30 rarest VHS tapes and how much they are worth

Although it is not a format seen in the mainstream now, the rarest VHS tapes get an impressive price. In the modern era of streaming, there is a community of collectors who have kept the VHS video format alive years after tapes left common circulation in the 2000s. Physical media collectors do so for a variety of reasons, from the joy of permanently owning a film to a celebration of technological relics of a bygone era – and the form of media that kicked off the boom in physical media collecting was the VHS tape.

Although obsolete by today’s standards, there is a large community that enjoys hunting down rare VHS videos, from those that are obscure due to low circulation to copies that exist with misprints and typos on the cover. Many VHS tapes can be purchased quite easily, often for no more than a dollar. There are others, however, that, for one reason or another, have high prices and low availability. VHS tapes worth the money range from beloved classics to obscure titles, and these rare videotapes are among the most sought after and expensive.

30

Tammy and the T-Rex

Around US$100

Just because a movie is expensive on VHS doesn’t mean it’s a good movie by most people’s standards. The cult classic Tammy and the T-Rex was not very well received by critics or audiences when it was originally released in 1994. However, one of the reasons why the film can be sold for close to US$100 on VHS, it is because of its limited original print run. The strange sci-fi comedy follows an experiment in which scientists placed a murdered student’s brain into a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

The film only gained cult status many years later, so VHS copies of Tammy and the T-Rex they were not mass-produced after their theatrical run. By the time the film showed promise as a cult hit, the studio had already moved on and the tape was out of print. It is only for this reason that copies of Tammy and the T-Rex They probably became a collector’s item and also contributed to their cult status.

29

Let it be

Around US$100

The Beatles’ music has appeared in many films, but they have also made some memorable films themselves. The Fab Four changed the music industry when they exploded onto the scene in the 60s and were hailed as one of the greatest bands of all time. John Paul George and Ringo made several films during the height of Beatlemania, the latest being an inside look at their latest album, Let it be, in 1970.

The film is known for including the famous rooftop concert, which was the last public appearance of the four members.

The film is known for including the famous rooftop concert, which was the last public appearance of the four members. The film was first released on VHS in 1981, and due to mixed reception, not many copies were produced. Authentic copies of the original release were sold nothing less than US$100 in the past, and genuine VHS tapes from Let it be have become a popular item for Beatles collectors.

Other than VHS copies, there were no copies of the documentary available, which is why there has been so much interest in it. The documentary is now available to stream on Disney+, being added to a digital platform for the first time.

28

A history of violence

Around US$100

Sales of VHS tapes were in decline in the early 2000s, with the last major Hollywood film to be released on VHS being A history of violence in 2006. Although the film starring Viggo Mortensen is very easy to find in other media, the fact that it is the last major release on VHS makes collectors see this release as a must-have. VHS copies of A history of violence were sold at various prices, but very rarely for less than $100.

The VHS of A history of violence it was released on the same day as the DVD, as was typical of the format’s final years, when both coexisted. The DVDs outsold the VHS version of the film by a large margin. This meant there weren’t many copies in circulation when cash-worthy VHS tapes became a collector’s item, making them a must-have for anyone invested in the hobby.

27

Batman Forever “For Your Consideration” Ribbon

$150

In the long history of Batman films, Batman Forever is probably the one fans remember least. It marked the transition from Tim Burton’s dark, gothic version to Joel Schumacher’s vibrant, exaggerated version, while also serving as Val Kilmer’s first and only appearance as the Caped Crusader. The film saw Batman teaming up with his young pupil Robin to face two new villains in Gotham City, Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and The Riddler (Jim Carrey).

Despite being considered an inferior film among the Batman films, Batman Forever is registered as one of the most valuable tapes in the franchise

Despite being considered an inferior film among the Batman films, Batman Forever is registered as one of the most valuable tapes in the franchise with a very specific version being sold for $150. According to Comicbook.coma “For Your Consideration” tape by Batman Forever sold for that price. These tapes were distributed to Oscar voters, which meant their supply was limited.

