At the recent world premiere of “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” movie in Los Angeles, unique popcorn buckets caught everyone’s eye. These buckets have become a key part of the movie theater experience, alongside the popcorn itself.
Three years ago, AMC Entertainment didn’t sell any merchandise. Fast forward to last year, and they raked in $65 million from selling items like fun popcorn buckets, drink sippers, and T-shirts. AMC CEO Adam Aron noted that the success of their Taylor Swift movie sparked interest in these novelty items. “We sold so many popcorn buckets, we thought, why not keep this going?” he said.
Other chains like Cinemark and Regal are also getting in on the action. They’re using these fun buckets to entice moviegoers, especially during opening weekends. Paul Farnsworth from B&B Theatres explained that after the pandemic, it became clear that making movie outings special was crucial to bringing audiences back.
In 2024, the number of movies released dropped, leading to a decrease in ticket sales. Farnsworth added that these popcorn buckets give customers a tangible keepsake from their movie experience, enhancing the overall visit.
For Cinemark, launching a “Scream VI” popcorn bucket was a game-changer. Sean Gamble, their CEO, shared how quickly they sold out, surprising everyone.
More Than Just a Snack
Popcorn buckets aren’t only for movie theaters anymore. They have become a significant part of theme park merchandise, with companies like Disney and Universal enjoying success. However, U.S. movie theaters were slow to catch on.
Zinc, a marketing firm, started focusing on American theaters in 2016. According to Rod Mason, a vice president there, theaters were hesitant due to compatibility issues with cup holders. Things changed in 2019 when AMC introduced a popular R2-D2 bucket. They sold out within days, proving that themed merchandise could work.
A later bucket inspired by the movie “Dune,” though controversial due to its design, became a surprise hit. Selling for $24.99, these buckets quickly appeared on resale sites for much higher prices. Lindsay Brookshier from MickeyVist.com noted that social media hype and limited availability create excitement and a rush to buy.
This trend has pushed Hollywood and theaters to collaborate on more unique popcorn buckets. Mason noted that competition is fierce as businesses try to create the coolest items.
Looking ahead, after a slow period of movie production, many highly anticipated films are on the horizon. In 2025, titles like “Captain America: Brave New World” and “Thunderbolts” are set to release, which could lead to more themed popcorn buckets.
Theater chains are being strategic about which products to stock. B&B is cautious, recognizing that certain films, like “Wicked,” are safer bets for merchandise due to their dedicated audiences. With specialized items, there’s a limited time to sell them in theaters. AMC is stepping up orders, ensuring they have enough stock to meet demand and not run out on premiere days.
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