15 Movie Tie-In Products That Made No Sense
This list reveals 15 bizarre and confusing movie tie-in products that left fans wondering why they were made.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Movie tie-in products usually reflect the film’s theme, but sometimes, they miss the mark. This list shows 15 odd and puzzling tie-ins that made little sense for their movies. They prove that not every movie tie-in hits the right note.
1. McDonald’s “Jumanji” Fruit Snacks
McDonald on Wikimedia Commons
To promote Jumanji: The Next Level, McDonald’s released fruit snacks that looked nothing like anything from the movie. No animals, no jungle, just odd-shaped fruit treats that baffled fans. It was a tie-in product that made fans wonder what the connection actually was.
2. “Ghostbusters” Slime Soap
Sony Consumer Products / Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. on Wikimedia Commons
The original Ghostbusters movie is famous for its green slime, so a tie-in soap with slime texture seemed perfect. However, this product was a gross, sticky mess and barely worked as soap. It was more of a gimmick that left users confused about whether it was fun or just plain weird.
3. “Jurassic Park” Mini Lawn Dinosaurs
Jun Maegawa on Wikimedia Common
Trying to capitalize on the dinosaur craze, the tie-in product was a set of tiny plastic dinosaurs meant to decorate your lawn. The odd part was how cheap and fragile they were, looking nothing like the majestic beasts in the movie. It felt like a product rushed out without much thought.
4. “Batman & Robin” Ice Cubes
Batman & Robin on Wikimedia Commons
To promote the infamous Batman & Robin, ice cube trays shaped like the Bat-Signal were sold. The problem? The molds made tiny, impractical ice cubes that melted quickly and were hard to recognize once frozen. A confusing choice for a movie that wanted to be cool but ended up looking cheesy.
5. “Speed” Brand Toilet Paper
Takkk on Wikimedia Commons
Yes, there really was Speed-branded toilet paper for the 1994 action movie. It made little sense why a fast-paced thriller about a bus would inspire bathroom tissue. Fans mostly viewed it as a strange and humorous marketing tactic that failed to connect with the movie’s tone.
6. “Men in Black” Sunglasses for Kids
Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
The iconic sunglasses from Men in Black were turned into cheap plastic kids’ toys. The product failed to capture the sleek style of the movie and instead looked like cheap party favors. It felt off-brand and did little to make fans feel like secret agents.
7. “The Matrix” Leather Gloves
Cygomezm on Wikimedia Commons
The Matrix was about sleek, futuristic style, so leather gloves made sense. However, the tie-in gloves were cheaply made, uncomfortable, and felt out of place. Fans expected something more high-tech and cool, not basic gloves that looked like a bargain bin item.
8. “Pirates of the Caribbean” Coffee Mugs
The Walt Disney Company on Wikimedia Commons
Coffee mugs with pirate logos might seem like a good idea, but the product missed the adventurous vibe of the movie. The mugs looked generic, with no real pirate flair or movie references that mattered. It was a dull souvenir for a film known for excitement and swagger.
9. “Frozen” Snow Globe with Plastic Ice
Walt Disney Animation Studios on Wikimedia Commons
A snow globe for Frozen seems fitting, but this product used chunky plastic bits instead of delicate snow-like flakes. The effect was cheap and clunky, lacking the magical feeling the movie evokes. Fans expected enchantment, but got disappointment instead.
10. “Transformers” Car Air Fresheners
Paramount Pictures/Hasbro on Wikimedia Commons
Car air fresheners shaped like tiny Transformers seemed clever until fans realized they smelled terrible and looked nothing like the characters. It was a confusing mix of branding and poor design that didn’t attract loyal fans or new buyers.
11. “Twilight” Sparkly Nail Polish
1989 on Wikimedia Commons
The Twilight vampire sparkle translated into nail polish seemed on brand — until the polish was gritty and clumpy. Instead of feeling glamorous, fans found it unusable. It was a miss for a franchise that focused on glittering vampires and dramatic romance.
12. “The Lego Movie” Bricks That Didn’t Fit
The Lego Group on Wikimedia Commons
A tie-in Lego product that failed because the bricks were poorly made and didn’t fit standard Lego sets. It was frustrating for fans expecting the usual quality, making the product a forgettable flop in an otherwise beloved brand.
13. “Shrek” Green Scented Candles
DreamWorks Animation on Wikimedia Commons
Candles meant to smell “Swampy like Shrek” were released, but they smelled terrible — more like old gym socks than a magical swamp. The odd scent choice left buyers confused and reluctant to light them.
14. “Star Wars” Light-Up Chopsticks
File by User:KAMiKAZOW, original logo by Suzy Rice on Wikimedia Commons
Light-up chopsticks that tied in with Star Wars seemed cool, but the product was poorly made and short-lived. They barely lit up and felt gimmicky rather than practical or fun for fans.
15. “Finding Nemo” Fish-Flavored Candy
The Walt Disney Company on Wikimedia Commons
A candy that tasted like fish to promote Finding Nemo was a bold idea, but most buyers found it gross. The flavor did not match the fun spirit of the movie and felt like a misguided marketing experiment.