17 VHS Tapes You Wish You’d Kept (Now Worth Big Money)
These 17 rare VHS tapes have become collector gold, with some fetching thousands thanks to nostalgia, controversy, and cult fandom.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
The VHS tape revival has turned dusty boxes of old movies into unexpected treasure troves. Tapes once sold for $10 at video stores are now selling for hundreds or thousands on resale markets, especially rare editions, banned artwork, and cult horror titles. From Beauty and the Beast to Tales from the QuadeaD Zone, the value of nostalgia is very real — and potentially very profitable.
1. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Black Diamond Edition, 1992)
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This edition is part of the coveted “Black Diamond” Disney VHS series. Though many copies exist, sealed versions in mint condition can sell for hundreds, even up to $10,000, depending on the buyer. The value comes from nostalgia, early vault status, and collector demand for classic Disney films.
2. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (Wizard Video, 1982)
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This early VHS release from Wizard Video is prized for its grainy horror aesthetic and its role in VHS horror history. Collectors seek out original clamshell cases, especially with the Wizard Video logo. A copy in good condition has sold for over $1,000 on eBay.
3. Star Wars: A New Hope (Original 1977 Release)
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Before George Lucas updated the trilogy with CGI effects, the original unaltered releases were available only on early VHS. These untouched editions, particularly the 1984 CBS/Fox release, have become highly desirable among purists. Prices can soar into the hundreds for clean copies.
4. Halloween (Media Home Entertainment, 1981)
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This first VHS release of John Carpenter’s horror classic is a collector’s favorite. The box art and branding from the now-defunct Media Home Entertainment make it a relic of VHS-era horror. Mint condition versions have been listed for over $500.
5. The Little Mermaid (Banned Cover, 1990)
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A controversy over one of the castle spires resembling male genitalia on the VHS cover turned this into a collector’s item. Though Disney quickly changed the artwork, original copies with the banned cover still circulate. Sealed tapes can sell for over $3,000 on resale sites.
6. Song of the South (Foreign Release Only)
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Disney has never released this controversial film on VHS in the U.S., but overseas editions exist. Because of its problematic portrayal of race and its historical significance, collectors treat it as a forbidden artifact. Some copies have sold for over $1,500 online.
7. Deadly Prey (1987, Action International Pictures)
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This low-budget, over-the-top action flick became a cult classic thanks to its outrageous style and scarcity. The VHS release is one of the few ways to watch it in its original form. Copies have fetched upwards of $400.
8. Barney’s Great Adventure: The Movie (1998, Screener Copy)
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Though not rare in standard form, promotional or screener copies sent to reviewers are incredibly rare. These tapes were never intended for sale and often include special disclaimers or alternate footage. A sealed screener once sold for over $1,000.
9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990, Pizza Hut Promo Edition)
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A promotional version of the movie came bundled with Pizza Hut giveaways and features unique packaging. Because most kids tore these open and wore them out, intact versions are rare. Clean promo copies have sold for over $500.
10. Rocky Horror Picture Show (Media, 1983)
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Before the cult midnight movie craze took off, early VHS copies of Rocky Horror were quietly circulated. The original Media Home Entertainment version is now a sought-after collectible. Some have sold for more than $300 in good condition.
11. Tales from the QuadeaD Zone (1987, Chester Novell Turner)
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One of the rarest and most bizarre VHS releases, this homemade horror anthology gained a cult following decades after release. Only a few hundred copies were ever made. It’s now considered a “holy grail” VHS and has sold for over $2,000.
12. Dracula (1931) (Universal Studios Monster Classic Collection)
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This early VHS release of Bela Lugosi’s Dracula became a collector’s dream for monster movie fans. Sealed copies of the Universal Studios Monster Classic Collection box fetch high prices. It’s not uncommon to see them listed for $500 or more.
13. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (Green Tape, 1988 MCA/Universal)
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A limited green plastic tape edition was released to promote environmental awareness. This version stands out among the standard black-taped VHSs and is a favorite among collectors. Sealed green tapes have sold for upwards of $300.
14. Back to the Future (1986, MCA Home Video)
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While widely released, first editions in their original shrink wrap or display boxes are increasingly rare. Because of its iconic status and franchise value, collectors will pay top dollar. A pristine copy can fetch $200 to $500.
15. Bambi (Black Diamond Edition, 1989)
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Another highly sought Disney Black Diamond tape, Bambi has sentimental value and high demand. Though not as rare as Beauty and the Beast, it can still sell for hundreds depending on condition. Some sealed copies have reached over $1,500.
16. The Lion King (Black Diamond Edition, 1995)
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As one of the last Black Diamond tapes released, this edition holds both nostalgic and collectible value. Despite being mass-produced, sealed versions have still sold for several hundred dollars. The value spikes higher if it includes promotional inserts or stickers.
17. The Evil Dead (Thorn EMI Release, 1983)
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This VHS launched the now-iconic franchise and became notorious during the UK’s “Video Nasties” panic. The Thorn EMI version is especially valuable for its gritty cover and pre-certification rarity. It regularly sells for $600 or more.