Movie Merch Brings Buzz and Bucks to the Theater

Movie goers carry around a big rolled up poster of the four main characters from the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise for opening night of the second movie. Approaching the concessions that most movie goers visit, a couple cases are filled with various merchandise of newly released, highly anticipated movies. Friends are joined together ready to watch a movie together that they’ve been wanting to watch.

“I like being with other people,” said Angelina Yang. ”Knowing that you’re also sharing that experience with other people that you don’t know, that’s also nice because then everyone’s there and the vibe is very nice.”

Movie theaters have been increasingly releasing popcorn buckets for new popular releases. These popcorn buckets take many shapes and sizes as new pieces to add to a passionate movie goer’s collection. One of the more recent being the Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 bucket, Freddy Fazbear’s head which you can remove the face and it turns into a wearable mask to fit the movie. But why have these popcorn buckets? Is there a reason why these popcorn buckets are popular?

“Personally, I think they’re kind of cool,” said Lindsay Thompson, who’s going to see Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 wearing a sweater from the franchise. “It kind of draws more attention to what movie is coming out, it’s a fun way to kind of just get people engaged into the movie and kind of just overall.”

Recently movie theater culture has been taken up a notch aside from popcorn buckets. Depending on how big the movie is you can find movie goers dressing up for what they’re going to see. Dressing up as specific characters, or just going with the theme of the movie like colors for instance.

“When I went to see Transformers there was someone in a costume, I thought that was pretty cool,” said Benjamin McCoy. “I’m almost betting I’m going to see costumes today.”

This new widespread upbringing in movie theater culture brings people out to the movies and have fun with fellow fans. That’s what makes going to the movies magical, the community it brings together in one room, sharing the experience.

Movie theaters have also been having more event based showings or special free items for certain movies. These take shape through cards, special movie tickets and many different items. For the recent release of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Marcus Theatres had a coin designed after the movie.

“I really enjoy the kind of community it brings together and the hype that you hear from the crowd and you know your fellow community and everything,” said Thompson. “It’s fun to watch movies together compared to just watching on a streaming service.”

Movie culture seems to be rather thriving and alive as of recent with the influence of types of films being released, popcorn buckets, events and trends. People have a preference to see movies in the theater in general due to the enhanced experience you get with a shared community that’s more drawn out, especially on opening nights.