Movies on the Cheap

$2 Tuesdays may be a thing of the past, but it is still possible to see a movie in Toronto without spending big bucks. If you're looking for the latest blockbuster in a state-of-the-art theatre, your best bet is to get up early and hit the AMC theatre at Yonge & Dundas before noon. All movies starting before noon are only $6, although there will be added charges to see movies in either 3D or IMAX, and these early starts are generally limited to Saturdays and Sundays.

If you don't mind a smaller screen and slightly older theatre, Rainbow Cinemas offer a good range of movies at slightly reduced prices: $9.50 for an evening showing, compared to $12.99 at Cineplex venues and $13.50 at AMC. Even better, they still offer a deal on matinee showings ($7.50) and Tuesdays are a steal at $5.

The various smaller rep theatres around the city can also offer good value, and better yet for some, a more interesting blend of movies. While ticket prices are close to the big guys for a one-off movie, buying a membership can save you several bucks. For example, at the Fox, movies are $10 for non-members. If you buy a $10 membership, you see movies for $7, or a double bill for $10, and you save 10% on concessions.

Toronto also offers opportunities to see classic movies on the big screen, or in unique settings. Right now for example, Cineplex is running a Classic Film Series at select theatres, including 4 in Toronto. Movies are only $5 each, and run on 2 days per month. Visit their website for a list of movies and their showtimes, or check out the Hogspot What's On page. My favourite idea for a film night however is hosted by The Bata Shoe Museum. Tying in with their current lecture series on shoe designer Roger Vivier, they are running a series of classic films on their Pay-What-You-Can Thursday nights, with the theme Glamour and Grace: 1950s Fashion in Film. The film is included with your PWYC entry.

During the summer months, the city is also awash in outdoor movie opportunities, many of them completely free, but I'll wait and do a separate post on those when more schedules have been announced.

Finally, my favourite website for finding what's playing where is Cinema Clock. It has everything you want, all in one place: movie listings, reviews and trailers, theatre locations with maps, and ticket prices. Plus it covers all the theatres within the GTA including the rep theatres and the more unusual locations like the IMAX theatre at the Ontario Science Centre.