6 Rare VHS Tapes That Are Fetching Big Money
With streaming services and DVDs, VHS tapes have become almost obsolete in today’s technological world. However, they are still quite popular for collectors, with certain rare VHS tapes earning thousands of dollars at auction. Whether they are a first edition, limited edition, or sealed copy, these VHS tapes are sought after by amateur and dedicated collectors. Below are six rare VHS tapes bought for tens of thousands of dollars.
6. The Thing, $37,500
Starting our list of rare VHS tapes is The Thing. The 1982 horror sci-fi film was a hit with fans and has since become a cult classic. The VHS tape was released in 1982, and is a major collector’s item for horror gurus. One particular edition that garners more money is the original VHS with wraparound MCA watermarks and a rare Rainbow Studio watermark, along with two-toned videotape.
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5. Holographic E.T. Limited Edition, $40,000
Fifth on our list of rare VHS tapes is E.T. The Extra Terrestrial. A classic ever since it came out, E.T. has thrilled fans for decades, from the incredible screenwork by Steven Spielberg to John Williams’ musical track. While all VHS tapes for this film are valuable, the most prized for collectors is the 20th Foil Holographic Anniversary Limited Edition with a blue clamshell case, which can go for up to $40,000.
4. Marking the Millennium, $45,000
Next on our list of rare VHS tapes is Marking the Millennium. While it is not a movie or TV special, the rare tape was created for a theme park. Disney once offered a behind-the-scenes peek at what went into the Millennium Celebration at Walt Disney World and Epcot, produced on these VHS tapes. The tape was only sold to theme park guests for just over a year, and those still in the packaging can go for up to $45,000.
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3. Back to the Future, $75,000
Rounding out the top three rare VHS tapes is the original Back to the Future. A quintessential ‘80s movie, it stars Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, journeying back to the 1950s to save his parents’ marriage. The film came out in 1985 and was one of the first batches of VHS movies to be released in 1986. The most valuable of these tapes had a double-stamped MCATM videotape, along with a wraparound MCA Home Video watermark.
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2. Star Wars: A New Hope, $114,000
Second on our list of rare VHS tapes is Star Wars: A New Hope. While the film came out in 1977, it was first released on VHS in 1984. Star Wars has long been a collector’s dream world, from movie posters to action figures, and VHS tapes are no different. If you can manage to grab a factory-sealed first release with watermarks from 1990, it can sell for up to $114,000.
1. Sealed Goonies, $125,000
Last but not least on our list of rare VHS tapes is The Goonies. The film holds a lot of nostalgia and continues to influence newer projects, including a second Goonies film, which is in the works. While the movie had a wide distribution on video, there are some versions of the film that have gone for staggering amounts of money. This includes a sealed copy of the VHS tape, which went for $125,000 on eBay.
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