Free Movie Passes

If you're like me and live in a major U.S. metropolitan area, you have plenty of opportunity to see advance screenings of movies. Here is a list of several key sources to obtain passes:

Film Metro

Before a movie is released to the general public, many times the movie studio will offer advance screenings for research and promotional purposes. Film Metro is dedicated to providing information and free movie tickets to these advance screenings. The site currently offers tickets to sneak previews in 36 U.S. markets.

http://www.filmmetro.com/


Gofobo

Gofobo is a new and exciting online experience designed to help you see movies first. To get started, enter your zip code at the site to check if there are any screenings in your area. You will usually need an RSVP code to obtain a pass -- these codes are distributed by your local radio stations, newspapers or other participating establisments.

http://www.gofobo.com/


Entertainment Weekly

Although the publication does not offer as many screening passes as it did in the past, there is currently an offer on its website.

www.ew.com/freescreening
[4/22 update: offer ended; look out for new offers]


Edge

EDGE is the largest network of local Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) news and entertainment portals in the world, serving a quarter of a million dedicated readers from a variety of U.S. metropolitan areas. Edge offers sweepstakes not only for movie passes, but a lot of other entertainment items including DVDs, CDs and books. Below are the links for current markets -- just scroll down to the bottom of the particular home page to the 'Hot Giveaways' section.
*** Warning: Edge portals contain adult content. ***

• Boston, MA
• Chicago, IL
• Dallas, TX
• Fire Island, NY
• Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• Las Vegas, NV
• Los Angeles, CA
• Miami, FL
• New York, NY
• New England
• Philadelphia, PA
• Providence, RI
• Provincetown, MA
• San Francisco, CA
• Washington, DC

Movie Studios

If you're really interested in a particular movie and have not found any passes for it, do an online search for the movie's website and/or the studio's website. Some studios offer passes directly via their sites. For example, passes for upcoming Miramax movies can be found here:

http://216.133.236.116/screenings/
[4/22 update: link now disabled; look out for new link]

Final Notes

No matter where you live in the U.S., check for print ads about upcoming local screenings in your daily and weekly newspapers.

Websites for your local radio and television stations may also be a source for movie passes.