Nostalgic Rewinds
Before streaming dominated our screens, these VHS tapes were used to watch movies at home. While most cassettes lie forgotten, some collectors are willing to shell out any amount for these rare plastic time capsules.
Back To The Future
A rare VHS tape of Back to the Future recently made headlines when it sold for an astonishing $75,000 at a Heritage Auctions event. This particular tape is notable for being sealed in its original shrink wrap and features the white MCA Home Video watermark.
My Back To The Future VHS, DVD and Blu-ray Collection by The Reviewing Network
Back To The Future (Cont.)
The tape was previously owned by Thomas Wilson, who played Biff Tannen in the film. Back to the Future is a famous science fiction film released in 1985. A listing for a VHS tape is available for purchase on Etsy, priced at approximately $25.99.
Four Different Versions Of Back To The Future VHS by newtimetravelhyman88
Let It Be
Originally released on VHS in 1981, this picture was directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg. The documentary chronicles the Beatles' recording sessions for their final album, Let It Be, and includes their iconic rooftop concert, which was their last public performance together.
The Beatles Let It Be Film : The Restored Version Reviewed by Norman Maslov
Let It Be (Cont.)
As per sources, the cassette of Let It Be is valued at something around $100. Recently, a copy sold for $131.43 on May 8, 2024, while other sales include prices around $60 to $81 in early 2024. The film had not been officially available on home video since the 1980s.
Walt Disney Home Video 1981 Releases
The Walt Disney Home Video releases started in 1981 and changed the game in the home video scene, especially when it came to Disney's animated classics. Disney began releasing select films on VHS, initially as rental-only titles. This approach allowed the company to test the home video market.
Walt Disney Home Video 1981 Releases (Cont.)
Generally, these tapes can be found selling for between $50 and $300 as per the rarity and demand. The first major animated feature launched on VHS was Dumbo, followed by other titles such as Old Yeller, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland.
The Goonies
So, the original VHS release of The Goonies is highly sought after by collectors, particularly sealed copies. There are reports of copies listed for as much as $125,000, although these prices may vary based on condition and whether they are graded or sealed.
[0003] THE GOONIES (1985) VHS [INSPECT] [#thegoonies #thegooniesVHS] by the[VHS]inspector
The Goonies (Cont.)
Even non-graded versions can fetch massive amounts. For example, one sold for $4,900 on eBay. Released in 1985, this adventure-comedy film directed by Richard Donner was even chosen for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 2017.
The Goonies VHS Comparison Video by SpongeBobFanatic1995
Halloween Ft. Unfixed Typos
A highly talked-about item among enthusiasts of horror movies is the VHS tape of Halloween (1978) with its unfixed typos. Yes, you read that right. Subject to its state and market demand, the original VHS tape with the misspelled "Meda" logo on the cover has sold for $500.
John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN on VHS and Betamax 📼 by Jason Arnopp's Terrifying House Of Who
Halloween Ft. Unfixed Typos (Cont.)
This specific version is obviously rare because it was part of a limited initial release by Media Home Video. Additional VHS releases occurred in 1981, 1984, and 1987, with minor changes to box art. First-printing tapes are also occasionally found on eBay, starting at $300.
John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN on VHS and Betamax 📼 by Jason Arnopp's Terrifying House Of Who
The Thing
John Carpenter’s The Thing, released in 1982, is a cult classic horror film that has gained popularity over the years. The original VHS was out for buyers in 1982, and due to its limited production run, it has become one of the rarest tapes in the horror genre.
The Thing VHS Tape by Video Tasties
The Thing (Cont.)
Apparently, a sealed first-edition copy of The Thing sold for around $37,500 at auction on October 31, 2022. If you’re interested, there are brand-new copies of these VHS tapes that can be found on platforms like eBay for prices starting around $400.
VHS HORROR - THE THING 🤩 #horror #vhs by Ryan Talks Physical Media
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters, directed by Ivan Reitman and featuring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Sigourney Weaver, has turned into a great part of pop culture since it came out. In an auction, a first-print sealed Ghostbusters VHS brought close to $24,000.
Ghostbusters I & II VHS Review by newtimetravelhyman88
Ghostbusters (Cont.)
It was the original packaging and immaculate condition of this copy that made it stand out. Pawn Index, an Instagram profile, also mentioned how a sealed 1985 first-print Ghostbusters VHS with a CGC grading of 9.2 was available for purchase in January 2025.
Ghostbusters (UK) DVD Unboxing by SamDjanReviews
The Return Of The Living Dead
As one of the most precious VHS tapes ever sold, a sealed copy of this tape brought a whopping $18,750 at auction in October 2022. This specific version came in a clamshell container and had front HBO Video watermarks. It was graded by IGS (International Grading Service).
The Return Of The Living Dead (Cont.)
