Whether you’re planning a spontaneous movie trip or waking up excited for the latest release, cinemas have always been a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
However, as trips to the cinema become increasingly expensive, many people are discovering alternative cinemas beyond the major chains that offer more affordable pricing.
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While South Africa’s two largest cinema chains, Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro, boast the widest variety of films and numerous cineplex locations, other theatres offer a more affordable yet equally enjoyable experience.
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According to the Market Research Foundation’s MAPS data overview, from 2021 to 2023, South African cinema-goers spent an average of R433.69 per outing.
As the largest cinema brands in the country, Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro, with 43 and 22 locations, respectively, are more commonly found nationwide.
However, smaller chains and independent cinemas are also scattered throughout South Africa, often offering tickets for under R100 each.
According to MyBroadband, the most affordable cinema on the list is MiniMax in Paarl, which charges R70 per 2D ticket from Wednesday to Sunday and only R35 on Mondays and Tuesdays.
With just two screens, MiniMax alternates between four films.
CineCentre is the most affordable cinema chain on this list, with regular 2D movie tickets starting at R89.
The franchise has five locations nationwide: Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Cape Town at GrandWest Casino, and two in Killarney.
Customers purchasing tickets receive reward vouchers worth up to R1 209 or R1 909, which can be used at partner establishments such as Spur, Pick n Pay, Wimpy, Krispy Kreme, Engen, Uber Eats and Nando’s.
The Labia Theatre in Cape Town is one of the country’s oldest cinemas, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
Originally an Italian Embassy ballroom, it was transformed into a theatre by Princess Labia in 1949.
Since then, it has operated as an independent cinema, offering both mainstream and alternative films for R90 a ticket.
The Labia notes that it has been performing well and often surpasses the average performance for most films it releases.
‘We are selective in our choice of films and innovative in our programming, providing an attractive outing through our quality programming, variety of catering and Garden Terrace, reasonable prices and good atmosphere,’ the cinema explained.
Movies@ operates seven cinema houses, including prominent locations at Montecasino, Gold Reef City, and other casinos nationwide. Unfortunately they don’t have a branch in Cape Town.
Tickets start at R100, and since these cinemas are located within Tsogo Sun casinos, customers can take advantage of the company’s rewards programme.
Similarly, The Bioscope in Johannesburg is an independent cinema with a single screening room that showcases mostly local films as well as live acts like comedy and music.
Currently, it’s featuring movies such as Loving Vincent, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Is Ebenhaezer Dibakwane Ok? with tickets priced at R100 each.
Between Nu Metro and Ster-Kinekor, Nu Metro is the more affordable option, with 2D movie tickets costing R110 compared to Ster-Kinekor’s R124.90.
Both chains offer similar discounts and benefits through partnered rewards programmes, such as Ster-Kinekor’s 50% discount with Discovery Vitality and Nu Metro’s 50% discount with Absa and Nedbank’s rewards programmes.
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