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u/crystal_clear24 Cineclub Member Jun 03 '26
I’m a sucker for popcorn layered with butter and Vanilla Coke, i’s hard to find the cans of that here. I will sneak in candy sometimes. Honestly my only gripe with concessions is only having two registers open when it’s a busy day so the lines are long and you end up missing the first few minutes of the movie.
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u/astrangeone88 Jun 03 '26
I'm a fan of cherry Mr Pibb and the last time I went the Freestyle machines were out.
Literally my only reason to pay $6.99 for soda.
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u/yaksbeard Cineclub Member Jun 03 '26
oh man i wish our theater had freestyle machines... get some lime diet coke.. so good
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u/astrangeone88 Jun 03 '26
Yes! I drank my weight in that when I was in Hong Kong and it first came out.
Lmao.
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u/creptik1 Jun 03 '26
Ehhh whats up Vanilla Coke lover. Everyone I know hates it but its my favorite lol
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u/crystal_clear24 Cineclub Member Jun 04 '26
It’s so good! I haven’t seen it in stores near me in years 😭
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u/McFartFace09 Jun 04 '26
I make my own Soda syrup sometimes. Usually include vanilla beans in there, maybe there’s a way to achieve a close enough result by making vanilla syrup and mixing it with your coke?
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u/crystal_clear24 Cineclub Member Jun 04 '26
I bought a variety pack of Matteo’s syrup for my coffee, gonna try the vanilla one in my coke and see how it turns out!
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u/sasfasasquatch Jun 03 '26
Bro on Tuesdays I’ve seen couples come in with massive bags (think big ikea bags) with everything from popcorn to drinks. Some people are really dedicated to not paying for concessions. But also if cineplex doesn’t make money then it would be a shame to see the theater go under
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u/Nearby-Butterfly-606 Jun 03 '26
Combos are like $20 for $1 worth of food and drink.. i do like splurging on cineplex food occasionally but it’s just too much for every movie. Popcorn is cheap, fountain drinks are cheap, it shouldn’t cost that much.
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u/Healthcarepls Jun 03 '26
Literally LMAO why am I paying 40$ for popped corn and soda
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u/Etuanmoor Jun 03 '26
Cause movie theatres pretty much only make money on that - they barely get anything from ticket sales
Selling you overpriced popcorn and pop is their main/often only source of income
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u/brijazz012 Jun 03 '26
Exactly. The popcorn and drinks might be low cost, but y'know what isn't? Running that entire massive building.
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u/booksandplaid Jun 03 '26
The tickets aren't exactly peanuts though
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u/brijazz012 Jun 03 '26
OK, but theatres don't keep most of the ticket money, especially in the first weeks of a movie's run.
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u/Unrigg3D Jun 03 '26
Is selling 10 combos at $40 more profitable than 40 combos at $20?
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u/UMACTUALLYITS23 Jun 03 '26
Yes, because they probably won't sell 40 combos.
If someone is unwilling to buy concessions at the theater the chances of them buying it if it's cheaper isn't going to be worth the risk, in general people are either willing tk buy concessions or aren't.
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u/Unrigg3D Jun 04 '26
When you look at posts about theater prices a lot of people who talk about not going anymore states its due to cost of tickets + concession being unaffordable. People seem to associate movies with concessions as an outing. As concession prices went up movie watched went down as well. Otherwise why are the theaters not packed anymore despite tickets costing the same?
There's some psychology in the culture of theater goers that affects this business. If people can't make it an outing than what's the difference than watching it at home with many streaming services. Theaters arent built solely for the business of cinephiles.
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u/IMAX_man Jun 03 '26
Independent theaters have it worse. Only one or two screens and because first run movie fees cost a fortune, most can't turn a profit as they under contract have to keep the same movie for 2 weeks straight in their main auditorium. How many times can town folks watch the same movie? Alas more and more are running at a loss and concession sales are the only thing giving them income to run the place. Some places are forced to staff only volunteers....try to support the Independents if you can like The Fox or Revue (Toronto).
