The holiday season comes with Christmas trees, lots of sweets, and the quintessential lineup of Christmas movies. While these movies are often accessed through streaming services or DVDs today, dedicated VHS collectors are instead keeping their eyes on valuable Christmas VHS tapes. Whether it’s a special edition, sealed, limited runs, or other factors, these six Christmas VHS tapes are a great way to enjoy the holidays and cater to your collection. Learn more about each of them below.
6. A Christmas Story (1983)
Starting our list of Christmas VHS tapes is A Christmas Story. Sealed editions and first-run pressings are the most desirable, especially the “original” Warner Bros. Family Entertainment version. There is also a growing collector’s market for classic films on VHS, and there’s nothing more classic than watching Ralphie Parker pine after the legendary Red Ryder air rifle for Christmas. It’s nostalgic fun bundled into one film.
5. Jingle All the Way (1996)
Fifth on our list of Christmas VHS tapes is Jingle All the Way. While not the most popular Christmas movie for some viewers, it is quite a classic with Arnold Schwarzenegger starring as Howard Langston. Nostalgia also plays a factor in the film’s collectibility, as many 90s holiday movies rank higher in value than other decades. Of course, the most valuable will be sealed or specific editions.
4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Next on our list of Christmas VHS tapes is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. A must-watch during the holidays, this VHS tape is also a perfect addition to your collection. While most of these editions don’t value much, if you can find a sealed, signed, or limited-edition copy, it often increases in value. For instance, the original release was in May 1990, but there was a re-release of the film on VHS in September 1999. The 1990 editions will hold more value, and could fetch a could price in near-mint condition.
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Rounding out the top three Christmas VHS tapes on our list is the 1966 version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Before the time of Jim Carrey’s appearance as the iconic green creature, we enjoyed the Christmas animated special. The film has special nostalgic value for collectors, and if you can find an earlier release that is sealed and in mint condition, it definitely increases in value.
2. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Second on our list of Christmas VHS tapes is Silent Night, Deadly Night. The 1984 film bridges the gap between holiday cheer and horror, turning Santa Claus into a horrifying murderer. It became a cult classic for many horror fans, and still has a soft spot today for collectors. If you can find a sealed or near-mint copy in circulation, it could be worth a lot to the right collector.
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Last but not least on our list of Christmas VHS tapes is The Nightmare Before Christmas. A popular blend of Halloween and Christmas, this Disney film has continued to entertain fans with Jack Skellington donning a Santa hat and coat and exploring the snowy world of the holiday season. Since the film carries a lot of nostalgia and a cult following, original and well-preserved copies of the 1994 VHS release are quite valuable. One specific edition has promotional stickers on the outside, providing an authentic piece from the film’s release for collectors to enjoy.