Jamie is a never-ending source of money saving information. She truly is a money magnet and one site I visit daily [either directly or through feed-reader]. So, when Jamie put out a call for thrifty tips, a new weekly meme she started, I felt compelled to share one of my own.
Free & Super Cheap Movie Rentals
There are a few options for free and cheap movie rentals and they are surprisingly simple to find. Why pay for something you can get for free, right? Well, free or really, really cheap.
Libraries
Libraries offer so much more than great books. They can be a wonderful source of audio and visual entertainment, too. Now, you may not get the latest and greatest movies from your local library, but you may be surprised at what you can find. Many libraries have an online catalog, so you don’t even have to leave your house to peruse their selections.
RedBox
I know you’ve seen these around your neighborhood. I’m so rural we don’t have a mall in our entire county, yet we have two RedBox locations that I know of. These are super cheap rentals for $1 a night, but you can save your $1 for a cheap movie snack and get your rental for free! Sign up for Redbox’s updates and get notified of free movie codes. I’ll even get you started – v7j6d4v – this code is good through March 14, 2010 and may be used once per credit card.
Blockbuster Express
These are like RedBox only blue and run by Blockbuster. Same deal, $1 movie rentals and get a free rental code just for signing up for their newsletter.
Amazon
I know you’ve heard of Amazon. Well, they offer a video on demand service similar to Netflix or any other movies on demand type of medium. Connect your laptop to your tv and you are good to go. My family watched The Hangover for free using this service. Just be on the look-out for free codes from Amazon or check out their selection of free videos on demand. Right now these are mostly television shows. You can also browse their selection of 99 movies for $2.99. That’s cheap when you think of the gas you save by not having to go pick up the movie then take it back when you’re done.
iTunes
Rent movies and watch them on your tv, laptop, iPod [oh, yes, your iPod!]. Rentals start at $2.99, are good for 30 days, but must be viewed within 24 hours of pressing play. Remember to check out iTunes freebie section, too. They often have free television show episodes for you to download and keep!
Family and Friends
That’s right, check out what others already have. Bring the beer and pizza and make it a party!
Your Movie Stash
You know you have one. That collection of movies you just had to have that now gathers dust or sits long forgotten in a box somewhere. Go dig through and find an old favorite. If you find you really have no interest in these movies, then sell them on eBay or through Craigslist. Make a little money and go rent a $1 movie from RedBox. 
Got a thrifty tip to share?
Why not head on over to IAmAMoneyMagnet.com and link up. It’s a great way to share and get a little link love to boot!
Oh, and I ♥ comments! Why not leave me one below. And let me just say THANK YOU in advance. 
Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate link used for The Hangover.
I especially appreciate your library suggestion. I haven’t been to a video store in years, and I can’t say I’ve been without something I wanted to watch. Sometimes the library wait is a little bit longer, but I always find something interesting, even if I don’t get what I came in for. Thanks for the great ideas!
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Anne
Twitter: AnneOnline
Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:14 am
@Shawna, My local library is a bit lacking in this department, but my parents live in a small rural community near Gainesville and the library system there is amazing. If their branch doesn’t have the movie they can get it from another one. They never pay to watch movies anymore.
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We are always taking advantage of those Redbox codes! It seems like they come out pretty frequently too!! I’ve only checked out movies at the library a couple times, as our library movies are ancient (my mom’s library gets good ones though!)! Thanks for linking up to Thrifty Tip Tuesday!!
.-= Jamie shares some words of wisdom ..Thrifty Tip Tuesday: Find A Penny, Pick It Up! =-.
[Reply]
Anne
Twitter: AnneOnline
Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:16 am
@Jamie, I love those Redbox codes. I texted the code above to Megan at college and Amanda’s boyfriend since he rents them as well. And both were thinking – Movie Night! Everyone loves free!
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