The 35 Rarest & Most Valuable VHS Tapes (& How to Sell Them)

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It might be time to sell if you have collectible VHS tapes
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Have you recently found old VHS tapes in the attic and are wondering if they could be worth anything? We’re here to tell you whether you should dust them off and sell them online or donate them to Goodwill. Discover what VHS tapes are worth the most money and how you can determine if you can make money from your favorite vintage tapes.

The 5 Most Expensive VHS Tapes

  1. Star Wars : $114,000
  2. Back to the Future : $75,000
  3. The Goonies : $50,000
  4. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial : $40,000
  5. The Thing : $37,500
Section 1 of 5:

35 VCR Tapes Worth Money

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  1. Few sci-fi films are as iconic as the original 1977 Star Wars: A New Hope , which was first released on VHS in 1984. The first film released about Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo is an early example of a film that had a 1970s theatrical release and came out on VHS in the 1980s. [1]
    • Why it’s valuable : Factory-sealed 1st releases with watermarks from 1990 and before can sell anywhere from $3,500 to the price of one sold in 2022 for $114,000.
  2. 2
    Back to the Future ($75,000) The original Back to the Future is looked at as one of the most iconic of 1980s movies. Starring Michael J. Fox, it tells the story of Marty McFly’s journey back to the 1950s in a time machine to save his parents’ marriage. The film was released in 1985 and is one of the first batches of VHS movies to be released in 1986. [2]
    • Why it’s valuable : This unique version had a double-stamped MCATM videotape, along with a wraparound MCA Home Video watermark. One sealed version like this was sold at auction from the personal collection of Tom Wilson, the actor who portrayed Biff Tannen, for the price of $75,000.
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  3. 3
    The Goonies ($50,000) The beloved 1985 movie The Goonies is about a group of kids who use a treasure map to search for a pirate ship with hidden treasure. [3]
    • Why it’s valuable : The VHS release of this film is valuable primarily because 1980s movies that came out on video were expensive and hard to find. It’s an example of why sealed VHS tapes are worth more than those already watched.
  4. 4
    E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial ($40,000) Steven Speilberg’s family-friendly classic E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial was the highest-grossing movie of all time when it was released in 1982. It’s about a young boy who makes friends with a strange yet adorable alien who is stranded on Earth. [4]
    • Why it’s valuable : While a sealed VHS copy of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial has value, this 20th Foil Holographic Anniversary Limited Edition VHS that comes in a blue clamshell case is one of the highest-rated VHS videos worth money.
  5. The Thing is a 1982 horror film cult classic that was a remake of a 1951 film about an alien that attacks researchers living in Antarctica. The VHS also came out in 1982 and became an early VHS collective for horror fans. [5]
    • Why it’s valuable : This original VHS release is high in value due to wraparound MCA watermarks and a rare Rainbow Studio watermark, as well as a two-toned videotape.
  6. 6
    Jaws ($32,500) Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film Jaws is thought of as the film that launched the summer blockbuster genre. The film about a hunt for the deadliest shark finally came out on VHS videotape in 1983 and was a big hit in the home video market. [6]
    • Why it’s valuable : Jaws’s popularity and famous cover art make it valuable, as does this first release sealed copy with wraparound MCA watermarks.
  7. 7
    The Terminator ($32,500) This 1984 sci-fi film helped make Arnold Schwarzenegger into an action star. It tells the story of a futuristic cyborg assassin sent back to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor before she gives birth, to avoid a nuclear holocaust. [7]
    • Why it’s valuable : As an early James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger film, The Terminator also has value as a first-print edition when sealed and containing the proper watermarks.
  8. 8
    Rocky ($27,500) Directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone, the original Rocky launched one of the most successful movie franchises of the 1980s. It tells the story of Rocky Balboa, a working-class boxer who strives to become a world champion. Even though the film came out in 1976, the VHS was released in 1982, when home video movies began gaining popularity. [8]
    • Why it’s valuable : This 1982 VHS of Rocky is a rare 20th-Century-Fox drawer box edition, which means the VHS tape slides out of the box.
  9. 9
    Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs ($26,000) The film with the oldest original theatrical release date on the list, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs came out on VHS (and laserdisc) as part of Disney’s Masterpiece Collection in 1994. It’s based on the original 1937 film about Snow White and the poisonous apple her wicked stepmother tries to get her to eat. [9]
    • Why it’s valuable : These 1994 VHS copies were sold for 6 months before being put back into the Disney vault. This limited release contributes to the high price that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs can fetch.
  10. Like other VHS tapes worth money, Ghostbusters is a 1980s blockbuster hit, about a group of scientists in New York City who fight ghouls and ghosts in exchange for money. It had a theatrical release in 1984, along with a VHS release in 1985. [10]
    • Why it’s valuable : This 1st edition VHS of Ghostbusters is looked upon similarly to a 1st edition of a well-known book. It must be sealed, in mint or near-mint condition, and contain RCA Columbia Home Video watermarks to be worth its top price.
  11. 11
