accesss” rewards “Gold” program for $29 per year. Other options for discount movies:

• iPic Membership Silver FREE rewards program gets you members-only special ticket pricing and their newsletter.
• iPic Membership GOLD for $29/year gets you members-only special ticket pricing, a free ticket on your birthday, plus Priority Access to advance ticket purchases on select films, advance screening events, member-exclusive events, and earns you points on purchases at iPic Theaters and restaurants. 

Regal Theaters offer discounts before 4:00PM. Shows are $11.50 (regular $14). IMAX/3D prices are higher. There are a dozen Regal Theaters in the Puget Sound region, including: North Seattle/Thornton Place, Downtown Seattle/Meridian 16, Tukwila/SouthCenter, Bellevue/Crossroads, Redmond/Bella Bottega, Issaquah (2 locations), Renton/The Landing, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Port Orchard and Poulsbo.) Other options for discount movies:

• Join the Regal Crown Club FREE loyalty program and earn credits when you purchase movie tickets and concessions at participating theaters. Redeem credits for movie tickets, concessions, and movie merchandise. Plus get other discounts, coupons, and special offers. Visit 6-20 times during the year and you get the CROWN JEWEL bonus program, which earns you bonus credits.
• SUMMER MOVIE EXPRESS at Regal Theaters runs for 9 weeks with select G and PG movies playing indoors. Seating is first-come, first-served. Tickets are $1 and available exclusively at participating theatres’ box offices on the day of the show.
• Regal Theatres 2020 re-opening plans include a wide range of new health and safety measures based on guidelines provided from the CDC and local public health organizations. Safety measures are based on feedback from employees and moviegoers. Regal is implementing safety measures in the lobby, concession stands, and will provide contactless payment options and innovative sanitizing methods. More info: https://www.regmovies.com/static/en/us/corona-virus-response

Drive-in Movie Theaters in the Puget Sound region

Most drive-ins show double features, which is like getting a 50% discount on big screen movies. Drive-in movie theaters need concession sales to stay in business. Please, no outside food or drink.

(Listed alphabetically by city.)

Bremerton Rodeo Drive-In. Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mid-March through the end of September…or so. Open 7 days a week from mid-May until Labor Day Weekend. Closed on July 4. Snack bar is open and online ordering in advance is available. General admission: $10 per person. Great value for a double feature. More info: http://www.rodeodrivein.com/. 

Oak Harbor (Whidbey Island) Blue Fox Drive-In. Check their website to see what’s showing. Open 7 days a week. Snack bar is open and online ordering in advance is available. General admission: $6.50 Cash/$7.00 Card per person.  More info: https://www.bluefoxdrivein.com/. 

Port Townsend Wheel-In (62 mi NW of Seattle via ferry, 85 mi N of Tacoma. Opens in April. Wednesday-Sunday. Snack bar is open and protocols provided upon arrival. Phase 2 admission: $15/carload; reservations required and available online.  More info: http://www.ptwheelinmotormovie.com/. 

Shelton Skyline Theater (76 mi SW of Seattle, 46 mi SW of Tacoma). Opens in March. Rain or shine. Open at 7pm, show at dusk. Most of the revenue for the Skyline comes from our concessions–please, no outside food or drink. It gets cold once the sun goes down, even in the summer time, so bring your own or buy Skyline blankets and sweatshirts in the snack bar. Phase 2 admission: $5.00 online reservation PER VEHICLE, not per person; reserve your spot online. Card transactions have $0.50 transaction fee. More info: http://skylinedrive-in.com/. 

Summer Outdoor Movies

If you are looking for outdoor movies at drive-ins or summer movies in parks around the Puget Sound region, head over to our list of outdoor summer movies around Puget Sound.

Free movies at area libraries

FREE is certainly the best discount movies you can get. Some libraries occasionally show free family or teen movies at branches throughout Puget Sound (no library card required). For library card holders, all local libraries offer a collection of free movies in every genre for checkout; some libraries also offer streaming. Getting a library card is free; so visit your nearest branch and sign up.

• Seattle Public Libraries:  search the Calendar for “movie” to get a list of upcoming films at branch libraries in Seattle that anyone can attend. If you have a Seattle library card, you can also checkout movies on DVD from their collection.
• King County Libraries: search the Calendar for “movie” to get a list of upcoming films at branch libraries around the county. If you have a KCLS library card you can download via Hoopla on their website or checkout movies on DVD from their collection.
• Pierce County Libraries: We didn’t find any recent movie showings at PCL. If you have a PCL library card, you can download via Hoopla on their website or checkout movies on DVD from their collection.
• Sno-Isle Libraries: We didn’t find any movie recent showings at Sno-Isle. If you have a Sno-Isle library card, you can download via Hoopla on their website or checkout movies on DVD from their collection.

More ways to see movies

Film Festivals

Film festivals present a series of movies around a topic, which can be anything from nature or comedy to justice, a culture, or a location. 

• Check our big list of annual film festivals

Free Summer Outdoor Movies

In summer, many organizations throughout the Puget Sound region screen popular films outdoors on the big screen. Seattle outdoor movies typically start after July 4th, when summertime officially gets going. As anyone who’s lived here more than a few summers already knows, June can be cool and rainy. Seattle summer is said to be July to September. And October in a really good year.

• Visit our outdoor summer movie page (usually updated in May or June). 

Free Documentary Movie Screenings

The Meaningful Movies Project is a non-profit organization that helps groups educate and advocate using the power of social justice documentary film and conversation to build positive and meaningful community.  The MMP network is a collective of autonomous neighborhood and community groups. Each groups’ events typically consist of topical documentary films followed by discussion. They may also screen related short films, welcome filmmakers, and hear from representatives of organizations with specific knowledge to share on the evening’s topic. There are meaningful movies groups located throughout the Puget Sound region. 

Academy Award films and Oscar night parties

Oscar Academy Award nominations are announced in January and air on television about one month later. There are usually screenings of the Best Picture nominees, short films, and other selected movies, often at a discount. So it can be a good time to catch up on anything you might have missed during the year or see a favorite film again. More info: Academy Awards and Oscar film screenings & parties (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)

MoviePass Discount Movies (discontinued 2019)

MoviePass is was an app with a monthly fee that allowed you to see up to one movie per day along with other benefits. The price went up and the benefits went down over time. It was discontinued in 2019. 

Upcoming Film Festivals & Movie Screenings

Listed below are upcoming film festivals, special movie screenings, and related events such as script readings and filmmaking workshops.

But wait, there’s more!

• Our big list of film festivals and special movie screenings – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
• Enjoy more movies, films, and documentaries
• Find free and cheap things to do every day on the Greater Seattle on the Cheap event calendar.
• Visit the Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page and choose from a menu of free and cheap activities in the Puget Sound region.

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