What goes into a popcorn bucket? Aside from the popcorn of course. Watching movies isn’t just about picking the best hall, getting the right seats and ensuring that you’re comfortable for the next two hours – there’s also the concession, for getting the right snack and drink for the feature presentation. And cinema operators know there’s one way to satisfy movie goers, by giving them the opportunity to buy something that connects them with the movie they’re watching.
Lately though, a lot of design and planning has gone into a some receptacle and after the hoo-ha over the sandworm version from Dune: Part Two, the race is on to find the next icon in the popcorn bucket list!
And aiming for that title is Deadpool & Wolverine, which released an “intentionally crude and lewd” popcorn bucket that’ll have you reaching deep into Wolverine, in a suggestive video Ryan Reynolds uploaded to X/Twitter. Well, it is a movie starring the Merc with a Mouth… that belongs to Wolverine!
Sure, there are cup toppers and themed snacks, but the one premium that has stood the test of time is the collectible popcorn bucket that not only reminds you of the film, but has turned into a collectible for collectors pick up and even sell to other fans.
Here’s one secret about the industry you may not know – such collectables are licensed, and almost all are produced by the studio, and offered to the cinema operators who then decide if they want to order these to sell to cinemagoers.
So if there’s a popcorn bucket that you read about or see, but don’t find in your local cinemas, it’s likely that the choice was made by the cinema operator, to not bring them in. But as quirky popcorn buckets with character have become a mainstay, there are ways to pick them up for your collection. For most of us in Southeast Asia, Bangkok is a good place as some cinema operators, including SF Cinema at MBK Center, continue to sell these collectable popcorn buckets even after the movie has ended its run, making it a good spot to visit every few months, to pick up something you might have missed.
Here’s another pro-tip – not all popcorn buckets are tagged to movies, and there have been instances where even theme parks release their own special edition commemorative containers as well.
If you’ve missed the popcorn bucket’s retail window, and are looking to start, here are 20 of the most interesting popcorn bucket designs over the years. Our choices here are all linked to a movie franchise, though not all are linked to a movie.
Which one would you like to have?
1. Grogu from Disney+ The Mandalorian (2023)
Here’s an interesting one – this bucket wasn’t actually made for a theatrical film, but for Disney+’s The Mandalorian Star Wars spin-off streaming series. And for any Mandalorians missing their Child, this is The Way. This adorable Grogu, otherwise known as Baby Yoda, bucket was sold in Thai cinemas for a limited time, and looks more like a collectible item than a popcorn bucket, but the bottom of his carrier opens up to reveal a hidden slot for popcorn.
2. Toothless and Light Fury from How To Train Your Dragon 3 (2019)
Toothless has been hiding something and while the playful dragon might appear innocent, everything is exposed when you lift up its mouth flap to find his hidden whole popcorn stash. How To Train Your Dragon released this popcorn bucket for cinemas worldwide in 2019, and comes in both Toothless and Light Fury designs.
3. R2-D2 from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
There’s plenty of demand for the AMC R2-D2 bucket, which had a limited-edition run in theatres for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The friendly droid can not only store popcorn in its access hatch, but you can also sip your favourite beverages out of its dome-headed top!
With new Star Wars films coming our way, this special R2-D2 is returned to cinemas on 3 May to coincide with the re-release of Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace. We know – few people would have friends who might want to rewatch this classic, so you’ll have a droid buddy to accompany you in the cinema and in a galaxy far, far away.
Before this, the only way you could get your hands on one was on eBay, with the highest listing going for US$2222.22, but the re-release should see an abundance of R2-D2s popping up on online marketplaces.
4. Mecha Godzilla from Godzilla vs. Evangelion 4D Crossover Ride in Universal Studios Japan (2019)
Mechagodzilla received a sick popcorn bucket at Universal Studios Japan in 2019, decked out in the striking purple-and-green colours of the EVA-01 mecha from Evangelion to commemorate the Godzilla vs. Evangelion 4D crossover ride. The top of Mechagodzilla’s head flips up to reveal a cleverly-disguised popcorn chamber you wouldn’t have guessed was there, giving it extra points for style.
5. Mjölnir from Thor: Love & Thunder (2022)
Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir, might only be wielded by the worthy, but a popcorn bucket replica comes close enough. It makes a cool decoration or prop as it does for storing popcorn, or whichever trinkets you deem worthy enough to fit within. Would MCU Thor buy a popcorn bucket like this? Probably – he’s known for his sense of humour.
