It is a truth universally acknowledged that a trip to the movies is incomplete without a serving of popcorn. Surprisingly, in the early days of cinema, theatres prohibited food and beverages. However, popcorn emerged as the GOAT of movie snacks, thanks to its buttery, sweet, salty, and crunchy blend, with some help from the combined efforts of the big three: industrialisation, capitalism, and the Great Depression.
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Initially, popcorn was served in plain, lacklustre cardboard containers. The transition to plastic popcorn buckets began in the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the 2010s that these containers began to pop. A new marketing trend emerged – movie-themed popcorn buckets. Hollywood’s who’s who quickly caught on to this frenzy, realising the potential of stylised popcorn buckets as collectibles that doubled as canvases for pop culture, featuring movie logos, character shapes, and even light-up elements. This innovation was genius as it brought fans closer to their beloved franchises for an extra $10 or more a pop for these ‘special’ containers.
2024 was a mighty fine year, not just for movies but their accompanying popcorn buckets as studios pushed the boundaries of movie bucket design, each endeavouring to outshine the others. Here are some of the most remarkable movie buckets from that year.
Dune: Part Two
Kicking off strong with the most explosive popcorn bucket of 2024—the Dune: Part Two Sandworm Popcorn Container. This viral sensation even earned its own SNL sketch. And while some might raise an eyebrow at how the mighty Shai-Hulud was scaled down to a lascivious or suggestive replica, there’s no denying that this bucket is a standout. It’s simple, bold, and original; exactly what fans didn’t know they needed. Case in point: moviegoers who collected these containers have found plenty of creative ways to repurpose them by turning them into flower vases, Halloween candy buckets, or even clever swear jars.
Kung Fu Panda 4
It’s widely believed that when it comes to pop culture characters with zero haters, Po from Kung Fu Panda ranks firmly in the S-tier. Leaning into his beloved status, the design team delivered an official popcorn bucket for “Kung Fu Panda 4.” The result? A plastic mini Po that sits with you during the film as the on-screen Po passes on the Dragon Warrior title and faces off against the elusive Chameleon. There’s something irresistibly charming about seeing Po holding out an empty bowl with his stubby, oversized arms, as if asking for more popcorn—because, as fans know, Po is famously always hungry. Brilliant.
Deadpool & Wolverine
On May 30, 2024, when Ryan Reynolds teased the popcorn bucket for Deadpool & Wolverine in the most Ryan Reynolds way imaginable, fans teared up. It had been a long journey (over 20 years, in fact) of meh leather jumpsuits from the early X-Men films. But at last, it was real: a life-sized, comic book-accurate Wolverine costume in live action, finally silencing the naysayers who had spent years claiming Hugh Jackman was “too tall” to properly channel the character. As a perfect reflection of everything Deadpool & Wolverine got right, the Wolverine popcorn bucket goes even harder. It reimagines comic-accurate Logan as an adorably grumpy chibi head — an equal parts fierce and fun collectable.
Despicable Me 4
Nothing says wholesome family fun quite like the baby popcorn carrier from Despicable Me 4, celebrating the arrival of the newest (and most adorable) member of the crew, no, not the Minions, but baby Gru Jr. Just like prepping for a real baby, this popcorn holder comes fully loaded, almost like Batman’s utility belt. It features support straps, adjustable lower buckles, Gru’s signature two-tone thermal scarf, and even a bonus snack compartment. Sure, the merchandising is a bit confusing, seeing as someone greenlit turning a baby carrier into a popcorn bucket, but honestly, moviegoers love it.
Alien: Romulus
We may never know the masterminds on the Alien: Romulus marketing team who approved the design of the Xenomorph noggin popcorn bucket, but whoever they are, they deserve a raise. They absolutely cooked with this one. With its terrifyingly lifelike detail, good enough to double as both a cosplay prop and a collectible, this bucket scores a perfect 10/10 for horror aesthetics. It’s truly out of this world, pun very much intended. Rounding out the collection are two additional container variants featuring the notorious precursors to the Xenomorph: the dreaded Facehuggers, instantly recognisable to diehard Alien fans.
Venom: The Last Dance
Venom: The Last Dance marks the final chapter of the franchise, and what better way to send fans off than by having them pay a little extra to snack straight from Venom’s iconic, gaping, fang-filled maw? Not that I’m complaining, the popcorn bucket looks wickedly accurate, and if there’s one thing this fandom craves, it’s character consistency. Honestly, the design is so good it feels like a missed opportunity for Sony not to roll out popcorn buckets themed around other symbiotes in the movie like Agony, Lasher, and Phage.
Gladiator 2
Is Gladiator II a worthy successor to the triumphal cavalcade that was the Russell Crowe-led original? We’ll let you be the judge, but one undeniable upgrade is the sequel’s popcorn bucket! Just look at it—those intricate arches, pillars, and beams echo the grandeur of the Colosseum itself. Even after the last kernel’s gone, you could stage a thumb war with your best friend right inside it. A miniature amphitheatre, right there in your lap at the movies!
Mufasa: The Lion King
Disney doesn’t always stick the landing with their remakes, but when it comes to popcorn buckets, they’ve got the merch game on lock! From Star Wars to Disney Princesses and even Marvel, there are so many standout designs that they honestly deserve their own article. But for now, let’s just fawn over this adorable Mufasa: The Lion King popcorn bucket, featuring a mini Pride Rock and a striking Mufasa figurine. It’s a perfect addition to any true “Hakuna Matata” collection.
Wicked
While we’d all love to walk away from Wicked with a wand in each hand, audiences will have to settle for the next best thing—a lantern-style popcorn bucket practically pulsing with Ozian charm. Featuring Elphaba and Glinda hand in hand, this container captures both the whimsy of their friendship and the portal-like wonder of the land they call home. But here’s the real magic: it glows in the dark. This souvenir doubles as a phosphorescent nod to one of the film’s deeper lessons: even in the darkest places, something truly good (and collectible) can shine.
Nosferatu
Last is this popcorn bucket inspired by Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu—a perfect match for the film’s foreboding nature, aura for aura. Nosferatu isn’t just a remake of the 1922 classic; it surpasses the original, delivering a deliciously dark viewing experience with a Draculean grip that ensnares both the protagonist and the audience. Designing the container to resemble Count Orlok’s eerie sarcophagus is a fitting tribute, one that surely satisfies the paralysis demons haunting true horror fans.
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