Be a cinephile without going broke at the 10 best cheap cinemas in Adelaide!
Movie ticket prices have climbed, just like everything else. Back in 2010, movie tickets were only $10. I remember spending weekends on movie marathons because it was so affordable.
These days, I still enjoy movie marathons though—thankfully because I’ve found where to catch the latest releases without breaking the bank!
If you’re searching for budget-friendly cinemas in Adelaide, you’re in luck. I’ve rounded them up here for you.
Capri Theatre
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Address: 141 Goodwood Rd
Phone: +61 882 721 177
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Wednesday to Friday – 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Website: http://www.capri.org.au/
Price Range: $
The Capri Theatre is a great spot for catching mainstream movies without breaking the bank. It’s a heritage-listed cinema that blends vintage charm with modern screenings, offering something different from the usual multiplex experience.
Inside, the auditorium mixes retro vibes with modern comfort. There’s even a Wurlitzer organ—a fascinating instrument that uses pressurised air to create notes through rows of pipes. It adds a special touch to the movie experience.
I saw Mufasa here with my family, and it only cost $35 for all of us. We even got $1 off our popcorn!
Tip: Check their schedule for special screenings and events, which often feature classic films.
Palace Nova Eastend
Media From: palacenova
Address: 3 Cinema Pl
Phone: +61 881 259 312
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Friday to Saturday – 10 a.m to 11 p.m.
- Sunday – 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.palacenova.com.au/
Price Range: $$
For arthouse, independent, foreign-language, and high-quality mainstream films, check out Palace Nova Eastend. This cinema features 12 screens, including the ExiMax, Adelaide’s largest screen, and it’s budget-friendly too!
The cinema has a modern and sophisticated vibe. The design is sleek, with comfy seating and top-notch projection technology.
I watched Licorice Pizza by Paul Thomas Anderson on the ExiMax, and it was a fantastic experience. For just $16, the massive screen and clear audio made the film truly engaging.
Tip: If you’re a student or a senior, bring your ID! They offer $4 off if you present your ID at the ticketing booth.
The Piccadilly
Media From: the_piccadilly
Address: 181 O’Connell St
Phone: +61 882 671 500
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Tuesday – 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Wednesday to Sunday – 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Website: http://thepiccadilly.au/
Price Range: $$
Another historic spot for affordable movie screenings is The Piccadilly. It’s one of South Australia’s oldest cinemas, operating since the 1940s.
The cinema’s architecture combines Art Deco and Moderne styles, with chevron-shaped windows and elegant details. It screens a mix of mainstream films, indie titles, and Australian productions.
I watched Spider-Man: No Way Home here for just $10. The seating was modern and comfy, and it was a treat to enjoy a movie in such a classic setting.
Tip: Visit on Mondays for reduced ticket prices or take advantage of their student discount days every Wednesday.
Odeon Star
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Address: 65 Semaphore Rd
Phone: +61 883 415 988
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Friday – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Website: http://odeonstar.com.au/
Price Range: $
Catch a movie at Adelaide’s oldest cinema, the Odeon Star. Opened in 1920, it was one of the first in the city to feature sound-equipped “talkies.”
The cinema has three screening rooms with classic Art Deco design. Its retro-style decor and cosy atmosphere add to the nostalgic experience.
I watched Jurassic World Dominion here for just $10. The mix of modern amenities and the historic charm of the cinema brought back memories of the original Jurassic Park film.
Tip: Try their homemade treats called Choc-Tops. It’s a combination of creamy ice cream encased in rich chocolate, perfect for enjoying during a movie!
HOYTS Cinema Norwood
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Address: 185 The Parade
Phone: +61 884 271 700
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.hoyts.com.au/cinemas/norwood/
Price Range: $$
For a modern and affordable movie experience, check out HOYTS Cinema Norwood. This seven-screen cinema offers spacious auditoriums with state-of-the-art technology.
The design is sleek and comfortable, with a vibrant, stylish lobby that feels welcoming. There’s even a Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Store where you can grab some ice cream before or after the movie!
I watched John Wick: Chapter 4 here for $18, and the D-BOX Motion recliners were the standout feature. They made the entire experience both comfortable and immersive!
