14 VHS Tapes Everyone Rented Multiple Times
Back in the rental store days, certain VHS tapes were so popular they were constantly checked out.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Before streaming and DVDs, VHS rentals were the heart of home entertainment. Some movies were so beloved that families kept going back to the video store to rent them. From animated classics to action-packed blockbusters, here are 14 VHS tapes that practically lived in everyone’s VCR.
1. The Lion King (1994)
AmaniTheLionTLG on Flickr
Disney’s tale of Simba’s journey to the throne became a must-watch for families. Kids watched it endlessly, rewinding their favorite musical moments. It quickly became one of the most rented animated tapes of the ’90s.
2. Jurassic Park (1993)
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Steven Spielberg’s dinosaur epic changed movie history and dominated video store shelves. The lifelike creatures and intense T. rex chase made fans hit “play” again and again. Its groundbreaking visuals made it a must-rent for thrill seekers and families alike. Few tapes were rewound more than this one.
3. Home Alone (1990)
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Kevin McCallister’s wild Christmas adventure wasn’t just a holiday hit; it was an all-year favorite. Audiences couldn’t get enough of his clever traps and comedic showdowns with the Wet Bandits. Its mix of slapstick humor and heartwarming family spirit made it one of the most frequently rented films of the decade.
4. The Little Mermaid (1989)
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Ariel’s underwater world captured imaginations like never before. Kids sang along to “Under the Sea” while parents watched in awe of Disney’s colorful animation. The film’s magic made it a constant rental, with video stores always restocking worn-out copies.
5. Ghostbusters (1984)
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Who ya gonna call? Fans answered that question over and over with their VHS remotes. The mix of supernatural comedy and catchy tunes made it endlessly entertaining. Even years after release, rental stores struggled to keep it on the shelves.
6. Toy Story (1995)
JJBers on Wikimedia Commons
As the first full-length computer-animated movie, Toy Story blew everyone’s minds. Kids couldn’t stop watching Woody and Buzz’s adventures, often wearing out the tape in the process. It became a cornerstone of 90s animation and a guaranteed rental hit.
7. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
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The story of a lonely boy and his alien friend melted hearts everywhere. Families rewatched it to relive the magic of friendship and childhood wonder. It became one of the most beloved VHS tapes in cinematic history.
8. The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (1998)
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Even as a direct-to-video sequel, Simba’s Pride became a massive hit among kids. The catchy songs and continuation of Simba’s legacy made it a family favorite. Rental stores couldn’t keep up with demand as copies wore thin from overuse.
9. Titanic (1997)
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James Cameron’s epic love story came in a massive two-tape box, but that didn’t stop anyone. Viewers rented it repeatedly to relive Jack and Rose’s tragic romance. Despite its three-hour runtime, it was one of the highest-grossing and most-rented films of all time.
10. The Sandlot (1993)
Grant Campbell on Pinterval
This nostalgic tale of childhood summers and baseball magic became an instant classic. Families loved its humor, warmth, and timeless charm. Every summer, people re-rented it to relive the “you’re killing me, Smalls!” nostalgia.
11. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
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Disney’s masterpiece of music and romance was an essential part of every home collection. Its Broadway-style songs and touching love story drew repeat viewers of all ages. Rental stores could barely keep up with the demand.
12. Forrest Gump (1994)
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Tom Hanks’ portrayal of Forrest made audiences laugh, cry, and hit rewind. Its sweeping story through decades of history made it perfect for multiple viewings. People returned to the tape again and again to feel inspired all over.
13. Aladdin (1992)
Ariel Grimm on Flickr
Robin Williams’ larger-than-life Genie stole the show and kids’ hearts. Families couldn’t resist watching the magical journey unfold over and over. Its humor, energy, and unforgettable soundtrack made it one of Disney’s most rented titles ever.
14. The Mighty Ducks (1992)
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This underdog sports story was a hit with young audiences. Its mix of comedy and hockey action led to constant rentals. Kids loved the humor, teamwork, and feel-good sports action. Families rented it repeatedly, making it a weekend staple for years.