    Rambo: First Blood ($22,500) The first of Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo films came out in 1982 and was released by HBO, originally called Home Box Office, because it brought the movie theater into the home via VHS tapes. Rambo: First Blood is about a Vietnam veteran who goes on a rampage against local law enforcement after being targeted for no reason. [11]
    • Why it’s valuable : This unique variation is a 1st–edition-sealed VHS tape that features alternative art on the back cover that advertises the second Rambo film.
  12. 12
    Fantasia ($20,000) Fantasia is one of the oldest Disney films on the list; it had a theatrical release in 1940 and a VHS release in 1990. The film is about a sorcerer’s apprentice, portrayed by Mickey Mouse, who tries to learn magic tricks from his master. [12]
    • Why it’s valuable : The DVD version of the film that was later released did not include the original soundtrack used for the VHS release. This makes the VHS version of Fantasia one of the higher-priced Disney films around.
  13. 13
    The Return of the Living Dead ($18,750) This 1985 horror-comedy became a cult favorite among horror fans with a VHS tape collection. It concerns a military experiment being stored in a warehouse that malfunctions, which causes gas to leak and turns corpses into zombies. [13]
    • Why it’s valuable : The value of this film comes from being sealed and having HBO watermarks on the packaging. It also features clamshell packaging, which means it comes in a plastic case that opens up like a clam.
  14. 14
    Top Gun ($17,500) Top Gun came out in 1986 and is known as the film that launched Tom Cruise as an action star. The film is about a top-fighter pilot called Maverick, played by Cruise, who attends Top Gun flight school and is focused on showing everyone he’s the best pilot around. The movie was released on VHS in 1987. [14]
    • Why it’s valuable : This unique VHS release is known as the “Pepsi promo,” which means it’s a special sealed copy that displays a Diet Pepsi logo on the front and back of the tape, along with the words, “This cassette courtesy of.”
  15. Disney/Pixar’s 2006 release of Cars is about a world populated by vehicles; it was the first film to be released within a successful franchise. [15]
    • Why it’s valuable : Cars was released as part of a special Disney Movie Club, which adds to its rarity. It’s also the last VHS tape ever released by Disney before moving onto DVDs.
  16. 16
    Back to the Future: Part II ($16,250) This film is one of 4 sequels on the list; its popularity is thanks to the renowned status of the original Back to the Future . [16] It continues the story of Marty McFly who needs to stop an alternate version of the future from happening. It made almost $333 million at the box office while in theaters. [17]
    • Why it’s valuable : The nostalgic factor of this sequel adds to its value, as does a sealed, mint-condition 1st-edition copy.
  17. 17
    A Nightmare on Elm Street ($15,000) As one of the most iconic horror films of the 1980s, A Nightmare on Elm Street features the debut of Freddy Krueger, who haunts the dreams of local teenagers. Already popular during its theatrical release, it came out on both VHS and laserdisc in 1985. [18]
    • Why it’s valuable : This wildly popular horror movie franchise is one reason why VJS copies of A Nightmare on Elm Street are sought-after, especially when they’re sealed and graded copies.
  18. 18
    Halloween II ($15,000) Like other sequels, 1981’s Halloween II was released in the theaters to an audience who were already fans of the first horror film. It continues the tale of Michael Myers, who tries again to kill Laurie Strode, considered the original “final girl” in modern horror. [19]
    • Why it’s valuable : This film is valuable when packaged in a sealed, mint-condition VHS tape, and due to its elevated status as part of the Halloween horror film franchise.
  19. 19
    The Little Mermaid ($10,000) The 1989 Disney animated film The Little Mermaid is about a mermaid named Ariel who falls in love with a human prince and tries to become human herself. The first VHS release in 1989 was banned due to a controversial cover that parents disapproved of. [20]
    • Why it’s valuable : Because the film was re-released on VHS with new cover art, the number of copies of the original banned release is few, which makes them quite valuable among collectors.
  20. Disney’s Pinocchio is a truly vintage film that originally came out in 1940s theaters. The story was based on a story by Carlo Collodi about a boy made of wood who cannot tell a lie without his nose growing. It was first released on VHS, Betamax, and Laserdisc in 1985. [21]
    • Why it’s valuable : Like other Disney classics, this film was re-released on VHS as part of the Walt Disney Masterpiece Collection in 1993. Special-edition VHS releases usually help bring the value of a particular film up, which is the case with most vintage Disney films.
  21. 21
    The Empire Strikes Back ($8,320) The sequel to Star Wars came out in theaters in 1980 and was released on VHS in 1984. It continues the story of Luke Skywalker and the Alliance, who are fighting Darth Vader’s dark empire when they attack the ice planet of Hoth. [22]
    • Why it’s valuable : As part of the Star Wars franchise, a VHS copy of this film has built-in worth, although you’re bound to get more for it when you’ve got a sealed copy with a UPC sticker on the packaging. It had multiple releases, so a 1st-edition will make it more valuable overall.
  22. 22
    The Lion King ($3,825) There are many VHS tapes worth money from Disney films, but The Lion King is unique, because it only came out in 1994 and later turned into a successful musical on Broadway. It’s about a young lion cub called Simba, who must fight to get back his homeland after it’s taken away from him by his evil uncle Scar. It was released on VHS in 1995 and sold $30 million copies before Disney retired VHS tape sales in 1997. [23]
    • Why it’s valuable : The Lion King’s popularity as a film and a musical added to its value as a collectible VHS tape. It also came out as part of the 1995 Disney Masterpiece Collection, which helped add to its status.
  23. 23
    Twister ($2,000) The 1997 disaster movie Twister focuses on a group of storm chasers during a natural disaster. It’s gained in popularity as the years have gone on, with more audiences enjoying the late '90s action and early effects. [24]
