Theater Employees Reveal How to Order Popcorn at the Movies

Movie theater popcorn is so delicious. The trouble is, the top quarter of the carton is almost always the saltiest and most buttery, and the popcorn gets drier toward the bottom. Unless, that is, you know the secret to perfect movie theater popcorn.

Whether you’re headed to the movies this weekend or taking advantage of AMC’s $5 ticket offer, these tricks will make sure you get the best popcorn every time.

How to Order Popcorn at the Movies

The trick to perfect popcorn depends primarily on the added ingredients: butter and salt—or whatever other popcorn seasoning you use. While the popped corn has some flavor on its own, butter adds essential moisture and richness, and salt or powdered seasonings keep corn from being bland. The trouble is, neither butter nor salt will permeate every kernel if you add them to a full container.

This is what’s really in movie theater popcorn butter.

Add butter twice

To evenly distribute butter, ask the snack bar worker to fill the bucket halfway with popcorn, stop to add butter, add the rest of the popcorn, and finish with a second round of butter. It’s the perfect accompaniment to our favorite food movies.

Ask for a larger container

Here’s a foolproof trick for evenly disbursed salt: Order the popcorn served in a container one size larger than your order. The extra headspace in the tub gives you room to toss the popcorn. Add a dash of salt, shake the tub thoroughly, and repeat as often as you like. This should send salt all the way down to the bottom of the tub.

Use a straw

If you have access to the butter pump, you can try this hack for movie theater popcorn. Just grab a straw, stick it into the popcorn bucket and let the butter flow through it. Then move the straw around to distribute the butter evenly.

Of course, you can also just make your own at home for a great night in…or maybe even sneak it into the theater. The best method is to make popcorn on the stovetop, and don’t forget everything else you need for a movie night!

Gourmet Popcorn Recipes for Movie Night

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Chewy Caramel-Coated Popcorn

When I was a kid, my mom made this recipe often. I've adapted it to make it more chewy and gooey than her crunchy, nut-loaded version. I get requests to make this for every event that I host, and have never had a single leftover! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

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Make sure you know how to make popcorn on the stove!

Easy White Chocolate Party Mix

I get rave reviews every time I prepare this crispy combination of cereal, popcorn, pretzels, nuts and candies. Coated in white chocolate, this mix is spectacular for parties and for gift giving. —Rose Wentzel, St. Louis, Missouri

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Courtside Caramel Corn

My guests say they can't stop eating my caramel corn! For our basketball party I fix enough to fill a big red tin with our team's logo. The delectable syrup coats the popcorn well but isn't sticky. —Sharon Landeen, Tucson, Arizona

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Parmesan Ranch Popcorn

Whether you need a quick gift idea or yummy munchies for movie night, we've got you covered with this cheesy twist on regular popped popcorn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Striped Chocolate Popcorn

For a bake sale last year, I wanted to try something different. I’d seen chocolate popcorn in a candy shop and thought I’d try making it. This recipe was a great success. —Mary Schmittinger, Colgate, Wisconsin

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Gingerbread Caramel Crunch

If you love gingerbread, you won't be able to resist this crispy, crunchy popcorn. Munch it yourself or share it as a tasty gift! —Lynne Weigle-Snow, Alexandria, Virginia

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Nacho Popcorn

My husband and I like to munch on this while watching TV. The nacho flavoring is a zesty alternative to butter and salt. —Linda Boehme, Fairmont, Minnesota

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Ranch Popcorn

What’s movie night at home without some popcorn to munch? Try a big tub of this buttery, showstopping blend. It’s easy, cheesy and finger-lickin’ good. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Marshmallow-Peanut Popcorn

My brother calls this combo of popcorn, marshmallows, peanuts and pretzels the “perfect popcorn." The taste is reminiscent of a Big Hunk candy bar. —Julie Perez, Idaho Falls, Idaho

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Peanut Butter Lover's Popcorn

A fun way to jazz up popcorn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Peppermint Popcorn

Crisp and minty, this simple popcorn snack is a hit with all 10 of our children. For variety, use whatever kind of candy you like. —Shirley Mars, Kent, Ohio

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Chocolate-Mint Popcorn

I wrote a book called “20 New Ways to Enjoy Popcorn.” When I poll friends, they favor this recipe, a delicious treat for after-dinner coffee. — Polly Brunning, Thaxton, Virginia

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Buffalo Ranch Popcorn

This zippy buffalo chicken flavored blend is sure to spice up your favorite snack. It's perfect for game time, movie time, or as a special after-school snack. Be sure to drizzle the sauce mixture over the popcorn gradually, otherwise you'll end up with soggy popcorn. —Jenny McCarthy, Sussex, Wisconsin

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