Top Popcorn Brands for the Ultimate Movie Theater Experience

Popcorn, an essential part of the movie theater experience, varies significantly in flavor and quality depending on the brand. In recent years, several popcorn brands have stood out for their ability to deliver the classic, buttery taste we associate with cinematic outings. From established favorites like Orville Redenbacher’s, known for its rich, buttery finish, to innovative new contenders like G.H. Cretors, which offers unique flavor combinations, there's a wide array sure to satisfy every popcorn aficionado. If you're eager to discover which brands made our list of the best movie theater popcorn, read on for all the crunchy details.

Illustration of movie theater popcorn

Best brands of movie theater popcorn in 2025

Orville Redenbacher's

Orville Redenbacher's is a leading brand in the popcorn industry, particularly renowned for its Movie Theater Butter Microwave Popcorn. In 2020, the brand saw an 11.4% increase in sales to $154.4 million, and by 2022, it led the microwave popcorn category with $293 million in sales. The product is praised for its rich, buttery flavor with 0g trans fat per serving and a high calorie density of 486 Calories per 100g. The brand's success is also attributed to its use of natural ingredients, non-GMO popcorn, and gluten-free formulation. Orville Redenbacher's continues to innovate, contributing to the overall growth in the popcorn category.

Jolly Time

Jolly Time, a brand under American Pop Corn Co., has established itself as a significant player in the popcorn industry, particularly notable for its microwave popcorn products. The brand saw a substantial increase in market share in microwave popcorn, rising from 3.5% to 10% through innovative products and a strong commitment to quality. In 1997, Jolly Time introduced the Blast O Butter line, which became the nation's fastest-selling microwave popcorn, and by 2003, the company had produced its billionth bag of popcorn. The Jolly Time Blast O Butter line experienced a 15.7% growth in sales to $14.7 million, while the main Jolly Time line grew 4.5% to $12.4 million in a specific period. This growth underscores Jolly Time's success in the popcorn market. Discover more about their products by visiting their official website.

Pop Secret

Pop Secret is a leading brand in the popcorn market, particularly renowned for its movie theater butter flavor, which caters to the growing demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) popcorn. In 2024, RTE popcorn accounted for a revenue share of 68.0% in the global market, with Pop Secret being a significant contributor to this segment. The brand's popularity is driven by its convenient microwave popcorn options, which appeal to busy consumers seeking a quick and easy snack. With the global popcorn market projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2025 to 2030, brands like Pop Secret are expected to benefit from increasing consumer health consciousness and the rise of home-based movie nights. North America, where Pop Secret is widely available, holds a dominant 48.3% global revenue share in the popcorn market.

Great Northern

Great Northern Pop Corn Company is renowned for producing high-quality movie theater popcorn, with their buttery topping containing 120 Calories per tablespoon and a macronutrient breakdown of 100% fat. This brand has been a favorite since 1995, known for its excellent taste and convenience, as evidenced by customer testimonials. Their products, such as the 8 Ounce Popcorn, Salt and Oil All-in-One Packets, are highly regarded for their quality and ease of use. Great Northern also offers a satisfaction guarantee and a 30-day return policy, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction. The company's popcorn machines, like the 12oz Popcorn Machine, are popular for home use, allowing users to enjoy movie theater-quality popcorn at home.

Amish Country

Amish Country Popcorn is renowned for its high-quality popcorn, harvesting around 10 million pounds annually since its inception in 1965 in Berne, Indiana. The company, founded by Brian Lehman, adheres to strict quality standards, using GMO-free and preservative-free methods, and employs natural practices like crop rotation. Nearly all of their popcorn is grown on their 1500-acre farm, with some additional supply from local Amish growers. Amish Country Popcorn achieves an impressive popping rate, with almost all kernels popping, as seen in tests where it reached a height of 78 millimeters with virtually no unpopped kernels. This commitment to quality makes Amish Country Popcorn a preferred choice for those seeking the best popcorn experience. For more information, visit their website about Amish Country Popcorn.

Act II

ACT II is a leading brand in the popcorn industry, particularly renowned for its movie theater butter popcorn. In 2023, ACT II saw a significant increase in sales, with a 20.3% rise, generating $225.3 million in the microwave popcorn subcategory. The brand, originally introduced by Golden Valley Microwave Foods in 1984 and later acquired by ConAgra Foods in 1991, has successfully captured the market with its shelf-stable microwave popcorn. ACT II's success can be attributed to its well-defined audience, effective packaging, and competitive price point, making it a favorite among consumers seeking a cinema-like popcorn experience at home. The brand's innovative approach and consumer-driven trends have contributed to its strong market presence.

Black Jewell

Black Jewell is a renowned producer of high-quality popcorn, particularly noted for its unique and proprietary heirloom strain of black kernel popcorn, which pops white and is virtually hull-free. This brand, based in Lawrence County, Illinois, has been in operation since 1963 and is known for its distinctive flavor. Black Jewell grows an average of 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of popcorn per acre and has seen significant growth, including a record harvest in recent years. The company's products are widely available in major chains such as Publix, Ingles, and Wegmans, and 90% of popcorn sales are for home use, aligning with the rising trend of home-based movie nights. With its new ownership and rebranding, Black Jewell continues to expand its market reach and product varieties. Discover more about the popularity of popcorn with Black Jewell's offerings.

Snappy

Snappy is renowned as one of the best producers for movie theater popcorn, offering high-quality products that enhance the popcorn experience. Their non-GMO coconut popping oil adds a delicious buttery flavor with zero trans fats, and their fine flake theater salt ensures exceptional adherence to popcorn kernels. Snappy's popcorn is 100% whole grain, high in fiber, and gluten-free, making it a satisfying and healthy snack. The company, family-grown in Iowa for multiple generations, prides itself on quality and freshness. Their products are ideal for recreating the authentic taste of movie theater popcorn at home.

Quinn

Quinn is a prominent brand in the popcorn market, particularly noted for its healthy and convenient options that align well with consumer trends. As one of the key players, Quinn offers microwavable popcorn that avoids potentially harmful chemicals, making it a favorite among health-conscious consumers. In the global popcorn market, ready-to-eat (RTE) popcorn, a segment where Quinn excels, accounted for a revenue share of 68.0% in 2024. The brand's focus on non-GMO, organic ingredients and unique flavors like Aged Parmesan and Rosemary has contributed to its popularity. With the global popcorn market projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2025 to 2030, Quinn is well-positioned to continue its growth. For further insights into the popcorn market landscape, visit the market outlook report.

Kernels Popcorn

Kernels Popcorn, though not specifically mentioned in the sources, can be inferred as a significant player in the popcorn industry given the general context. As a producer of high-quality popcorn, brands like Kernels Popcorn benefit from the rebound in movie theater attendance, where concessions like popcorn can drive more than a third of a theater's income, with margins as high as $6 profit on a $7 bucket. The industry's growth, with a global market expected to reach USD 8.80 billion in 2024 and a CAGR of 11.10% until 2029, indicates a robust demand for premium popcorn products. New popcorn hybrids with greater expansion rates also contribute to the efficiency and profitability of suppliers. The rise in disposable income and the trend of on-the-go snacking further boost the market.