    • Why it’s valuable : A sealed copy of Twister is considered valuable because it was the first VHS film released that was certified for THX sound quality, making it unique.
  24. 24
    Beauty and the Beast ($2,000) This 1991 animated Disney classic was a box-office hit and the first animated film to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. It’s based on the fairytale of the same name, about a girl who teaches an arrogant prince who turned into a beast about what it means to be loved until he’s able to break the curse. [25]
    • Why it’s valuable : This 1991 copy of Beauty and the Beast is so valuable because it’s a black diamond release, which means it was part of a special collection of Black Diamond animated films released by Disney between 1984 and 1994. The VHS has a black logo on the packaging and, in some cases, on the cassette tape itself. [26]
  25. This film isn’t one of the better remembered in the Batman franchise, but it is the only film in the series starring Val Kilmer as Batman. It also notably features Jim Carrey as The Riddler in another caped crusader tale set in Gotham City. [27]
    • Why it’s valuable : Batman Forever has more value than other films because it’s a “For your consideration” variation that was circulated in a limited number to Oscar voters.
  26. 26
    Stand by Me ($1,428) This 1986 coming-of-age film is based on a story by Stephen King about 4 young boys who go looking for a dead body rumored to be near their town. It was released on VHS in 1987 [28]
    • Why it’s valuable : Stand by Me features a young River Phoenix, who died tragically at a young age, which makes its value go up considerably. Like other 1st release VHS films, it brings a sense of nostalgia to collectors who may remember the films fondly from childhood.
  27. 27
    Superman ($1,550) Superman is the most iconic of superhero movies and was released in the theaters in 1978. It tells the comic book tale of the alien boy who came to Earth and grew up to become a beloved superhero. Superman also spawned several sequels throughout the 1980s, yet was one of the first films to be released on VHS in 1979. [29]
    • Why it’s valuable : Superman is particularly valuable as a VHS copy because of the popularity of superhero movies based on DC Comics, like Batman and Wonder Woman.
  28. 28
    Raiders of the Lost Ark ($650) This part of the Steven Spielberg-directed Indiana Jones series came out in theaters in 1981. It follows Indiana Jones on a journey to recover the lost Ark of the Covenant. The film was released on VHS in 1983 and sold nearly $1 million copies by the summer of 1984. [30]
    • Why it’s valuable : <Raiders of the Lost Ark represents the first in a very popular action-adventure series and is beloved by die-hard fans. 500,000 copies of the 1st edition release were pre-sold, which set the bar high for VHS aficionados to continue to pursue this film for their collection. [31]
  29. 29
    Die Hard ($500) Die Hard is considered the pinnacle of 1980s action movies and, though it takes place around Christmas, was released in July 1988. It helped make Bruce Willis an action star in a film about a cop trying to stop a terrorist takeover of a Los Angeles skyscraper. [32]
    • Why it’s valuable : This film is an example of one of the most renowned action films of the 1980s, which brings its VHS value up considerably, especially when it’s part of a sealed 1st edition copy.
  30. 1979’s Alien concerns the crew of a spaceship that investigates an abandoned ship only to be attacked by an extraterrestrial creature. It was released on VHS, along with Supermax and Beta versions, in 1984. [33]
    • Why it’s valuable : Collectors tend to seek out VHS 1st releases of classic horror films like Alien , which plays into its popularity for the loyal fan base of the franchise.
  31. 31
    Halloween ($500) 1978’s Halloween is known as the first slasher film about the iconic killer Michael Myers who terrorizes a group of teenagers on Halloween night. It was released on VHS the same year, so it is easy to find on video. [34]
    • Why it’s valuable : This version, released by Media Home Video, was released with a low number of copies, and most notably contains a typo. The logo for Media Home Video reads “Meda,” which makes this variation more collectible.
  32. 32
    The Karate Kid Part II ($400) This sequel to 1984’s The Karate Kid focuses on Mr. Miyagi’s return to Okinawa, Japan, along with the main character of Daniel, who travels with him and must learn to fight yet again. [35] The 1986 sequel earned over $115 million at the box office during the height of actor Ralph Macchio’s career. [36]
    • Why it’s valuable : The nostalgic factor plays into the value of the VHS tape, as does the resurgence of interest created by the 2018 Netflix series Cobra Kai .
  33. 33
    The Nightmare Before Christmas ($399) Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas entered theaters in 1993 and was followed up by a VHS (and laserdisc) release in 1994. It follows the adventures of Jack Skellington, the mayor of Halloweentown, who becomes interested in nearby Christmastown. [37]
    • Why it’s valuable : The film was produced with Disney, which gave it a built-in audience, in addition to its status as a cult classic because of its unique style of animation. It was also re-released in theatres 6 times, which keeps it in the minds of VHS collectors and audiences alike.
  34. 34
    The Evil Dead ($300) The Evil Dead is a classic horror film that follows a group of friends who head to a cabin in the woods only to be attacked by a dark supernatural force. It was banned in the UK when it came out in 1981. [38]
    • Why it’s valuable : When The Evil Dead was finally released in the UK, the VHS tape had a banner on the cover that read “Not Guilty,” which makes this UK variant the rarest version of the film.
  35. Tammy & The T-Rex is about a scientific experiment that places the brain of a murdered high-school student into a Tyrannosaurus Rex. This 1994 sci-fi movie wasn’t a box-office success but became a cult favorite for collectors of VHS tapes. [39]
    • Why it’s valuable : Its original theatrical run was limited, which added to its value as a VHS tape.
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Section 2 of 5:

