20 VHS Tapes from the Past That Are Surprisingly Valuable Now

Many people have forgotten about VHS tapes, which used to be common in every home but are now ignored. However, some VHS tapes have stood the test of time and are now surprisingly valuable collectibles. Some old VHS tapes, which contain classic movies and rare releases, are selling for very high prices these days.

Tricia Quitales
March 21, 2025
7 min read

20 VHS Tapes from the Past That Are Surprisingly Valuable Now — Phúc Phạm on Pexels

Many people think VHS is out of date, but some tapes are very popular among collectors and movie fans. These tapes, which are often linked to limited editions, one-of-a-kind prints, or rare books, are now very expensive. This article shows 20 VHS tapes that have suddenly become more valuable. They range from old movie releases to strange cult classics, and they give us a look into the nostalgia-driven collector’s market.

1. The Terminator (1984) - Original Release

Amberrock on Wikimedia

Collectors want the 1984 VHS release of The Terminator in its original packaging, which is hard to find nowadays. This movie, directed by James Cameron, gave Arnold Schwarzenegger his big break. Because limited copies were released, they are now rare and worth hundreds of dollars each.

2. Back to the Future (1985) - Early Release

back to the future on Wikimedia

Collectors love the first edition VHS release of Back to the Future because it looks old and is hard to find. This adventure movie about going back in time, starring Michael J. Fox, became a cultural phenomenon. For nostalgic fans, owning a perfect copy of the original VHS release is a dream come true. The tape’s value depends on how preserved it is and how popular the ’80s memorabilia is becoming.

3. The Wizard of Oz (1939) - 1980s Reissue

MGM on Wikimedia

It’s not hard to find a copy of The Wizard of Oz on VHS from the 1980s, but the unique packaging and nostalgic appeal make it worth a lot. Audio and video on this release were remastered, which made it desirable among collectors. Because the movie is still popular, this VHS is still sought after by fans of all ages.

4. Jaws (1975) - First Edition

Jaws / spielberg on Wikimedia

Because it came out early and is an important part of movie history, the first edition VHS of Jaws is now a valuable collectible. People look for an original VHS copy of Steven Spielberg’s thriller in perfect condition. It was the first movie in the summer blockbuster genre. This tape can fetch a high price at auctions because it is important to movie culture.

5. Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) - Black Label Edition

Suzy Rice on Wikimedia

One of the VHS tapes that Star Wars fans want is the Black Label Edition of Star Wars: A New Hope. This version, which came out in the early 1980s, is very valuable because of its unique packaging and the movie’s lasting popularity. This VHS has become valuable as people become more interested in old Star Wars memorabilia.

6. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) - Original Release

TheCuriousGnome on Wikimedia

Because of the movie’s popularity and the few copies made, the original 1982 VHS release of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is very valuable. A lot of people love this movie, which Steven Spielberg directed. Because of this, for the right collector, a well-kept copy of the original VHS can be worth a lot.

7. The Lion King (1994) - Limited Edition

The Walt Disney Company on Wikimedia

The limited-edition VHS of The Lion King, released in 1994, is now hard to find. Fans of all ages still love this old Disney movie, and the VHS version is especially sought after for its nostalgic value. This beloved VHS is becoming more valuable as more people become collectors of Disney memorabilia.

8. The Silence of the Lambs 1991 - First Edition

Mavelus on Wikimedia

People want to buy the first edition of VHS of The Silence of the Lambs because the movie changed the thriller and horror genres. This scary psychological drama was a big deal in pop culture, and the VHS release wasn’t widespread. Over time, the first edition of this tape has become much more valuable.

9. Pulp Fiction (1994) - Limited First Edition

Mrmw on Wikimedia

Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction is one of the most famous movies of the 1990s, and the first-edition VHS copy has become more valuable over time. Film collectors want to own a first-edition VHS of Pulp Fiction because of its groundbreaking plot and unforgettable performances. Because so few copies were made and the movie is so important to culture, it is hard to find and worth a lot of money.

