65 Most Valuable VHS Tapes of All Time
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We’ve all heard rumors about clever collectors cashing in on their childhood VHS tapes. But are VHS tapes really worth anything, and is it really as easy as throwing your dusty collection of movies on eBay and waiting for the cash to roll in?
Well, as it turns out, there are a handful of tapes that could equate to a pretty good payday. But it’s not just any old VHS tape that holds value. In fact, it’s a very specific assortment of movies that online collectors pine over.
Whether you want to raid your parents’ basement for your childhood VHS collection or curious to know how much all those movies you donated would have fetched, we’ve found the most valuable VHS tapes of all time. And they are actually worth money.
64. Pinocchio (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $50
Release date: 1940
*All price information was sourced from past and present eBay listings.
Bottom Line: Pinocchio
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"Pinocchio" is an animated musical adventure all about learning the value of advice and what it means to be "good" or "bad."
While the themes still resonate today, the classic Disney film is worth about $50 on eBay. It's not with the most valuable collectibles of all time, but that is still a pretty good ROI for a VHS tape.
Watch it:Pinocchio
64. The Great Mouse Detective (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $50
Release date: 1986
Bottom Line: The Great Mouse Detective
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The Great Mouse Detective isn’t exactly considered to be a Disney classic, but it still sells for about $50 on eBay.
The tale of Basil, a keen mouse detective, is still quite relevant today, thanks to its subtle political commentary about Professor Ratigan, whose goal is to become the "supreme ruler of all mousedom."
Watch it:The Great Mouse Detective
63. The Sound of Music
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Estimated price tag: $65
Release date: 1965
Bottom Line: The Sound of Music
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Who doesn’t have a copy of "The Sound of Music" kicking around somewhere?
Apparently, more than a few people do, based on the fact that the VHS version of the cult classic goes for about $65 on eBay — which honestly is a small price to pay to watch Julie Andrews sing and dance her way through Austria.
Watch it:The Sound of Music
61. The Rescuers (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $70
Release date: 1977
Bottom Line: The Rescuers
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While the Disney classic "The Rescuers" may not be a top earner like some of the other Disney movies on the list, $70 for a dusty VHS is still nothing to turn your nose up to.
Watch it:The Rescuers
61. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $70
Release date: 1988
Bottom Line: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
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This family-friendly sci-fi flick has aged like a fine wine. Not only is it still enjoyed by kids and their parents, but the storyline is as pertinent as ever: Love and friendship knows no borders.
The movie was released in 1982, and the original 1988 VHS is currently worth about $70 on eBay.
Watch it:E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
60. The Wild Life
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Estimated price tag: $88
Release date: 1984
Bottom Line: The Wild Life
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While "The Wild Life" has all the makings of a classic coming-of-age film, the 1984 movie is considered relatively rare — and very underrated.
As such, copies currently run upward of $88 per VHS.
Watch it:The Wild Life
59. Killer Klowns From Outer Space
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Estimated price tag: $96
Release date: 1988
Bottom Line: Killer Klowns From Outer Space
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"Killer Klowns From Outer Space" is just as campy and bizarre as its name suggests, but the 1988 horror movie is in hot demand online for nostalgic reasons.
Put this one up for sale, and you could pull in as much as $100.
Watch it:Killer Klowns From Outer Space
58. Star Wars Trilogy
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Estimated price tag: $97.50
Release date: 1977
Bottom Line: Star Wars Trilogy
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Despite the fact that the original "Star Wars" Trilogy was produced en masse in the 1970s and '80s, a mint condition set of the original three tapes is worth nearly $100 on eBay.
Watch it:Star Wars
55. The Worst of 'You Can’t Do That On Television' (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $100
Release date: 1981
Bottom Line: The Worst of 'You Can’t Do That On Television'
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"You Can’t Do That On Television" was a zany sketch show produced in Canada for an American audience that garnered a cult following for its silly and downright weird attempt at humor that Nickelodeon eventually started to emulate.
These days, a copy of the Canadian VHS can easily run collectors up to $100.
55. The Sword and the Stone (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $100
Release date: 1963
Bottom Line: The Sword and the Stone
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While the 1963 film "The Sword and the Stone" is a rather niche story in the Disney collection, the Disney adaptation of the classic story of King Arthur’s beginnings is listed at around $100.