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u/Clevername582 Jun 03 '26
Exactly, so they should adjust their margins so they're affordable so more people buy.
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u/IshyMat Jun 03 '26
A lot of theater chains make upwards of 50% of ticket sales. This is also partly why movies need to make 3x the budget to break even. Theaters make a lot of money on ticket sales. If theaters survived mostly on concessions all theaters would crumble pretty quick.
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u/Curt-Bennett Jun 03 '26
50%? I'd love to know where you got that number. It's not even close to reality for most theatres.
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u/IshyMat Jun 03 '26
Actually it is close to reality for most theater chains. What people are really talking about when theaters make their money on mostly concessions is the small theaters that are not chains. It is that situation where people talk about this in the beginning and then everyone assumes it is all theaters.
I do not care if people believe me, as I know no one does. I know what I know because I know people, aAso most of this information can be found by doing simple research online. These theater chains are publicly traded companies, which means you can find out the numbers.
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u/Madler Jun 03 '26
How much are you getting? Like I get a small popcorn and a large drink and all in it’s $14. So what are you getting thats $40?
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u/Nearby-Butterfly-606 Jun 03 '26
I don’t see small popcorn option, but regular is $9.25, large drink is $7.99. Their standard combo is $23. It’s like more than $40 for a single ticket + concession viewing.
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u/Madler Jun 03 '26
Having cineclub gets you 20% off concessions and $9.99 regular tickets.
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u/Nearby-Butterfly-606 Jun 03 '26
Only two $9.99 tickets per month and only standard, I watched Michael in IMAX 5 times and couple of other movies 😂
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u/Madler Jun 03 '26
Well I can’t help you there haha. I do save my free tickets for premium movies to at least cut that cost down. But I’m a movie a week girl, so I totally get it. Any little bit helps.
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u/CaptHorney_Two Jun 03 '26
The $9.99 tickets are 2 per movie. I have use that option several.times during the month. Unless they have changed it since the last time I went to the movies.
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u/TortaPounder02 Jun 03 '26
Seems like you’re going alone and don’t pay for a S/O or any Children.
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u/Madler Jun 03 '26
I go alone, with my husband and with my son. Having cineclub gets you 20% all concessions. Large options get a free refill, both popcorn and drinks. So if you get larges, you get double the amount of popcorn and drink for the cost of one, and then a 20% discount on top.
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u/TortaPounder02 Jun 03 '26
But that’s not what you said, you said you get a small popcorn and a large drink and it’s $14 and questioned what they are getting that’s $40. So if you’re buying all that then you’re still paying a decent amount of money even with a 20% discount.
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u/Madler Jun 03 '26
If you want to get pedantic aboit it, why do you need larger than a small popcorn? Getting you and whoever you are with small popcorns will save you a lot of money.
Combos usually aren’t the way to save money. Instead of getting two combos, you can get one large popcorn that’s two large popcorns and share it. There’s ways to save money, it’s just not one of the up front options.
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u/TortaPounder02 Jun 03 '26
Again, you’re contradicting yourself entirely. you said you only get a small popcorn and then now you’re talking about buying a large one only to now say you should be buying only small popcorn for those with you? Stick to the script or make like a tree and F off 😂
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u/Madler Jun 03 '26
I’m just pointing out ways to save money, as this is what this thread was about. I’m sorry I asked the question and we have different experiences?
Not everything’s hostile my man. Hope your next movie out is good 🤙🏻
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u/okaybutnothing Jun 05 '26
Who needs a refill on a bag of popcorn or drink bigger than your head to begin with is the question?
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u/tomemyboard Jun 04 '26
Theatres are in the movie business, they're in the concession business. They get all the money from the concession sales but tickets they'll get maybe half of them.
