Movie theater popcorn lovers, prepare to have your wildest snack dreams come true.
Cinemark is bringing back its viral “Bring Your Own Bucket” promotion for National Popcorn Day, and this year’s deal is even more outrageous than before.
For just $5, customers can fill any container with up to 400 ounces — that’s 25 pounds — of buttery movie theater popcorn on January 18 and 19.
But here’s where things get interesting: a strategic partnership with Lowe’s has unlocked what might be the greatest popcorn hack in cinema history.
The Five-Gallon Bucket Hack That’s Breaking The Internet
According to The Hollywood Reporter, savvy moviegoers who bring a five-gallon Lowe’s bucket can fill it completely to the brim — approximately 650 ounces of popcorn for the same $5 price.
That’s more than three times the amount you’d get in an extra-large tub, which normally costs $9.95 for just 200 ounces.
Cinemark will even provide bucket liners upon request, making cleanup easier and keeping that iconic buttery goodness contained. The promotion runs for two full days this year — Saturday, January 18, and Sunday, January 19 — expanding from last year’s single-day event.
And here’s the best part: you don’t even need to buy a movie ticket to participate.
Why This Deal Is Actually Incredible Value
Let’s break down the math to understand just how significant these savings are.
A standard extra-large popcorn at Cinemark contains 200 ounces and costs $9.95. During the BYOB event, that same $5 gets you 400 ounces in any container you bring — double the popcorn for half the price.
But if you opt for the five-gallon Lowe’s bucket strategy? You’re getting 650 ounces for $5, which works out to less than one penny per ounce.
To put that in perspective, you’d normally pay about $32 for that amount of popcorn at regular prices. That’s an 84% discount.
A Strategic Partnership Between Unlikely Allies
The collaboration between Cinemark and Lowe’s — not to be confused with Loews theaters, which is owned by rival AMC — represents creative thinking in promotional marketing.
Helpfulness is at the heart of the Lowe’s brand, and it shows up in the everyday moments customers share with family and friends — even a night at the movies.
That’s how Jen Wilson, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Lowe’s, described the partnership.
Our iconic blue bucket brings utility and delight wherever it goes, including the theater. Teaming up with Cinemark is a fun, simple way to give families even more value from something they already rely on throughout the year.
The partnership extends beyond just the bucket opportunity. Customers will receive coupons valid from February 1 through February 26 for future popcorn cravings, extending value well beyond the two-day event.
Building On Last Year’s Viral Success
Cinemark’s BYOB event debuted last year and quickly became a social media sensation as creative moviegoers brought increasingly outrageous containers to their local theaters.
Wanda Gierhart Fearing, Cinemark’s chief marketing and content officer, reflected on that success and this year’s expansion.
Last year’s Bring Your Own Bucket event for National Popcorn Day reimagined what this holiday could be for all movie-popcorn lovers, as people showed incredible creativity with their vessels and made the celebration truly unforgettable for both guests and our theater teams.
She continued:
This year, we are thrilled to build on that fun by teaming up with Lowe’s to make the experience even bigger and better. With two full days of festivities as well as special sweepstakes and promotions, we cannot wait to see how much this year’s celebration will heat up.
The extension to two days addresses a practical concern: National Popcorn Day falls on Monday, January 19 this year, compared to Sunday last year. By adding Saturday, Cinemark ensures weekend moviegoers can still pair their popcorn haul with an actual film experience.
Limited Availability In New York State
For New Yorkers eager to participate, there’s one significant catch: only one Cinemark theater exists in the entire state.
Cinemark Tinseltown Rochester and IMAX, located at 2291 Buffalo Road in Rochester, is the sole participating location in New York. However, Rochester-area residents are well-positioned to take advantage, with four Lowe’s stores nearby among the 69 locations throughout the Empire State.
For those willing to make the journey, consider it a road trip with delicious rewards. Five gallons of movie theater popcorn could fuel countless viewing sessions at home, from streaming marathons of “Stranger Things” to NFL playoff watch parties.
Additional Ways To Score Free Popcorn
Beyond the BYOB event itself, Cinemark is offering multiple opportunities for popcorn enthusiasts to extend their snacking.
The theater chain launched an online popcorn bucket fill-up game at cinemark.com/popcornday, running through January 19. Winners can score free popcorn for an entire year — a prize that could be worth hundreds of dollars for frequent moviegoers.
All standard movie theater popcorn sizes will also be priced at just $5 during the January 18-19 event, meaning even customers who don’t bring containers can enjoy significant savings.
What You Need To Know Before You Go
Planning to participate? Here’s your action checklist:
- Dates: Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19, 2025
- Price: $5 plus tax for up to 400 ounces (650 ounces with five-gallon bucket)
- Container options: Any bucket, tub, bowl, cooler or container accepted
- Bucket liners: Available upon request at participating theaters
- Ticket required: No movie ticket purchase necessary
- New York location: Cinemark Tinseltown Rochester and IMAX only
With 25 pounds of popcorn available for pocket change, this promotion represents one of the most generous food deals in recent memory. Whether you’re stocking up for home viewing or simply embracing the absurdity of carrying a construction bucket full of popcorn, National Popcorn Day 2025 promises to be unforgettable.