26

Launch of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre in 1982

$300 or more

While the Texas Chainsaw Massacre the franchise has had its ups and downs, the original remains an extremely influential film. The horror genre was evolving in the 70s and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre It was one of the films that forced this evolution. When the film was released on VHS some time later, several companies took charge of releasing the then-controversial film. Because the circulation was so small, these rare copies from early 1982 Texas Chainsaw Massacre VHS tapes are now a collector’s item.

Several of the 1982 VHS copies of Texas Chainsaw Massacre were sold for hundreds of dollars, with one from Wizard Video costing almost $300, making it one of the most expensive editions of the film. Some contemporary listings on sites like eBay have sold for more than US$500 and much more. While the film is easy to find in other media, many fans agree that the graininess of VHS adds to the grindhouse feel of the original. Texas Chainsaw Massacre offers.

25

Walt Disney home video releases in 1981

Ranges from $50 – $300

When it became clear that home video was the way of the future, the Walt Disney Company hesitated. The company made good money re-releasing its popular films in theaters and didn’t want to lose money by making fans own the films. Their solution was to release a select number of their most highly regarded films in a limited capacity and for rental only.

These first Disney VHS movies were released in 1981 and were an instant hit.

These first Disney VHS movies were released in 1981 and were an instant hit. After some time, Disney stopped production of its direct rental videos and released a new wave of home videos some time later. These original Disney VHS releases from 1981 run for various prices online and at auctions depending on the specific title, and are sure to make any VHS or Disney collector eager to get their hands on them. It is not uncommon for the price to be around US$300.

24

The Evil Dead 1981 releases UK variant cover

Around US$300

It’s not uncommon for classic horror films to be banned in certain countries. When The Evil Dead was released in the UK in 1981, it suffered the same fate. The film was released, but was quickly remembered for being very scary and was debated in court to be banned. The original film follows a group of friends visiting a cabin in the woods and being targeted by an evil force.

When the film was deemed appropriate and the ban on The Evil Deadwas re-released with a banner on the cover saying: “Not Guilty”. This variant cover became the rarest copy of the film to dateand as long as there is various reports on the priceIt is not uncommon for the 1981 UK VHS re-release of The Evil Dead to costs around $300.

23

Sealed copies of The Fast and the Furious with watermark

Around US$400

The first entry into Fast and Furious the franchise launched in 2001 and became a surprise hit. Although the franchise has exploded in popularity and scale since then, making this first film seem strange in comparison, the first film was still considered a success. Fast and Furious was released on VHS and DVD in January 2002 and DVD sales broke records, highlighting the film’s immense popularity.

It could remain a popular collector’s item for fans of the mega-franchise for years to come.

However, decades later, VHS copies of Fast and Furious you can search prices from $400 and up on auction sites like eBay for a watermarked sealed tape. Unsealed copies usually cost considerably less, but can still sell for far beyond what VHS was worth when it was released in 2002 and the format still existed. It could remain a popular collector’s item for fans of the mega-franchise for years to come.

22

WCW 2000 Beach Party

Around US$500

The last Beach Party before WCW was purchased by WWE in 2000, and the physical release of WCW’s swan song is now among the many VHS tapes worth money. The event was released on VHS shortly before purchase, when the tapes were discontinued. With so few copies in circulation, VHS copies of Beach Party 2000 they are a collector’s item more than two decades later.

Although many wrestling tapes command high prices, the end result Beach Party It is among the rarest. Anything involving Hulk Hogan is valuable to collectors, but his final match with WCW will be a grail for many. Hulk Hogan went off script when he walked away with the belt when he should have lost it, ending his relationship with WCW. This combination alone increases the price of the tape, which was up to US$500.