6. D20 from Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
This 20-sided dice popcorn bucket will always land a critical hit when you open it, so perhaps it’ll ensure your rolls stay high. Flip open the D20 to reveal a dice-shaped popcorn chamber, which can hold dice of your own, or even minifigures. The dice bucket was released for the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves movie, and the best part is that it’s rollable on a soft surface, if you so desire, making it a fun novelty item to own.
7. Barbie Corvette from Barbie (2023)
While popcorn buckets come in many shapes and forms, the most common across Hollywood has been one in the shape of a car, though not all have made it on this list. But we cannot deny that taking Barbie’s Corvette for a spin, to hang on to our favourite popcorn flavours has a certain appeal, as this bucket, like the film, goes into overdrive. The recent Barbie movie had plenty of creative merchandise, and the most iconic is the pink Corvette she drives, and we reckon this holder can even fit a Barbie doll.
If cars are your thing, check out the popcorn bucket from Fast X (2023), based on Dom’s Dodge Charger and is also equally in demand on eBay.
8. AT-AT from Disney Parks (2017)
What’s huge, scary and can hold a lot of popcorn? The AT-AT popcorn bucket is now a rare Disneyland find that continues to make an occasional appearance in the park, but you’ll need to have insider information to know when it’ll show up because these get wiped out faster than a jump through hyperspace. The elusive bucket is sought-after by fans, and for good reason as it’s a true-to-screen replica. Pop open the hatch and munch on some sweet popcorn – all in a day’s work for loyal Imperials.
9. Raptor Egg from Universal Studios Orlando (2022)
Dinosaurs no longer exist in real life, so this is as close as you’ll get to the real deal. Fortunately, this raptor egg doesn’t store any tiny raptors, but delicious popcorn instead. This bucket was sold at Universal Studios Japan, and comes with a baby raptor emerging out of its shell and the iconic logo emblazoned on it.
Pop the egg open to reveal a cosy popcorn storage compartment, which can even fit a baby dinosaur plushie. If you’re a fan of the movies and own several souvenirs, this bucket is a must-buy.
10. Millennium Falcon from Disney Parks (2020)
The slim shape of this iconic ship might not immediately scream popcorn receptacle, but the Millennium Falcon takes flight once more to coincide with the 2024 re-release of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace as a surprisingly detailed popcorn bucket replica, with a hatch that flips open to reveal popcorn storage where the ship’s cargo hold would be. Don’t let Jabba get his grubby hands on it and grab yours at Disneyland until 2 June 2024!
11. Dune Sandworm from Dune: Part Two (2024)
No other popcorn bucket in history has had skits written, videos created and even songs sung about it like this one, shaped like the mouth of a massive sandworm from Arakkis. You might be surprised to find out that the Dune sandworm-themed popcorn bucket got plenty of attention online for its similarities with an item of another nature, and American cinema operator AMC has gone on record to state that they wouldn’t have released it if they knew it would’ve gotten such infamy, but we say we want more!
Despite the innuendo, the popcorn bucket has become a fun novelty souvenir, despite its impracticalities, and it proves reverse marketing is effective in some cases, as many fans desire to own one.
12. DMC Delorean from Back to the Future (2023)
Great Scott! Making a time machine out of a Delorean car is one thing, but this is a unique design in itself, with a backseat hatch that slides out to reveal popcorn storage, and it’s a fully-functional mini replica of the iconic vehicle. You might not be able to travel Back to the Future in it, but it’s a fun novelty decoration regardless.
How do you get your hands on this? Well… do you happen to have some plutonium and a working flux capacitor on hand? Back to The Future returned to cinemas for one night only at Cinemex in Mexico in April 2023, and the cinema chain released this commemorative popcorn bucket to go with the special event. This makes this collectible a rare find for collectors who missed the event, and it’s unavailable on online marketplaces at the time of writing.
13. Mario Kart from Super Nintendo World (2021)
Are you wondering where the popcorn goes in this Universal Studios Japan Mario Kart-themed bucket? Well, how do you fill up a car? Directly Into the fuel hatch of course, and while it’s fun to imagine Mario’s Kart being fueled by popcorn, unfortunately, this bucket doesn’t launch it at you like a spiralling shell.
Mario’s iconic kart is recreated in stunning detail, albeit in popcorn form, and the detail on the bucket’s lanyard pays homage to the series’ many items, including shells, sunflowers, and the stars you obtain for completing levels. The bucket is still available at Super Nintendo World and retails for ¥4,500, which gives you a reason to plan a trip to Japan’s Super Nintendo World soon!