Watch it: The Sword and the Stone
55. Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $100
Release date: 1937
Bottom Line: Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs
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"Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs" is one of the most popular children’s stories of all time — and for good reason.
Based on the centuries-old story by the Brothers Grimm, this classic Walt Disney movie evokes a sense of whimsy, independence and true love.
Watch it:Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
54. My Neighbor Totoro
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Estimated price tag: $106
Release date: 1988
Bottom Line: My Neighbor Totoro
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The classic Japanese "My Neighbor Totoro" was translated for an American audience in 1988 and quickly won over the hearts of families across the country.
While Totoro is not quite as popular today, the 1980s-era film will still fetch around $100.
Watch it:My Neighbor Totoro
53. Don't Look in the Attic
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Estimated price tag: $119
Release date: 1982
Bottom Line: Don't Look in the Attic
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The 1982 Italian horror film about a haunted mansion, "Don't Look in the Attic" might be niche, but the rare VHS release is still revered to this day.
As such, it’s still valued at about $120 on eBay.
Watch it:Don't Look in the Attic
52. Sleeping Beauty
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Estimated price tag: $129
Release date: 1980
Bottom Line: Sleeping Beauty
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This classic 1980 Disney film about a princess who is cursed to sleep a hundred years (honestly, is that really the worst curse, though?) comes with an estimated price tag of $129 for the diamond edition.
Watch it:Sleeping Beauty
51. The Legend of Hillbilly John
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Estimated price tag: $149
Release date: 1972
Bottom Line: The Legend of Hillbilly John
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Sure, this one is pretty niche, but the story of the wandering ballad singer that is "The Legend of Hillbilly John" is apparently quite the hot-ticket item among collectors.
The original VHS tape is worth about $150 on eBay.
Watch it:The Legend of Hillbilly John
49. Dumbo (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $150
Release date: 1941
Bottom Line: Dumbo
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While it may not be one of the first Disney movies to come to mind, "Dumbo" remains a classic.
Not to be confused with the more recent live-action version directed by Tim Burton, the original, animated film about the baby elephant with charmingly oversized ears will fetch an easy $150 on eBay.
Watch it:Dumbo
49. Cinderella (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $150
Release date: 1950
Bottom Line: Cinderella
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The Disney rendition of this classic folkloric tale continues to be one of the most well-loved movies of our time.
As such, a copy of the 1950 "Cinderella" film will earn you about $150 to $200 on eBay these days.
Watch it:Cinderella
48. Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends
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Estimated price tag: $166
Release date: 1984
Bottom Line: Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends
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Thomas the Tank Engine was well-loved during his debut in the 1980s and is just as well-loved today — with themes like friendship and hard work inspiring kids one story at a time.
As such, the 1984 VHS is currently worth nearly $200.
45. A History of Violence (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $199
Release date: 2006
Bottom Line: A History of Violence
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One of the most contemporary films on the list, "A History of Violence" was one of the last films to be released on VHS before the DVD format took over.
The VHS version of the film is relatively rare on the market and goes for nearly $200.
Watch it: A History of Violence
45. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $199
Release date: 1974
Bottom Line: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
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While we still love a good viewing party of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" come Halloween season, for $199, we’ll stream it instead.
The 1974 classic has been remade and reimagined many times over the years, but it’s still the classic VHS that’s pulling in the high price tag.
Watch it:The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
45. Peter Pan (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $199
Release date: 1990
Bottom Line: Peter Pan
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The Disney rendition of the boy who never grew up continues to be one of the most well-loved stories for kids and their parents.
The timeless classic may be available to stream, but the hard VHS copy is still in demand to the tune of nearly $200.
Watch it:Peter Pan
44. Death Curse of Tartu
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Estimated price tag: $200
Release date: 1966
Bottom Line: Death Curse of Tartu
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Happen to have a copy of "Death Curse of Tartu" collecting dust in your basement?
The somewhat problematic horror film will fetch you up to $200 for a mint-condition copy.
