Going to the movies can be a way for many students to take a study break, go on a date, or just relax during the school year. Here are all the fall and winter anticipated releases for the 2019 semester and the theatres that offer student ID discounts and their reward systems so you can get the most bang for your buck.
Theaters
AMC
With AMC theaters you can use your student ID. On their website under the Extras, offers and promotions tab, they list that student ID pricing is available, though they don’t know how big that discount is, they also offer discount Tuesdays. On Tuesdays, at AMC you can receive a discount on tickets and some concessions. AMC also has its own rewards program. With AMC Stubs you can reap some great benefits as a moviegoer. As an Insider, you earn 20 points for every dollar spent The system has tiers, and as you move up you have to purchase instead of earning your way up. It did not allow me to view the prices of the upper levels, but if you are an avid movie-goer it might be worth it. Though these upper levels can earn you more rewards the “Insider” membership has its benefits. Free large popcorn during your birthday month, online fees are waived when you purchase four or more tickets, and on Discount Tuesdays you can save more and have access to a special popcorn and drink combo.
Cinemark
Cinemark theaters offer students a discounted ticket price of $7.75 on regular tickets when you show your ID at the counter. It also discounts 3-D tickets. This works for any day of the week, but only for matinee. Make sure to check their website under the discounts tab at the top to check if your local theater participates. Under that same tab on their website, you can find if your theater participates in discount days which discount movie tickets if you’re going with family or friends that aren’t students. The last way to save money with Cinemark is to join their Cinemark Movie Fan or Movie Club program. Movie Fan is completely free and can earn you 1 point for every $1 spent and those can be used for rewards like movie tickets and concessions. Movie Club is $8.99 and you earn one 2D movie ticket a month and they roll over if they go unused. 20% off concessions which can be shared with friends, and no online fees when you purchase tickets through the app or their website.
Regal
Regal Cinemas has its own rewards system known as Crown rewards. With this system, you earn 100 credits for every $1 spent and move up in status tier by the number of times you visit. Visiting between six and nine times a year will put you in Emerald’s status and get you 250 bonus credits with every ticket purchase. If you see between ten and nineteen movies per year, will put you at Ruby status with 500 bonus credits with every ticket purchase. Finally, visiting twenty times or more per year will put you at the Diamond status and you will receive a thousand bonus credits with every ticket purchase. If you download the app you can use your credits for easier and for more rewards. Regal doesn’t list if it has a student ID discount on their websites, but there’s no harm in trying it at the box office.
The Movies to See
IT Chapter 2 – September 6th
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, and James McAvoy
Premise: The sequel to 2017’s IT is supposed to carry on the story that was only half-told in the first movie. Flashing forward 30 years, this next chapter will continue to pick up where the original left off and is sure to leave audiences spooked
Hustlers – September 13th
Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Lili Reinhart, Cardi B, Lizzo, Keke Palmer, and Julia Stiles
Premise: If the star-studded female cast didn’t grab your attention to the story based on real-life events, the move is about a group of strippers who stole from Wall Street executives right under their noses. With flashy pole dancing, a real look into how and who the 2008 stock market crash hurt most, and some undertones that will leave you empowered, Hustler’s is not to be missed on your next girls’ night out.
The Goldfinch – September 13th
Starring: Ansel Elgort, Finn Wolfard, Nicole Kidman, and Peter Jacobson
Premise: Based on the Pulitzer prize-winning novel, this movie follows the life of a young boy who survives a terrorist bombing at an art museum with his mother, leading him to a life of crime.
Joker – October 4th
Starring: Robert De Niro, Joaquin Phoenix, and Zazie Beetz
Premise: Unlike the other Joker films you have seen (and separate from the other iterations of him) this movie will give life to the origin story of the famous “Clown Prince of Crime” in Gotham.
Zombieland: Double Tap – October 11th
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Abigail Breslin, Emma Stone, and Jesse Eisenberg
Premise: 10 years after the original film was released, the hilarious horror sequel is gracing theatres just in time for this Halloween season. Facing evolved zombies the crew goes after one of their own that ran off and finds all the trouble along the way.
