15 Vintage Movie Posters That Are Now Collector’s Gold
When it comes to movies, we often don’t think too much about the posters. But believe it or not, some of these art pieces have evolved far beyond their original role as promotional tools to become cherished vintage collectibles. Valued for their ability to capture the essence of a film (and perhaps even the era’s mood), some posters have become incredibly valuable over the years, with collectors willing to cough up thousands — or even millions — to own these unique pieces of cinematic history.
From spine-tingling horror classics to mind-warping sci-fi epics, here are 15 vintage movie posters that are worth a fortune today.
1. ‘Metropolis’ (1927)
This poster from Fritz Lang’s groundbreaking sci-fi film is one of the rarest and most sought-after in the world. Thanks to its striking (and slightly creepy) design that showcases a robot mid-ascent, it captures the film’s futuristic vision of a world overrun by artificial intelligence. Only a handful of original copies are known to still exist, with one selling for a staggering $1.2 million at an auction in 2012. But if you don’t have a million dollars lying around, you can buy a replica for around $80.
2. ‘The Mummy’ (1932)
Universal’s classic horror film starring Boris Karloff has a poster that’s as iconic as the movie itself. The haunting image of Karloff as the bandaged mummy and Zita Johann as Helen Grosvenor is instantly recognizable (and terrifying). Case in point: It was listed for sale at a Sotheby’s auction with a price range of $1 million – $1.5 million. Though it’s unclear whether the poster actually sold for that amount, it remains one of the most expensive and valuable movie posters out there.
3. ‘Dracula’ (1931)
Another horror gem from the Universal realm, this poster features Bela Lugosi’s chilling portrayal of the infamous vampire. Its eerie design, coupled with Lugosi’s piercing gaze, has made it a favorite among horror film collectors. In 2017, an original copy sold for a whopping $535,800 which, at the time, shattered records for the most expensive movie poster ever sold.
4. ‘Frankenstein’ (1931)
Boris Karloff’s memorable portrayal of the misunderstood monster is immortalized in this eerie poster, with the vibrant, dramatic imagery making it a hot commodity among horror fans. According to Heritage Auctions, an original version sold for $262,900 in 2012. But if you don’t have nearly $300k to spare, you can pick up a limited-edition replica for about $40.
5. ‘King Kong’ (1933)
This poster, which showcases King Kong about to strike down a fighter jet, captures the epic scale and adventure of the film. Considered one of the most iconic frames in film history, the image of Kong atop the Empire State Building in later film adaptions adds to this poster’s value. In 2012, an original version of this poster sold for a whopping $388,375.
6. ‘Casablanca’ (1942)
The romance and intrigue of this classic film are encapsulated in this vibrant poster. Featuring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, the Italian-issue poster is considered especially rare and valuable. With only one known copy in existence, it broke records in 2017 when it sold for $478,000, proving that Rick and Ilsa’s love story is still captivating audiences more than 80 years later.
7. ‘The Black Cat’ (1934)
This poster for the Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi horror film is another rare gem in the film world. Its bold, graphic design and association with two horror legends make it a hot commodity among collectors. In 2019, a copy sold for $334,600.
8. ‘The Bride of Frankenstein’ (1935)
Featuring Frankenstein’s bride with electrified hair, this poster is another memorable piece of art within the horror film genre. Its dramatic design and connection to a beloved classic with a massive cult following have made it a favorite among collectors. In 2007, one of the Frankenstein posters sold for $334,600 at auction, highlighting the film’s lasting nostalgic appeal.
9. ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (1925)
Lon Chaney’s haunting portrayal of the Phantom is immortalized in this striking poster. Its vivid colors and dramatic imagery make it a standout piece of silent film history. While originals retail for over $300k (as evidenced by this copy that sold for $203,150 at an auction in Texas), you can snag a much more affordable replica starting at $5.
10. ‘The Invisible Man’ (1933)
This poster’s clever design — featuring a bandaged man fading away — perfectly captures the film’s chilling premise. The story follows Dr. Jack Griffin (played by Claude Rains), who discovers a potion that renders him invisible but also drives him to madness. A standout piece among Universal’s horror catalog, an original copy sold for $182,400 in 2020.
11. ‘The Wolf Man’ (1941)
Lon Chaney Jr.’s transformation into the Wolf Man is vividly depicted in this iconic poster, of which only four known copies exist. Its striking imagery and connection to Universal’s monster universe have made it a rare gem for collectors. Valued at around $100,000, the poster showcases the film’s lasting legacy and enduring fan base.
12. ‘Gone with the Wind’ (1939)
This poster for the acclaimed Civil War drama is as grand and sweeping as the film itself. Featuring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh as archnemeses who eventually fall in love, it’s considered a timeless piece of Hollywood and American history (as long as you don’t mind sitting through the whole four hours; the film even has an intermission for Pete’s sake). An original sold for $20,700 in 2006, proving that the classic still resonates with audiences worldwide.
13. ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’ (1977)
This poster is considered a rare piece of “Star Wars” memorabilia. Its bold, futuristic design and connection to one of the most influential and beloved film sagas of all time have made it a must-have for fans of the franchise. Valued between $6,000 – $12,000, you can also buy a much more affordable replica for a fraction of the price (less than $20).
14. ‘The Jazz Singer’ (1927)
As the first feature-length “talkie,” “The Jazz Singer” holds a special place in film history. Its poster, featuring Al Jolson, is a rare and valuable piece of cinematic memorabilia. According to Nate D. Sanders Auctions, a three-sheet poster of “The Jazz Singer” sold for over $50,000, reflecting the film’s enduring appeal and popularity.
15. ‘The Public Enemy’ (1931)
This poster for the classic gangster film starring James Cagney is a rare find. Its bold, graphic design and connection to a groundbreaking film have made it highly collectible. In 2016, a “unique one-sheet” copy sold for $167,800 at auction, proving that Cagney’s tough-guy persona still packs a punch among movie buffs.