SpongeBob Movie Popcorn Buckets are Hitting Theaters

Regal went with a more traditional approach with their SpongeBob-shaped bucket at $19.99. It’s a simpler design showing SpongeBob’s face and upper body, similar to what you’d expect from standard character popcorn buckets.

Stock availability is inconsistent from what we’ve seen online. Some locations sold out quickly while others still have inventory. Call your local Regal before making a trip to avoid wasting gas.

The resale market is already active here. eBay sold listings confirm sales between $40 to $70, putting profit at around $20 to $50 after fees and shipping. Not huge margins, but the lower retail price means less money tied up if these sit.

This is the safer flip option right now since you’ve got actual sold data confirming demand at those prices. The lower buy-in also means you can grab a few without major capital risk.

Cinemark went all-in with their exclusive design that recreates SpongeBob’s iconic pineapple house. At $24.99 retail, it’s the pricier option but the detail work shows why. The bucket captures the actual structure of the house rather than just being a character head like most theater popcorn buckets.

Each purchase includes a collectible coin featuring different SpongeBob characters. This creates a mini collecting game where people might buy multiple buckets to complete the coin set, which could drive additional demand beyond just the bucket itself.

Current eBay listings show the pineapple house at $60 to $80, though actual sold data is still thin since these just dropped. After eBay’s 13% fees and shipping, you’re looking at roughly $30 to $45 profit per bucket if you can move them at those prices.

The unique design might be the better long-term hold if AMC doesn’t release something similar. Cinemark exclusives don’t always get the same attention as AMC’s collectibles, but this one has enough detail to stand out.

For the SpongeBob movie, AMC is releasing a small line of merch centered around a SpongeBob rowboat popcorn bucket. Also available are themed drink cups.

AMC’s Dune sandworm and Ghostbusters designs both crushed it on resale, so expectations are high. This drop is a little lower-key than we’re used to.

At least one sale has gone through for one of these SpongeBob Rowboat buckets, but we’re not sure where the seller got it from. This might have been a rogue AMC employee looking to secure a little extra cash.

The Regal bucket offers the quickest, lowest-risk flip right now. You’ve got confirmed sold data, a lower price point, and decent margins for a theater collectible.

Cinemark’s pineapple house is the better hold play if you’re betting on collector value down the line. The design is more unique and the coin collecting aspect could create sustained interest beyond opening weekend.

Both chains typically accept returns on unused merch with receipt, which is rare for collectibles. That safety net reduces your downside if these don’t move as expected.

Wait for AMC’s announcement before committing serious money to either option. Their designs historically outperform other chains on resale, so you don’t want to be stuck with inventory if they drop something killer.