As movie theaters contend with the growing dominance of streaming platforms, a novel trend has emerged to attract audiences: themed popcorn buckets. Movie theaters have long offered popcorn containers beyond the standard size, but a new wave of collectible buckets designed to resemble iconic characters or elements from major films is gaining popularity.

Retailers are now featuring containers shaped like Trojan horses, vintage cameras, and even sandworms, among other designs tied to blockbuster releases. These visually striking and sometimes elaborate buckets serve not only as vessels for snacks but also as memorabilia that moviegoers, especially younger audiences, are eager to acquire.

AMC Theatres projects that sales of these themed popcorn buckets will generate around $100 million in revenue this year. Industry analysts attribute part of this surge in demand to the enthusiasm of Gen Z consumers, who are increasingly embracing the cinema experience. The collectible nature and premium pricing of these containers contribute both to theater income and to building a sense of occasion around movie attendance.

This trend reflects a broader effort by theaters to create value beyond the film screening itself, encouraging patrons to engage in a shared cultural experience and take home tangible keepsakes. As traditional box office revenue faces pressure from the convenience of home viewing, the success of these unique concessions offers a new avenue for cinemas to attract and retain audiences.