How do I know if my VHS tapes are worth money?

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  1. Sealed, unwatched VHS films are considered rare for collectors, primarily because VHS tapes tend to degrade with multiple viewings and lose quality. [40] VHS movies from 1977 through the 1980s are the most popular to collect, especially when they’re 1st releases with original watermarks.
    • To determine the value of a VHS tape, grading companies look for an unopened box containing a watermark and a complete seal that is un-damaged. Others examine the packaging to make sure the VHS tape wasn’t re-shrink-wrapped by video stores to sell after the tapes have been viewed. [41]
    • What’s most valuable : Action films, blockbusters, sci-fi movies, Disney, and horror films from 1977 through the 1980s, especially when they’re 1st releases with original watermarks.
    • What’s not usually valuable : VHS tapes that have been previously opened or viewed lose most or all of their value, even when the movie is extremely sought after. VHS tapes that have been re-shrink-wrapped by video stores to sell after the tapes have been viewed also lose value.
Section 3 of 5:

How to Sell VHS Tapes

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  1. When you list your item, it’s wise to do some research first to see what it may be worth. You can do this by checking out how much other VHS sellers are asking for. It’s important to remember that the amount you try to sell for on eBay doesn't necessarily equal the amount you’ll receive.
  2. The Texas-based company Heritage Auctions is the most well-known site that offers online VHS sales and auctions. Keep in mind that in some places where you’re able to sell your VHS tapes to buyers who bid at an auction, you’re typically charged a fee so make sure your VHS tape is worth the extra effort. [42]
  3. Selling VHS tapes locally is sometimes an easier, cheaper way to find buyers for your valuable, sealed VHS tapes. Whether you’re wondering where to sell Disney VHS tapes or horror films on VHS, it’s worth looking into local in-person options, especially when you have a VHS worth less than $1,000 so you'll get your money’s worth. [43]
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Section 4 of 5:

Why are VHS tapes collectible?

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  1. Collectors remember their VCR-filled childhoods and often want to relive their happiest memories of buying, renting, and recording VHS movies. VHS tapes are also becoming more valuable because of their rarity and significance in pop culture.
    • The Indiana Jones movies have grown in value because of the 2023 sequel, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny , along with plans for a video game and TV series.
Section 5 of 5:

Are old VHS tapes still in demand?

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  1. VHS tapes are especially coveted among those who remember VCRs from their childhood. In addition to providing a sense of nostalgia for many buyers, owning VHS tapes is a way to enjoy your favorite (usually older) movies any time you want to. Many movies are not always available on different streaming services, while some are not even streaming at all. Collecting VHS tapes is a good way to ensure you can watch your favorite classic movie whenever you wish to. [44]
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      35. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/20/style/vhs-tapes.html

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