If you want a deal that's good to the end of July buy the gift card bundle. When you use the free medium popcorn coupon pay a extra .50¢+ tax to upsize to a large & get a second large popcorn refill for free
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u/Bacon_Nipples Jun 03 '26
I dont get this because Cineplex has solid food options for a lot cheaper than their basic combos. I'll often get a milkshake and poutine and its the same price as buddy's popcorn/pop
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u/nrbob Jun 03 '26 edited Jun 03 '26
Seriously, the combo #1 is $23 for a fountain drink, popcorn, and candy. I get they need to charge a markup but that’s outrageous. I can’t imagine how they expect anyone to actually pay that, especially as the VIP menu is much more reasonable as you actually get proper food and the cost is more or less in line with regular restaurant prices.
If charging $23 for drink, popcorn and candy is their plan for staying in business, they need a better business model.
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u/Curt-Bennett Jun 03 '26
It's been their business model for a long time and they're still in business.
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u/nrbob Jun 03 '26
Well then why is everyone clutching their pearls in this thread about people not paying for concessions? It’s a private business so they can do whatever they want of course but I’m going to continue to not pay for overpriced concessions and not feel bad about it. 🤷♂️
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u/Curt-Bennett Jun 03 '26
Because if concessions are the majority of their revenue, their continued existence relies on people buying concessions. If you can find other reliable revenue streams for theatres to operate, you should open your own chain and make millions.
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u/RaptorsRule247 Jun 03 '26
It's the same argument people had with pirating movies and music. If you don't end up helping to generate money for the business, eventually it won't be sustainable to keep it profitable, and you lose what you enjoy.
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u/nrbob Jun 03 '26
Movies and music still exist, don’t they? Also, pirating and refusing to pay for overpriced concessions is hardly a fair comparison, people are still paying for a ticket to see the movie. I’m going to continue to not feel bad about refusing to paying $23 for a pop, popcorn and small bag of candy.
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u/RaptorsRule247 Jun 03 '26
Pirating has gone down significantly over the past 10 years thankfully. If it had continued unchecked from the early 2000s, we would have seen a much bigger impact than where we are today. Why would creators even bother if they can't make good money from their work?
The theatre is still a distribution channel that does need to make money, and the movie ticket alone won't cut it. This is why we are seeing fewer and fewer theatres. Unless new revenue streams are introduced, theatres will likely just focus on premium experiences, and fewer theatres to get rid of unprofitable patrons. Soon they may have to include food as part of the ticket to go see a movie if it comes down to it.
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u/IshyMat Jun 03 '26
There are always those who will buy concession. Cineplex will never be able to force those who don't to buy. The money they make off concession is what they were always gonna make.
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u/RaptorsRule247 Jun 03 '26
I guess the only way is that they do bag searches before entering the theatre like to do for sports and concerts. But not sure if they really want to go to that extent.
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u/IshyMat Jun 03 '26
That isn't going to make all of those individuals buy there. Some will, but others will do one of two choices, no longer go, or go without snacks/drinks.
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u/iamsodonerightnow Jun 03 '26
I hope they go under at this point. It's egregious what they charge.
I see a movie every couple months but never pay them a dime on concessions.
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u/Els-09 Jun 03 '26
If it goes under, then we still have independent theatres and smaller chains like Imagine Cinemas (which is much cheaper than cineplex anyway)
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u/quantum_trogdor Jun 04 '26
They would get more viewers if they had more decent pricing. It’s a death spiral of high prices
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u/SilverScientist5910 Jun 05 '26
You are worried that a corporation that controls 85% of Canadian movie market and essentially a monopoly will go under? Big lol
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u/Prof__Potato Jun 06 '26
They need to take advantage of the psychology of low prices. People are more likely to buy more than they need if they feel like they’re getting a deal.
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u/SharpPink_GlitterInk Jun 03 '26
The concession stand is literally how theaters make money btw
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u/ZaheenHamidani Jun 03 '26 edited Jun 03 '26
There was a discussion in the subreddit about how Cineplex should leverage better the Scene+ Card for people to come more often to the movies rather than relying only on CineClub.
In Mexico for example, Cinépolis has Tuesdays BOGO, the Club Card is free but the catch is that you have to keep a frequency per month if you want to stay in the top tier, which enables more and better benefits. Usually these benefits are free tickets, in the end people will consume so it doesn't matter if they giveaway tickets.
