The ‘Rocky’ Steps Popcorn Bucket Is the Ultimate Anniversary Collectible
Some movie images are timeless. A boxer in a gray sweatsuit raising his arms at the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps is one such iconic image. As the ‘Rocky’ anniversary celebration unfolds this year, fans can now take part in the festivities at the concession stand.
Sylvester Stallone’s 1976 sports drama garnered 10 Academy Award nominations and won 3, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. In 2006, the Library of Congress recognized it for preservation in the National Film Registry, citing its cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.
This legacy is now being honored with a unique collectible. On Monday, a first look at the ‘Rocky’ Staircase popcorn bucket was unveiled.
First look at the ‘ROCKY’ 50th anniversary popcorn bucket. pic.twitter.com/rXQEip0SvV
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 28, 2026
The bucket features a replica of the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, complete with a small Rocky figure in his gray sweatsuit standing triumphantly at the edge. Popcorn fills the area below him. It boasts a stone tan finish, a bold red ROCKY logo on the front, and embossed artwork along the side.
This isn’t the only collectible available. Fathom Entertainment, Amazon MGM Studios, and Park Circus have announced three theatrical exclusives: the Staircase bucket, a 130 oz. round popcorn tin, and a 44 oz. beverage cup.
The popcorn tin is black, adorned with a ring of stars, and features large ROCKY letters filled with a blue-tinted image of Rocky celebrating on the steps. The beverage cup has yet to be revealed.
All three items will be available at select participating theaters nationwide. Fathom advises fans to check with their local theater for availability and potential purchase limits, with prices yet to be announced. If you’re interested in the Staircase bucket, it’s wise to call ahead, as the event is only scheduled for a few days.
These collectibles coincide with ‘Rocky 50’, a 4K remaster of the original film that will be screened in theaters from Nov. 7 to 11. Tickets are available now. According to Fathom Entertainment, CEO Ray Nutt described this run as “a special 50-year celebration.”
The screenings will also feature an exclusive look at ‘I Play Rocky’, introduced by the cast. Directed by Peter Farrelly, the film stars Anthony Ippolito as a young Stallone and explores his unwavering belief that he was destined to write and portray Rocky Balboa.
‘I Play Rocky’ premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month and held an 82% Tomatometer score as of Sept. 22. It is set for limited release on Nov. 13 and nationwide on Nov. 20. This pairing allows audiences to witness the underdog story behind the film before enjoying the classic on the big screen.
The city that brought the film to life is also joining in the celebration. The Philadelphia Visitor Center is hosting ‘Rocky Season’, a series of events kicking off Tuesday and concluding on Dec. 3. This includes a run up the Art Museum steps, a Rocky-themed bus tour, and a meat market challenge outside Reading Terminal Market.
From Sept. 30 to Oct. 3, the steps will feature a nightly light projection honoring the anniversary from 7 to 10. There’s even a challenge for participants to beat Rocky’s 72-step climb in under 12 seconds.
With the theatrical event, the biopic, and the city-wide festivities, it’s no wonder a collectible inspired by that famous staircase is capturing attention. The DiscussingFilm post has already garnered 2.8K likes and 186 reposts, indicating that fans are eager to display it on their shelves.
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