Is it cheaper to go to the movies in the morning?

Ever sat through a 90-minute movie only to realize you just spent $22 on a ticket and $15 on popcorn? You’re not alone. In Sydney, a standard evening movie ticket can easily hit $20-$25. But what if you could get the same film, same seat, same Dolby Atmos sound-for less than half that price? The answer isn’t hidden in a coupon app. It’s in the morning.

Morning movies aren’t just for retirees

Most people assume cinemas are busiest at night. That’s true. But that also means prices go up. Theaters know you’re willing to pay more to see a new release after work. So they charge for the convenience. But here’s the twist: if you show up between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., you’re walking into a different pricing world. That’s when most chains run their matinee or morning discount programs.

In Sydney, major chains like Event Cinemas, Hoyts, and Reading Cinemas all offer reduced rates before 2 p.m. on weekdays. You’re not just saving a few bucks-you’re saving up to 50%. A ticket that costs $22 at 7 p.m. might cost $11 at 10 a.m. Popcorn? Still $10. But now you’ve got $11 left for a second coffee or a sandwich from the cafe next door.

How much can you actually save?

Let’s break it down with real numbers from Sydney cinemas in October 2025:

Average ticket prices for a standard 2D movie in Sydney

Time of Day	Event Cinemas	Hoyts	Reading Cinemas
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Weekdays)	$11	$10.50	$12
1:01 PM - 5:59 PM (Weekdays)	$16	$15.50	$17
6:00 PM - 11:59 PM (Evenings)	$22	$21.50	$23

That’s a $10-$12 difference per ticket. For a couple, that’s $20-$24 saved. For a family of four? That’s nearly $50. And you’re not just saving money-you’re avoiding crowds. Morning screenings are quiet. No yelling kids, no loud phone users, no people dragging their feet through the aisles. You get the whole theater to yourself.

It’s not just about price-here’s what else you get

The savings are great, but the real perks are the side benefits. When you go in the morning:

• You skip the post-work rush. No parking nightmares. No waiting 20 minutes just to get in.
• You’re not fighting for the best seats. The middle rows? Still there. Front row? Go for it.
• You can eat before the movie. No need to pay $14 for a giant popcorn. Grab a coffee and a muffin on the way in.
• You’re done by lunch. That means you still have the rest of the day free-no need to plan dinner around a 9 p.m. ending.
• You’re more likely to catch a film before it drops off the schedule. New releases often play morning slots on weekdays before they get pushed to prime-time screens.

Some people think morning movies are for older folks or people who don’t have jobs. But that’s outdated. More young professionals, students, and parents are waking up early just to save money and enjoy a peaceful movie experience. One mother I spoke to in Bondi said she takes her 8-year-old to the 9:30 a.m. show every Saturday. "We get a movie, a snack, and we’re home before noon. It’s cheaper than a playground ticket and way less chaotic."

What about weekends?

Weekend morning deals? They’re rarer. Most chains treat Saturday and Sunday like evenings. Prices stay high. But not everywhere. Hoyts still offers a 10% discount on all Saturday morning showings before 11 a.m. Event Cinemas runs a "Sunday Morning Club"-$12 tickets before 1 p.m. on Sundays, with free small popcorn for kids under 12.

Don’t assume weekends are off-limits. Always check the cinema’s website or app. Sometimes, special promotions pop up-like "First Film Free" on the first Sunday of the month. Or a $10 ticket if you book online before 8 a.m. on Saturday. These aren’t advertised on billboards. You’ve got to dig a little.

What movies are playing in the morning?

You might worry: "Will there even be anything good on?" The answer is yes. Most new releases play at least one morning show on weekdays. Blockbusters like Deadpool & Wolverine or Inside Out 2 had morning screenings just last week. You’re not stuck watching old films.

Some theaters even rotate their morning slots. One week it’s the latest action flick. The next, it’s a documentary or indie film you wouldn’t normally see. It’s a great way to discover something new without paying premium prices.

When it’s NOT worth it

There are exceptions. If you’re seeing a 3D, IMAX, or premium large format (PLF) movie, the discount is smaller-or nonexistent. Those formats cost more to run, so theaters don’t cut prices as much. A 3D IMAX ticket might drop from $28 to $20 in the morning. Still a saving, but not as dramatic.

Also, avoid holidays. Australia Day, Easter, or the lead-up to Christmas? Prices go up everywhere. Even morning showings on public holidays are priced like evenings.

How to find the best deals

Here’s how to make sure you never overpay:

1. Check the cinema’s website directly. Don’t rely on third-party ticket sites-they often add fees.
2. Sign up for free loyalty programs. Hoyts Plus, Event Rewards, and Reading Rewards all send exclusive morning discount codes.
3. Download the cinema’s app. Many push notifications for flash sales, like "9 a.m. tickets: $9.90 today only."
4. Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. These are the quietest days. Discounts are deepest.
5. Bring your own drink. Most cinemas let you bring in sealed water bottles. Skip the $7 soda.

One tip I’ve used for months: set a calendar reminder for every Monday morning. I check the upcoming week’s showtimes. If there’s a new movie I want to see, I book my 10 a.m. Tuesday ticket right then. It’s the same seat, same film, same experience-but $10 cheaper.

Final verdict: Yes, it’s cheaper-and better

Going to the movies in the morning isn’t a compromise. It’s a smarter way to enjoy film. You save money. You avoid crowds. You get more control over your day. And you’re still watching the same movie everyone else is seeing.

If you’ve been paying full price for years, you’re not being loyal-you’re being overcharged. Theaters count on you not knowing about morning deals. Now you do. So next time you’re thinking about seeing a new release, check the schedule before 1 p.m. You might be surprised how much you can save-and how much better the experience becomes when you’re not racing against the clock.