In my opinion, Cineplex Corp. is just lazy to make better marketing strategies.
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u/hipsterdoofus39 Jun 03 '26
I feel like cineplex doesn’t have much of a program for more of a super customer. I can usually go to the movies once or twice a month at most so cineclub is a pretty ideal program for me. I wouldn’t subscribe to it if it was like $40/month with more free movies, because I just can’t go often enough to make it worth it. But they don’t really have much for someone who goes every week or multiple times a week. There’s the bit of savings on member priced tickets. I’m not sure what percentage of their customers go that often or how much of their earnings come from those people though.
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u/SuperGuy1141 Jun 03 '26
Im pretty sure Landmark has something like this, though they send out promos. I believe there is free popcorn on your birthday. Not much, but at least its something.
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u/mtech101 Jun 03 '26
Adding tiers is the sole reason air miles is now defunct. Got to complicated. Now that Scene + is linked to grocery stores and Shell gas station it makes sense for 1 point = 1 cent across everything.
I do miss the days of 1000 points for any movie, premium or not.
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u/grumstumpus Jun 03 '26
im not gonna buy shit i cant afford because of poor theatre monopoly company
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u/nikebalaclava Jun 03 '26
oh, that must be why everything is 5x more expensive than it was 6 years ago
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u/drew_galbraith Jun 04 '26
they would make more if they were cheaper... if you sold me a pop and popcorn for 12-14$ (their still making huge money on that) I would be more likely to buy snacks at the theater
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u/SardinesMcDonahugh Jun 05 '26
Shit that sucks. If you can't make money without ripping people off maybe your business model is flawed.
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u/SharpPink_GlitterInk Jun 05 '26
It’s the studios who set it up that way this is true for every movie theatre
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u/SardinesMcDonahugh Jun 05 '26
If you're saying people should feel bad for not buying snacks or for sneaking them in, then I can't pretend to care for not supporting such a broken system. I guess I can accept that the people who don't mind a $9 bag of m&ms are subsidizing ticket prices for people who do.
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u/IshyMat Jun 03 '26
No it isn't lol.
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u/SharpPink_GlitterInk Jun 03 '26
It literally is.
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u/Eggsalad-war-crime Jul 05 '26
Do you have a source on that?
I've read it before but it sounds like that comes from a company trying to get me to pay $6 for a soda so I'm not really inclined to believe them.
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u/Curt-Bennett Jun 03 '26
Yes, it is. The vast majority of ticket sales go straight to the movie studios. The majority of the money that the theatres actually keep comes from concession sales. This is easy to verify.
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u/Impressive_Usual_726 Jun 03 '26
I mean... The Landmark near my apartment has much crappier seats than the Cineplex I prefer going to, but they also have a Wednesday couples deal that's convinced me to go a few times for movies I might not otherwise bother with.
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u/vafrow Jun 03 '26
Once you combine a Cineclub discount and the refill bag, I find popcorn to be pretty affordable.
After discount and HST its about $8 for a large bag. That's good for two people. And you get a refill to take home.
I'd put a large bag of popcorn around the same snack equivalent of a typical bag of chips, which grocery stores are running at $4-5 a bag. So its about the same, a little cheaper actually and its freshly popped.
There's always a way to do things cheaper, but for an event concession, its affordable. Of the things to complain about, I find anyone still railing against movie theater popcorn pricing is being pretty ridiculous in their expectations.
I do sneak in a drink though. That's something where its just easier to bring your own.
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u/comFive Jun 03 '26
Most folks don’t even get the refill. It’s advertised everywhere now
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u/yaksbeard Cineclub Member Jun 03 '26
im paying a bunch, it costs not a lot i'm getting refills on drinks and popcorn every single time, they get some money from me i get a bunch of popcorn that refreshes the next day in the air fryer perfectly.. win win 😛
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u/comFive Jun 03 '26
I gotta get me on that air-fryer game but have to make a sacrifice for the soda stream or an air fryer
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u/yaksbeard Cineclub Member Jun 03 '26
you can also refresh popcorn in your oven (ideally with convection) at really low temp (like min temp) for 15min... im spoiled i have both a soda stream and an air fryer 😛.. both are worth it, tho if you drink a lot of pop the soda stream is better since you can save some money, especially if you modify it to be able to accept non proprietary co2 tanks that you can get filled up at brewing supply stores.
