In the world of marketing, synergies between different industries have always been a significant factor in increasing brand reach and visibility. One such synergy that’s long been prevalent is the partnership between fast food chains and movies.
Over the years, there have been some remarkable fast food movie partnerships. Here are the 11 best to date.
11. McDonald’s and Disney
Arguably the most famous partnership in the fast food industry, McDonald’s and Disney have teamed up for numerous blockbuster movies, from “The Little Mermaid” to “Toy Story.” The Happy Meals, often accompanied by exclusive toys, have become collectibles for Disney fans worldwide.
10. Burger King and Star Wars:
In 1977, Burger King seized the opportunity to partner with George Lucas’ space opera, “Star Wars”. The tie-in included collectible glasses and toys, which quickly became a hit and set the benchmark for future movie partnerships.
9. McDonald’s and Batman:
The partnership between McDonald’s and the 1995 film “Batman Forever” resulted in one of the most successful marketing collaborations. It featured an array of themed toys, including miniature Batmobiles, as well as a unique glass mug series.
8. Pizza Hut and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:
Pizza Hut’s collaboration with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” in 1990 was a perfect match. The Turtles’ well-known love for pizza aligned well with the brand, resulting in boosted sales and increased brand recognition.
7. Taco Bell and Godzilla:
Taco Bell launched an enormous promotional campaign in 1998 for the release of “Godzilla.” The campaign included memorable TV commercials and exclusive toys, successfully increasing Taco Bell’s visibility.
6. Subway and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire:
Subway partnered with “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” in 2013 for a co-branded marketing strategy. This included Subway’s “Fiery Footlongs” series, and a virtual training game, bringing an interactive element to the promotion.
5. KFC and the X-Men franchise:
KFC worked with the X-Men franchise to release a series of promotional content and merchandise. One notable campaign involved the use of virtual reality to allow fans to ‘join’ the X-Men.
4. Carl’s Jr and Jurassic World:
For the 2015 release of “Jurassic World,” Carl’s Jr. introduced the “Jurassic Burger.” This brought in a new audience for the fast-food chain, and added an exciting element to the film’s promotion.
3. Burger King and The Simpsons Movie:
In 2007, Burger King launched “The Simpsons Movie” campaign, which included a series of humorous commercials and collectible toys. It also featured a special edition “Whopper” in line with the Simpson’s theme.
2. McDonald’s and Shrek:
McDonald’s partnership with “Shrek” was notable for the release of special Shrek-themed Happy Meals. The series included a variety of collectible toys, which were a hit with both children and adults.
1. Wendy’s and Marvel:
Wendy’s teamed up with Marvel for the release of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” in 2017. The partnership introduced an exclusive Groot-themed Frosty and a series of Guardians-themed kids’ meal toys.
Burger King recently partnered with the Spiderverse movie that came out in May, adding a Spiderman-themed Whopper to the menu.
These partnerships not only boost the visibility of both the film and the fast-food chain but also create a unique experience for consumers. As cinema continues to evolve and captivate audiences, we can look forward to more exciting fast food movie partnerships in the future.
