The 10 best-selling VHS tapes of all time

VHS has largely faded from movie culture, however The best-selling VHS tapes of all time are still beloved classics. Tapes were once the standard for home viewing before they were made obsolete by the advent of DVD, before that too was overshadowed by streaming and digital purchase options. However, some titles considered to be among the best movies of all time once sold an amazing number of VHS tapes.

It is an obvious preference for Disney among high-selling VHS tapes, Perhaps reflecting parents turn to some of ​​the best animated Disney movies to entertain their children at home. The titles that managed to compete with the Disney classics in this regard are very famous movies, which sold due to a specific combination of popularity and marketability. All these movies call back to a different phase of cinematic history, because they were the best movies at the time.

10

Cinderella (1950)

17 million VHS tapes sold

Cinderella is a formulaic movie about a Disney princess given a raw deal, revolving around the basic message of being good and one will be rewarded. It features some delightful melodies and glittering transformations, leading to the aforementioned happy ending. Cinderella is an earlier movie that still benefited when VHS became a consumer product In the 1970s. Most other popular Disney movies on VHS are from the Disney Renaissance.

Of the original trio of Disney princesses, Snow White is the one who shattered everyone’s expectations of animation, while Sleeping beauty is widely considered a disappointment. Cinderella lands in the middle, demonstrating an outdated plot but still a pleasant viewing experience. Cinderella‘s status as a bestselling VHS showcases that some people found it relatable Or at least enjoyable and did not mind sharing the movie and its lessons with their kids.

9

Pocahontas (1995)

17.1 million VHS tapes sold

Pocahontas Definitely not one of the best Disney Renaissance movies and one of the prime examples of a Disney movie that hasn’t aged well. It has some lovely animation and the powerful musical number “Colors of the Wind,” But his depiction of Native American and colonization history is glaringly inaccurate and offensive.

yet Pocahontas After emerging as one of Disney’s bestsellers in the 1990s, Due to some lucky timing. Misinformed parents perhaps believed that it was good for them to expose their children to some history through a Disney movie, while more criticism came on it later.

Pocahontas Also features some surprisingly famous voice actors that may have helped its sales, including Mel Gibson and Christian Bale. It’s also possible that Disney/Animated VHS sales in general were on the rise in the aftermath of 1995 due to another groundbreaking movie.

8

Toy Story (1995)

21 million VHS tapes sold

Toy Storys sales in the mid-1990s make complete sense. Toy Story was an instant beloved animated classic that would change the animation industry, Resulting in nearly every Hollywood studio using 3D animation within 15 years. Other than that, it’s a witty reflection of childhood with marketable characters that kids and adults still love. After its celebrated release in theaters, people commemorated it by buying their own copies.

DVDs were first developed and released in 1995 and 1996, but it would take several more years for them to find a foothold in consumer culture. What’s impressive about movies that came out during this time and still sold a lot of VHS tapes is that they didn’t take that long to reach higher numbers. however, Toy Story It was a unique phenomenon that everyone wanted to experience From the comfort of their living rooms.

7

Independence Day (1996)

22 million VHS tapes sold

With a PG-13 rating, some parents may have been okay with younger children watching Independence Day. however, It is evident that Will Smith’s career-defining movie sold many VHS tapes because of its rewatch value among adults. See Independence Day In cinemas there is a great appeal due to its massive, impressive practical explosions and the energy of laughing at the jokes in the company of other cinema-goers. However, they were not satisfied with seeing it only once.

The more grounded moments of Smith and Jeff Goldblum exchanging hilarious remarks are enjoyable no matter how you watch the movie. Additionally, the action sequences are still worth rewatching, especially for movie-savvy people who want to determine how they were created. above all, Independence Day is a great romp that is valuable to have at home for movie nights, Complete with popcorn.

6

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

22 million VHS tapes sold

Beauty and the Beast Had a few more years of VHS being the standard On Toy Story And PocahontasBut it also has a best picture nomination. The animated movie is another milestone that people would have wanted to remember, and justifiably buy the movie when it must be one of the best options if it can compete in the Oscars. People who have this can be grateful now when a Beauty and the Beast VHS is one of the most highly valued Disney VHS tapes today.