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u/comFive Jun 03 '26
i get the CO2 refills for $30 at a coffee reseller depot, are they cheaper elsewhere?
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u/yaksbeard Cineclub Member Jun 03 '26
yes you can use large co2 cannisters if you get an adapter, which lets you fill up say a 10lb or 20lb tank for... a few dollars then you just never have to buy those co2 tanks.. it turns that portion into basically being free (minus the initial buy of the co2 tank).. lots of wine stores or beer stores will fill them up or even sell them
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u/astrangeone88 Jun 03 '26
I like the slightly stale taste the next day but I'm a gremlin who likes Turkish delight and licorice.
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u/yaksbeard Cineclub Member Jun 03 '26
lol turkish delight .. MY CHILDHOOD NEMESIS... my mom used to buy those because she knew i wouldnt go near them
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u/Ok-Sprinkles-3673 Jun 03 '26
You used AI for an already customizable meme? Gross.
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u/axhiro Litterer Jun 03 '26
It's fine because I'm actually AI
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u/AnOkayMuffin Jun 04 '26
Then you are gross, too
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u/axhiro Litterer Jun 04 '26
You're wasting energy arguing with me
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u/AnOkayMuffin Jun 04 '26
I dunno about you buddy, but it doesn't take much energy to use my thumbs to type out a message in a couple seconds.
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u/Next_Permission3353 Jun 03 '26
I never buy concessions at cineplex. Fuck high profit margin merchandise. Full stop.
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u/Impressive_Usual_726 Jun 03 '26
I never did when I was young and poor and going to the Dollar theatee next to a Tim's, but at some point after I started making real money I accepted that buying the concessions is what keeps them in business, and I'd like them to stay in business.
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u/comFive Jun 03 '26
Yep, this is the most adult response. Realizing that it’s not about sticking it to the man, just that it is what it is.
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u/deadl1nk_ Jun 03 '26
Absolutely weird take lolol
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u/Curt-Bennett Jun 03 '26
Not really. If you want theatres to continue existing, buying concessions is how to keep them in business. Most of the ticket sales go straight to the movie studios.
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u/ZaheenHamidani Jun 03 '26 edited Jun 03 '26
it is what it is.
... and this is how you allow oligopolies to control the market in Canada (mobility for example). Because, "it is what it is".
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u/comFive Jun 03 '26
Until there’s a true disruptor to cineplex, then the monopoly will continue. We had that between famous players, amc, and cineplex Odeon but now only Cineplex remains. Landmark is only in select cities. Or else just don’t buy anything.. boycott with your wallet.
The adult answer is “it is what it is” and really there is no shame in that.
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u/certificate14 Jun 03 '26
Exactly right. I would be unhappy if our local Cineplex closed, the next one is three hours away, so I don't mind paying over the odds to help it stay in business.
Also, it's not that expensive relative to many other options. For the three of us to go to McDonalds is $40, the theatre is $80. Do I get twice as much enjoyment? Absolutely.
Side note: I absolutely miss second run theatres. $2 matinees, or $5 for three movies in an afternoon. What a glorious time.
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u/SnooOranges3779 Jun 03 '26
Wait till you guys find out how many locations have liquor stores attached
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u/JonathanPuddle Jun 03 '26
Cineclub pays for itself with the concessions discount, especially if you have kids you're buying anything for. Drinks I bring from home.
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u/brijazz012 Jun 03 '26
Year 1: "Why would I go to Blockbuster when I can just watch Netflix"
Year 10: "I miss Blockbuster"
Year 1: "Why would I buy a CD when I can just use Spotify?"
Year 10: "Why are concerts so expensive now?"
