The 18 Most Over-The-Top Popcorn Buckets To Hit Movie Theaters - Tasting Table

"The creativity is endless. The brand tie-ins are exquisite. The technology is surprisingly advanced. (Some of them even light up!) The promotional popcorn receptacles on this list aren't your typical plastic buckets with the movie poster stretched awkwardly around the outside. These are hilariously and cleverly-shaped collectible items that will have you saying, "Huh, I could see myself spending $44.99 for one of those." Yes, they're that powerful."

"Some of these popcorn buckets are adorable, and some are literally straight out of horror movies. Others are - whether on purpose or not - slightly suggestive. But they all have one thing in common: they hold your popcorn. They are functional containers for the best movie snack in the world, as long as you butter it so every kernel gets some. They also just so happen to be a beaver, a vampire's tomb, or a baby carrier."

"This "Barbie" car popcorn bucket was the subject of some controversy when the movie came out. We think it's pretty cool, but some were disappointed in the quality of the container considering the fairly steep price point, according to the New York Post. But a hot pink convertible filled with popcorn is inarguably every girl's dream, and this car allows you to fulfill that dream. What more could you ask for?"

Popcorn buckets have undergone a renaissance, becoming inventive, collectible promotional items rather than ordinary plastic containers. Designs range from adorable and whimsical to horror-inspired and suggestive, while many include advanced features like lights. Brand tie-ins and clever shapes drive consumer desire, sometimes justifying steep price points despite occasional quality complaints. These buckets function as usable popcorn containers while acting as novelty memorabilia shaped like cars, animals, coffins, or carriers. Specific examples include a hot pink Barbie convertible bucket and a glowing Alien: Romulus specimen container complete with an escaped facehugger clinging to the side.

Read at Tasting Table