Watch it:Death Curse of Tartu
43. The Jungle Book
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Estimated price tag: $225
Release date: 1967
Bottom Line: The Jungle Book
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While "The Jungle Book" may have been remastered and redone many times since its original release in 1967, it’s still the original VHS that will pull in the most cash — to the tune of about $225.
Watch it:The Jungle Book
39. The Evil Dead (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $250
Release date: 1983
Bottom Line: The Evil Dead
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Originally released as "Book of the Dead," this 1983 supernatural horror film is currently on the resale market for about $250.
But that’s only if it comes complete with the special edition VHS jacket that reads "NOT GUILTY! — 'THE EVIL DEAD' IS BACK."
Watch it:The Evil Dead
39. Aladdin (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $250
Release date: 1993
Bottom Line: Aladdin
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The new live-action version doesn’t hold a candle to this 1993 version that’s worth listing on eBay.
While it may not be as valuable as some of the other 1990s Disney classics, it still has quite the ROI in its own right.
Watch it:Aladdin
39. Bambi (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $250
Release date: 1942
Bottom Line: Bambi
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Dating all the way back to 1942, the original "Bambi" film is one of the earliest Disney movies—and probably one of the first Disney movies you watched as a kid.
That’s why it may come as a surprise that the beloved film is only listed for around $250 on eBay for the diamond edition.
Watch it:Bambi
39. The Little Mermaid (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $250
Release date: 1989
Bottom Line: The Little Mermaid
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The animated musical film "The Little Mermaid" warmed the hearts of families around the world when it debuted in 1989 — and it’s still very much loved to this day with a live-action remake in the works.
A copy of the diamond-edition VHS will run for about $250 on eBay.
Watch it:The Little Mermaid
38. Electric Dreams
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Estimated price tag: $263
Release date: 1984
Bottom Line: Electric Dreams
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The plot of "Electric Dreams" could very easily be mistaken as the latest Netflix Original — man and his artificially intelligent computer compete for the same woman.
It’s a timeless story of love and technology that will bank you around $250 a pop.
37. 555
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Estimated price tag: $275
Release date: 1988
Bottom Line: 555
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For one reason or another, campy horror films are in high demand among collectors with many VHS copies earning almost as much as popular Disney films — and "555" is no exception.
The low-budget horror movie sells for nearly $300.
35. Fantasia (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $299
Release date: 1940
Bottom Line: Fantasia
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First released as a theatrical roadshow, Disney’s "Fantasia" consists of eight segments that have been paired with classical music.
The 1940 film is a much more creative approach in terms of a storyline than the typical Disney film — and the VHS currently runs for nearly $300.
Watch it:Fantasia
35. Halloween (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $299
Release date: 1982
Bottom Line: Halloween
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"Halloween" has a long list of sequels, but the 1982 classic film will always outrank the rest.
Mint-condition copies of this VHS tape still run for about $300 on eBay.
34. Pterodactyl Woman From Beverly Hills
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Estimated price tag: $300
Release date: 1996
Bottom Line: Pterodactyl Woman From Beverly Hills
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"Pterodactyl Woman From Beverly Hills" is currently selling on the resale market for around $300.
However, there’s a well-known rumor that a copy of the elusive VHS had once sold on eBay for upward of $3,000.
33. The Godfather
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Estimated price tag: $349
Release date: 1972
Bottom Line: The Godfather
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Francis Ford Coppola’s classic crime drama is just as revered today as it was during its release in 1972.
While most of us get our fix of the Corleone crime family on Netflix, the original VHS still runs for about $350.
32. Alice in Wonderland
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Estimated price tag: $450
Release date: 1991
Bottom Line: Alice in Wonderland
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While the Disney version of Lewis Carroll’s "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" may be considered quite watered down compared to the classic children’s novel, the 1991 VHS of the fantastic story is currently listed for $450.
28. Bash at the Beach (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $500
Release date: 2000
Bottom Line: Bash at the Beach
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"Bash at the Beach" was originally a pay-per-view wrestling event by World Wrestling Entertainment.
Even though it’s now available to stream online, it continues to pull in nearly $500 on the resale market.
28. Let It Be (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $500
Release date: 1980
Bottom Line: Let It Be
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Found a copy of "Let It Be" in your basement? The 1980s Beatles musical film was a very limited release and can be quite a rare find.
