There was a time — not that long ago — when buying popcorn at the movies was just part of the ritual. You’d grab a soda, maybe some candy, and a big tub of buttery popcorn to munch on during the trailers. But today? Popcorn buckets have become the event themselves, with some fans camping out, reselling them online, and treating them like rare artifacts.

How exactly did we get here?

The turning point wasn’t subtle. The year was 2022, and AMC Theatres dropped a bat-shaped popcorn bucket for the release of “The Batman.” Fans didn’t just line up — they frenzied. Within hours, resale listings popped up online for double, triple, even quadruple the original price.

Suddenly, popcorn containers weren’t just functional. They were merchandise events, blending pop culture hype with the collector economy.

It’s easy to laugh off the phenomenon — it’s just a bucket, right? But there’s something deeper at play. These tubs sit at the intersection of fandom, nostalgia, and scarcity marketing.

Fans want a tangible piece of the experience, especially for franchise films. And when theaters lean into limited-edition designs, they create instant collector demand. Scarcity triggers urgency. Urgency triggers FOMO. And FOMO — well, it’s the ultimate sales tool.

This isn’t just popcorn; it’s a psychology masterclass.

What started as a quirky fan obsession has become a serious business for theater chains. Premium popcorn buckets now come with premium prices, often bundled with early access tickets or concession deals. Some theaters even offer online pre-orders — treating buckets like must-have fashion drops.

And it works. In a world where people can stream blockbusters at home, theaters need reasons to lure fans back into seats. Exclusive merch creates that reason. It turns a passive purchase into a collectible chase.

I’ll admit — part of me thinks this whole trend is ridiculous. Who needs a giant plastic pail shaped like Godzilla’s foot? But the marketer in me can’t help but admire the genius.

Theaters aren’t just selling snacks. They’re selling memories — wrapped in limited-edition plastic. In an age where everything is digital, holding onto a physical, movie-themed keepsake feels… special.

So, will I camp out for the next viral popcorn bucket? Probably not. But will I respect the hustle? Absolutely.