Entertainment · Canada
Holiday Movie Season in Canada: Saving on Big Releases at the Cinema
The cheapest way to see big holiday releases in Canada is to skip opening weekend, go on a discount day, choose a regular screen unless the film is built for a premium format, and plan snacks in advance. Cineplex, the largest chain, offers discounted Tuesday tickets, and its Scene+ page says members get an extra 10% off Tuesday tickets, with restrictions. Since 13 May 2026, Scene+ members earn 3 points per dollar on regular tickets and 6 points per dollar on premium tickets at Cineplex, and 100 points redeem for $1 off tickets or food. If you see more than one film a month, compare CineClub, which costs $10.99 a month or $120.89 a year from 15 July 2026.
Key takeaways
- Skip opening weekend if you can; later weekdays are usually less crowded and seats are easier to get.
- Cineplex discounts Tuesday tickets, and Scene+ members get 10% more off Tuesday tickets (restrictions may apply).
- Premium formats cost more. Pay for them only for films made to be seen that way.
- Scene+ at Cineplex since 13 May 2026: 3 points per $1 on regular tickets and food, 6 per $1 on premium tickets; 100 points = $1.
- CineClub from 15 July 2026: $10.99 a month or $120.89 a year.
- Example with made-up inputs: a family of four cuts a $118 Saturday outing to $56 on a Tuesday with snacks planned.
Opening weeks
Studios release many of their biggest films in November and December. Opening weekends draw the biggest crowds, and the best seats in premium auditoriums sell first. If spoilers do not worry you, a weekday in the second or third week usually means easier seats and the option of a cheaper day. If a film is a must-see on opening night, book early so you can choose a regular auditorium rather than taking whatever is left.
| Timing | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Opening night or weekend | See it first, avoid spoilers | Crowds, premium seats sell out, full prices |
| Weekday in week 2 or 3 | Easier seats, discount days possible | Spoilers online |
| Late in the run | Quiet auditoriums | Fewer showtimes, may move to smaller screens |
| Wait for home release | Cheapest per viewer for a family | Not the cinema experience |
Discount days
Cineplex promotes discounted Tuesday tickets, and its Scene+ page says Scene+ members get 10% more off Tuesday tickets, with restrictions that may apply. Independent cinemas and other chains often have their own cheap nights or member prices, so check your local theatre's website. During the school holidays, some theatres also run family morning screenings of older films at low prices.
- Check your theatre's site for its discount day and any exclusions for special presentations.
- Join the theatre's loyalty program before you buy, so the points count.
- Book online if the booking fee is lower than the cost of a sold-out trip, or buy at the box office if it is not busy.
- Look for matinee pricing if your theatre offers it.
Premium formats
Premium formats include IMAX, VIP auditoriums, UltraAVX, 4DX, D-BOX and ScreenX at Cineplex. They cost more than a regular ticket. They can be worth it for a film designed for a giant screen or immersive sound, and less so for a comedy or drama. Decide format by film, not by habit.
| Film type | Premium format worth it? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Big-screen spectacle shot for large formats | Often yes | The format adds to the experience |
| Animated family film | Sometimes | Children may prefer a regular screen and shorter trip |
| Comedy or drama | Usually no | Story-driven films gain little |
| Repeat viewing | Usually no | Save premium for the first viewing |
At Cineplex, premium tickets earn 6 Scene+ points per dollar from 13 May 2026, double the 3 points per dollar on regular tickets. That softens the price a little but does not change the decision much: at 100 points to $1, the extra points on a premium ticket are worth a few cents per dollar spent.
