The summer blockbuster guide to movie matinee bargains in Brooklyn

We’re not sure when this was decided, but movies are for rich people. This innocent pastime which once welcomed all tax brackets into its chilly, air conditioned arms seems to have slipped away, and for many of us, the days of seeing cinematic wonders unfold before us on a screen larger than a laptop screen are naught but a memory.

Well, we don’t know how to fight that, but we do know that doing something that doesn’t include the overconsumption of alcohol and subsequent high bar tab shouldn’t lead to regret and an empty checking account. So, we’ve rounded up this list of Brooklyn theaters where you can go to the movies for cheap(er).

Cobble Hill Cinemas (265 Court Street, Cobble Hill) can have you out $11 on a weeknight–$13 if you’re a 3D fan—but all day and night on Tuesdays and Thursdays, along with every day before 5pm, tickets are just $8.

Alpine Cinema (6817 Fifth Avenue, Bay Ridge) not only has $9 tickets for all of their shows, but also will get allow you to talk about Iron Man 3 around the water cooler for just $7 on weekday shows starting before 5pm, and the first screening of a film on Saturdays and Sundays.

Kent Theatre (1170 Coney Island Avenue, Ditmas Park) is an old, no-frills place to see a mainstream movie, where “Bargain Wednesdays” boast ticket prices of $5. $5! That’s cheaper than 90’s cheap.

BAM Rose Cinemas (30 Lafayette Avenue, Fort Greene) is by far the fanciest theatre on this list, and prices reflect it: tickets to a movie there are $13 for a normal showing. But, in an act of generosity, the first show of the day for each movie is a more reasonable $9.

The Pavilion Theater (188 Prospect Park West, Park Slope) is your typical popcorn-and-soda joint where tickets are $12 in the evening. But, you can get  $8 for shows before 4pm. On Tuesdays, select shows are “matinee all day” for $8, while on Wednesdays, a valid student ID will get you in for $7. Then again, the Pavilion is one of the most hated theaters in Brooklyn, so stare at the screen there at your own risk.

Brooklyn Heights Cinema‘s (70 Henry Street) ticket prices are normally $11 for adults, and $8 for seniors, military veterans and children. They’ve got a couple of deals for you though: tickets are  $9 for students Sunday through Thursday and $7 for any weekday matinees, before 4pm, except holidays.

New kids on the block Williamsburg Cinemas (217 Grand Street) will normally run you $11 for a night out at the movies, but they have plenty of deals to get you in for under a Hamilton. On non-holiday Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, every show before 5pm will run you $8. Even better than that though, every movie on Tuesdays and Thursdays are $8. And, if you can somehow drag yourself to movie theatre before 2pm on weekends, the first screening of any movie is $8. Plus, your ticket stub gets you sweet deals at Pies ‘n Thighs and Full Circle Bar.

Of course, you might be sick of Hollywood and their big budget extravaganzas based on the latest comic book or YA novel. Don’t worry arthouse kids, we’ve got you covered too:

reRun Gastropub Theater (147 Front St., DUMBO) has IFP-presented “events” rather than “movies” which typically cost $10 a piece. Perhaps not shockingly cheap for a movie ticket, but the menu bypasses overpriced popcorn and candy for salty and sweet options like a hand-made stuffed Brooklyn pretzels filled with your choice of ground beef, three cheeses, garlic mashed potatoes or polenta; a slightly fancier option of stuffed baked focaccia with stuffing options that include duck confit; dressed up sausages; assorted pastries; or an iced cream sandwich. All of these options, by the way, hover around $5. Can you even get a small popcorn for that? It doesn’t matter. Go here.

IndieScreen (289 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg) is a theatre, event space, art gallery and comedy house all in one. Movie tickets are $10 for members (usually $12), and membership costs $35 a year, which works out if you go to the movies more than once a month. Members also get invited to special events and can enjoy other benefits, like saying they’re in “CineClub” and telling people they belong to the club where 50 Cent recently shot “Be My Bitch.” What’s cooler than that?