$70 for a popcorn bucket? Movie theaters are seeing big business with blockbuster collectables

July 27, 2026 - 02:35

Movie theater popcorn has always been a pricey treat, but now the container itself is becoming a major moneymaker. AMC, the world's largest theater chain, estimates it will pull in $100 million in revenue this year from its line of collectable popcorn buckets. These aren't your standard cardboard tubs. They are elaborate, themed designs tied to major film releases, often shaped like characters or iconic objects from the movies.

The trend took off with the release of "Dune: Part Two," which featured a sandworm-shaped bucket that went viral on social media. Despite some online jokes about its unusual design, the bucket sold out quickly, sometimes reselling for hundreds of dollars. Since then, AMC has doubled down on the concept, releasing buckets for films like "Deadpool & Wolverine," "Inside Out 2," and "Godzilla x Kong." Some of these limited-edition items cost as much as $70, yet fans line up to get them.

The strategy is a smart one for theaters still recovering from the pandemic. While ticket sales have stabilized, concession stands remain the real profit center. A $70 bucket, filled with popcorn, generates a much higher margin than a standard ticket. For collectors, the appeal is owning a piece of movie history. For AMC, it is a way to turn a simple snack into a must-have souvenir, proving that sometimes the box is just as valuable as what is inside it.