‘Robbery': Moviegoers slam wild price for popcorn and a drink

News.com.au

04-07-2025

If you thought a trip to the movies was already expensive, a recent post has sparked fresh outrage over how much Aussies are being charged for snacks at the cinema.
Taking to Reddit, a moviegoer shared a photo of the 'Jurassic World Combo' at Village Cinemas, which included a collectable popcorn tin and drink cup for the new Jurassic Park film.
The price for the two collectables was a staggering $40.
'Reminder – if you're considering visiting the cinema, please consider the price of popcorn and a Coke,' the poster wrote.
Comments quickly flooded in with disbelief.
'40?! HAHAHAHHAH,' one of the top comments read.
'To be fair, it's the collector's edition. The value of those things is going to skyrocket probably never,' another user joked.
'Profit margin is crazy,' said someone else. 'Popcorn would cost them at most a dollar, drink a dollar too.'
'You only need to spend $160 for the full set!' another pointed out.
'And they wonder why people aren't going out as much …' someone else remarked.
'I'll just stick with streaming and eat my $1 popcorn I popped myself while sitting on my couch,' a different user admitted.
Another called the move 'robbery'.
Others questioned who would actually pay those prices, when you can 'easily sneak in your own food' to avoid the candy bar mark-up.
And some mentioned that even a standard large popcorn and drink cost around $20, which is 'ridiculous' even without the themed combo.
'I mean I know cinemas have always been a rip-off for food and drinks, but it's just shameful now,' said one.
However, others weren't as critical, with some pointing out you don't have to buy the collector's snacks.
'If you're considering visiting the cinema and don't like the prices of food and drink – don't get them,' said someone else.
'I always buy popcorn and a drink because the optional purchases are what keeps the business afloat,' another movie fan claimed.
On the Village Cinemas Instagram, movie buffs shared their excitement for the themed merch.
'OMG this is the best of the Jurassic World popcorn buckets I've seen so far!' said one.
'Take my money,' said another.
It comes as the cost of going to the movies continues to climb across Australia.
At Village Cinemas, a large popcorn is now $12, and a large Coke costs $10.50.
Reward deals for members can offer some relief, but for many, the price of snacks has become a major deterrent, especially as ticket prices have also surged in recent years.
An adult ticket now costs $26 at Village Cinemas, $29.50 at Hoyts, and $27 at Event Cinemas.