Going to the movies is one of my favorite things to do. Because of my interest in movies I love going to advanced screenings, red carpet movie premieres and special events. Did you know that all of the things I just mentioned are free? I want you to be able to have the same fun experiences that I do. Here is a list of all of the ways I know of how to see movies for free.
Advanced Movie Screenings
At some screenings you will be asked to provide your thoughts on the movie. You might fill out a survey in the theatre or by provide a review on a website. Be sure to arrive at least 90 minutes early as they give out more tickets than the number of available seats to try and ensure a full house. Some screeners will ask for you to leave your phone with security outside of the theatre because they don’t want to risk people recording the movie. In most cases, you will just be asked to turn your phone off and keep it in your pocket/purse.
I get my tickets for most of my screenings through advancescreenings.com which I highly recommend using. One of the best things about this particular website is that you can sign up for email alerts. I get emails often letting me know about movie screenings in my area. Because the screenings are free they tend to fill up very quickly so do not be dismayed if you strike out on your first few attempts to go to a screening.
Advance screenings is my go-to spot for most of my screenings but there are other companies that I get screenings through as well. Gofobo offers a lot of screenings and while they are a company that expect a review in exchange for the tickets which is not too much to ask to see a movie for free. There is also See It First which I have the least amount of luck with but it is still worth checking out.
Preview Free Movies is a website that you can sign up with as well. In some cases they will pay $10 for your thoughts.
Regal Cinema’s Rewards
If you have a Regal Cinema near you I recommend that you sign up for their free rewards program. You get a point for every dollar you spend and after a certain number of points you can redeem your points for a free movie. In addition to free movies, you can also get free drinks and popcorn as rewards. I have also gotten free tickets to screenings of a few movies before they are released all because I am a member of the Regal Crown Club.
AMC Stub’s
AMC now has a free version of their stubs card which allows you and a guest to see movies for free throughout the year with their member screenings. I have been a stubs member since the fall and have already seen three movies for free through this program.
Screening Series
Variety offers free movie screenings that sometimes include q&a’s with the actors for guild members (SAG, WGA) and for AARP members. Priority is given to guild members at the screenings. Any unclaimed seats to a non guild member. The Variety screening series takes place in Los Angeles as does LA Times The Envelope Screening Series which is open to anyone who signs up for tickets but priority is given to guild members.
One other screening series is the Awardsline Screening Series through the website Deadline. You can visit the websites for Sony, Fox Searchlight and Warner Bros. to sign up for their screenings. They will email you if they have an upcoming screening in your area.
AFI Fest
AFI Fest gives film lovers in Los Angeles the chance to see movies and listen to the cast & crew share their experiences. Every November they give out free tickets to their screenings and events.
How to Attend a Red Carpet Movie Premiere
Living near Los Angeles gives me the opportunity to attend several red carpet premieres for movies. Most of the time though I find out about the premieres through twitter. When I see these types of events I always do my best to share the information with my followers. The best way to learn about these types of events is by joining the My Belle Elle email list. Only those on the email list can join my private Facebook group where I share all the events that I can. This will be the easiest way for you to get tickets to red carpet movie premieres and other celebrity events.
Have any questions? I’m happy to answer. Just leave me a comment below.
This is great. I prefer to wait for movies to come out on Netflix so I can watch at home, though :)
Wow I had no idea you could do this. Thanks for the tips!
Interesting need to look into this who would not like to see movies for free will share.
Oh wow what a fun idea to watch movies for free. I would love to check out for Chicago
I love these free screenings. Movies are too expensive so this is great.
one of my best recommendations for potential free screenings in Chicago would be to sign up for the email list with the new Arclight location that either just opened there or is about to open. A lot of free movie screenings happen at the three arclights in LA so it could happen in Chicago too :)
I love the rewards program at our local theaters! These are great tips :)
I think it would be nice to see movies in advance, that’s an amazing opportunity! Thanks for sharing your movie tips, they are highly appreciated.
Good info for anyone who is interested in seeing movie screenings! Awesome tips!
I have seen these listings posted but honestly never really read about it. Thanks for sharing.
Super cool, I had no idea. I totally need to share with my movie junkie friends and family. I know they’ll totally love it!
this is a truly interesting process and a great suggestion for going to the movies. Money buys rewards
This is a fun idea watching movies for free i wish we have free movies here
I don’t live close enough as you to go to screenings and like at least one other person has said, unless it is an actor who I really, really love, I usually wait for movies to come on Netflix.
Awesome!! I write movie reviews in my blog so I am glad to find movies for free. Thank you for sharing. 😄
Great post indeed. Fun idea, I really love watching movies. Thank you for sharing this.
There’s a whole world of free movies I had no idea existed. I’m all over this!
This is great! I never knew about all these!
I wish I had more time to get out and watch movies. These are great for my friends to know.
Omg this is great! I love going to see movies but hate how it cost amillion dollars every time I go!
wow – that is awesome. My son is just crazy about attending movies – I am sharing – great post
Great info for those living in the USA. Screeners are always great, nothing like a free movie :)
How awesome! I wish I lived in a bigger city to take advantage of some of these!
This is so great! I’m definitely saving this and going back to sign up for as much as I can:). Thank you!
I should do this more often! I love movies, but I never go. I’m too broke these days. lol
Wow! I had no idea that you could see new movies for free! Thanks for the tips!