What's the difference in calories for AMC popcorn sizes?

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Movie theater popcorn, especially at AMC Theatres, comes in various sizes with significantly different calorie counts. A small, unbuttered popcorn starts at around 300 calories, but the sizes and calorie counts increase dramatically from there.

Quick Summary

AMC popcorn sizes vary greatly in calories, with the largest options containing a substantial amount. The addition of butter further increases the caloric value.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Variation: AMC popcorn calories increase substantially with each size; large and refillable tubs have a surprisingly high calorie count.
Buttery Topping's Impact: The buttery topping adds about 120 calories per tablespoon, potentially doubling the total calories.
Refillable Tub's Calorie Load: A refillable tub of plain popcorn contains roughly 1,090 calories, which can be more than half the daily recommended intake.
High Fat Content: Even without butter, AMC popcorn is high in fat due to the oil used in popping, contributing to the high-calorie totals.
Portion Control Strategies: Opting for a smaller size or sharing a large popcorn helps manage calorie consumption.
Customization Options: AMC and other theaters may offer popcorn with less salt or no butter, promoting healthier choices.

Calorie Showdown: AMC Popcorn Sizes Compared

Enjoying popcorn at the movies is a classic pastime, but understanding the nutritional aspect is key. The difference in calories for AMC popcorn sizes is substantial, and the choices can impact your daily intake significantly. This article breaks down the calorie counts to help you make informed decisions about your snack choices. The significant calorie difference between sizes results from the increased serving volume, the oil used in preparation, and the addition of the buttery topping.

Size Matters: From Small to Tub

When it comes to AMC popcorn, the calorie count varies greatly. The base popcorn calories are affected by the addition of the buttery topping. AMC offers the topping as a self-serve option, impacting the final calorie count.

Calorie Breakdown (Plain Popcorn, No Added Butter)

Small (Cameo): A 6.625-cup serving has about 300 calories.
Medium (Regular): The 11.875-cup serving contains 550 calories.
Large Tub: The large size contains 17.5 cups of popcorn and clocks in at 810 calories.
Refillable Tub: At 23.75 cups, the refillable tub has approximately 1,090 calories before any butter is added.

The Impact of the Buttery Topping

The buttery topping, a flavored oil, significantly affects the calorie count. Because AMC provides a self-serve option, the final caloric value depends on how much is added. The topping adds about 120 calories per tablespoon, potentially increasing the calories in any size by hundreds. This can turn a large popcorn into a calorie-dense treat, possibly exceeding 1,500 calories for a refillable tub.

Size Discrepancies and Nutrition Reporting

Nutrition data can show slight variations depending on the source. These differences are often due to variations in portion sizes or testing methods. However, the general trend of increasing calories with size remains consistent across reputable sources. This emphasizes the importance of using the latest official information when it's available, though the overall scale of caloric intake remains the main point.

Comparison Table: AMC Popcorn (No Added Butter)


Size	Approximate Volume	Approximate Calories	Calories per Cup	Calorie Difference from Small
Cameo (Small)	6.625 cups	300	~45	0
Regular (Medium)	11.875 cups	550	~46	+250
Large Tub	17.5 cups	810	~46	+510
Refillable Tub	23.75 cups	1,090	~46	+790

Making Smart Choices: Popcorn and Your Health

Consuming occasional movie theater popcorn will not usually affect a healthy diet. However, knowing the calorie difference between sizes is important for making informed choices. A medium AMC popcorn without butter has more calories than many fast-food burgers. Portion control is essential. Sharing a larger size or choosing a smaller one can help.

For healthier options, some theaters provide popcorn with less salt or no butter upon request. Bringing pre-portioned, healthy snacks, such as air-popped popcorn, is another approach. Being mindful of the calorie density is important, especially since larger sizes encourage overconsumption. Considering the calorie increase from a small to a refillable tub is important when making a choice.

Conclusion

The difference in calories for AMC popcorn sizes is significant, especially between the small and refillable tub. Choosing a smaller, unbuttered popcorn is a more moderate snack, while larger sizes can quickly accumulate significant calories and fat. Making smart choices will align with your dietary goals. Consider the nutritional impact of a jumbo bucket the next time you visit the concession stand.

Additional Resources on Healthier Snacking

Movie Theater Popcorn Nutrition Facts: Calories, Carbs, and More

Frequently Asked Questions

A small AMC 'Cameo' size popcorn, without butter, contains about 300 calories.

A large AMC popcorn tub has approximately 810 calories without butter.

The buttery-flavored topping adds roughly 120 calories per tablespoon, with the final calorie count depending on how much is added.

From a nutritional perspective, the refillable tub is a poor value, containing over 1,000 calories before adding any buttery topping.

The calorie increase is not linear because the volume and oil content increase significantly with size. The extra buttery topping often applied liberally to larger tubs further exacerbates the calorie difference.

While popcorn is a whole grain, movie theater popcorn is often popped in oil and heavily salted. Even without the buttery topping, AMC popcorn is high in calories and fat due to the popping oil used.

Many theaters may accommodate requests for popcorn with less salt or no butter. You can also control the amount of buttery topping you add from the self-serve stations.