Movie prices in South Africa — Ster-Kinekor versus Nu Metro

The amount of on-demand content available to stream nowadays makes the cost of going to the cinema seem like a stretch. However, making the trip offers a unique experience compared to normal viewing.

According to the Market Research Foundation’s MAPS data overview for 2021 to 2023 cinema-goers in South Africa spent R433.69 on average per outing.

The report also notes that the country’s most popular cinema is Ster-Kinekor, with one million respondents visiting the chain frequently. Nu Metro comes in second, with 818,000 respondents preferring the cinema.

These are also the two largest chains in the country, with Ster-Kinekor owning 43 cinema complexes and Nu Metro 22.

Prices for the cinemas vary as both chains offer multiple types of cinematic entertainment and adjust prices periodically to account for inflation.

Nu Metro offers screenings of films in regular 2D, regular 3D, VIP 2D, VIP 3D, Xtreme 2D or 3D, and 4DX 2D or 3D.

Ster-Kinekor, on the other hand, separates experiences into the type of cinema clients visit. These are 2D, 3D, Kids, IMAX, Prestige, DBOX, Throwback Theatre, and Nouveau.

Nu Metro beats Ster-Kinekor’s price in every category except in the D-Box and 4DX category.

These cinema experiences combine motion and vibration technology built into the seats, allowing viewers to become more immersed in the story.

Both cinemas also offer discounted rates through different partnerships and promotions.

For instance, Ster-Kinekor currently has an ongoing promotion where select cinemas screen old classics at R50 per ticket. Some of these titles include Braveheart, The Mummy, and Notting Hill.

Ster-Kinekor also offers two subscriptions called Fan Club and Morvies Club.

The Fan Club subscription costs R289 per month and includes four 2D or 3D tickets per month, saving viewers over R200 depending on what type of screening they watch.

The Morvies Club subscription for R399 per month and allows viewers to watch as many movies as they like per month. There is a limit of five movies per day.

Both subscriptions also give viewers 20% off on regular snack combos.

In terms of partnerships, Vitality members can receive 50% off on movies, and Vitality Kids older than two and younger than 18 get free tickets before 7 pm.

Edgars Club Access, Life & VIP Members can save up to 40% on all movie tickets and 50% on Edgars regular combos.

If viewers have a Pick n Pay Smart Shopper card, they exchange R40 worth of points for 50% off 2D tickets.

Nu Metro also offers a host of discounts, including 50% on all tickets for users who are part of the Absa or Nedbank rewards programmes.

If users are part of the Momentum Multiply rewards programme, they can receive over 50% off select tickets based on their rewards tier. For instance, 2D tickets start at half price for all tiers and gradually increase in discount for higher tiers.

Sanlam Reality members can purchase 2D movie tickets for R39 from Monday to Wednesday and R44 from Thursday to Sunday and on public holidays.

Another major cost at cinemas is the snacks. These can result in almost double the total spend.

Ster-Kinekor only offers combos with sweets, and Nu Metro doesn’t offer small combos, so the only comparable combos are the regular and large combos with sweets.

At Ster-Kinekor, you will be charged R105 for a regular popcorn, soda and packet of sweets, whereas at Nu Metro, you will pay R100.

The difference between the large combos is also R5 — costing R115 at Ster-Kinekor and R110 at Nu Metro.

The table below shows the difference in price between Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro.

Rewards programmes and discounts

The tables below show the discounts redeemable from Nu Metro and Ster-Kinekor partners and subscriptions.