14 VHS Covers That Were More Memorable Than the Movie
Sometimes, a VHS cover left a bigger impression than the movie inside.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
In the days of VHS, cover art was a powerful way to grab attention and sell a film. Some covers were so striking or weird that people remembered them more than the actual movies. These 14 VHS covers stand out as examples where the artwork became more iconic than the films themselves.
1. The Room
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The VHS cover features a serious-faced Tommy Wiseau looking mysterious, but the movie’s strange plot and awkward acting made it cult famous for different reasons. The cover’s intense stare drew curiosity long before people discovered the film’s oddities. Today, the cover is almost a symbol of cult movie fandom.
2. Troll 2
Lucas Pezeta on Pexels
Known as one of the worst films ever, the VHS cover shows a menacing goblin creature. The artwork promises a scary fantasy adventure, which is very different from the unintentionally hilarious movie inside. The cover has become a popular joke among fans.
3. Mac and Me
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The VHS cover depicts a glowing alien and a child sharing a magical moment, but the film was widely criticized for feeling like a long commercial. The bright and inviting art misled viewers expecting a great family sci-fi story. The cover is often remembered as more charming than the actual movie.
4. Cool as Ice
Phúc Phạm on Pexels
Featuring Vanilla Ice striking a pose with a leather jacket and a cool stare, the cover suggested a slick, edgy film. The actual movie, however, was poorly received and is mostly remembered for its awkward rap scenes. The cover still stands out as a snapshot of ’90s pop culture.
5. Shark Attack
Ron Lach on Pexels
This VHS cover shows a giant shark’s open jaws ready to attack, creating excitement and fear. The movie is a low-budget thriller with less impressive effects than the cover suggests. Fans often recall the bold cover more than the movie’s story.
6. Gymkata
cottonbro studio on Pexels
The VHS cover highlights a muscular man performing martial arts in an unlikely sports setting, promising intense action. The film’s strange mix of gymnastics and karate made it confusing and unintentionally funny, but the cover remains memorable for its bold design.
7. Manos: The Hands of Fate
Ron Lach on Pexels
The cover depicts eerie figures and dark imagery, suggesting a chilling horror story. The movie is infamous for its poor production and awkward acting, making it a cult classic. The unsettling cover has become a key part of the film’s reputation.
8. Robot Jox
Ron Lach on Pexels
With a giant robot battle scene on the cover, this VHS promises epic sci-fi action. The movie delivers on giant robots but with a very low budget and cheesy effects. The cover art’s excitement often outshines the film itself.
9. Troll
cottonbro studio on Pexels
The cover shows a monstrous creature looming over a family, hinting at a dark fantasy horror. The movie has a cult following but is mostly remembered for its campy style. The artwork remains striking and memorable.
10. Santa with Muscles
Ron Lach on Pexels
The cover shows Hulk Hogan dressed as a muscular Santa Claus, looking ready for action. The movie’s plot is silly, and the execution is uneven, but the cover perfectly captures its weird charm. Fans often recall the cover more vividly than the film.
11. Ice Pirates
cottonbro studio on Pexels
This cover features a mix of space warriors and pirates in a colorful, chaotic design. The movie is a cult sci-fi comedy but received mixed reviews. The artwork is often seen as the best part of the experience.
12. Death Bed: The Bed That Eats
Paul Seling on Pexels
The VHS cover hints at a horror story with a sinister bed, which sounds unusual and intriguing. The movie is so strange and low-budget it became a cult curiosity. The cover’s bold idea sticks with people longer than the film’s content.
13. Killer Klowns from Outer Space
Ron Lach on Pexels
The colorful, bizarre cover art shows creepy clowns attacking humans, promising a fun horror-comedy. The movie became a cult hit because of its unique style and humor. The cover helped set the tone and remains iconic.
14. Macabre
Julian Bracero on Pexels
The cover’s dark and mysterious imagery suggests a gripping thriller or horror movie. The film is relatively obscure, but the cover art made it stand out on shelves. Many remember the cover more than the movie itself.