Grabbing some popcorn, candy, and watching a movie is a family pastime we will never tire of.

As summer rolls around, most theaters in Albuquerque offer discounted family movies — the perfect opportunity to get out of the heat and into a cool theater!

Check out these cheap and free movies in Albuquerque below!

Manzano Day School 2

Founded in 1938, Manzano Day School is an independent, non-profit elementary school serving children in pre-k through fifth grade. The program at Manzano Day School sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and develops the whole child while cultivating lifelong learners, independent thinkers, and engaged community members.

Students build a strong academic foundation through core studies in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science, complemented by co-curricular programs in library, music, physical education, Spanish, technology, and visual arts.

With an 18:1 student-to-teacher ratio, students benefit from personalized attention and strong teacher relationships. All students also participate in our Environmental Education program at Fenton Ranch in the Jemez Mountains, one of the few programs of its kind in the country, where outdoor learning strengthens independence, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.

Manzano Day School is committed to accessibility and inclusivity. Nearly one in four students receives financial aid, awarded based on demonstrated need and available funds, with awards covering up to 50% of tuition. Learn more about admission here.

Guided by the philosophy of Joy in Learning®, Manzano Day School balances tradition and innovation while preparing students for continued academic success and meaningful participation in their communities and an ever-changing world.

That joy carries over into the summer during Manzano Day School’s Summer Discovery, a hands-on, interactive program that immerses students in creative, skill-building experiences. Students can enjoy Manzano Day School’s sprawling six-acre campus as well as classes taught by MDS teachers.

Summer Discovery is open to the public for rising pre-k and fifth graders. It runs from June 8 to July 17, 2026. Space is limited. Contact summer@manzanodayschool.org or the website for more information.

Movie Theaters Offering Cheap & Free Summer Movies

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse

Cinemark Century Rio Plex 24 and XD, 4901 Pan American Fwy NE

Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark offers ten weeks of cheap family movies! The program runs June to Aug 6 on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., offering family-friendly entertainment for just $1.75 (plus tax) per ticket for each movie. Save even more on your visit with $1 OFF deals on snack packs and any size popcorn and drink combos during Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes. Showings include Paddington, Sonic, K-Pop Demon Hunters, A Minecraft Movie, and more!

Regal Summer Movie Express

Regal Winrock, 2100 Louisiana Blvd NE, Bld 400

Regal UA Cottonwood, 10000 NW Coors Blvd

During summer break, enjoy a series of great family movies returning to the big screen. Each week from June 10 to Aug 6, get $1 Summer Movie Express tickets to the first show on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. See what’s playing near you.

Flix Brewhouse Camp Flix

3236 La Orilla Rd NW #1, 87120

12921 Indian School Rd NE, 87122

Head to Flix Brewhouse on Tuesdays for Camp Flix days: sensory-conscious family-friendly movies with softer sound, dimmed lights, and a welcoming space for everyone. Tickets are $5. Plus, grab a limited-time s’mores cookie for that true campfire feeling! Movies include Sing 2, The Lego Movie, Paddington, and more.

Premiere Cinemas Rio Rancho

1000 Legacy Pkwy SE, Rio Rancho, 87124

Watch movies *for free* at Premiere Cinemas in Rio Rancho on Wednesdays and Thursdays this summer. Showings include Pets on a Train, Dogman, Gabby’s Dollhouse the Movie and more!

Outdoor Free Movies

Movies in the Park

The annual Movies in the Park is back with showings at parks across Bernalillo County this summer. Check the schedule for a showing at a park near you!

Balloon Fiesta Park Drive-In Movies

Is there anything as nostalgic as camping out in the trunk and catching a fun flick? Create extra special memories with a cozy drive-in movie at Balloon Fiesta Park this summer thanks to Seasons of Nonviolence.

The Block

Bring a blanket or chairs to Rio Rancho’s happening hangout spot, The Block, for summer movies most Sundays at 7 p.m. No outside food or drinks allowed, so plan to grab dinner or snacks at one of The Block’s vendors.

Movies Under the Pavilion

Pack up your lawn chairs and blankets and head to Bernalillo for Movies Under the Pavilion on four Fridays this summer. This year’s showings celebrate the 100th birthday of Route 66, with screenings of Cars, Speed Racer, Herbie Fully Loaded and Turbo at 8 p.m. at Rotary Pavilion.