Cinema has been facing an uphill battle for a while. Despite having big blockbusters to bring in audiences, and industry bodies assuring us of the cinema’s value for money, can viewers still afford to spend time at the cinema?
At Home or On The Town?
According to the UK Cinema Association in 2024 (the latest year for which they have data), the average cost of a cinema ticket was around £7.73. The Film Distributors Association also found a comparable average of £7.71 per ticket.
However, while the price may seem affordable when averaged out, the reality of cinema prices is more complicated. For example, ticket prices can fluctuate based on things like the types of seating and the time of your screening. Certain times and dates are more likely to be popular with working audiences, such as weekends. Meaning pricing across cinemas is not necessarily consistent. There are also hidden costs that can come with cinema visits. Including things like food and drink, and transport (private or public). When added onto tickets that can cost anywhere up to nearly £20, depending on region, seating and the type of screening (e.g. 3D), it’s understandable why average audiences may view the cinema as a comparatively expensive activity, especially if they are going by themselves.
Along with that, the UK cost of living increased by 3.8-4.5% (depending on income bracket) in the third quarter of 2025. When we consider the fact that the average house already has broadband (listed by Uswitch as around £26 a month as of January 2025) and streaming (£4.99-£18.99 a month) allows access to a broad range of films at home, cutting out added hidden expenses, it’s easy to see why some audiences might choose to view films from home.
Make It Cheaper
Of course, this data is not intended to dampen the joy of going to the cinema. Few things are as enjoyable as experiencing a great piece of art in a communal setting. However, it’s hard to deny that cinema trips can sometimes be intimidating for people’s wallets. Especially those on lower incomes. So, how can we make going to the cinema cheaper?
From a viewer’s perspective, it’s always worth keeping an eye out for offers. For example, if you already have Amazon Prime, Tesco Clubcard, Aldi Plus or Sky Cinema, you can receive cinema discounts, free tickets or access to offer schemes. Various last-minute schemes can provide cheaper offers. Some of which are listed in the link above. It’s also always worth trying to go in a group. As it means you can split money on things like food and transport. Look into screenings outside of peak times, for example, mid-week and check whether it’s cheaper to book online or in person. Also, while concession purchases help cinemas, bring your own food and drink if finances are stretched.
Meanwhile, beyond permanently reducing prices, here are some suggestions cinema chains should consider to entice viewers to come more often. Things like offering ticket or food discounts or waiving fees on the purchase of multiple tickets would help attract bigger groups. Offering discounts, like those trialled by the BFI, or schemes for those who are low earners or on universal credit, would also help make the cinema experience more accessible. Even things like discounting parking could help make a night out at the cinema seem less taxing.
That’s Not All Folks
Since the pandemic, cinema attendance has been struggling to return to pre-pandemic figures. Action needs to be taken to bring people back. Cinemas need to have variety and a sense of community. But above all, it needs to be affordable for audiences to keep coming.