The Addams Family – October 18th
Starring: Chloe Grace Mortez, Charlize Theron, Oscar Isaac, and Finn Wolfhard
Premise: If you don’t know what to expect from an Addams family movie I suggest you go watch the live-action ones. This animated version will definitely be more kid-friendly, but still have all the hallmarks of a good Addams family movie. A star-studded cast and sweet story premise of moving to a new neighborhood; this movie is sure to kill.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood – October 18th
Starring: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, and Susan Kelechi Watson
Premise: This movie will certainly require tissues. Tom Hanks is telling the story of beloved Mr. Rogers in this new film that the trailer alone could bring even the coldest heart to warmth. A journalist reporting on the life of Mr. Rogers looks deep into his life and why he loves to make the world smile.
Jojo Rabbit – October 18th
Cast: Rebel Wilson, Scarlett Johanson, Roman Griffin Davis, and Sam Rockwell
Premise: Taking a satirical look at the Holocaust through the eyes of a Hitler Youth, this movie is sure to leave you with your jaw on the ground. Armed, his imaginary friend, Hitler a young German boy is stunned when he finds a Jewish girl hiding in his walls thanks to his own mothers doing. Confronting blind Nationalism with wit, this movie is sure to give you a fresh take on today.
Queenie and Slim – November
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Indya Moore, and Bokeem Woodbine
Premise: After killing a cop out of self defense at a traffic stop Queenie and Slim, the new Bonnie and Clyde story. Set in Kentucky, the couple evades the law while also encountering fellow members of the black community that support them and their rebel cause. With an intense trailer, incredible plot, and cast to tie together, Queenie and Slim will have you holding your breath until the very end
Harriet – November 1st
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monae, Joe Alwyn, and Jennifer Nettles
Premise: Following the story of hero Harriet Tubman, this movie takes a deeper dive into her past and the battles she’s fought. Showing the danger and peril Harriet faced and how she was able to free so many black men and women, this movie is a must see.
Midway – November 8th
Starring: Nick Jonas, Luke Evans, Woody Harrelson, Patrick Wilson, and Mandy Moore.
Premise: Based on the real battle and events of World War II after Pearl Harbor, the battle of Midway was legendary. With a team of pilots battling for the west coast of the United States, American forces needed midway to prevent further invasions. Following these pilots into battle this film will teach you and entertain you.
Charlie’s Angels – November 15th
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Elizabeth Banks, Patrick Stewart, and Noah Centineo
Premise: Bringing back a classic female spy movie, this Charlie’s Angels is sure to put fans on the edge of their seats. A female tech developer needs the protection of the Angels and eventually joins them to keep her newest program out of the hands of the wrong people.
Frozen 2 – November 22nd
Starring: Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad
Premise: We are back in Arendelle once again to continue the story of Elsa and Anna. Focusing on where Else’s powers came from and the adventure to find them.
Knives Out – November 27th
Starring: Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Daniel Craig, and Ana de Armas
Premise: Fans of murder mysteries will love this comedic whodunnit. If the cast alone is not enough to draw you in this plot sure will. After their famed mystery writer father/grandfather dies the day after celebrating his birthday foul play is suspected of the family in attendance. Under the eye of a private detective, family secrets are uncovered and the killer may be brought to justice.
Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker – December 20th
Starring: Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Carrie Fischer
Premise: The final chapter of the star wars Skywalker Saga is the perfect movie for fans of the franchise this holiday season. Follow Rey on her quest to finally end The First Order.
Cats – December 20th
Starring: Francesca Hayward, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Hudson, James Corden, and many more
Premise: As a live-action adaptation to the Andrew Llyod-Weber musical. Cats is a very convoluted musical so here’s a direct quote of the premise from IMDb, “A tribe of cats called the Jellicles must decide yearly which one will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new Jellicle life.” (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5697572/)
Little Women – December 25th
Starring: Emma Watson, Timothee Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Saoirse Ronan, and more
Premise: Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott about a family of four girls growing up in a post-civil war America.