Scene+ and CineClub
Scene+ is free to join and earns points on tickets and food at Cineplex. Cineplex's Scene+ page says that from 13 May 2026, members earn 3 points per $1 on regular tickets and on food and drinks, 6 points per $1 on premium tickets, and points are not earned on taxes or gratuities. Members can redeem 100 points for $1 towards movie tickets or food and drinks at Cineplex with no minimum spend.
| Item | On or after 13 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Regular movie tickets | 3 points per $1 |
| Premium movie tickets | 6 points per $1 unless otherwise stated |
| Online booking fee | Same rate as the tickets bought |
| Food and drinks | 3 points per $1 |
| Redemption | 100 points for $1 towards tickets or food and drinks, no minimum |
| Taxes and gratuities | No points |
CineClub is Cineplex's paid membership. Cineplex says that from 15 July 2026, it costs $10.99 a month or $120.89 a year for annual and gifted memberships, and Everyday Member-Priced Tickets are $10.99; existing annual and gifted members keep $9.99 tickets until renewal. It suits people who go at least once a month. The full break-even is in CineClub versus Scene+.
Snacks
For a family, snacks can cost as much as the tickets. Set a snack budget before you go: one shared large popcorn instead of several smalls, water bottles if your theatre allows them, or a meal before the movie so nobody arrives hungry. Check your theatre's policy on outside food; many do not allow it. If you have Scene+ points, food is one of the places you can redeem them.
Gift cards
Cineplex says its gift cards never expire, which makes them a reasonable holiday gift for someone who likes movies. Some retailers and warehouse clubs sell packs of entertainment gift cards for less than face value; the guide to discounted entertainment gift cards shows how to work out the real saving.
Example with made-up inputs: a family of four
These numbers are an example with made-up inputs. They are not Cineplex prices. A family of four plans to see a holiday release. On opening Saturday in a premium format, tickets would cost $88 and snacks $30, for $118. They go instead on the second Tuesday, in a regular auditorium, at a made-up discounted price of $9 per ticket ($36), and share one large popcorn and bring water where allowed ($20). The outing costs $56.
| Item | Opening Saturday, premium | Second Tuesday, regular |
|---|---|---|
| Four tickets | $88 | $36 |
| Snacks | $30 | $20 |
| Total | $118 | $56 |
Plan
- List the holiday releases the household wants to see and rank them.
- Pick one or two for the cinema and wait for home release on the rest.
- Choose a discount day in the second or third week.
- Choose the format by film.
- Join the loyalty program before buying and use any points.
- Set a snack budget and eat before you go.
For films you will watch at home, see buying versus renting digital movies and free legal streaming.
Sources
- Cineplex, Scene+ at Cineplex, cineplex.com, as of 1 Oct 2026. Earn rates from 13 May 2026; 100 points for $1; Tuesday offer for Scene+ members; premium formats listed.
- Cineplex, CineClub program changes (July 2026), cineplex.com, as of 1 Oct 2026. $10.99 monthly, $120.89 annual from 15 July 2026; member-priced tickets.
- Cineplex, Gift cards, cineplex.com, as of 1 Oct 2026. Gift cards never expire.
- The family, ticket and snack amounts in the example are an example with made-up inputs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest day to see a movie at Cineplex?
Cineplex promotes discounted Tuesday tickets, and its Scene+ page says Scene+ members get 10% more off Tuesday tickets, with restrictions that may apply. Check your theatre for exclusions on special presentations.
How many Scene+ points do I get for a movie ticket?
From 13 May 2026, Cineplex says Scene+ members earn 3 points per $1 on regular tickets and 6 points per $1 on premium tickets, with no points on taxes or gratuities. 100 points redeem for $1 off tickets or food.
Is IMAX worth the extra cost?
For a film shot for large formats, it can be. For comedies, dramas or repeat viewings, a regular screen usually gives most of the experience for less.
How much is CineClub in 2026?
Cineplex says CineClub costs $10.99 a month or $120.89 a year from 15 July 2026, with Everyday Member-Priced Tickets at $10.99. Existing annual and gifted members keep $9.99 tickets until renewal.
Do Cineplex gift cards expire?
No. Cineplex says its gift cards never expire.
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and fact-checked against official Canadian sources. How we create content.
Disclosure: Saving Optimizer may earn a commission if a partner link is added later, such as a ticketing, gift card or cash-back offer type. No partnership with Cineplex is claimed on this page, and no film or theatre is ranked. Education only.