21

Halloween 1978 release with uncorrected typos

Around US$500

Original by John Carpenter Halloween it’s easy to find on home video, with several cheap VHS releases. Purists who want true originals, however, need to be willing to dig deep into their pockets. The film was first released on VHS in 1978 by Media Home Video and with a typo. Like many VHS tapes worth money, this is a collector’s item not only because the film had a relatively low number of video copies produced, but also because of an error that means there are now valuable, ultra-rare variants of one already unusual item.

The media logo on the cover of the most valuable book of 1978 Halloween VHS tapes are misspelled as Meda, which is one of the main reasons the tape is so sought after.

The media logo on the cover of the most valuable book of 1978 Halloween VHS tapes are misspelled as Meda, which is one of the main reasons the tape is so sought after. The media later re-released the film with an updated logo, and while some of the corrected versions are worth a fair amount in their own right, none have come close to the true original with the subtle typo in the bottom right corner of the cover that has been known to fetch prices as high as $500 or more.

20

Tales from the QuaDead zone

Around US$700

One of the rarest VHS tapes worth money is a relatively unknown anthology called Tales from the QuaDead zone. The film itself is easy to watch online, but VHS was released in small quantities, being manufactured independently. The film has never been released on any other physical medium and probably never will be.

The film is unremarkable, but video copies of Tales from the QuaDead zone quickly became the most sought after tape in VHS collector circles. The film was extremely underground, but after the tape was included in the VHS collection documentary, Adjust your trackingthe hunt was on to find the elusive tape. In the rare cases that the tape does appear for sale, it is not uncommon for costs more than $700.

19

Sealed copies of Twister 1997 release

$2,000

The disaster movie Twisted was seen as a fun popcorn movie in the 1990s, even if critics weren’t as enthusiastic as audiences. However, its reputation and appreciation has only increased over the years, with many praising the blockbuster’s fun action and spectacle, as well as a likeable cast. The film is a wild ride that follows the daring lives of storm chasers who try to discover a way to better predict devastating hurricanes.

Maybe with the next sequel Twistedthe VHS will be worth even more.

This lasting affection for the film could perhaps explain this going for $2,000 on eBay for a sealed copy (through USA today). In fact, Twisted it was a unique VHS, as it was the first of the format to be certified for THX sound quality. Maybe with the next sequel Twistedthe VHS will be worth even more.

18

Sealed copies of the 1982 Star Wars release

$3,500 or more

It’s no surprise that one of the most expensive VHS tapes ever sold is a copy of Star Wars which predates the many subsequent re-releases and the changes that accompanied them. When Star Wars was released in 1977, was a cultural phenomenon, and was first released on video in 1982. The entertainment market was very different in the early 1980s and it would have been too expensive for families to buy the film. This reality has led to one of the rarest VHS tapes worth money today.

As there was not yet a mass market for VHS ownership, Fox first released Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope on video as exclusive rental. This original release is not cheap by any means, regardless of condition. But when a rare tape, in perfect condition, still in shrink wrap, turned up, fans flocked to bid on this piece of cinema history, with the final bid an astonishing $3,500 (through Smash screen).

17

Forbidden cover of The Little Mermaid

$10,000

One of the things that can really increase the value of a VHS tape to collectors is if a specific print of the item ends up being banned. The first series of VHS releases of Disney’s animated family favorite actually features cover art that was eventually banned after parents protested the phallic nature of some of the underwater palace’s columns.

As a result of the ban, new covers were created on subsequent VHS releases for The Little Mermaid and the original was recovered. This means that there are far fewer copies of this VHS version and its box set than others. The tape went for as much as US$33,000 on auction sites like Ebay, but most of the time it is listed for around US$10,000. as a way to entice collectors to buy it instead of selling it for such a high sum.

16

Original Tape Wrapped Back to the Future

$10,000

Back to the future is seen as one of the quintessential films of the 1980s, as well as one of the best time travel films ever made. Michael J. Fox became a star with his role as Marty McFly, a typical 1980s high school student who finds himself traveling back to the 1950s, where he has to be careful not to alter the past in any way as he tries to get back. to the past. your timeline.

