Popcorn’s association with the movies took off during the Great Depression, when the buttery kernels remained an affordable luxury for a budget-conscious nation. Today, the salty snack still rules the concessions stand, but not all bags are created equal. We reviewed and ranked America’s top movie-theater chains by the only criteria that truly matters: delicious, delicious popcorn. 7. AMC Theatres AMC might have the second-most screens across the country, but the massive chain’s popcorn hits the bottom of our list. The corn itself is popped in coconut oil, but the “butter” is a substitute derived from soybean oil. At least if you buy a large tub you get one free refill and more fake butter. 6. Regal Entertainment Group Regal’s popcorn might not top the list, but it’s not scraping the very bottom, either. The reason lies in one key component of the chain’s artificial butter recipe: coconut oil. Since coconut oil is rich and fatty (but good for you!), you might not miss the real thing… as much. 5. Cinemark Theatres Cinemark edges ahead of AMC and Regal because it pops its corn in canola oil, which is nonhydrogenated and (relatively) lower in fat than other oils. Plus, anyone who makes stovetop popcorn at home can tell you it’s the canola oil, not the butter, that gives popcorn its signature savory taste. 4. ShowPlace ICON Theatre The ShowPlace/Kerasotes chain fronted the movement to make movie-going a luxury experience by carving out a VIP section at their ICON theaters and serving high-end cocktails. Their gourmet bacon popcorn, made with smoked bacon-infused butter and tossed with crispy chunks of pork, gets an easy thumbs-up from meat lovers. 3. ArcLight Cinemas Though typically consumed in front of the silver screen, ArcLight’s popcorn is the only snack on this list to have graced the small screen. The California chain’s caramel corn, which is served in plastic cups to reduce the rustling sound created by bags, got a nod on Food Network series The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Chicago and Bethesda audiences can taste it in person as the chain expands eastward this fall. 2. Landmark Theatres Known for promoting independent and foreign films, Landmark Theatres also extends an appreciation for variety through its snack selection. The popcorn is topped with real butter, and you don’t have to pay extra to add Kernel Season’s flavor salts—a pricey staple at nearly every megaplex. 1. Alamo Drafthouse The Drafthouse is legendary for enforcing a strict etiquette policy for movie-goers. It turns out the Austin-based chain takes its concessions just as seriously. During films, a silent wait staff covertly delivers bottomless popcorn in a classic steel bowl, flavored with real butter and served with a side of herbed parmesan. Disagree with our rankings? Embark on your own quest to crown the perfect popcorn with movie deals in your city.