Tip: Download the HOYTS app on Android or iOS for exclusive deals and notifications about upcoming promotions.
Mercury Cinema
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Address: 13 Morphett St
Phone: +61 884 100 979
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Tuesday – 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Wednesday – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Thursday and Friday – 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Website: https://themercury.org.au/
Price Range: $$
Mercury Cinema is perfect for fans of independent, classic, and local films. It’s closely tied to the Adelaide Cinémathèque, giving members access to curated selections of rare international titles and key works by Australian filmmakers.
The cinema has two screening rooms: Mercury, the main one with 186 seats, and Iris, a cosy space with 36 seats. Both feature art installations and displays that celebrate local talent and film culture.
This is my go-to spot for films you won’t find at mainstream cinemas. I’ve watched classics and foreign films here, like The Holy Mountain, Tangerine, and The Square. Plus, it only cost me $12!
Tip: They offer a $25/month subscription that includes unlimited standard screenings, access to workshops, production facilities, a Script Club, networking sessions, and a creative screen culture community!
Moonlight Cinema
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Address: Botanic Park, Plane Tree Dr
Phone: +61 882 077 000
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Website: https://adelaide.moonlight.com.au/
Price Range: $$
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy an outdoor cinema. Moonlight Cinema, operating since 1997, is a summer favourite across Australia, including Adelaide’s Botanic Park.
Set among lush greenery and century-old Moreton Bay Fig trees, the location is perfect for spreading a blanket and enjoying a picnic while watching the latest films.
Last summer, I surprised my wife with a movie date here. We watched Oppenheimer, packed our own food and drinks, and paid just $19 each—a budget-friendly and memorable outing.
Tip: Plan your visit before or after 4 p.m. to avoid sunlight interfering with the projector.
Wallis Cinema Mitcham
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Address: Mitcham Shopping Centre, Level 1/119 Belair Rd
Phone: +61 883 054 444
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Website: http://www.wallis.com.au/cinemas/mitcham
Price Range: $
Wallis Cinema Mitcham is a great choice if you’re on a budget. This seven-screen cinema offers comfortable seating and advanced projection technology, with tickets costing no more than $40.
There’s also a café where you can grab snacks, drinks, or meals before or after the movie.
I enjoy watching movies here because the proceeds support community initiatives, such as rebuilding schools in Ukraine. The cinema also partners with local groups like Embrace Kids and the Mental Health Coalition of SA to create fun activities for kids while promoting mental health awareness.
Tip: Join their loyalty program to earn points towards free tickets and concessions.
The Regal Theatre
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Address: 275 Kensington Rd
Phone: +61 884 314 838
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 10:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday to Sunday – 10:15 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Website: https://www.theregaltheatre.com.au/
Price Range: $
The Regal Theatre is steeped in history. Built in the 1920s, it originally showcased silent films and pantomimes with live accompaniment from the Princess Theatre Orchestra. Over the years, it has been renovated to include modern amenities while preserving its charm.
Inside, you can spot original features like the Replica 1941 Art Deco fireplace and mirror. The new seats are plush and blend seamlessly with the classic interior.
For just $30, I took my whole family to watch Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The kids raved about the experience!
Tip: Check their website regularly! The Regal Theatre often hosts themed movie nights and special screenings for unique experiences.
Reading Cinemas West Lake
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Address: Level 2/111 W Lakes Blvd
Phone: +61 881 590 800
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Friday – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Website: https://readingcinemas.com.au/locations/theatre/west-lakes
Price Range: $$
Reading Cinemas West Lakes is a great option for budget-friendly movie nights. This eight-screen cinema offers standard seating and luxurious recliners, all for under $50.
Every screening room features state-of-the-art projection and sound, ensuring an immersive experience. After your movie, you can pop over to Westfield West Lakes for some shopping or a casual stroll.
I watched A Quiet Place: Day One here, and the experience was incredibly immersive. The clear screen and booming audio made it feel like I was right in the middle of the movie.
Tip: Join their membership program to get 40% off tickets. Plus, regular moviegoers can earn points to redeem rewards like $5 off future tickets.
