18 Retro Movie Ticket Stubs That Are Now Collectibles
These movie ticket stubs are more than just entry passes. They are paper relics from cultural moments that continue to resonate with generations of film lovers.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
In the analog age, ticket stubs served as personal souvenirs of cinematic experiences, often stuffed into wallets or taped to bedroom mirrors. Today, they have taken on new life as collectible artifacts, each one linked to a unique moment in film history. From premieres to cult classics, these small pieces of paper now carry big stories.
1. Star Wars (1977) Opening Night Stub
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This ticket from May 25, 1977, when Star Wars: A New Hope first premiered, has become one of the most sought-after pieces of cinema memorabilia. Fans who clutched these small paper rectangles had no idea they were witnessing the birth of a cultural empire. Today, even a torn version of this stub can fetch hundreds of dollars online.
2. Gone with the Wind (1939) Atlanta Premiere
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Held at the Loew’s Grand Theatre, the Atlanta premiere of Gone with the Wind was an event dressed in Southern pomp. The ticket stubs, printed with ornate type and gold trim, reflected the grandeur of the evening. They’re now considered rare artifacts of both film and American history.
3. Jaws (1975) Beachfront Screening Stub
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In some coastal towns, Jaws had special beach screenings where audiences sat close enough to hear the waves behind them. A stub from these events is not only collectible but also a snapshot of clever movie marketing. It represents a time when thrillers redefined how and where people watched films.
4. The Godfather (1972) New York Premiere
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The Godfather’s premiere at Loew’s State Theatre in New York was a red carpet moment for the books. Ticket stubs from this night are particularly valued for their embossed seal and the limited audience size. Holding one feels like holding a piece of mafia movie royalty.
5. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Sneak Preview Stub
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Universal Pictures held secret “sneak peek” showings before the wide release of E.T.. Attendees got generic-looking tickets, unaware they were watching a soon-to-be blockbuster. Now, those early stubs, plain as they are, are treasure for Spielberg collectors.
6. Casablanca (1942) Wartime Screening Stub
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During World War II, Casablanca was screened for troops and war-bond fundraisers. Stubs from these events are rare, often stamped by military organizations or dated with government seal marks. They’re more than collectibles; they’re slices of wartime morale efforts.
7. The Exorcist (1973) First Midnight Showing Stub
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The original midnight screenings of The Exorcist had audiences fainting and running for the exits. Tickets from these late-night showings often had warnings printed on them. That extra touch makes them particularly prized among horror memorabilia collectors.
8. Psycho (1960) Strict Admission Stub
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Alfred Hitchcock famously demanded that Psycho not be watched late or walked out on, and some theaters printed strict entry policies right on the ticket. These stubs are tiny time capsules of Hitchcock’s control over the moviegoing experience. Collectors love them for their novelty and backstory.
9. Jurassic Park (1993) IMAX Preview Stub
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While not technically “retro” by antique standards, early IMAX previews of Jurassic Park are gaining value. The ticket stock used was glossy and featured full-color printing, rare for its time. Today, these stubs represent a turning point in blockbuster cinema.
10. Titanic (1997) Advance Screening Stub
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Advance screenings of Titanic for critics and fan clubs were limited, and the tickets reflected the event’s formality with gold leaf and elegant font. These stubs now serve as a nod to the film’s monumental cultural impact. For some collectors, it’s less about the movie and more about reliving that pre-release anticipation.
11. Back to the Future (1985) Opening Day Stub
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Opening day stubs for Back to the Future are often creased and worn, having been stuffed into jean pockets or taped to bedroom walls. Their popularity lies in their nostalgic pull and connection to one of the most beloved sci-fi comedies ever made. Authentic versions are now often framed and sold at pop culture auctions.
12. The Wizard of Oz (1939) Colored Screening Stub
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Some theaters made a big deal out of screening The Wizard of Oz in full Technicolor, even printing that fact on the ticket itself. Those stubs are now valuable due to their scarcity and vintage design. It’s like owning a rainbow printed on 1930s cardstock.
13. Rebel Without a Cause (1955) James Dean Tribute Screening Stub
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After James Dean’s tragic death, theaters held tribute showings of Rebel Without a Cause. These stubs often had Dean’s photo printed directly on them. They’re now bittersweet collector’s items, full of emotion and cinematic history.
14. Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) Cult Screening Stub
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Midnight cult showings of Rocky Horror in the late ’70s often had personalized ticket designs from fan groups. These stubs are full of glitter, puns, and strange symbols, all hallmarks of the cult’s flair. They’re rare and unique, much like the fans who attended.
15. King Kong (1933) Grauman’s Chinese Theatre Stub
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The original King Kong showing at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre featured elaborate stubs with art deco lettering and faux gold borders. Some were even punched with monkey silhouettes. Today, they’re considered holy grails for monster movie fans.
16. Blade Runner (1982) Test Screening Stub
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Before its official release, Blade Runner was shown to test audiences with alternate endings. These test screening stubs are extremely rare and often marked “confidential.” They’re highly valued for offering a glimpse into the film’s evolution.
17. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) RKO Theatre Stub
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As Disney’s first full-length animated film, Snow White debuted at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Hollywood, but RKO Theatres showed it shortly after. Stubs from those first runs are collector gold. The designs were whimsical and often featured the dwarfs dancing along the border.
18. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) Trilogy Marathon Stub
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Some theaters held a full trilogy marathon for Raiders, Temple of Doom, and Last Crusade, and issued one special ticket for all three. These marathon stubs are distinctive, oversized, and often laminated. They capture the spirit of a franchise at its peak.