Popcorn Buckets: The New Movie Collectibles
In a bid to boost ticket sales, theaters are turning to nostalgic popcorn buckets, like the recently released $50 Yoshi container from the “Super Mario Galaxy Movie.” As moviegoers seek tangible memorabilia, these collectible vessels are becoming a hot trend, with fans eagerly snapping them up. The Yoshi bucket, along with other themed containers, is part of a growing market that aims to enhance the moviegoing experience and drive profits for struggling cinemas.
The Booming Bucket Business
The novelty popcorn bucket market has exploded in recent years, evolving from simple souvenirs to elaborate collectibles. Disney pioneered this trend in the 1990s with basic popcorn pails, but the introduction of 3D designs, such as a Mickey Mouse bucket in 2010, marked a significant shift. Today, theaters are offering a variety of unique popcorn containers that appeal to fans of all ages.
Recent examples include a pink convertible bucket for the “Barbie” movie and a Wolverine bucket designed for “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which allows moviegoers to reach into the character’s mouth for popcorn. The Galactus-shaped bucket from “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” priced at nearly $80, holds the title for the largest and most expensive popcorn container ever made. Some buckets have even gone viral, like the “Dune 2” sandworm bucket, which gained notoriety for its resemblance to a controversial item.
AMC Theatres entered the collectible bucket market in 2019 with R2-D2 droid designs for “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” According to Nels Storm, AMC’s vice president of food and beverage strategy, the quick sell-out of these buckets indicated a strong consumer demand for memorable movie experiences. In 2023, AMC sold collectible vessels for nine films, with plans to expand to over 40 by 2026. The popularity of these buckets has led to increased theater attendance and significant merchandise sales, totaling around $54 million in 2023.
Cinemark Theatres has also embraced this trend, planning to sell themed vessels for about ten movies in 2026. David Haywood, Cinemark’s senior vice president of food and beverage, noted that the appeal of characters like Mario resonates across generations, making it a natural choice for collectible buckets. Despite the high production costs, the excitement these buckets generate is seen as a worthwhile investment.
Limited Releases Drum Up Hype
The limited availability of these collectible buckets adds to their allure. For avid collectors like Brian Fontanez, securing a Yoshi bucket required waking up early and refreshing the Cinemark website to beat potential scalpers. The couple, who run a YouTube channel dedicated to movie memorabilia, have spent over $500 on popcorn buckets since they began collecting in 2023. Their collection includes unique items like a “Scream 7” bucket and a crystal ball from Disney’s “Haunted Mansion.”
Collectors often go to great lengths to obtain these items. Mark Sullivan, a resident of Yuba City, once drove over two hours to buy a dragon head bucket for “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” only to find the theater sold out. He later purchased one from an eBay reseller. Sullivan also founded a Facebook group for popcorn bucket collectors, which has grown to over 15,000 members, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm for these collectibles.
As demand for popcorn buckets continues to rise, theaters are working to balance supply and excitement. AMC aims to create buzz by ensuring their vessels sell out, while Cinemark is increasing orders to meet consumer interest. However, predicting which buckets will resonate with fans remains a challenge.
Popcorn: A Historical Lifeline for Theaters
Popcorn has been a staple of the moviegoing experience since the 1930s, when theaters sought new revenue streams during the Great Depression. Initially, most cinemas prohibited food and drinks to preserve their interiors. However, as attendance declined after the 1929 stock market crash, theaters began selling concessions, including popcorn, which had become popular due to increased corn production and its appeal among soldiers.
Over time, popcorn sales became essential for theaters, leading to the introduction of various container designs that minimized noise and butter leakage. Today, collectible popcorn buckets not only serve as a fun addition to the movie experience but also create lasting memories for fans, echoing a growing trend towards analog living in a digital age. As film historian Ross Melnick notes, these buckets provide a physical reminder of the moments shared in theaters, allowing fans to relive their favorite cinematic experiences.
