The popcorn scale is the proprietary rating system of On Cinema at the Cinema. Instead of mainstream rating systems that use a scale of four stars or two thumbs up or down, On Cinema at the Cinema features a system where a movie can be rated anywhere from one to five bags of popcorn, though it is disputed if five bags of popcorn is the maximum a movie can be rated, or if a six bag rating is possible.

In addition to bags of popcorn, additional objects can be added to a movie of exceptional quality. Host Tim Heidecker prefers to give up to two sodas for movies that he particularly enjoyed. Frequent guest and resident movie expert Gregg Turkington instead chooses various themed gifts related to the movie as mementos of the experience.

Recently, On Cinema On Demand seems to be forgoing the popcorn scale, with host Joey P. giving star ratings in his Joey's Take segment. Turkington continues to give bag ratings, and converts Patrocelli's star ratings to the popcorn scale for the convenience of viewers.