While sealed copies with similar features are extremely rare, some listings for The Return of the Living Dead VHS tapes (not necessarily sealed) range from $1,400 to $5,800, depending on condition and grading. These tapes can be found on eBay, including pre-owned and collectible versions.
The Return of the Living Dead Dvd collection by Splattered Plastic
Tales From The QuadeaD Zone
Chester Novell Turner is the author, director, and producer of this 1987 American anthology horror film Tales From the QuadeaD Zone. The movie was released in an estimated 100 copies and was primarily circulated in the Chicago area.
VHS Review #040: Tales From the Quadead Zone (1987, BC Video) by The Analog Archivist
Tales From The QuadeaD Zone (Cont.)
Many of these copies have been lost over time, contributing to its status as a collector's item. One VHS copy reportedly sold for $2,000 on eBay, and other copies have brought in substantial sums of money. Some can also cost up to $700, based on their rarity.
VHS Review #040: Tales From the Quadead Zone (1987, BC Video) by The Analog Archivist
Jaws
Jaws was first released on VHS in 1980, but subsequent releases—especially those from 1983—have been linked to remarkable auction prices. The 1983 version is distinct for its MCA Home Video watermarks. Jaws is a thriller based on the novel by Peter Benchley.
Home Media Reviews Episode 5.4 - Jaws on VHS by LegoLover117
Jaws (Cont.)
In June 2022, a sealed copy of Jaws' 1983 VHS tape cost around $32,500 at Heritage Auctions. The tape sold for this high price was graded at 8.5, indicating it is in excellent condition. Heritage Auctions even rated the seal's surface and its tightness, giving both a score of 9.
Home Media Reviews Episode 5.4 - Jaws on VHS by LegoLover117
A History Of Violence
As one of the last titles before the shift to DVD and Blu-ray formats, this film premiered on September 23, 2005, in limited release and had a wide release on September 30, 2005. The VHS was officially out on March 14, 2006, starring Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, and more.
What was the last Hollywood film to be commercially released on VHS tape? By jason callan
A History Of Violence (Cont.)
The film’s VHS tape usually goes for approximately $100, but the price can really vary according to its state. People have noticed certain sales starting at around $65 and others hitting up to $150 for those mint-condition copies.
What was the last Hollywood film to be commercially released on VHS tape? By jason callan
A History Of Violence (Cont.)
Noted auctions have featured graded copies, such as a copy graded by Beckett at 8.5 EX+ with a seal grade of A-. Apart from that, a factory-sealed copy graded by IGS at 8.5 Mint, which emphasizes its collectible status, was also displayed and sold.
What was the last Hollywood film to be commercially released on VHS tape? By jason callan
Star Wars
According to the official listing that ended in February 2023, there are fewer than five known copies of the sealed 1983 CBS Fox version of the first Star Wars film. One particular copy of this sealed VHS sold for around $32,500 at Heritage Auctions.
Star Wars VHS Tape Collection in 4K 📺🎬🎥👽⚔️📼 by Video Tasties
Star Wars (Cont.)
This item was said to be one of only two known drawer box copies in existence. You can find listings for items like the Star Wars drawer box VHS on eBay. For example, a vintage 1983 Star Wars VHS with a side-load drawer design was on sale.
Star Wars VHS Tape Collection in 4K 📺🎬🎥👽⚔️📼 by Video Tasties
Rocky
With a grade of VGA 85 NM+, the notable features of this tape included a drawer box design, a flatback seal, and white 20th Century Fox Video watermarks. On February 17, 2023, this brand-new copy of the Rocky VHS sold for around $27,500 at Heritage Auctions.
Rocky 25th anniversary VHS Tape Boxset by Video Tasties
Rocky (Cont.)
Interestingly, this tape holds huge value as it is the only known sealed VHS copy of the original release of the first Rocky movie. Sylvester Stallone penned down the screenplay and starred in the title role of this sports drama film titled Rocky.
Rocky 25th anniversary VHS Tape Boxset by Video Tasties
Disney/Pixar's Cars
The VHS for this one was said to be launched particularly for members of the Disney Movie Club. Recently, a copy of the Cars VHS sold for $16,280 on eBay on August 11, 2023. After all, the film itself was a commercial success, grossing over $462 million worldwide.
Unboxing Pixar's Cars on VHS by Blitzwich
Disney/Pixar's Cars (Cont.)
So, the release of Cars on VHS occurred at a time when the popularity of VHS was declining rapidly in favor of DVDs. While the movie was officially out for viewing on June 9, 2006, it was introduced on VHS on February 19, 2007.
Unboxing Pixar's Cars on VHS by Blitzwich
First Blood
Sylvester Stallone's portrayal of John Rambo was first shown to the public in the 1982 action movie First Blood. The specific VHS copy of First Blood that was graded GS Box 10 EPIC and Seal 9 MINT was sold at Heritage Auctions on June 9, 2022.
