These 15 Rare VHS Tapes Can Fetch a Jaw-Dropping Price
Remember the thrill of going to Blockbuster to pick out a movie for the weekend? Remember when that movie was a VHS tape? Though these tapes were replaced by DVDs starting in the late ’90s, they’re beginning to make a bit of a comeback. Some can even command impressive prices due to their rarity, cultural significance, or limited production. From rare horror films to iconic Disney classics, these tapes can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially when they’re in pristine condition or feature unique cover art.
Whether they’re valued for nostalgia or their place in cinematic history, here are 15 VHS tapes that have become prized possessions for collectors and film buffs alike.
1. ‘Beauty and the Beast’ – Black Diamond Edition
This Disney classic is part of the coveted Black Diamond series, which was a limited release of Disney films between 1984 and 1994. Its rarity combined with its nostalgic value can make mint-condition copies worth hundreds of dollars (about $500 on eBay). If the tape is unopened, it can fetch even higher prices from Disney enthusiasts and collectors.
2. ‘Star Wars’ – First Release
The original Star Wars VHS from 1982 is a must-have for any serious collector, especially given how it captures the film before it was digitally altered for later releases. Collectors treasure this version for its historical significance and its status as one of the first home video releases of the franchise. A rare, unopened copy can go for several hundred (if not thousands) of dollars.
3. ‘The Lion King’ – Black Diamond Edition
The OG “Lion King” holds a special place in the hearts of many. (Though, spoiler alert: Some of us are still crying over Mufasa’s death.) The Black Diamond version of this 1995 release is scarce and sought after by collectors who relish owning the original, unaltered versions of these classic Disney films. Prices can soar into the thousands for copies in mint condition.
4. ‘Halloween’ – Media Home Entertainment
This 1978 horror classic, which was released on VHS in the early 1980s, is prized by horror aficionados for its impact on the slasher genre. Its original release is considered rare, and VHS tapes in good condition can fetch high prices due to the film’s cult following and historical significance. Collectors have been known to spend hundreds of dollars to own this early version.
5. ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ – Wizard Video
An original VHS of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is considered incredibly rare, making it one of the most sought-after tapes by horror film collectors. Due to its graphic content and the cult status of the film, uncensored tapes from this early release can go for several hundred to even thousands of dollars. Tested copies in excellent condition can fetch even higher prices.
6. ‘Aladdin’ – Black Diamond Edition
As another member of Disney’s Black Diamond series, the original release of “Aladdin” is a prized addition for collectors. VHS versions in near-mint condition are especially desirable for fans of the film and collectors of Disney memorabilia. Prices can range into the hundreds of dollars depending on the condition and whether the tape has been opened before.
7. ‘The Little Mermaid’ – Banned Cover
This rare version of “The Little Mermaid” is known for featuring cover art that was later recalled. The controversy and rarity makes this VHS highly desirable among collectors, with mint-condition copies commanding high prices. The recall was due to one of the castle’s spires looking a bit too, um, phallic. Unopened copies have been known to sell for hundreds of dollars.
8. ‘Frankenstein’s Castle of Freaks’
This obscure Italian horror film featuring giant Goliaths killing each other is highly sought after for its rarity, particularly the version that was released by a small European distributor. With limited production runs and even fewer copies in circulation, finding this tape can be challenging. Collectors have been known to pay high thousands for copies in good condition.
9. ‘Pulp Fiction’ – Limited Edition Box Set
While most copies of “Pulp Fiction” on VHS aren’t especially valuable, the limited-edition box set that includes special features, limited release cuts, and unique artwork tells a different story. Collectors of the genre and fans of Quentin Tarantino’s work prize this particular version for its rarity and uniqueness. Prices easily cross into the high hundreds for unopened sets.
10. ‘The Evil Dead’ – Thorn EMI Release
The 1979 limited release of “The Evil Dead” is highly sought after among collectors for its rarity and cult status within the horror and thriller genres. Early VHS versions — especially those from niche distributors like Thorn EMI — are considered highly valuable and rare. Copies can sell for thousands of dollars, especially if they’re in good condition.
11. ‘Fantasia’ – Black Diamond Edition
Now this is a classic. As part of Disney’s coveted Black Diamond collection, “Fantasia” stands out not only for its limited release but also for its enduring cultural impact and legacy. Released in 1940, the film featured classical music and showcased Disney’s ambition to elevate animation to a high art form. Due to its iconic status, copies in mint condition can fetch high prices.
12. ‘A History of Violence’ – VHS Rental
As one of the last major films released on VHS, “A History of Violence” has become a collector’s item due to its place in cinematic history. Rental store copies, in particular, are considered rare, and collectors interested in owning a piece of VHS history have been willing to pay hundreds for it. The film was also praised for its cinematography and screenwriting.
13. ‘Clownhouse’ – Vestron Video
This horror movie, released by Vestron Video, is another prized VHS due to its limited release and the film’s dark backstory involving director Victor Salva and the film’s 12-year-old star. Disturbingly, Salva’s legal troubles only contributed to the film’s cult status (major yikes). Horror film collectors value the original VHS release, which can sell for several hundred dollars, depending on the condition.
14. ‘The Rescuers’ – First Edition
“The Rescuers” has become a valuable collector’s item, particularly first-edition VHS copies featuring the original, unedited version of the animated film. A brief scene that was later edited out of subsequent releases has made early VHS versions highly collectible, with prices ranging from hundreds to over $6,000.
15. ‘Back to the Future’ – Original Release
The original VHS release of “Back to the Future” is another Steven Spielberg classic that commands high prices among collectors and sci-fi enthusiasts. This particular version is sought after due to its historical importance as a beloved 1980s film and for the cultural impact it left behind. Copies in good or mint condition can fetch thousands of dollars.