The 7 Most-Wanted AMC Popcorn Buckets Of 2025 And Why They’re Selling For A Fortune

The humble movie popcorn bucket has undergone a radical transformation, evolving from a simple snack holder into a highly coveted collector's item and a viral pop culture phenomenon. As of December 2025, AMC Theatres continues to dominate this trend, releasing a new wave of limited-edition, intricately designed buckets tied to the biggest cinematic releases, driving a frenzy among moviegoers and resellers alike. This year's lineup, featuring everything from retro newspaper boxes to futuristic metal tins, is arguably the most ambitious yet, solidifying the AMC popcorn bucket's status as the ultimate piece of movie memorabilia.

The global obsession, which truly exploded with the infamous *Dune: Part Two* sandworm design, has turned a $20 concession item into a black market treasure, with some pieces fetching hundreds of dollars online. For both the dedicated collector and the casual movie fan, understanding the latest releases, the best value deals, and the secondary market is crucial to participating in this unique cinematic craze.

The 2025 Lineup: Must-Have Limited Edition AMC Popcorn Buckets

The year 2025 has brought an unprecedented selection of highly detailed and exclusive popcorn buckets, cementing AMC’s reputation as the leader in theatrical merchandise. These limited-edition items are not merely containers; they are functional works of art, often featuring unique mechanisms, lighting effects, or intricate designs that directly reference the film's iconography. Availability is often extremely limited, making them instant sell-outs both in-theatre and on the official AMC Theatres | The Shop website.

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1. The Superman (2025 Movie) Newspaper Box Popcorn Bucket

One of the most talked-about releases of the year is the exclusive *Superman (2025 Movie)* Newspaper Box Popcorn Bucket. Styled to look like a vintage metropolitan newspaper dispenser, this bucket is a nostalgic piece of memorabilia. Its unique feature is the inclusion of swappable front-page articles, allowing collectors to change the display to commemorate different moments from the film. This blend of retro design and interactive elements makes it a prime target for *Superman* fans and general collectors.

2. Jurassic World Rebirth Metal Jumbo Popcorn Bucket Tin

Moving from superhero lore to prehistoric adventure, the *Jurassic World Rebirth* Metal Jumbo Popcorn Bucket Tin offers a premium feel. Unlike the plastic designs, this metal tin provides durability and a high-end aesthetic, often featuring embossed artwork of the new dinosaur species or the iconic park logo. Metal tins are highly valued by collectors for their longevity and superior display quality, often commanding a higher resale price due to their limited run.

3. Avatar: Fire and Ash Banshee Popcorn Bucket

Timed for the release of *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, AMC unveiled a highly detailed Banshee Popcorn Bucket. Following the success of previous 3D-sculpted releases, this piece is a faithful recreation of the majestic flying creature from Pandora. These types of buckets, which often have complex shapes and vibrant paint jobs, are highly prized for their display value and connection to James Cameron’s visually stunning franchise.

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4. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Popcorn Bucket Tin

The anime merchandise market is booming, and AMC capitalized on this with the *Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle* Popcorn Bucket Tin. This early release item appeals directly to the massive global fanbase of *Demon Slayer*. Anime-themed buckets are a relatively newer segment for AMC, and their scarcity, combined with the fervent dedication of the anime community, ensures they sell out almost immediately, often appearing on secondary markets shortly after release.

5. Ghostbusters Trap Popcorn Bucket

While not a 2025 film release, the *Ghostbusters Trap* popcorn bucket remains a cornerstone of the viral trend. This bucket, which often features a light-up element to mimic a functioning ghost trap, is a perfect example of a movie prop turned collectible. Its ingenious design and cultural relevance to a beloved franchise make it a continuous benchmark for the creativity and collectibility of AMC's merchandise.

The Viral Phenomenon: From Concession to Collector's Item

The transition of the popcorn bucket from a disposable container to a coveted collectible is a fascinating case study in modern pop culture and cinematic marketing. This trend was irrevocably changed by the *Dune: Part Two* sandworm bucket, which became an internet sensation and was even parodied on *Saturday Night Live* and referenced in the *Deadpool* franchise.

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The Anatomy of a Viral Bucket

A viral AMC popcorn bucket typically shares several key characteristics:

• Intricate 3D Design: They are often complex, three-dimensional sculptures that look less like a bucket and more like a movie prop, such as the *Avatar Banshee* or the *Ghostbusters Trap*.
• Limited Availability: AMC explicitly markets these as "Limited Edition Exclusive" items, creating a sense of urgency and scarcity that fuels demand.
• Cultural Relevance: They tie into highly anticipated blockbusters or cult classics, ensuring a massive, pre-existing audience of dedicated fans and collectors.
• Resale Potential: The high demand quickly translates into significant resale value, turning the hobby into a profitable side hustle for some "flippers."

The Resale Market and Investment Value

The secondary market for these exclusive buckets is robust, with prices often soaring far above the original retail cost. Collectors frequently turn to platforms like eBay and Etsy to find sold-out items. For instance, buckets from popular franchises like *Deadpool* or *The Accountant 2* can be found reselling for anywhere between $32 and $55, even after being used. The most iconic and controversial pieces, however, can fetch significantly more, making them a unique form of movie memorabilia investment. This market is driven by the desire to complete a collection and the prestige of owning a piece of cinematic history that few others possess.

Beyond the Bucket: AMC’s Popcorn Value Propositions

While the limited-edition buckets grab the headlines, AMC Theatres also offers year-round value propositions for the everyday moviegoer, turning the simple act of buying popcorn into a loyalty program benefit. These programs are essential for topical authority, as they provide the practical, long-term context for AMC's concession strategy.

The 2025 CLASSIC Refillable Popcorn Bucket

For high-frequency moviegoers, the 2025 CLASSIC Refillable Popcorn Bucket is the ultimate value play. This annual purchase allows customers to enjoy big savings on popcorn refills throughout the year. The initial cost of the bucket is quickly offset by the reduced price of subsequent refills, making it an essential item for families and "Popcorn Lovers" who visit AMC CLASSIC locations regularly.

The AMC Popcorn Pass

A major development for 2025 is the introduction of the AMC Popcorn Pass. Going on sale in December 2025 and valid through December 31, 2026, this pass offers an unparalleled benefit: half-price large popcorn every single day. This initiative is designed to increase customer loyalty and drive concession revenue by making the cinema's most popular snack significantly more affordable for dedicated patrons. The Popcorn Pass brings added value, especially when paired with the savings already enjoyed by AMC Stubs® members, who typically save an additional $4 on the regular refillable bucket price.

The Future of Theatrical Merchandise

The success of the AMC popcorn bucket trend has fundamentally altered how movie theaters approach merchandise. The limited-edition model, pioneered by chains like AMC, Cinemark, and Regal, has proven that fans are willing to pay a premium for unique, film-specific collectibles. As new blockbusters are announced, the anticipation for the accompanying concession item is often as high as the movie itself. From the *SpongeBob Movie* buckets hitting theaters to the *Silent Night, Deadly Night* cookie tins, the market for unique, themed movie snacks and merchandise is only expanding, ensuring that the AMC popcorn bucket will remain at the center of the cinematic collector's universe for years to come.