National Popcorn Day: These movie theaters are offering popcorn promotions on Jan. 19

Movie theaters are popping out deals in celebration of National Popcorn Day Monday, Jan. 19.

The humble corn snack has a long history intertwined with movie theaters that began during the Great Depression. Cheap to make, movie theaters began offering the inexpensive snack option to help draw in crowds, according to the Smithsonian Magazine. WWII solidified popcorn’s movie theater reign when competing snacks high in sugar, such as candy and soda, were rationed due to traditional sugar exporters being cut off from the U.S.

By 1945, more than half of the popcorn consumed nationwide was eaten at movie theaters, reports the Smithsonian. Nowadays, popcorn is the primary profit maker for movie theaters, with the 2013 article estimating that movie theaters make 85% profit off of concession sales, constituting 46% of movie theater’s overall profits.

AMC

AMC is offering a special deal for those signing up for its 2026 AMC Popcorn Pass ($30) from Jan. 16-19: New members get their first large popcorn free. Use the pass throughout the rest of the year for 50% off all large popcorn purchases.

Cinemark Theatres

Cinemark is offering four deals in celebration of National Popcorn Day.

Bring your own bucket to Cinemark on Jan. 18-19, and they’ll fill it up with regular popcorjust $5. Any container up to 400 ounces can be a “bucket,” but the theaters will make an exception for a Lowe’s 5-gallon blue bucket.

Cinemark is also launching its Catch the Popcorn game for a chance to win a year of free popcorn, as well as offering 10% off online gift card orders from Jan. 18-19. For a chance to win a free large popcorn, follow Cinemark on Instagram and X.

Doc Popcorn

The popcorn chain is giving away free 12-ounce cups of Better Butter popcorn during a two-hour window on Jan. 19.

Emagine Theaters

Any sized popcorn is just $5 at Emagine on Jan. 19. Additionally, every guest will receive an Emagine Pop & Peel card for a chance to win prizes redeemable on a future visit from Jan. 20 to Feb. 28. Every card is a winner, and four special guests will score a grand prize.

Marcus Theaters

Moviegoers will receive a free large popcorn on Jan. 19 and can enjoy popcorn-themed activities and games. Every ticketholder will receive a free scratch-off card containing concession prizes like free ICEEs, fountain beverages, candy and popcorn. Scratch-off cards can be redeemed Feb. 1-28.

Regal Cinemas

Dress up in a costume and redeem a free large popcorn. For an added bonus, snap a picture at Regal in costume and tag @reglmovies on Instagram for a chance to win three free months of Regal Unlimited. Ten winners will be selected starting at 10 a.m. ET on Jan. 20.