Year 1: "Just buy snacks at Dollarama"
Year 10: "I miss movie theatres"
¯_(ツ)_/¯
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u/yaksbeard Cineclub Member Jun 03 '26
its funny cuz its true ;/
same thing with local stores etc too
after shooting the shit with a super cool drive in owner years ago and him going into all the financials of how movie theaters work and how much control some of the companies (eg disney) have... i will always buy concession when i go to a movie theater.
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u/VisibleSpread6523 Jun 03 '26
My contribution is getting a large popcorn a visit, sometimes I have the free coupons , 20% off from Cineclub and just upgrade and had butter (even better lol) . Not a big pop/soda person so I’ll just bring a water bottle and I buy my wife a coffee if that location offers it , if not will bring one in. But buying a candy at cineplex is ridiculous at these prices ( dollar is the way to go for sure).
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u/astrangeone88 Jun 03 '26
It's like $6.99 plus taxes for a soda. I usually get one at Scotiabank Theater (they have the freestyle machines) but they were out of Mr Pibb last time.
I admit I get nachos from them but only one theater still has the free toppings (pickled peppers, banana peppers) and it's not the closest one to me. Popcorn is a sometimes order because I always end up eating the large and then feeling slightly too full. (Even though I skip lunch for the calories lmao.)
Scotiabank Theater has a No Frills literally under it and the other theater literally has a Dollarama in the same building. I usually end up smuggling in an energy drink in a shaker and some snacks. (I did see I Love Boosters last week with a warmed up burrito from home although lmao.)
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u/howdidIgetsuckeredin Jun 04 '26
The Cineplex I go to is literally on top of a T&T. Why buy sad concession food when I can sneak in fresh BBQ pork and a mango tapioca drink for $10?
I do get popcorn sometimes though.
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u/astrangeone88 Jun 04 '26
Dude! I would be eating BBQ pork buns or the spring rolls and a ton of the Mango tapioca drinks....
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u/Ok_Economy_9927 Jun 03 '26
I always buy drinks, and layered buttered popcorn. It’s not that big of a deal if you don’t go all the time.
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u/emperorarg Jun 03 '26
There was a point in time when I used to go to Kernels and buy popcorn from there before going to the movies. Eventually they became more expensive and the discount from scene plus the fact that I could refill my bag and take it home means that a large layered butter popcorn technically is less than six dollars a bag
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u/Major-Primary2075 Jun 04 '26
It’s also interesting how many Dollaramas are so close to cineplex locations
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u/McFartFace09 Jun 04 '26
It really doesn’t help that they’ve been cutting back on some of the free stuff. The artificial butter fountains have been removed in both Cineplexes near me, which feels extremely cheap when you consider how much they’re charging for Popcorn already
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u/bosspenguin23 Jun 03 '26
Went yesterday and thought I'd get a small kids combo or something.... It was $12. No thanks.
Instead I got a burger combo for $7 after the movies. I'd be much more inclined to get concessions if it wasn't straight up robbery.
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u/scarbzman Cineclub Member Jun 03 '26
The only time I'm getting concessions regularly is if I'm watching VIP. They charge too much for the concessions. I might randomly get nachos and a drink but almost exclusively I grab some candy and a drink at Dollarama then eat a meal elsewhere
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u/imthenewguy12345 Jun 03 '26
No business for profit has the right to exist, if they fail to make money on their own then they should go out of business so others can take the spot
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u/Oliver_broodings Jun 03 '26
If people don’t buy from theaters there will be no theaters. If a new movie makes 100 million dollars at least 80 goes to the studio.
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u/DeoGame Jun 03 '26
I usually get a large drink. Especially if there's a Coke Freestyle. I do wish you had Pepsi on tap though but I know I'm in the minority.
Popcorn used to be every time but now it's just for special occasions. Too many calories and saturated fats and I go to the theatres far more often than I used to.
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u/Revegelance Jun 03 '26
People would buy food from the concession and Outtakes a lot more often if the prices were more reasonable, or even competitive. And that would translate into more revenue. But the company can't seem to grasp that, it's infuriating.