First Blood V.H.S tapes and Figure by Sparks Tron
First Blood (Cont.)
Its noteworthy characteristics were the Thorn/ HBO back cover promo for Rambo: First Blood Part II and Thorn EMI Video branding. The price for this one was around $22,500. Various listings for First Blood VHS tapes are present on eBay, with pre-owned copies selling for around $400.
First Blood V.H.S tapes and Figure by Sparks Tron
WCW Bash At The Beach
The WCW Bash at the Beach 2000 is pretty memorable for its wrestling matches and is also hard to find as a VHS tape, especially since WWE picked up WCW later on. The VHS tape of Bash at the Beach 2000 is valued at around $500 due to its limited production run and significance.
Daily Salvage Ep_003 WCW Bash at The Beach 1995 VHS by Randy Hardy
WCW Bash At The Beach (Cont.)
Reportedly, this was the seventh and final Bash at the Beach event produced by WCW. It was seen as an important moment in wrestling history among fans. Prices on eBay vary based on condition, with some tapes listed for around $119.34 to over $700.
Daily Salvage Ep_003 WCW Bash at The Beach 1995 VHS by Randy Hardy
Batman Forever: “For Your Consideration"
It has been reported that this specific tape version was circulated to Oscar voters as part of the Academy Awards promotional campaign. The "For Your Consideration" tape of Batman Forever has been sold for around $150 and occasionally appears on auction sites.
Batman Movies on VHS Tape in 4K Bat-Vision 📺🎥📼🎬🦇👨 by Video Tasties
Batman Forever: “For Your Consideration" (Cont.)
Additionally, there are a few unsealed or non-promotional versions of Batman Forever VHS tapes that typically sell for much less, often between $10 and $20. The unique tape features a bare-bones cover and label that distinguishes it from standard retail versions.
Batman Movies on VHS Tape in 4K Bat-Vision 📺🎥📼🎬🦇👨 by Video Tasties
The Fast And The Furious
Since its 2001 release, The Fast and the Furious VHS tape has become popular as a collectible. Although unsealed copies of these tapes usually cost much less, they can still yield more than their original retail price due to how famous this franchise has become.
Opening to The Fast & The Furious 2001 VHS (Israeli copy) by Dolev's home video and TV archive
The Fast And The Furious (Cont.)
As per reports, sealed copies of The Fast and the Furious that have a watermark can sell for about $400 on auction sites like eBay. PicClick also lists original 2001 VHS copies starting at around $19.95, though sealed versions command higher prices.
Opening to The Fast & The Furious 2001 VHS (Israeli copy) by Dolev's home video and TV archive
The Little Mermaid
For this one, the original VHS cover art was recalled due to suggestive imagery that some viewers interpreted as phallic. The spires on King Triton's castle were particularly scrutinized, leading to public outcry and a subsequent redesign of the cover.
The Little Mermaid (1989) VHS Overview (2025 Edition) by Andrew’s Movie Corner
The Little Mermaid (Cont.)
After the controversy, Disney replaced the original cover with new artwork for future releases, resulting in fewer copies of the original banned cover in circulation. So, the banned VHS cover is popping up for prices around $50 to $200, with Mavin.io showing sold prices between $4.64 and $214.79.
The Little Mermaid (1989) VHS Overview (2025 Edition) by Andrew’s Movie Corner
Top Gun Ft. Diet Pepsi Promo
The 1987 VHS copy featuring a Diet Pepsi promotional cover is indeed a rare collectible. A copy of this promotional VHS that sold for above $10,000 at Heritage Auctions had rear paramount watermarks, paramount Home Video branding, and Diet Pepsi branding on the back cover.
Diet Pepsi - Top Gun (1986) USA TV Commercial by The Duke Mitchell Film Club
Top Gun Ft. Diet Pepsi Promo (Cont.)
This branding differentiated it from the standard retail version. Also, in case you are interested, some sealed first-print versions of the movie’s VHS tapes are available on Etsy, with prices around $250. This VHS release was initially priced at around $26.95.
Top Gun (1987): VHS Review by OppenheimerMedia2002
Beauty And The Beast Ft. Black Diamond Label
The Black Diamond edition refers to the specific clamshell packaging that comes with a black diamond logo on the spine. This version is particularly sought after due to its association with Disney's classic films from the early '90s.
Beauty And The Beast Ft. Black Diamond Label (Cont.)
It sells for $5 to $50, with rare instances of prices exceeding $100. While some sellers may list the VHS for inflated prices, for instance, $1,500 or more, these do not reflect real market transactions.
Disney Beauty and the Beast VHS Tape for sale on eBay by Keyland Schultz
Beauty And The Beast Ft. Black Diamond Label (Cont.)
In April 2024, a Black Diamond copy apparently sold for around $10,000 at a charity auction. Undoubtedly, Beauty and the Beast is celebrated as one of Disney's most iconic animated films and was the first animated feature to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.
