Cinema Ticket Prices in Israel Quietly Surpass 50 Shekels Amid Summer Season

As the summer vacation begins, cinema ticket prices in Israel have quietly risen above 50 shekels, according to a mako investigation. Major cinema chains such as Cinema City and Planet have increased prices, especially for tickets purchased online. Currently, a regular ticket at Cinema City costs 49.90 shekels at the box office and 54.90 shekels online, while Planet charges 49 shekels at the box office and 53.50 shekels online. The online price includes an internet booking fee of around 4.5 to 5 shekels per ticket, which cinemas justify as covering website maintenance and payment processing costs.

This price hike has significant implications for families. A family of four buying tickets online can pay over 210 shekels before adding expenses like popcorn and drinks. Even purchasing at the box office approaches 200 shekels for four tickets. Despite the rising costs, cinemas offer various discounts and promotions. Both chains provide a 1+1 ticket deal through credit cards like Isracard and American Express, with Cinema City extending this to Max cards and Planet offering exclusivity to Cal and Diners Club cardholders. VIP tickets receive a 10% discount for select cardholders as well.

Discounted tickets are available for seniors, disabled individuals (including companions), teenagers, and soldiers, typically priced around 33 shekels at the box office or 38 shekels online. Cinema City offers a special 25-shekel ticket for seniors watching Israeli films. However, these discounts require presenting valid ID at the box office and cannot be used with automated machines or online printouts.

Each chain also runs unique promotions: Cinema City’s "Cinema Kids" offers children’s movies at 20 shekels, plus a partnership with Dor Alon gas stations for discounted Israeli film tickets. Planet launched a prepaid family subscription granting eight children’s movie tickets for 248 shekels, valid for six months with some usage limits. Additionally, consumer clubs and large organizations provide discounted tickets, especially benefiting Planet and its subsidiary Rav Chen, with prices as low as 24 shekels.

In response to inquiries, Planet cited increased operational costs as the reason for price adjustments but emphasized ongoing efforts to offer affordable options, including the new children’s subscription. Cinema City stated that ticket prices have remained stable for years except for a January adjustment linked to inflation, and the online booking fee has not changed.

Overall, the cost of a basic cinema outing in Israel has quietly reached new highs, prompting consumers to seek out discounts and promotions to mitigate the impact.