12 Movie Tie-In Products That Were Ridiculously Over-the-Top
Some movie tie-in products were so extreme or unnecessary that they stood out more than the films they were meant to promote.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Film studios often work with brands to create promotional products, but some items go far beyond what makes sense. These tie-ins can feel forced, confusing, or overly commercial. In many cases, they end up being more memorable than the movie itself.
1. RoboCop Branded Fried Chicken (2014)
Kinshuk Sunil on Wikimedia Commons
In South Korea, the fast-food chain BBQ Chicken released RoboCop-themed fried chicken buckets to promote the film remake. The packaging resembled RoboCop’s armor and helmet, giving the meal a mechanical look. It confused many customers because it had no clear link to the story or characters. The tie-in was criticized for being strange and unrelated to the movie’s tone.
2. Batman Forever Collector Glasses at McDonald’s (1995)
Batman Forver on Wikimedia Commons
McDonald’s sold a set of glass mugs with characters from Batman Forever during the film’s release. Each mug had etched designs featuring Batman, Robin, and villains like The Riddler. Although the glasses were breakable and not ideal for children, they became popular with collectors. Many people still remember them more than the details from the film itself.
3. Star Wars Cereal with Lightsaber Marshmallows (2005)
KAMiKAZOW on Wikimedia Commons
To support Revenge of the Sith, a cereal brand released a special edition with marshmallows shaped like lightsabers. The marshmallows glowed under a black light, which appealed to younger fans. The cereal itself was high in sugar and had little nutritional value. Despite that, it became a hit because of the packaging and branding.
4. Shrek Ogre Ears Yogurt (2004)
DreamWorks Animation on Wikimedia Commons
A yogurt brand released a green-colored product packaged in cups shaped like Shrek’s ears. The product was aimed at children and used artificial coloring to match the character’s appearance. Many found the color unappetizing, and the taste received mixed reviews. Sales were driven by the novelty rather than the actual food.
5. Godzilla Taco Bell Toys and Promotions (1998)
Toho Company Ltd. on Wikimedia Commons
Taco Bell partnered with the Godzilla remake to release electronic toys and themed packaging. The toys made loud sounds and were often given away with meals. They became known for being disruptive in public places and were not very durable. The campaign received a lot of attention, even though the film was not well-received.
6. The Emoji Movie Toilet Paper (2017)
OmegaMantis on Wikimedia Commons
Retailers in some countries released toilet paper printed with characters from The Emoji Movie. The product included emoji icons like the smiling poop character. It confused many consumers because the film was targeted at children, while the product had an adult function. Critics pointed out how little sense it made as a marketing tool.
7. Twilight Scented Body Glitter (2009)
1989 on Wikimedia Commons
To tie in with the sparkling skin of vampires in Twilight, a cosmetic company launched body glitter products. They were meant to mimic the way Edward Cullen’s skin shimmered in sunlight. The glitter was often sticky and difficult to remove. Fans still bought it to feel closer to the characters.
8. Jurassic World High Heels (2015)
Troutfarm27 on Wikimedia Commons
A fashion brand released high-heeled shoes inspired by Jurassic World, featuring reptile-like textures and patterns. The shoes were not practical for walking or daily use. They were marketed more as a fashion statement than a functional item. Their link to the movie was mostly visual.
9. Frozen Feminine Hygiene Products (2014)
Walt Disney Animation Studios on Wikimedia Commons
In certain regions, brands used Frozen characters on sanitary pads and tampon packaging. The designs featured Elsa and Anna, the main characters in a film aimed at young audiences. The products were sold in regular retail stores and drew criticism online. Many people questioned the choice of using children’s characters on adult health products.
10. Minions Banana-Flavored Toothpaste (2015)
Mike Pennington on Wikimedia Commons
A toothpaste company created a banana-flavored version to match the Minions’ love for the fruit. While the packaging attracted children, many users disliked the flavor. The taste did not suit a dental product, and reviews were mixed. It sold mostly due to its character appeal.
11. The Dark Knight Joker Makeup Kit (2008)
EEIM on Wikimedia Commons
After The Dark Knight was released, stores began selling makeup kits that helped people recreate the Joker’s appearance. The kits were targeted at both teens and children for Halloween. Some parents were concerned because the Joker character was portrayed as violent and unstable. Still, the kits sold quickly due to the film’s popularity.
12. Avengers: Endgame Quantum Realm Cologne (2019)
Marvel Studios on Wikimedia Commons
A luxury brand has released a fragrance inspired by the Quantum Realm, as seen in Avengers: Endgame. The product had a futuristic design and was sold in limited quantities. It was marketed as a collector’s item rather than a standard fragrance. Most buyers were Marvel fans looking for a rare item.