No matter how many times people listen to it, Beauty and the Beasts soundtrack is enchanting. Belle is also a down-to-earth Disney princess, more intelligent and independent than all who came before her. With its hauntingly realistic characters, stunning music and a kaleidoscope of valuable morals, Beauty and the Beast Is not surprisingly a relic of movie history anyone would want to have at home.

5

Jurassic Park (1993)

24 million VHS tapes sold

Jurassic Park Has a monumental life rudely, demonstrating people’s desire to see it again and again Long after its initial release. A combination of cinematic relevance and fun action and thrills resulted in impressive sales for one of the biggest hits of the 1990s and of all time.

Just before DVDs took over, VHS sales picked up in the 1990s, at an intersection between ever-growing consumerism and the product becoming obsolete. While Jurassic Park Famous came out dangerously close to the movie theater battle between Pulp fictionThe Shawshank RedemptionAnd Forest Gump, It has the widest appeal.

Jurassic Park is probably most remembered for its groundbreaking effects, But the topics that are below that are just as important. It also serves as a slightly scary family movie, but one that older children might still enjoy watching at home, especially compared to some of the other acclaimed movies of the 1990s.

4

Titanic (1997)

25 million VHS tapes sold

Titanic Lacks some of the blockbuster appeal of Jurassic Park But features young and beautiful heartthrobs in addition to being an amazingly detailed historical epic. Titanic was a massive hit in theaters and a historic record breaker at the Oscars, driving its post-theatrical release sales. The movie’s biggest cutscenes and powerful singing sequences may be more haunting in theaters, but they’re still effective when viewed on a small screen.

With several releases to promote it in the coming years, Titanic Remained popular after the age of VHS. The fact that it sold so many tapes is impressive when it was released on the eve of the VHS becoming defunct. however, In many respects, James Cameron has shaken up the industry with this masterpiece, showcasing the deep history of the Titanic In a movie with many famous names to draw viewers.

3

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

28 million VHS tapes sold

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has time on his side with his VHS sales, As the movie already existed when Disney streamlined the product. It unsurprisingly sold more than any other pre-Renaissance feature, given its place in Disney history. Many of the older Disney classics arguably don’t hold a candle to the hits of the 1980s and 1990s, but Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is the movie that made all the rest possible.

Disney’s underdog story of setting out to produce the first feature-length animated movie in Hollywood is legendary, And the company benefited from it a year later. Once VHS became a standard thing to buy, longtime Disney fans acquired a copy of the original Disney hit for their collection. If they are willing to part with it today, they may also get a small fortune when the movie is reliably on Disney+.

2

Aladdin (1992)

30 million VHS tapes sold

However, with VHS sales hitting their peak in the 1990s, there was nothing but profitability for the Disney movies of the time. Which Alan Menken-Howard Ashman composed Disney movie is the best is a matter of opinion, However Aladdin Doubt has some edgy musical numbers that are always fun to listen to and even sing along to.

Aladdin is a flawed protagonist who is still likable, while Jasmine is a feisty princess, Another great addition to the lineup. However, Robin Williams’ deal with Disney for Aladdin He allowed him to write many of his own lines, turning him into the hilariously versatile star of the film, if he wasn’t already.

Coming out a few years before the invention of the DVD, Aladdin Saw great sales. Only one Disney movie from this era had a chance to beat it, coming two years later.

1

The Lion King (1994)

32 million VHS tapes sold

The Lion King Telling an incredibly deep story about duty, family and destiny, derived its plot from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This is coupled with the Elton John and Tim Rice duo winning three nominations in the best original song category at the Oscars, for “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (winner) . Hans Zimmer also composed the score, which makes every second of the movie feel epic.

moreover, Stars like Jeremy Irons, Whoopi Goldberg and James Earl Jones undoubtedly drew people to The Lion King. when The Lion King Is such a rich cinematic landmark and really enjoyable movie for families, the sales are no surprise. Disney dominated the 1990s with its VHS sales alongside some of the decade’s other biggest hits, with The Lion King coming out on top before the industry changed again.

Source: IMDB, movieweb, Far out