13 VHS Tapes Collectors Are Now Fighting Over
These old VHS tapes, once stacked by the TV, are now commanding shockingly high prices in the collector world.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
VHS tapes may seem like relics of a bygone era, but certain titles are now highly sought after and shockingly valuable. Collectors are scouring thrift stores and online auctions in hopes of scoring these rare finds. Whether it’s cult horror, discontinued classics, or early Disney prints, these tapes are sparking bidding wars.
1. Beauty and the Beast (Black Diamond Edition)
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This Disney classic, in its original Black Diamond casing, is pure collector’s gold. Copies in mint condition can go for hundreds, sometimes even more if sealed.
2. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Media Home Entertainment)
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Early horror releases are hot, and this grainy classic tops the list. Collectors crave the original uncut version from the first VHS run.
3. Star Wars: A New Hope (1977 First Release)
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Before remasters and special editions, there was this gem. The original unaltered version of Star Wars on VHS fetches a serious premium.
4. Halloween (1978 Thorn EMI release)
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John Carpenter’s slasher hit is a favorite for horror buffs. The earliest tape releases, especially the Thorn EMI version, are incredibly rare.
5. Back to the Future (MCA Home Video)
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Time travel never goes out of style, and neither does this VHS. Collectors love original issues with retro box art.
6. The Little Mermaid (Banned Cover Art)
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This tape stirred controversy with its original cover art, making it a hot item. Disney later removed and replaced it, making the first edition rare.
7. The Evil Dead (Palace Pictures UK Release)
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Sam Raimi’s cult horror flick had several releases, but UK versions are especially prized. Hardcore horror collectors will pay big bucks for tapes in great shape.
8. Gremlins (Original Warner Home Video)
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This ’80s creature feature is a nostalgia bomb. Early VHS editions with the big Warner clamshell box have collector appeal.
9. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (Green Tape Limited Edition)
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This limited green VHS version was part of a rare promotional release. Fewer were made, and that scarcity drives demand.
10. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (Clamshell)
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Older editions of this colorful classic are harder to find than a golden ticket. Clamshell releases with original artwork are particularly desirable.
11. The Lion King (Black Diamond Edition)
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Another crown jewel from Disney’s Black Diamond series. Sealed or first-run editions fetch strong bids from collectors.
12. Friday the 13th (Paramount First Edition)
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This slasher franchise began with a VHS that horror fans are now hunting down. The original Paramount release in its classic slipcover is highly valued.
13. Bambi (Black Diamond Edition)
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The early Disney vault releases like Bambi are always in demand. Black Diamond editions from the ’80s and early ’90s carry serious collector weight.