Regal and Cinemark Drop Summer Movie Prices to $1 for Families

The summer heat is on its way, and with it comes the annual challenge for families to find engaging, affordable activities. Good news for movie lovers: Regal Cinemas and Cinemark are stepping up, rolling out their highly anticipated discounted movie programs for summer 2026, offering a cool escape without breaking the bank.

Regal's long-running Summer Movie Express (SMX) is celebrating its 35th year, inviting audiences to enjoy family-friendly films for just $1 per ticket. This popular program kicks off on June 1 and runs for eleven weeks, concluding on August 13. Participating Regal theaters, numbering over 380 nationwide, will host two PG-rated movies every Monday through Thursday, with showtimes starting at 11:00 a.m. A portion of the proceeds from the Summer Movie Express will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, adding a charitable component to the affordable entertainment.

The lineup for Regal's Summer Movie Express 2026 features a mix of recent hits and anticipated releases. The first week, from June 1-4, will showcase "Sing" (2016) and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" (2023). Following weeks include titles like "Kung Fu Panda 4" (2024), "David" (2025), "KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along" (2025), "The Wild Robot" (2024), "The Bad Guys 2" (2025), "The Garfield Movie" (2024), "A Minecraft Movie" (2025), and "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" (2022). Other films slated for the summer include "How to Train Your Dragon" (2025), "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" (2024), "Scoob!" (2020), and "Despicable Me 4" (2024), among many others. Regal Unlimited members can also use their monthly subscription for SMX titles. To sweeten the deal, Regal is offering discounted concession items, including $3.00 off a cup of Dippin' Dots ice cream or a Snack Pack, which combines a junior-sized drink, popcorn, and fruit gummies.

Not to be outdone, Cinemark is launching its Summer Movie Clubhouse program, with tickets priced at $1.75 plus tax per person. This initiative also begins on June 1 and will run through August 6. Over 285 Cinemark locations across the country will participate, primarily showing films on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m., with some theaters offering additional showtimes on Mondays and Thursdays. Tickets for the Summer Movie Clubhouse became available for purchase on May 13 through Cinemark's website, mobile app, and at participating box offices. Cinemark's film selection for the 2026 Summer Movie Clubhouse includes beloved titles such as "Paddington," "Sonic the Hedgehog," "KPop Demon Hunters Sing Along," "Shrek Forever After," "The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants," "A Minecraft Movie," "Dog Man," "How to Train Your Dragon" (live action), "The Bad Guys 2," and "Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie." Cinemark is also rolling out food promotions, offering $1 off snack packs and $1 off any size popcorn and drink combos during the special showtimes.

Regal Cinemas, originally founded in 1989 in Knoxville, Tennessee, with Mike Campbell serving as CEO, has grown to become the second-largest theater circuit in the United States. The company operates as a subsidiary of the British firm Cineworld and has a history marked by rapid expansion, both through constructing new multiplexes and acquiring smaller chains. Cinemark Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Plano, Texas, commenced its operations in 1984, building upon the cinematic ventures of Lee Roy Mitchell that date back to the 1960s. Cinemark has established itself as a significant player within the theatrical exhibition industry, managing hundreds of locations across the Americas.

Both companies have a long-standing tradition of offering these popular summer movie programs. Regal's Summer Movie Express has been a staple since 1991, consistently providing budget-friendly options for families. Cinemark's Summer Movie Clubhouse has also been an annual event for many years, with records indicating its presence as far back as 2001 and a consistent offering of discounted prices since at least 2013. These initiatives are designed to increase foot traffic during morning hours that might otherwise be quiet for theaters, ensuring a steady flow of moviegoers throughout the summer months.

Brooks LeBoeuf, Senior Vice President of U.S. Content at Regal, spoke to the enduring appeal of the program. "Enjoying time with friends and family at a movie theatre during summer is as much of a warm weather tradition as relaxing together at the swimming pool," LeBoeuf stated. "Every year, moviegoers of all ages gather at Regal theatres to escape the heat at our Summer Movie Express series of family-friendly films."

Wanda Gierhart Fearing, Cinemark's Chief Marketing and Content Officer, highlighted the program's role in fostering future audiences. She commented that the program is designed to provide families with an affordable way to enjoy films together and cultivate early moviegoing habits. "We continue to see that younger audiences treasure the shared, immersive experience of going to the movies, and Cinemark is thrilled to nurture that excitement with our annual Summer Movie Clubhouse," Fearing explained. "This program gives families an affordable, easy way to enjoy beloved films together and build the kind of memories that turn today's young movie fans into lifelong moviegoers."

These discounted summer programs are more than just a deal; they are a crucial strategy for the cinema industry. By offering accessible entertainment, they help to foster a love for moviegoing in new generations, securing future audiences for theatrical releases. They also drive attendance during specific periods, ensuring that theaters remain vibrant community hubs even during off-peak hours.

As families look for ways to beat the heat and create lasting memories this summer, these initiatives by Regal and Cinemark present an unbeatable option. With a wide array of films and affordable prices, the tradition of summer moviegoing continues to thrive, promising a season of fun for all ages.