Last updated 16 hours ago | Originally Published: July 15, 2025
Since the first public showing of The Great Train Robbery in 1903, Americans have associated candy and snacks with movie time, especially popcorn! However, it wasn’t until the 1920s that candy became a big hit, with top names like Milk Duds, Raisinets, and Twizzlers paving the way! Fast forward 100 years, and those same candy brands remain as relevant today as they were at the beginning. Nowadays, there are hundreds of different movie theater candies available, most of which still come in a box!
On a personal note, based on my experience, I’ve been going to the movies since 1985, so I’m familiar with everything they offer. As with most people, I always start with a bucket of popcorn and then move to candy! My list below consists of my favorite candy brands, which I found really hard to rank, especially as I approached the end, as there were many options I could have chosen, but in the end, I made my picks. Nowadays, I watch more movies from home; however, my love for popcorn and candy during a movie hasn’t changed, and it’s not hard to tell.
Milk Duds
Milk Duds have always been part of my movie snack rotation! The chewy caramel, coated in chocolate, lasts longer than most candies. Based on my experience, they force you to slow down and enjoy them one by one. Even when I try to skip them, I end up buying a box because no movie is complete without a box of Milk Duds; it’s a tradition now.
Skittles
Skittles have always been one of those candies that disappear too quickly, so make it two boxes for me, maybe even a bag! The fruit flavors are sharp and addictive. These don’t generally melt, so they’re perfect for summer time movie marathons when chocolate can be a little risky. The only issue I have with these is that once I start, I can’t finish, as most can relate.
Reese’s Pieces
Reese’s Pieces are my fallback when I want something peanut butter-based without the mess. They don’t melt, they pour easily, and they never disappoint. I used to pour them into my popcorn when I was a kid, but now I eat them straight. Either way, they’re easy to finish before the main feature, so getting a couple of boxes will never hurt.
Trolli Candy
Trolli is always a fun pick. I usually go for the sour crawlers, though the shapes don’t really matter. What matters most is the sweet and sour taste they offer! These are soft enough to chew quickly but strong enough to leave an aftertaste. They come in smaller bags, so I tend to finish them early and always wish I’d bought two.
Mike and Ike
I’ve been eating Mike and Ike since childhood, and they’re still one of my favorite movie candies to this day! The chewy texture and flavors are perfect for longer movies because they last long. Nowadays, Mike and Ike come in many flavors, more than most people are aware of, including Tropical, which is my personal favorite.
Nerds Candy
Nerds are chaotic, loud, and gone before I know it. I like the original dual-flavor boxes, especially the grape and strawberry flavors. Then again, I’m also a fan of Nerds Big Chewy, Gummy Clusters, and Ropes! Unfortunately, the dual flavor boxes aren’t always easy to find anymore, but a big bag of Rainbow Nerds will last a few movies!
The Original Red Hots
Red Hots don’t get enough credit. They’re small, spicy, and last forever if you don’t chew them. I don’t buy them often, but when I do, it’s usually in colder months. They’ve got that strong, spicy cinnamon flavor that’s warm and sticks around. One box is usually enough for me, but since they don’t melt easily, I always keep a few boxes nearby, especially in the winter.
Junior Mints
Junior Mints are hit or miss, depending on the weather. I only buy them when the A/C is blasting or in the winter, because they melt fast. The mint and chocolate combo is smooth and refreshing, plus, as always, they taste great. If I’m eating chocolate after popcorn, this is usually the one I’ll grab. They still come in theater candy boxes, which I think is pretty cool.
Sour Patch Kids
Sour Patch Kids are a must. They’ve got a perfect chewy texture, and the sour kick upfront always wakes me up. I usually finish the box before the movie ends, so I buy two if I’m planning ahead. They’re not too sweet, and they never melt. If I can’t decide on a movie candy, I’ll grab these because until today, they’ve never let me down, even if the movie sucked.
Hot Tamales
I group these with Red Hots, but they’re more chewable. Same spicy cinnamon flavor, but they go down faster. I’ll eat these when I want something a little different but still classic. I usually end up eating the whole box early, so I space them out during the trailers. These aren’t a daily pick for me, but still a good one when I’m in the mood and want something sweet and spicy!
SweeTarts
SweeTarts are sharp, crunchy, and original theater candy. They crack when you bite down, so not ideal for quiet scenes, but I eat them anyway. I usually get the rolls, not the ropes, because I’m original like that, but to each their own, I don’t judge. I love how the tart flavor gives you a little jolt, just enough to keep you awake! If you’re stuck watching a boring flick, eat these!
Chuckles
Chuckles are old-school and don’t show up everywhere anymore. So, I see them, I grab them. They’re chewy, sugar-coated, and come in flavors such as lime, orange, cherry, lemon, and licorice. I usually eat the black licorice one last or toss them, depending on the mood. Like most movie theater candy, these still come in a box, just as they always have!
Dots Candy
Dots are an all-American movie candy favorite that has been around for many decades, although they’re no longer as popular as they once were. However, they’re still a big hit at most theaters around the country. Plus, they now come in several flavors, such as original, sour, tropical, and just watermelon, which is a newer flavor that I really like a lot.
Warheads
Warheads offer a strong sour flavor that wakes you up fast, which can be good during slower movies. Once the sour fades, the fruit flavor holds up just enough to keep you reaching back into the box. They don’t melt, spill, and work well between popcorn breaks. I absolutely love sour candies, so these might not be for everyone! If you know, you know.
Jujyfruits
Jujyfruits take effort to eat, which makes them ideal for longer movies. The flavors are simple, but the chew slows things down in a good way. They don’t melt, spill, or distract, and one box lasts from trailers through the credits. They’re not flashy, but they’re sweet, juicy, chewy, and familiar. They’re not always available, but when they are, I usually scoop up a few boxes.
Choosing the Best Movie Theater Candy
At the end of the day, it’s all about what you like and prefer. As for choosing the best movie theater candy, that’s a personal matter between you and your tastebuds! I love the candies mentioned above; they’re my favorites, although I could have given Jujufruits to several other brands. However, I’ve always had a thing for those, so I couldn’t leave them out. However, it’s all about you and what you’re into, as my list is only the beginning of a long line of candy! I watch most movies from home, but I still love traditional theater candy, including the little boxes they come in, so I always have some nearby just waiting for me to press play!
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