10. The Godfather 1972 - First Edition

Paramount Pictures on Wikimedia

The original VHS release of The Godfather in the 1970s is highly valued because it is an important piece of film history, and few copies were made. People think that Francis Ford Coppola’s epic crime drama is one of the best movies ever made, and the VHS copy has both sentimental and financial value. Film collectors who want to find rare old tapes must have a copy of this movie.

11. Halloween (1978) - First Edition

Blumhouse Productions on Pexels

The first edition VHS of Halloween is very valuable because it was released so long ago and is an important part of horror film culture. Collectors want to buy John Carpenter’s slasher classic because it has become an important part of the Halloween tradition. It can be worth a lot more if you can find one in good shape.

12. Ghostbusters (1984) - Original Release

Sony Consumer Products / Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. on Wikimedia

People like collecting things like the 1984 VHS release of Ghostbusters, which is linked to the movie’s big success. This supernatural comedy became a cultural touchstone, and only a few VHS tapes were made. Today, people really want these tapes, especially ones in perfect condition.

13. Blade Runner (1982) - Original 1982 VHS

Avazbek2077 on Wikimedia

Because Blade Runner is such a great science fiction movie, the original 1982 VHS release is very valuable. Fans have stuck with Ridley Scott’s dystopian vision, and original VHS copies are getting harder to find. The value of the early VHS releases increases as the movie’s fame grows.

14. Evil Dead (1981) - 1982 VHS Release

Sam Raimi on Wikimedia

Horror fans want the 1982 VHS release of Evil Dead because it was one of the first copies of the movie to be released. Sam Raimi’s low-budget horror movie helped create the genre and is now known for being unique. As the number of people who like it grows, the movie’s VHS release is worth more.

15. The NeverEnding Story (1984) - Original Release

PSO Productions, Inc. on Wikimedia

Many people who like fantasy movies from the 1980s love The Never-Ending Story, which was released on VHS in 1984. They will always love this silly movie, and the original VHS tapes are now worth a lot of money. Early editions are getting harder to find, which adds to their value.

16. Aladdin (1992) - Original Black Diamond Edition

Disney Television Animation on Wikimedia

The 1992 Aladdin VHS Black Diamond Edition is very popular because it was only made in small numbers and brought back fond memories. Many people remember this Disney animated classic from childhood, and the VHS version is a collector’s favorite. This tape’s value has gone through the roof in the last few years.

17. The Goonies (1985) - Early Release

RootOfAllLight on Wikimedia

The 1985 VHS release of The Goonies has become very valuable because it is hard to find and has a cult following. This adventure comedy movie, directed by Richard Donner, became a hit and has been a favorite for many years. Fans and collectors alike really want its VHS copy, especially ones in good shape.

18. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) - Original Release

20th Century Fox on Wikimedia

The original VHS release of The Rocky Horror Picture Show from 1975 has become more valuable because of its devoted fans and popularity as a midnight movie. As a cult classic, the movie’s VHS releases were hard to find at first and are even harder to find now. These tapes, especially the ones from the first release, are very valuable to collectors.

19. Scarface (1983) - First Edition

Vivendi Universal Games / Hardspace.sk8Miracle on Wikimedia

The first edition of the VHS of Scarface is very valuable because it is linked to the movie’s long-lasting cultural impact. Scarface is one of the most famous gangster movies ever because of how Al Pacino played Tony Montana. The first VHS copy of this movie is still highly sought by fans and collectors.

20. Die Hard (1988) - First Edition

Viiticus on Wikimedia

Because Die Hard is the classic action movie that it is and because early VHS releases are so hard to find, the first edition of the movie is very valuable. This holiday action movie is a classic thanks to Bruce Willis’s role. The first-run VHS editions are now very popular and can sell for a lot of money.