How Many Scene+ Points Do I Need To Get A Free Movie?
By Meagen Seatter | 
Fact-checked by Maude Gauthier | Published on 27 Dec 2023
Table of Contents
The Scene+ program originally targeted moviegoers and despite recent changes to enlarge its benefits, free movie tickets remain attractive. At a rate of 100 points for $1 off your purchase, you need roughly 1,350 Scene+ points to get a free movie. In this article, we’ll cover how many Scene+ points are needed for a movie, plus go over our favourite Scotiabank credit cards that can help you redeem a free movie faster.
What Is The Scene+ Program?
Cineplex’s SCENE Program and Scotiabank’s Scotia Rewards merged to create Scene+ in December 2021. It is a fairly flexible program that lets members redeem their points for travel rewards, cash back, statement credits, movies and shopping and is free to join on its own. Members can collect Scene+ points by shopping at several retailers across Canada, but the program has much better earning potential with a Scotiabank Scene+ credit card.
The Scene+ Program is a step up from the SCENE program by Cineplex and Scotiabank, which was introduced in 2007. At that time, the SCENE Program was exclusively for moviegoers and points were redeemed for free movie tickets and concession discounts at over 160 Cineplex Entertainment venues across the country. Recent changes as a result of the merger have greatly enhanced the program. Scene+ rewards points can now be redeemed for travel, groceries and free movies, among other rewards.
How to redeem Scene+ points for a movie?
To redeem your points for movie rewards, first log into your Scene+ account on the website or via the app. From there, you can browse the reward categories. To browse movie rewards, click ‘movies’.
From here, you can choose to browse rewards available at Cineplex theatres or in the Cineplex store. You can also browse the selection of gift cards available.
Choose how to spend your rewards from the list of available options. Underneath the reward will be information on how to redeem, online or in person. The app can also tell you how far the nearest theatre is for in-person rewards.
Scene+ Points Redemption for Movies
Prior to August 11, 2022, Scene+ operated on a flat-rate redemption strategy, where members could redeem free movie tickets for a set number of Scene points. Now, the Scene+ program works by letting members redeem 100 points for $1 off the total purchase price for Cineplex products, including movie tickets at Cineplex theatres and movie rentals or purchases at the Cineplex store, and 500 points for $5 off food and drinks, excluding alcohol.
Scene+ points are difficult to value due to the price differences between movie tickets and tax rates across Canada, but you can easily check the price of a particular movie and calculate how many points you need. Also know that you can partially redeem points if you don’t have enough to cover the full price of the ticket.
For instance, a general admission ticket will typically range from $11.50 to $13.50 (plus taxes), which means you will need at least 1,150 points to pay for it. You can also use points to cover taxes. If you are a student, you might be able to get a discount and go see a movie for 1,050 points ($10.50). You should expect to pay more for 3D and IMAX movies. A ticket will translate into 1,550 to 2,200 Scene+ points ($15.50 – $22.00).
How To Collect Scene+ Points
There are lots of ways for members to collect Scene+ points for a free movie, and even more when you shop with a Scotiabank Scene+ credit or debit card.
Booking Through The Scene+ Travel Portal
Members who make travel arrangements through the Scene+ Travel Portal will earn 3 points for every $1 spent on hotels and car rentals.
Shopping at Participating Partner Stores
Scene+ is expanding, and Scene+ is partnered with more retailers than ever before. The biggest shift came last year when Scene+ replaced Air Miles as the loyalty card at major grocery stores IGA, Sobeys and Safeway. You can find a full list of their partner locations, which includes grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, entertainment venues and more, on their website.
Watching Movies
The Scene+ program was created out of a partnership with Cineplex Entertainment, Canada’s largest theatre chain, and Scotiabank. Scene+ members will earn 5 points from every $1 spent on movie tickets at Cineplex theatres, food & drinks (excluding alcohol) and purchases made in the Cineplex store, including movie rentals.
However, starting January 31, 2024, instead of earning 5 Scene+ points for every $1 spent on Cineplex Store, you will now earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent. To continue earning 5 points, go to the theatre.
Banking with Scotiabank Products
Scene+ members with Scotiabank Scene+ credit or debit cards can earn points faster with generous welcome offers and up to 6x the point-earning potential than with the Scene+ card alone.
Earn Scene+ Rewards Faster With These Scotiabank Scene+ Products
Compare credit cards to find the one that works best for your spending habits and discover how you can earn points for a free movie faster with Scotiabank credit cards.
Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card
The Scotiabank Scene+ Visa card is a free credit card that earns cardholders 2x the Scene+ points at participating retailers (such as Sobeys, Home Hardware, Cineplex) and 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on other qualifying purchases. You can also save up to 25% off base rates at participating AVIS and Budget locations in Canada and the U.S.
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
On top of saving you money on foreign transaction fees, both online and abroad, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card earns Scene+ members up to 3 points per $1 spent on eligible grocery purchases, 2 points on dining and at other eligible grocery stores, on eligible entertainment purchases as well as on transit and rideshares.
If you are a traveller, you’ll love this card. For instance, you have access to 6 complimentary airport lounge visits to relax before your flight. However, you have to earn at least $60,000 per year before applying for this card.
Scotiabank American Express Card
The Scotiabank American Express card comes with no annual fee and earns 3x the points on eligible grocery purchases, 2x the points on streaming services, eligible entertainment purchases, gas, transit and rideshares, as well as on dining (including popular food delivery and food subscriptions). You also get 1 point per $1 spent on anything else.
With this card, you get mobile device insurance and you have access to American Express Invites. You’ll be the first to know about new music, theatre, dining, film, fashion and shopping experiences.
FAQs About Scene+ Points & Free Movies
The Scene+ program no longer uses a flat-rate redemption strategy. Instead, members can use 100 Scene+ points to deduct $1 from the total cost of purchase. So, a standard adult movie ticket regularly priced at $13.50 will require 1,350 Scene+ points.
On Tuesdays, movie tickets are already cheaper. You can still redeem 100 points for $1 off.
You can present your Scene+ card in-person to pay for movie tickets at Cineplex theatres or enter your member number for movie rentals and purchases in the Cineplex store. You can also use your points to rent movies in the Scene+ app.
You can buy movie tickets online with the Cineplex app (link your Scene+ card) or use your points to pay for tickets in person.
Yes, you can use Scene+ points to rent movies in the Cineplex store or through CineClub, or in the Scene+ app.
Yes, you can use your Scene+ points to purchase movies in the Cineplex store or through CineClub.
You can add your Scene+ card to your Cineplex account by selecting ‘Manage Account’ under your Cineplex profile. On the left side of the screen, click SCENE and enter your Scene+ number.
Yes, but you can’t pay the $1 booking fee with Scene+ points.
No. The Scotiabank Cinema in downtown Montreal is so-named due to the sponsorship, but Cineplex is the owner. The Scene+ program is the result of a partnership between Cineplex and Scotiabank.
Yes, you can purchase gift cards at the same point exchange rate in the Scene+ app.