14. Iron Man Helmet from Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
What do Iron-Man, Ant-Man, Optimus Prime and Jigsaw have in common? These cinematic icons have all been made into popcorn bucket heads, which is pretty cool. There are even light-up versions of these buckets which look almost like the real thing, and make sick collectibles.
We’ll give a special shout-out to the Jigsaw head popcorn bucket released by Cinemark for Saw X in particular, which is a creepy recreation of the iconic puppet, and its sinister red eyes even glow in the dark … perhaps it’ll even keep you up at night.
15. Ghost Trap from Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
The Ghostbusters use the Ghost Trap to deal with pesky ghosts, and now you can too, with a smaller version of the handy device turned into a popcorn bucket for the release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Despite its current use for popcorn, we’re pretty sure a ghost or two can fit in here.
AMC exclusively released this popcorn bucket in early 2024 and it even lights up for more immersion, and the top is detachable from the bottom if you simply want to hold the tub itself and snack while watching the movie.
16. Indiana Jones Fedora from Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Indiana Jones always has his trusty fedora with him, and for a brief time in his final outing in Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny, moviegoers could own a popcorn storage replica of the iconic hat. It’s certainly a unique way to store popcorn, though it’s not the first and only one, as the Wonka hat also uses the same concept.
Strangely enough, AMC did not release this bucket in the US, but a subsidiary cinema in the UK, Odeon, released the popcorn bucket for the movie. A companion cup was also sold to go with the hat, which is Dial of Destiny themed and comes with a smaller version of Indy’s fedora as a cup topper. Sadly, neither are currently available on online marketplaces.
17. Optimus Prime Truck from Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)
If you’ve always wondered what Autobot leader Optimus Prime is packing in that trailer of his … it’s popcorn, according to AMC. While he cannot transform into his iconic robot mode, the Transformers: Rise of the Beasts popcorn bucket is still a beast in innovation, and a prized collectible to add to any Transformers’ fan’s collection.
What’s unique about the bucket is the front functions as a drink container, with straws you can stick into the slot for the truck’s exhaust pipe, while the back opens up to reveal popcorn storage. The wheels are also fully operational, and work best on smooth flooring. Let’s Roll out!
18. Cinderella Carriage from Disney Parks (2023)
There’s been plenty of Cinderella popcorn buckets that have appeared in Disney Parks over the years, starting with the Cinderella live-action movie in 2015, but none as grand as the Disney 100 edition in 2023. Disney Parks went all out for the Disney 100 celebration in 2023, and the usual Cinderella popcorn bucket got an upgrade in stunning silver and purple carriage, fit for a princess naturally.
The top of the carriage opens up to reveal popcorn storage, and the wheels give it a sturdy support to remain upright. Combine it with the embossed silver lining of the bucket and the details on this carriage, and it all makes the entire item worth the premium price. Sadly, you’d be lucky to see one of these in any Disney Park now, as they sell out as soon as new models arrive.
19. Alien Rocket Claw Machine (Toy Story) from Tokyo Disney Resort (2022)
Pizza Planet’s claw machine in the Toy Story movies has been recreated as a popcorn bucket, and was a limited-edition Tokyo Disney Resort exclusive. While most of the aliens in the bucket’s interior are printed on, there is a singular little green alien hanging off the top of the bucket in a separate compartment.
The bucket has a generous popcorn storage compartment, which fills significantly more than the majority of smaller-size options. The claw machine’s buttons are sadly, painted on, but you can still imagine you’ve won a prize.
20. Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot from Tokyo Disney Resort (2022)
Pooh can’t eat all that honeyed popcorn alone, and he needs a buddy to share it with. The adorable Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot popcorn bucket from Tokyo Disney Resort has plenty of detail, and the other inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Wood adorn the base of the bucket, which is a must-collect for any Disney fan.
Inside Pooh’s Hunny Pot isn’t honey, despite its deceptively sweet honey-shaped lid, but popcorn, and the spacious compartment is an added bonus. It even comes with a figurine of Pooh himself reaching for the bucket, with honey still stuck on his paws.
Trinity is a geek who enjoys watching anime, superhero and Sci-Fi movies and TV shows. She enjoys gaming (however has terrible gacha luck) and creates cool homebrew campaigns in her free time. She’s always up for a new adventure — with a cosy jacket and a good book in hand.
Natalie