A mint-condition copy is currently valued at around $500.
28. The Lion King (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $500
Release date: 1995
Bottom Line: The Lion King
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"The Lion King" has been well-loved by generations of kids and their parents — and for good reason. Not only does it demonstrate the power of love and humility, but the cast of characters are unmatched.
The original diamond edition is currently selling for $500, but it has been known to fetch closer to $1,000.
28. Frankenstein's Castle of Freaks (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $500
Release date: 1975
Bottom Line: Frankenstein's Castle of Freaks
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Do you own a copy of the original "Frankenstein?" It’s not worth much, but the more niche "Frankenstein's Castle of Freaks" could bank $500.
Released in 1975, this twisted tale is an even more bizarre account of Dr. Frankenstein’s attempt at playing god.
Watch It: Frankenstein's Castle of Freaks
27. The Fox and the Hound
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Estimated price tag: $850
Release date: 1994
Bottom Line: The Fox and the Hound
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"The Fox and the Hound" may not have been one of the most popular Disney movies, but the heartwarming tale of interspecies friendship ranks high for collectors.
It's valued at nearly $1,000.
Watch It: The Fox and the Hound
26. The Black Decameron
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Estimated price tag: $900
Release date: 1972
Bottom Line: The Black Decameron
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Directed by Piero Vivarelli, this 1972 Italian costume drama-comedy seems to have a cult-like fan base if the $900 price tag is any indication.
And while "The Black Decameron" probably wouldn’t have the same reception today, due to its setting in a fabricated African tribe, the VHS continues to be worth a pretty penny.
Watch It: The Black Decameron
25. Love to Read With Barney
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Estimated price tag: $939
Release date: 1993
Bottom Line: Love to Read With Barney
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Nearly $1,000 for a Barney movie? Yes, but there’s a catch.
"Love to Read With Barney" was only released in libraries across the U.S. and, as such, is considered to be one of the most rare Barney films on the market.
Watch It: Love to Read with Barney
24. The Flesh Eaters
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Estimated price tag: $950
Release date: 1964
Bottom Line: The Flesh Eaters
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Former horror hounds, listen up. The 1964 "The Flesh Eaters" might be a low-budget, slightly campy movie on the surface, but it continues to bag nearly a thousand dollars on eBay.
Considered to be one of the first true "gore" movies, this 1960s classic was certainly ahead of its time.
Watch It: The Flesh Eaters
22. Lemora, the Lady Dracula (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $1,100
Release date: 1994
Bottom Line: Lemora, the Lady Dracula
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Who said blood-sucking had to be reserved for men? Lemora follows Lila, who, along her quest to find her estranged father, ends up running into a lesbian vampire who tries to seduce children into joining her vampire cult.
Apparently, some folks have deemed the storyline worth shelling out over a thousand dollars.
Watch It: Lemora, the Lady Dracula
22. Don’t Open The Window (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $1,100
Release date: 1974
Bottom Line: Don’t Open The Window
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The 1974 Spanish-Italian science-fiction zombie horror film was written and directed by Jorge Grau.
Also known as "The Living Dead at the Manchester Morgue" or "Let Sleeping Corpses Lie," this retro horror movie is not for the faint of heart.
And neither is its price tag.
Watch It: Don't Open the Window
21. Beauty and the Beast
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Estimated price tag: $1,999.99
Release date: 1992
Bottom Line: Beauty and the Beast
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The 1992 rendition of Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast" is a highly revisited classic for a reason.
It’s a tale as old as time. And it’ll fetch you nearly $2000 if you have a mint-condition diamond edition.
Watch It: Beauty and the Beast
20. Tales From the QuadeaD Zone
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Estimated price tag: $3,500
Release date: 1987
Bottom Line: Tales From the QuadeaD Zone
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This 1987 American anthology blaxploitation horror film has become something of a cult classic over the years, which is reflected by its sky-high resale price tag.
Due to the fact that "Tales From the QuadeaD Zone" was released straight to VHS in limited numbers, the VHS has become a serious collector’s item.
Watch It: Tales from the QuadeaD Zone
19. 101 Dalmatians
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Estimated price tag: $3,645
Release date: 1992
Bottom Line: 101 Dalmatians
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Did you really grow up in the 1990s if you didn’t own a copy of "101 Dalmatians"?
