Top 10 Essential Movie Snacks

What are your sweet or savory treats to pair with your flick?

If your family is anything like mine, you’ve at least heard of Dude Perfect. During one of their Overtime segments, Tyler listed his Top 10 favorite candies. If you’ve ever heard his Top 10, you know they’re typically received with much controversy. That’s not my goal with this list, but, like any list, I’m sure I’ll omit one of your favorites. If that’s the case, let me hear from you.

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#1 - Popcorn

The one, the only, the original movie snack. Popcorn is one of the main reasons I love walking into a movie theater - movie theater popcorn is one of the best smells. Some may protest popcorn being at the top of the list, but it’s the one snack that other snacks pair with (check out this fun list for pairing options). Every snack wants a piece of the action when it comes to popcorn. Snacks will vary from theater to theater, but it’s not a theater without popcorn (Below is a fun way to make movie theater popcorn at home).

#2 - Sour Patch Kids (Original & Watermelon)

This snack seemed to come out of nowhere and totally dominate other candies. I don’t remember when I first had Sour Patch Kids, but I know they weren’t around when I was growing up. They have quickly become one of my favorite candies and I struggle to pick the original or watermelon as my favorite. Confession: I actually pick these over popcorn, but felt that I had to list popcorn first. Fun Fact: When I served as a youth worker, I called these Sour Patch Children to annoy my students.

#3 - Reese’s Pieces

Did you know that M&M’s declined the chance to appear in E.T.: The Extraterrestrial? Reese’s Pieces were still a fairly new candy, so the chance to co-star alongside the lovable E.T. made them a superstar. I think M&M’s still have the market cornered on chocolates with a thin candied shell, but you won’t find them on this list. Peanut Butter for the win!

#4 - Swedish Fish

I’m a sucker for chewy candies. I think I love the texture of Swedish Fish just as much as the flavor. Sure, they get stuck in your teeth from time-to-time, but that’s part of the fun of this snack - you get to enjoy them twice.

#5 - Junior Mints

When I was younger, I hated Junior Mints. The idea of mint and chocolate wasn’t appealing at all. They say your tastebuds change over time, so I guess that’s what happened here. The combination is perfect - creamy chocolate with the freshness of mint. I share the sentiments of Kramer, “Who’s gonna turn down a Junior Mint? It’s chocolate, it’s peppermint, it’s delicious…it’s very refreshing!”

#6 - Hot Tamales and Mike & Ikes

Some of you may count this as cheating and that’s okay. I feel like these candies are siblings. They’re in the same family and I love them both (chewy candies again). The texture and shape is basically the same but the flavor couldn’t be more different. If you’re in the mood for that semi-spicy heat, Hot Tamales are what you’re looking for. Looking for something that’s slightly sour with a smooth fruity finish, Mike & Ike’s have you covered. If you haven’t had Mike & Ike’s lately, I think they’ve slightly changed their flavor. To me, they’re way better, and I think they may be trying to capture Sour Patch Child…Kids. They aren’t as sour, but I like the change.

#7 - Sno-Caps

Full disclosure, I’ve never had these. Have you? The reason they’re on this list (as well as the next candy) is because I always remember seeing these at the theater growing up. Anytime I pass over this candy on the candy isle, I think movies. I probably haven’t tried these because of the nonpareil topping (for the record, I had to look up nonpareil so don’t feel bad…it’s basically confectionery topping). You may also be thinking - Are these discontinued? If that’s you, you’re not alone. One of the top searches on Google is asking if they’re in circulation anymore. According to a 2023 post, Nestlé is still making them. Let’s help these little guys out and purchase some for our next movie night.

#8 - Raisinets

I don’t like these at all (not a big raisin fan) but I feel like they have to be included on this list. For those of you who are raisin-lovers, you’re welcome. I’m sure there are many of you out there who enjoy shriveled grapes, so I hope you feel seen. These fit into the category with Snow-caps; i.e., they just belong in a movie theater. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone snack on these when they aren’t watching a movie. It’s like these must be consumed while a movie is playing. Don’t believe me? Just check out the below ad.

#9 - Jujyfruits

I’ve got to be honest, I’m not even sure if I’ve ever eaten Jujyfruits. Now that I’m thinking about it, I may have stolen a small box of these out of my kid’s halloween bag. I’m totally putting these on the list because I’m a Seinfeld fan. Yes, the way Elaine eats Jujyfruit almost turns me off the candy, but she’s too hilarious to remove these from the list. I mean, if she bought Jujyfruits at a movie theater, even after hearing that her boyfriend had been in a car accident, they must be pretty good.

#10 - Haribo Goldbears

I know what you’re thinking, Aren’t these made from the hooves of animals? It’s true, gelatin comes from animal skin and bone, but Haribo Goldbears are the tastiest animal remains I’ve ever had…that I’m aware of. If you haven’t picked up on this by now, there’s a theme of chewy, fruity treats on this list. If I was really writing this list for me, I would’ve also include Skittles (the purple pack), Nerd Gummy Clusters, and Chewy Sweet-tarts. But I tried to consider the broader community of this newsletter and list treats you all might enjoy. That said, I had to include gummy bears. Not just any gummy bears, though. Haribo are the gold standard and that’s not an attempt at a cheesy pun. They’re the best.

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As I said, any attempt at making a list will disappoint anyone. If I left one of your favorite candies off, please let me hear from you in the comments. If you’re really up for it, leave your Top 10 in the comments. Maybe I’ll create a part 2 and compile something from the readers of this newsletter. Stay tuned!