How Many Calories Are You Eating At The Movies?

Going to the movies is always a magical experience. There is something about settling in to those plush, cushioned seats and leaning back for a few hours to gaze at the big screen as you embark on a cinematic adventure. And what movie is complete without a soda to slurp on and popcorn to munch?

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This magical movie combination has been paired together for decades, and we often stand in line at the concession stand without a second thought to the dietary cost of our necessary snack. And sure, when we get to the front of the line and place our orders we gasp at the final total, but should this be what really shocks you? Probably not, considering you're about to inhale some of the unhealthiest food out there.

According to ChooseMyPlate.gov a calorie is "just the term used to describe the amount of energy a food or drink provides when you eat it. Carbohydrates, fat, protein, and alcohol all provide energy — and this energy is measured in calories. Think of calories as a measurement unit, like inches, pounds, or gallons."

Of course, your body needs the energy you are collecting for fuel, but if you get more energy than you use, that "fuel" gets stored as fat. Considering the fact that you are about to sit for three hours and stare at a screen, most likely toward the end of your day, all of the calories you are about to consume in the theater are for naught.

To help you get a better understanding of how many calories you are eating at the movies, we went through some of the most popular concession stand foods and calculated calories according to movie-theater-sized snacks. Not only did we break down all of our findings for you, we paired together the "best" and "worst" options for your movie theater combos so you could get a full understanding of just how intense your caloric intake at the movies can be.

The Best Case Candy Combo

Buncha Crunch 3.2oz. Movie Theater Box: 180 calories per serving (Serving Size: ½ box)
Coca-Cola: 186 calories (16 fluid ounces)
TOTAL CALORIES: 366 Calories

The Worst Case Candy Combo

Reeses Pieces: 200 calories per serving (Serving Size: 51 pieces)
Coca-Cola: 513 calories (44 fluid ounces)
TOTAL CALORIES: 713 Calories

The Nacho Combo

AMC Nachos with Cheese (5oz FUNacho Zesty Cup): 1,270 per serving
Coca-Cola: 186 calories (16 fluid ounces)
Coca-Cola: 513 calories (44 fluid ounces)
TOTAL BEST CALORIES: 1,456 Calories (with 16 fluid ounce soda)
TOTAL WORST CALORIES: 1,783 Calories (with 44 fluid ounce soda)

The Hot Dog Combo

Regal Movie Theater Hot Dog: 284 calories
AMC Movie Theater Hot Dog: 425 Calories
Cineplex Movie Theatre Hot Dog: 350 Calories
Coca-Cola: 186 calories (16 fluid ounces)
Coca-Cola: 513 calories (44 fluid ounces)
TOTAL BEST CALORIES: 470 Calories (16 fluid ounce soda and Regal Movie Theater Hot Dog)
TOTAL WORST CALORIES: 938 Calories (44 fluid ounce soda and AMC Moveie Theater Hot Dog)

The Best Case Pretzel Bite Combo

Movie Theater Pretzel Bites: 980 per serving
Coca-Cola: 186 calories (16 fluid ounces)
TOTAL CALORIES: 1,166

The Worst Case Pretzel Bite Combo

Movie Theater Pretzel Bites with Cheese: 1,620 Calories
Coca-Cola: 513 calories (44 fluid ounces)
TOTAL CALORIES: 2,133 Calories

The Best Case Popcorn and Soda Combo

Coca-Cola: 186 calories (16 fluid ounces)
Small Popcorn (4 servings per bag): 480 Calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 666 Calories

The Worst Case Popcorn and Soda Combo

Coca-Cola: 513 calories (44 fluid ounces)
Large Popcorn (8 servings per bag): 980 Calories
Golden Delight Buttery Topping: 130 calories per tablespoon
TOTAL CALORIES: 1,623 Calories

The Best Case Popcorn and ICEE Combo

Cherry Flavored ICEE: 213 calories (16 fluid ounces)
Small Popcorn (4 servings per bag): 480 Calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 693 Calories

The Worst Case Popcorn and ICEE Combo

Cherry Flavored ICEE: 586 calories (44 fluid ounces)
Large Popcorn (8 servings per bag): 980 Calories
Golden Delight Buttery Topping: 130 calories per tablespoon
TOTAL CALORIES: 1,696 Calories

To see a complete list of our calorie breakdown, click here!