Spooky season is here, which means it’s time to binge-watch all of your favorite horror movies. From classics like The Exorcist (1973) to new releases like Get Out (2017), there are numerous movies to watch for thrill seekers. However, if you’re into collecting, it’s also the perfect time to find the most valuable retro horror movie posters. If you’re a collector, then here are some of the top valuable posters you need in your collection.
7. The Invisible Man (1933)
The science fiction horror film directed by James Whale, The Invisible Man, is loosely based on H.G. Wells’ novel sharing the same name, that released in 1897. The story involves a stranger named Dr. Jack Griffin who is covered in bandages and has his eyes obscured by dark glasses, all as a result of a secret experiment that makes him invisible. The movie is also responsible for one of the most valuable retro horror movie posters, as one was sold at Heritage Auctions for a staggering $182,400 in 2020.
6. Dracula (1938)
There have been several renditions of the famed story Dracula, with some having valuable retro horror movie posters associated with it. One of the big ones is the 1938 Dracula poster featuring a green-tinted poster with star Bela Lugosi. The post is worth $312,000, a staggering amount, but also not the most expensive out of the Dracula movies.
5. The Black Cat (1934)
As part of a $2 million auction event at Heritage Auctions, The Black Cat brought in $334,600 in 2009, making it one of the most valuable retro horror movie posters of all time. The pre-Code horror film by Edgar G. Ulmer was the biggest box office hit in 1934 and was the first of eight movies. The story follows a couple on their honeymoon who follow a mad doctor into a manor.
4. The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
For $334,600, you can get your hands on this breathtaking retro horror movie poster from The Bride of Frankenstein, a Gothic horror film from 1935. The movie was directed by James Whale and stars Mary Shelley, revealing that the main characters of her novel survived: Baron Henry Frankenstein, goaded by an even madder scientist, builds his monster a mate.
3. Frankenstein (1931)
Another one of the most valuable retro horror movie posters that make a great addition to any collection is the 1931 Frankenstein poster. This was another auction from Heritage Auctions, and was sold for $358,000, an outstanding amount for a poster.
2. The Mummy (1932)
When looking at sold posters, The Mummy (1932) sold at Sotheby’s in New York for $435,500. However, there’s a possibility that it will become one of the most expensive movie posters ever, as a rare original poster was estimated for between $1 to $1.5 million in 2018. Once that poster sells, it will beat records.
1. Dracula (1931)
The number one entry on the most valuable retro horror movie posters goes to the 1931 Dracula movie. The pre-Code vampire horror film starring Bela Lugosi, portraying Count Dracula, features a stunning poster that was worth $525,800.