AMC Theatres is tapping into both nostalgia and the booming market for theatrical collectibles with its latest promotion: DC Comics’ 90th Anniversary popcorn buckets. Designed to celebrate nine decades of one of the most influential publishers in comic book history, these limited-edition tins transform a simple movie snack into a display-worthy keepsake for fans of superheroes, pop culture, and comic art alike.
According to AMC’s official shop listings, the DC Comics 90th Anniversary line consists of six distinct collectible tins. Each one spotlights the cover art of a landmark issue that helped define the superhero genre and the DC brand across generations. The lineup includes Action Comics #1, famous for introducing Superman to the world in 1938; Superman #1, the Man of Steel’s first self-titled series; Batman #1, which cemented the Dark Knight’s early mythology; Wonder Woman #103, representing one of comics’ most enduring heroines; Justice League #102, celebrating DC’s flagship team; and Showcase #4, notable for ushering in the Silver Age version of The Flash.
By featuring these specific covers, AMC isn’t just selling popcorn containers—it’s curating a miniature gallery of comic book history. Each cover represents a milestone moment, whether it’s the birth of a character, the start of a new era, or the consolidation of a superhero legacy. For longtime readers, these images carry decades of cultural memory. For newer fans, they offer a tangible connection to the roots of characters now primarily known through blockbuster films and streaming series.
AMC has added extra value to the promotion by bundling each bucket with a matching lanyard and cardholder. While simple, these add-ons enhance the “collector’s item” appeal and make the set feel more like an anniversary package than a standard concession purchase. At a retail price of $21.95 per bucket, the items are positioned at the intersection of impulse buy and specialty merchandise—accessible enough for casual fans, yet distinctive enough for dedicated collectors.
Scarcity is also playing a role in driving demand. Theater-goers have reported that certain designs, particularly Wonder Woman #103 and Showcase #4 (The Flash), are extremely limited in supply. In the world of collectibles, perceived rarity can quickly elevate an item’s desirability, and early sellouts often fuel secondary-market interest. It would not be surprising to see some of these buckets appear in online resale markets at marked-up prices, especially if AMC does not restock them.
This promotion fits into a broader resurgence of themed popcorn buckets and novelty concession items. Once considered a niche gimmick, collectible buckets have become a significant part of the modern theatrical experience. In an era where streaming competes heavily with cinemas, theaters are increasingly focused on offering experiences and memorabilia that cannot be replicated at home. Limited-edition merchandise tied to films or major brands gives moviegoers a reason to show up in person and leave with something memorable.
Recent years have seen a wide range of such tie-ins, from horror-themed containers linked to films like Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and Stephen King adaptations, to comedic and action-oriented releases. These items often go viral on social media, turning concession stands into mini retail events and giving theaters additional revenue streams beyond ticket sales.
For DC, the collaboration is a timely way to celebrate a 90-year legacy that spans comics, television, film, and gaming. While the company frequently marks anniversaries with special issues and reprints, placing iconic covers into everyday spaces like movie theaters broadens the celebration beyond comic shops and conventions. It also aligns DC’s heritage with the communal experience of cinema, where many of its characters now reach their largest audiences.
Ultimately, the DC Comics 90th Anniversary popcorn buckets represent more than clever branding. They reflect how deeply superhero culture has permeated mainstream entertainment and how physical collectibles still hold power in a digital age. For fans, they offer a small but tangible piece of history—one that might start filled with popcorn, but will likely end up on a shelf as a reminder of both comic book legacy and the evolving moviegoing experience.
