In the digital age of streaming and downloading, VHS tapes might seem like ancient relics. However, they have become highly sought-after collectibles, especially the ones that have garnered a cult following over the years.
These VHS tapes not only serve as a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but for the lucky few, they can also serve as a goldmine. Here are nine cult classic VHS tapes that have become hot collectibles.
1. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1982 Media Home Entertainment release)
This 1982 Media Home Entertainment release of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is a prized collectible. This movie was one of the first “video nasties” in the UK and was banned for a number of years, making original copies even more desirable.
The tape, with its distinctive cover featuring the iconic chainsaw-wielding Leatherface, is a gem for any collector. It’s not uncommon for this VHS to sell for hundreds of dollars, especially if it’s still in its original shrink wrap.
2. Halloween (1978 Media Home Entertainment release)
The Media Home Entertainment release of “Halloween” is another hot item among VHS collectors. This version was the first home video release of the iconic horror film, making it a significant piece of cinema history.
This VHS tape is particularly valuable due to its rarity. Its scarcity has driven prices up to the hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars on auction sites. If you come across this tape in a thrift store, grab it!
3. The Evil Dead (1983 Palace Explosive release)
This 1983 Palace Explosive release of “The Evil Dead” is as rare as it is sought after. The tape is particularly notable for its lurid cover art, a factor that often increases a VHS tape’s value among collectors.
“The Evil Dead” was another film that was labelled as a “video nasty” in the UK and was banned for several years. This, combined with the tape’s vibrant cover art, makes it a desirable item for collectors, often selling for hundreds of dollars online.
4. The Exorcist (1981 Warner Home Video release)
The 1981 Warner Home Video release of “The Exorcist” is a treasure among VHS collectors. This version is the first home video release of one of the most influential horror films of all time.
The tape is particularly valuable due to its rarity, with copies often selling for hundreds of dollars. Given the film’s iconic status, any original home video release is considered a piece of cinema history, making it a prized possession for any collector.
5. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1988 MCA Home Video release)
The 1988 MCA Home Video release of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” is a must-have for any VHS collector. This version is notable for its distinctive green and black clamshell case, which was a departure from the typical cardboard slipcover.
Given the film’s enduring popularity, this tape often sells for hundreds of dollars. If you’re lucky enough to find a copy in good condition, it could be a valuable addition to your collection.
6. Frankenstein’s Castle of Freaks (1981 VIPCO release)
The 1981 VIPCO release of “Frankenstein’s Castle of Freaks” is a sought-after item among collectors of cult horror films. The film itself is a low-budget Italian horror film, but its obscurity and distinctive cover art make it a desirable piece.
This tape is particularly valuable due to its rarity. It’s not uncommon for this VHS to sell for hundreds of dollars, especially if it’s still in its original shrink wrap.
7. Star Wars Trilogy (1995 20th Century Fox release)
The 1995 20th Century Fox release of the original “Star Wars” trilogy is a coveted item among both VHS collectors and “Star Wars” fans. This version is notable for being the last release of the original trilogy before George Lucas made significant changes in the 1997 Special Editions.
Given the enduring popularity of “Star Wars”, this tape often sells for hundreds of dollars. If you’re lucky enough to find a copy in good condition, it could be a valuable addition to your collection.
8. The Blair Witch Project (1999 Artisan Entertainment release)
The 1999 Artisan Entertainment release of “The Blair Witch Project” is a gem among VHS collectors. This film was a cultural phenomenon upon its release, and this home video version preserves the original, unaltered film.
Given the film’s enduring popularity, this tape often sells for hundreds of dollars. If you’re lucky enough to find a copy in good condition, it could be a valuable addition to your collection.
9. The Wicker Man (1986 Thorn EMI release)
The 1986 Thorn EMI release of “The Wicker Man” is a prized item among VHS collectors. This version is particularly notable for its distinctive cover art, which features a haunting image of the film’s iconic wicker man.
The tape is particularly valuable due to its rarity. It’s not uncommon for this VHS to sell for hundreds of dollars, especially if it’s still in its original shrink wrap.
