The everlasting know-it-all — well, maybe just plain — Yogurt once quipped, “Merchandising, merchandising—where the real money from the movie is made.” But as wild as it would be to wield your very own “Spaceballs the Flamethrower,” we don’t even think Mel Brooks could package and sell such strange movie merch. The liability, folks. The liability.
Nevertheless, Hollywood has still conceptualized, marketed, and sold some uniquely odd trinkets in honor of our favorite film and television franchises. Yes – we’ve confirmed you can take steps to smell like an Avenger or swap deliciously sweet tongues with Jar Jar Binks. We suggest breaking up with Jar Jar.
We dug through fan forums and tapped into our childhood memories. It led us to a collection of the most peculiar, unexpected, and sometimes inexplicable merchandise ever created under the banner of cinematic commerce.
Ghostbusters Stay Puft Caffeinated Marshmallows
It’s no secret that Ghostbusters has left a lasting impression on pop culture. But who would have thought it would extend into our snack drawers? You heard it right. Omni Consumer Products took our favorite Manhattan-stomping marshmallow and injected it with 100 mg of caffeine. They then had the audacity to package it in a rubbery marshmallow-feel box for our chewing pleasure. It’s safe to say these weren’t your average campfire treats.
It was bold to turn a city-destroying giant from the silver screen into a caffeinated snack. And yes, the powers that be officially licensed these marshmallows to ensure your caffeine fix came with a genuine seal of approval from the ghost-busting universe.
The only stranger product Omni Consumer Products ever injected caffeine into was its Fight Club-inspired soap, which really amplified the message that we’re not unique snowflakes. Fortunately for New Yorkers, Omni Consumer Products discontinued these caffeinated Stay Puft marshmallows before prompting any metropolitan smashing sprees.
Harry Potter Vibrating Nimbus 2000
Let’s stop by the realm of Harry Potter merchandise for a moment. Mattel made the Nimbus 2000 for young wizards to zoom around their homes, imitating Harry’s flight on his first broomstick. However, this particular broom came with a twist—it vibrated.
The vibrational function of this movie merch took on a life of its own, as indicated by a chorus of cheeky Amazon comments. “I’m 32 and enjoy riding the broom as much as my 12-year-old and 7-year-old.”
I think you get where we’re headed here.
Reddit users also had a good laugh. One remarked that it “turned their chamber of secrets into the goblet of fire,” and another playfully noted, “Expecto Orgasmus.”
Meanwhile, another parent raised eyebrows, commenting on the energy it brought to their household. “This toy gives him the ability to fly around the house, zapping things. The only problem is the batteries drain too fast.”
The situation took an even more amusing turn when adult shops in Times Square began stocking this strange movie merch. They sold it for around $40—a noticeable markup from the $15 to $20 price range on Amazon. The crossover to adult stores was a dead giveaway for the broom’s cult status among older fans, who finally understood the allure behind Harry’s so-called magic stick.
Avengers Assembled Cologne Set
Marvel’s Avengers have conquered box offices and comic book pages with heroic flair. However, their strangest battlefield might just be the most unexpected: the world of high-end fragrances. Jads International, known for its venture into Star Trek-themed scents, upped the ante with its Avengers Assembled Cologne Set.
Why whip out the Axe body spray when you can suit up for work with the essence of Thor’s thunder? What about Captain America’s valor or Iron Man’s tech-savvy sophistication? Even the Hulk got in on the action with his… well, let’s just say it’s sort of a rugged oak moss-type aroma.
Sure, it seems odd to channel the interior of Iron Man’s Mark VII after a battle. But scientists crafted the scents with a nod to each character’s persona rather than their sweat-soaked spandex — we hope. This experiment into superhero-scented profiles placed the Avengers alongside other unlikely fragrance icons. Think Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.
So, channel your aromatic superpower and spend your days emitting the essence of a mad green giant—if you choose to let your Marvel fandom take you to a dark, weird, and potentially lonely place.
Jar Jar Binks Lollipop
The eclectic universe of Star Wars memorabilia includes items ranging from the must-have to the utterly absurd. Among these, the Jar Jar Binks lollipop claims a notorious spot. This curious confection epitomizes the adventurous, sometimes misguided spirit of Star Wars movie memorabilia. Undoubtedly, it’s one of, if not the most strange, movie merch offerings to come out of the saga.
This peculiar lollipop features a protruding tongue from Jar Jar’s mouth, which should have been the first clue to its creators that perhaps this wasn’t the best idea. Even Mark Hamill has chimed in, calling it one of the franchise’s most bizarre promotional items.
But Luke Skywalker aside, we wanted to find out how fans really felt. A quick scroll through a Reddit thread made it crystal clear. One user felt it in the cosmos, saying, “I feel a disturbance in the force.”
Another took a jab at Star Wars merch history, admitting, “…You know, I always thought that the C-3PO tape dispenser was the worst piece of Star Wars merchandise ever made.” And a Jar Jar sympathizer couldn’t hold back: “Look, I honestly didn’t mind Jar Jar Binks nearly as much as everyone did, but that thing is an unholy abomination.” Clearly, this lollipop has carved out its own legendary status.
Breaking Bad ‘Blue Sky’ Rock Candy
Admittedly, this one strays from the strange movie merch lineup, but it’s too wild not to mention. Technically, the Breaking Bad universe eventually made it to the silver screen, but it’s still revered as one of the best television series ever. Nevertheless, we couldn’t help but imagine kids strolling around the block with bags of candy that looked eerily like Walter White’s notorious blue meth. It’s a scene that twists the mind a bit.
Yet, here we are. Thanks to some audaciously creative marketers, you can now get your hands on a street-legal and officially licensed version of Heisenberg’s infamous “Blue Sky.”
Packaged in a 5 oz. bag, these little blue rocks provide a burst of blueberry flavor that its makers have described as addicting—talk about leaning into the theme. It’s a bold, tongue-in-cheek nod to the series that might just have you saying, well—we were speechless too. Wow, just wow.
Fifty Shades of Grey Teddy Bear
Here’s something for the Fifty Shades of Grey enthusiasts who find a certain allure in miniature handcuffs and masks—and even teddy bears.
This was no ordinary stuffed animal. Marketed as an “adult gift,” this 15-inch Vermont Teddy Bear came decked out in Christian Grey’s signature sharp suit and tie. Its smoldering gray eyes match the infamous character’s intense gaze. But that’s not all—this plush bear had a mysterious mask and even mini handcuffs.
Bill Shouldice, the CEO of Vermont Teddy Bear, went on a limb back in 2015 to express the company’s excitement about this strange movie merch. “I’ll just say it. We’re obsessed with Grey. Our entire team is thrilled to announce the Fifty Shades of Grey Bear. Not only to the millions of fans excited to see Fifty Shades on the big screen but for anyone who really wants to impress their Valentine this year. It’s sure to be one of our most popular Valentine’s Day Bears.”
It’s probably best that the seductive teddy bear is no longer available for purchase on the company’s website. But don’t worry, they sold the bear responsibly—tagging it with a safety warning due to small parts and emphasizing that it was not suitable for children.