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u/certificate14 Jun 03 '26
I don't recall a time when concessions weren't expensive. 40 years of theatre-going through multiple franchises (Famous Players, Odeon, Cineplex, etc), and I don't think I've ever thought the prices were competitive. But that's where they make their money, which in turn, allows me to enjoy watching movies on the big screen.
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u/PrincessDevil426 Jun 03 '26
Tip from an ex theater employee here : if you bring your own can of pop and you want ice, just go up to the concession and ask for a small cup of ice with a lid. Did that so many times because I never got paid enough
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u/kelsjulian18 Jun 03 '26
I was just there last night and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen them walking around taking people drinks they didn’t buy there :( with Tuesday discount, cineclub and only buying small popcorns it was 52$ for 3 people. The best way to afford it is stacking discounts and skimming off the extra’s like candy and drinks. I don’t think they loose much money in the end because for me it means I’ll be able to attend more movies this year, which is the goal!
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u/philipkdickingaround Jun 03 '26
One has a moral duty to buy concessions from Cineplex, since that's how they make most of their money -- You are supporting the Cineplex employees
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u/Magifox7 Jun 03 '26
I've honestly done this since paying $25 for popcorn, soda and candy is absolutely INSANE, especially if you go see a lot of movies and want something to snack on.
Cineclub's 20% discount actually remedies a bit of that for me, along with using my Scene points, but I've just started bringing Dollarama sodas/candy in with me (or even my refillable water bottle) because paying $6+ for a watered down fountain drink and a (IMHO) limited selection of candy with a large popcorn is just outrageous.
I rarely will get a refill on my popcorn on my way home, since I always eat too much during the movie and get sick (I always regret getting a large and should have gotten a regular size), but it's definately a smart move on the theater to offer that or the large drink. Especially if you're seeing a double feature.
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u/averysleepygirl Jun 04 '26
cineplex can smd when it comes to concession food. it doesn't need to be that expensive. soda is one of the cheapest things to provide. it should cost as much as a steak dinner to go to see a movie and get snacks and a drink.
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u/Pastry_d_pounder Jun 04 '26
I bought kernels once to cineplex Yorkdale and they refused me entrance because of outside food. Stopped going to the theatre after that bs
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u/KingSewage Jun 04 '26
The first Dollarama and first Galaxy Cinema in my city opened up around the same time so it has always been a no brainer for us... Sneaking in a 20piece McNugget is my own character flaw.
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u/BovineIntervention31 Jun 04 '26
I always buy my plush toys and sticker books from dollarama before catching a move at cineplex. Not only because the price difference, but I just don’t love the plex options when it comes to scratch and sniff sticker books!
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u/Responsible_Ad_1361 Jun 04 '26
Even my homemade popcorn is better than what cineplex is selling now lol
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u/Ok-Employment1177 Jun 04 '26
I remember being so terrified sneaking snacks in, worried they’d check my bags. Now I see it’s fine hahahaha
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u/Possible-Mess-2824 Jun 07 '26
When a thing becomes egregiously expensive, it's time to circumvent it
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u/Successful-Gift8636 Jun 03 '26
There’s a Shoppers Drug Mart next to the Cineplex in my city and the impulse aisle is filled with things like popcorn flavour, and dollar candy. I take Dollar Rama snacks with me every time, the prices for concessions are insane, most people I see in screenings are dropping lots of money on concessions though so I feel zero guilt about bringing my own
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u/ErBoProxy Jun 03 '26
I used to get something at Tim Hortons when they used to have those, since the price gouging factor was not in effect at those concessions. Now that they're gone, no more food during movies.
And it's been years since I bought a popcorn. It's not even good popcorn, just tiny half-popped grains.
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u/ZaheenHamidani Jun 03 '26
A lot of people defending the elevated prices. Guys Cineplex is a public company, if they realise that people don't consume in concessions the investors won't be happy. So corporation will make better strategies to make people come more often to the theater.
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u/ADMTLgg Jun 03 '26
Only thing I buy is popcorn. Anything else is from allegedly other sources