By KBC Associate 
While going to the movies and sinking into one of those plush red velvet seats that lean all the way back is a unique kind of pleasure, one can’t deny that the whole affair of taking in a film at the theater has gotten pretty expensive.
First there’s ticket cost, which is roughly $20.49 per ticket if you’re going to see an evening show. And that’s a solo cost, so if you’re going with your partner or kids, you’ll need to multiply that number.
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Then there’s concessions — no movie feels right without popcorn. And most people pair that with a soda or some candy (or maybe both), so you can expect to shell out another $20-$30 there if it’s just you, or more if you’re there with friends or family.
Should it happen to be a dine-in theater, you’ll save on concessions but spend even more when it comes to being served in your seat. It’s not a surprise to be presented with a bill for $50 or more at the end of your theater experience — and that’s only if you didn’t get alcoholic beverages. Add those in, and that bill could go to $100 or more.
Related: AMC announces generous offer to win back customers
It all sounds a bit nauseating when you think about the numbers — and it also really makes a case for why people spend more time at home with Netflix or other streaming services. They get a lot more access to a variety of content for their monthly subscriber price, and they don’t have to get off the couch.
To combat this, theaters have had to come up with some truly unique reasons to get folks to feel like going to the movies is truly worth it. Now, a new release is coming that is getting very special fanfare, and both Regal and AMC (AMC)  have created a pretty compelling reason to buy yourself a ticket.
‘Lilo & Stitch’ makes its big debut
On May 23, a new live-action version of Disney’s 2002 animated classic “Lilo & Stitch” is coming to the big screen. Lilo & Stitch has been a popular IP for Disney since the launch of the original film, so it’s no surprise that the live-action film is getting lots of promotion (not to mention Disney likely wants people to forget about the vast flop that was the live-action “Snow White”).
In advance of the film’s release, it looks as if both AMC and Regal Cinemas are planning to get in on the action with a tactic that’s been popular for several years: themed popcorn buckets.
Food blogger Markie Devo shared a tweet on X on May 13 showing off the new buckets, as well as a variety of other collectible Lilo & Stitch items that collectors will flip out over.
Related: Netflix CEO shares a controversial take on movie theaters
Regal’s items include a Stitch-shaped popcorn bucket and several drink cup options, with one shaped like Stitch and the others with cute graphics of Stitch surfing. Regal is also offering wearable Stitch ears and a special edition Dippin’ Dots flavor called Hawaiian Crumble.
If you decide to take the movie in at AMC, you’ll also get themed popcorn buckets and cups, wearable ears, and several collectible figures of the little blue alien. As for food and drink, you can also get Hawaiian Crumble there, but there’s an exclusive Icee called Blue Raspberry Wave as well.
Both theaters are offering special fan events for the film’s opening night along with the exclusive merch. Seeing the movie in a Regal 4DX theater will get you a free Stitch phone buddy, which attaches by suction cup to your phone, while seeing it at AMC will get you free Stitch-themed slap bracelets. Cinemark is also hopping in on the action with free water-bottle stickers.
In his post, Devo also mentioned the items are hitting locations early, but not how to obtain them.
The themed popcorn-bucket craze
A few years ago, AMC didn’t sell any merchandise. But after trying out the idea as a way to get people to come back to the theater post-pandemic, the company discovered it had stumbled on success. In 2024, it made $65 million in revenue from merchandise alone.
The popcorn bucket it created for the promotion of “Dune 2” also inspired viral fame, as it was modeled after a creature from the film but often drew crude comparisons to adult pleasure products.
Along with continuing to lean into the popcorn bucket trend, AMC is also offering a new discount for moviegoers who come to the theater on Wednesdays. Tickets for evening films will be 50% for all AMC Stubs members, which is a free loyalty program offered by the theater chain.
Related: AMC announces generous offer to win back customers