Movie theaters have found a new way to boost their earnings. They're selling popcorn buckets. These buckets aren't just for holding popcorn. They're becoming a big part of the movie experience. AMC Entertainment, a big player in the movie theater world, started selling these buckets a few years ago. They made a lot of money from it. Other theaters like Cinemark, Marcus, Regal, and B&B Theatres are also jumping on the bandwagon.
These buckets are more than just containers. They're a way to make people excited about going to the movies. They create a sense of urgency to see big movies on opening weekend. They also add value to the movie experience. People can take them home and display them or use them for movie nights. This is a big deal for theaters. It's a way to make money and create memories for customers.
The idea of selling popcorn buckets isn't new. Theme parks like Disney and Universal have been doing it for a while. But movie theaters were slow to catch on. It wasn't until 2019 that AMC took a chance on a Star Wars-themed bucket. It sold out in just a few days. This was a game-changer. It showed that these buckets could be a big hit.
The real turning point came with the "Dune" bucket. It was modeled after the sandworms from the movie. It sold out and was even resold on sites like eBay for much higher prices. This created a sense of urgency among buyers. They didn't want to miss out. The bucket even inspired Ryan Reynolds to design a cheeky bucket for his movie "Deadpool & Wolverine. "
Now, studios and theaters are working together to create unique buckets for moviegoers. They're trying to outdo each other with the coolest designs. This competition is only going to get bigger. There are a lot of blockbuster movies coming up. These movies will have tie-ins with popcorn buckets.
Theaters have to be careful about which buckets they offer. They have a short window to sell these specialty items. If they don't sell, they might be stuck with them. But theaters are investing more. AMC is planning to buy even more buckets in 2025. They're not just trying to sell out on opening day. They want to keep selling for weeks.
The popcorn bucket trend is here to stay. It's a way for theaters to make more money and create a better experience for moviegoers. It's a win-win situation. But it's also a reminder that movie theaters are always looking for new ways to keep people coming back.
