If you ever needed proof that movie theaters truly understand their audience, this is it.
To celebrate DC Comics turning 90, AMC released a line of popcorn buckets that look like classic DC comic covers. Not movie posters. Not logos. Actual comic style covers that feel like they came straight off a spinner rack.
These are not meant to be thrown away. These are meant to sit on a shelf.
What these popcorn buckets actually are
AMC offered several popcorn buckets inspired by iconic DC characters like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash. Each bucket was designed to look like a thick comic book slab, complete with bold colors and classic poses.
They leaned heavily into vintage comic energy. No modern movie branding. No clutter. Just clean cover art that feels timeless.
It is kind of wild how much effort went into something that normally holds popcorn.
They sold out almost immediately
These popcorn tins were sold both online and at AMC theater locations, and they did not last long in either place.
In many cases, they sold out within minutes of going live online. At theaters, some locations reported selling out before the first showtime of the day even started.
That fast sellout says everything. This was not a slow burn collectible. Fans showed up early, clicked fast, and wiped out stock almost instantly.
If you missed out, you were not alone.
How much they cost and how to get one
Each popcorn tin was priced at $21.95.
They were available through AMC online and in person at AMC theaters. There were no guaranteed restocks, and once inventory was gone, it was gone.
Which also explains why resale listings popped up almost immediately.
Why fans care so much about these
This hit a very specific nerve for collectors.
It was movie merch. It was comic merch. And it celebrated a major anniversary without tying itself to a single film release. That made these feel more like a tribute than an advertisement.
For DC fans, ninety years is a big deal. These buckets felt like a nod to the history of the characters, not just the current era.
They also looked good. That matters more than people admit.
The best looking bucket design is easily The Flash
The Flash has always been one of my favorite DC characters, so this one instantly stood out to me.
The tin gives off strong OG comic vibes. The colors pop, the style feels classic, and the overall design just works. It looks like something pulled straight from an older era of DC, not modern merch trying too hard.
Batman looks cool and serious. Superman is timeless. Wonder Woman is clean and powerful.
But The Flash bucket feels fun. It feels alive.
This is the one that would still look great sitting on a shelf years from now.
This fits a bigger trend AMC is leaning into
AMC has clearly realized that people will buy collectibles if they feel intentional. Popcorn buckets have gone from novelty items to legit merch, and this DC anniversary set might be one of their smartest ideas yet.
It did not rely on hype from a new movie. It relied on nostalgia and good design. That is a winning combo.
Comic shops should honestly be paying attention.
Should you buy one if you find it
If you are a DC fan, yes.
If you collect comic memorabilia, absolutely.
If you just want popcorn, you might hesitate. But these feel like the kind of thing that becomes cooler over time, not less.
Explore the characters behind the covers
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Written by Dangioffre
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