20 Video Stores You Loved Visiting Before Streaming Killed Them

Video stores were more than just places to rent movies—they were social hubs, treasure troves of hidden gems, and weekend rituals. Browsing the aisles, debating with friends, and racing to snag the last copy of a new release made the experience exciting. Now, they’re mostly gone, leaving behind nostalgia and a generation that remembers the thrill of movie night differently.

1. Blockbuster

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The king of video rental, Blockbuster had thousands of locations and a membership card that felt like a passport to entertainment. The bright blue and yellow store design was iconic, and Friday night trips were a family tradition. Late fees were brutal, but that just added to the drama. Blockbuster’s downfall still hurts, especially since one store in Oregon refuses to die.

2. Hollywood Video

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Blockbuster’s biggest competitor, Hollywood Video, had a cult following of its own. It often had a better selection of indie and cult films, plus its Game Crazy section was a paradise for gamers. The purple and gold color scheme gave it a slightly fancier feel, even if the carpet looked a little sketchy. It was the go-to spot when Blockbuster was out of everything good.

3. Family Video

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This Midwest-based chain held on longer than most, keeping the video rental dream alive until 2021. Family Video stores often doubled as mini-convenience stores, selling candy and pizza alongside movies. Their “3 for $1” rental deals were legendary, making it easy to grab a whole weekend’s worth of entertainment. The fact that it survived the streaming era longer than Blockbuster is impressive.

4. Movie Gallery

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Another major rental chain, Movie Gallery had a solid selection of both new releases and forgotten classics. Its stores had a more low-key vibe, often tucked away in smaller towns. The membership deals made renting cheaper, which was a lifesaver for movie lovers on a budget. It eventually got bought out, but it gave Blockbuster some serious competition for a while.

5. West Coast Video

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This chain dominated the Northeast and parts of Canada, offering a more personal touch than its corporate competitors. It had a solid mix of mainstream hits and indie films, often recommended by staff who actually knew their stuff. The stores had that classic “video store smell” of plastic cases and popcorn. Like so many others, it eventually faded into history.

6. Suncoast Motion Picture Company

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Less of a rental store and more of a movie collector’s paradise, Suncoast was found in malls across America. It specialized in selling VHS tapes, DVDs, and movie memorabilia, making it a haven for cinephiles. The prices were high, but the selection of rare and cult films made up for it. If you needed a special edition of Evil Dead 2, this was the place to find it.

7. Hastings Entertainment

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Hastings was a mix of video rental, books, music, and pop culture collectibles, making it a nerd’s dream store. You could rent a movie, grab a comic book, and pick up a new video game all in one trip. The stores had a cozy vibe, often with employees who were genuinely passionate about entertainment. Sadly, online shopping and streaming sealed its fate.

8. Tower Records Video

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Tower Records wasn’t just about music—it had a video rental section that was just as cool. The store catered to movie buffs, stocking foreign films, indie releases, and cult classics you couldn’t find anywhere else. The staff recommendations were legendary, helping customers discover hidden gems. Tower Video eventually fell victim to the digital age like its music counterpart.

9. Jumbo Video

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A Canadian favorite, Jumbo Video was known for its free popcorn and massive selection of movies. Walking in felt like stepping into a mini movie theater with staff who actually cared about films. It was one of the few stores that let you browse VHS tapes without cases, creating a unique shopping experience. Many locations hung on longer than expected, proving people loved the in-store experience.

10. Video City

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Video City was a regional rental chain that thrived in the ‘80s and ‘90s. It had a massive selection of VHS tapes, focusing especially on horror and action films. The stores had that classic rental shop charm, complete with neon signs and staff picks. Like many others, it eventually couldn’t keep up with the rise of digital streaming.

11. Video Update

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Video Update was one of the fastest-growing rental chains in the ‘90s, expanding aggressively across the U.S. Its bright red signage and packed shelves made it a familiar sight in many neighborhoods. The chain had a strong rewards program, giving frequent renters discounts and free rentals. Unfortunately, its rapid expansion led to financial trouble, and it couldn’t survive the rise of digital media.

12. Video West

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A staple in Portland, Video West specialized in classic films, foreign cinema, and hard-to-find titles. It had the kind of deep catalog that streaming services still struggle to match. The atmosphere felt more like a library for movie lovers, with staff eager to recommend forgotten masterpieces. Its closing marked the end of an era for Portland cinephiles.

13. Black Lodge Video

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Memphis’ Black Lodge Video wasn’t just a video store but an experience. With a name inspired by Twin Peaks, it had a legendary selection of cult films, horror classics, and underground oddities. The store doubled as a community space, hosting concerts, film screenings, and late-night hangouts. Even as rentals declined, Black Lodge reinvented itself, proving that love for physical media never fully dies.

14. Eyesore Cinema

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Toronto’s Eyesore Cinema was a paradise for lovers of strange, rare, and experimental films. It was the kind of place where you could find forgotten VHS tapes alongside the latest cult Blu-rays. The store often hosted screenings and events, keeping the spirit of independent cinema alive. Even as streaming took over, Eyesore remained a refuge for people who craved the weird and wonderful.

15. Visart Video

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Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Visart Video was one of the longest-surviving indie rental stores in the U.S. Its collection was unmatched, housing thousands of films spanning every genre imaginable. The store transformed into a nonprofit film archive dedicated to preserving physical media and film culture. In a world where streaming platforms remove movies without warning, Visart became more essential than ever.

16. Movietime Video

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Movietime Video was a beloved indie rental shop with a reputation for carrying titles you couldn’t find anywhere else. Its collection leaned heavily on cult classics, foreign films, and forgotten treasures. Customers often spent hours browsing aisles packed with rare VHS tapes and DVDs. It was one of those places that felt like a personal time machine for movie lovers.

17. Videothèque

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This Los Angeles video store catered to hardcore cinephiles with an expertly curated selection. It wasn’t just about renting movies—it was about discovering something new, something bizarre, or something you never knew you needed. The store had a cozy, almost museum-like feel, packed with rare and out-of-print films. Even as video stores disappeared, Videothèque continued to thrive by appealing to film purists.

18. River Bottom Video

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A hidden gem in the Midwest, River Bottom Video was the definition of a local treasure. The store was packed with VHS and DVDs, focusing heavily on horror, sci-fi, and cult cinema. Its dedicated community of renters kept it alive longer than anyone expected. Even after closing, its impact on local film culture remained strong.

19. Video Free Brooklyn

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Brooklyn’s answer to the dying rental industry, Video Free Brooklyn refused to go down without a fight. The store was tiny but mighty, packed with rare films and staff with incredible movie knowledge. It became a neighborhood institution, where conversations about film lasted longer than the rentals themselves. Video Free Brooklyn held on even as streaming took over, proving that the rental experience still mattered.

20. Barb’s Video Rental

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Barb’s Video Rental was a small-town video store that felt like stepping into a different era. The shelves were packed with well-worn VHS tapes, and the checkout counter was covered in handwritten recommendation notes. The store had a legendary horror section, with some rare tapes that felt like ancient relics. It was one of those places where the people behind the counter knew every customer by name.

• Tags:
• Nostalgia
• movies
• VHS
• Rental Stores