This kind of reputation also inspires fans to spend a lot of money on rare VHS tapes.

There has been a lot of talk about rebooting the film over the years, but those talks have been met with a lot of resistance from those who consider it a perfect film that should remain untouched. This kind of reputation also inspires fans to spend a lot of money on rare VHS tapes featuring a specific tape in its original packaging. sold for almost $10,000 in 2023 (through Daily Mail).

15

Launch of the Beauty and the Beast Black Diamond label

$10,000 or more

Another one of Disney’s classic animated films is a popular ticket for VHS collectors. Beauty and the beast is often considered the pinnacle of the Disney Renaissance era and is even considered the best Disney animated film of all time by many people. It was a huge box office success and became the first animated film to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture.

With its acclaim and limited release of a very specific version the rare clamshell-shaped Disney VHS copy Beauty and the beast – especially the one with the classic Black Diamond label – is an immensely valuable VHS collector’s item. As a result, the Beauty and the beast The value of VHS can reach thousands of dollars, and it is not uncommon for copies labeled Black Diamond to sell for up to $10,000 and up on auction sites like eBay.

14

Disney Movie Club Cars Launch

$14,000

Although it is not seen as one of the great entries in Pixar’s film collection, Cars was an extremely popular animated adventure that launched a major franchise. Set in a world populated entirely by vehicles of different types, Owen Wilson provides the voice of Lightning McQueen, an arrogant and successful race car who finds some humility when he becomes stranded in a small town.

To increase rarity, Cars is the last Disney film to be released on VHS.

Cars is a newer film than many other rare VHS tapes, but there was a special videocassette release that proved quite valuable to collectors. A copy of Cars which was released as part of the Disney Movie Club sold for $14,000. The Disney Movie Club meant fewer tapes were sold. To increase rarity, Cars is the last Disney film to be released on VHS.

13

Top Gun Pepsi variant

$18,000

Another case of a specific printed edition of a VHS being worth more to collectors – and making it harder to find – is Top Gun the so-called Pepsi variant. This version of the VHS release was not a copy sold to retailers, but rather a promotional copy for display.

Superior weapon was sponsored by the company Pepsi and in this case, the film is sponsored by Diet Pepsi in the 1987 promotional copy. This makes it a rare find for collectors, and was valued by professionals at US$18,000. It’s much more likely, however, that those just looking for a copy of the VHS for nostalgic purposes will find the first real release for retailers at thrift stores or auction sites.

It is entirely possible that with the Superior weapon sequel released more than 30 years later, the value of both VHS versions may continue to rise.

12

Return of the Walking Dead Sealed HBO Watermark Release

$18,750

When it comes to many of the rarer VHS tapes that can be found today, many of them are very old. This makes sense, given that many elements are not good for VHS tapes, making them difficult to keep in any kind of usable condition for years, let alone decades. That’s why a 40-year-old VHS tape can make collectors a lot of money.

In this case, that 40 year old VHS tape is The return of the living dead. The film was released in a clamshell box with HBO video watermarks on the cover art. Heritage Auctions sold a sealed copy for $18,750 in October 2022. It seems unlikely that another copy would command such a high price, or that many sealed copies still exist in perfect condition.

$22,500

HBO was responsible for launching several home video releases, so for a long time, it was the company known for bringing theater into people’s homes. That’s why the studio was a popular premium cable network long before the rise of streaming.

One of his home video releases was First Bloodthe first of Rambo films. The specific copy that was appraised and auctioned by Heritage Auctions was listed for $22,500. However, it was in almost perfect condition, with the seal still intact.

This particular copy that auction sites have labeled as worth more than others features unique back cover art. Instead of the usual film summary and credits found on film posters, it features promotional information for the film’s sequel.. As The return of the living dead copy, it is unlikely that many unsealed copies of this particular version exist 40 years later.