Despite its abundance and popularity, the diamond edition of the classic puppy-flooded film is on eBay for nearly $4,000.
Watch It: 101 Dalmatians
18. The Great American Bash
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Estimated price tag: $4,950
Release date: 1986
Bottom Line: The Great American Bash
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This professional wrestling event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) was originally released as a pay-per-view.
But with a resale price tag of nearly $5,000, it’s safe to say major collectors and WWE fans are willing to pay quite a bit to view the event on VHS.
Watch It: The Great American Bash
17. Commando
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Estimated price tag: $7,795
Release date: 1985
Bottom Line: Commando
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Retired Special Forces soldier John Matrix, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, is living in isolation with his daughter, Jenny (played by a young Alyssa Milano), when all hell breaks loose.
His former commander informs him that many of his fellow soldiers have been assassinated, and he could be next. Instead, a former dictator kidnaps his daughter in hopes of forcing Matrix to help restore the defunct leader to power.
Naturally, Matrix declines, opting to take the dictator down for good and save his daughter in the process. It's one of Arnold's better movies, but we'd rather just rent it for a few bucks.
Watch it:Commando
16. Ghostbusters
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Estimated price tag: $8,999.99
Release date: 1984
Bottom Line: Ghostbusters
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Ghostbusters is just as good today as it was when it came out in 1984. Scientists using their brains to battle the supernatural and save New York City is a plot that ages well, and the VHS version has aged well, too.
A first-press, factory-sealed Ghostbusters VHS sold for nearly $9,000 on eBay, and it wasn't even in mint condition.
Watch it:Ghostbusters
15. Kill Bill Vol. 1
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Estimated price tag: $9,000
Release date: 2004
Bottom Line: Kill Bill Vol. 1
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A former assassin wakes up from a coma after an ex-boyfriend tries to stop her wedding via murder, and she learns that she lost an unborn baby during the attack.
Instead of being overcome by grief, she's overcome by a lust for revenge on anyone who played a role in the loss of her child. She makes a hit list and doesn't waste time crossing enemies off of it.
There were two Kill Bill films produced, and there has been some talk of releasing a third movie in the series. If it ever happens, buy it on DVD, leave it in the packaging and hope that it pads your retirement fund in 30 years.
Watch it:Kill Bill Vol. 1
14. Back to the Future
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Estimated price tag: $9,999.99
Release date: 1986
Bottom Line: Back to the Future
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In "Back to the Future," a California teenager, Marty McFly, is accidentally sent back to the 1950s by his friend Doc Brown. Suddenly, the boy is responsible for securing his parents' future marriage and saving Doc Brown's life. And we thought studying for the SAT was stressful.
The selling price of this rare VHS isn't even the most shocking part. In the movie's sequel, Marty travels to the future: The distant year of 2015. In our minds, 1990 is still only 10 years ago.
Watch it:Back to the Future
12. The Goonies (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $10,000
Release date: 1986
Bottom Line: The Goonies
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As a kid, who doesn't envision themselves saving the day? In the case of brothers Mikey and Brand, it's not just a daydream. When the two boys find out that a housing developer is planning on forcing their family to vacate their home, they decide to put a stop to it.
The boys find a treasure map in the attic and take their friends, collectively known a the Goonies, on a wild adventure for a buried treasure chest.
This beloved family classic has lots of laughs, and we can see why someone might be nostalgic enough to splurge on a copy.
Watch it:The Goonies
12. Silent Night, Deadly Night (Tie)
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Estimated price tag: $10,000
Release date: 1984
Bottom Line: Silent Night, Deadly Night
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Valuable VHS tapes can be from any genre, particularly those with cult followings. "Silent Night, Deadly Night" is a 1984 American psychological slasher film following the life of a man named Billy.
After witnessing the murder of his parents as a child on Christmas Eve, Billy is understandably traumatized. His mental health takes another blow after he is sent to live in a harsh Catholic orphanage.
Fast-forward to adulthood. Christmas Eve comes around once more, and Billy snaps, dressing up in a Santa suit and going on a killing spree. It doesn't get much darker than that, but the person who bought the VHS for $10,000 didn't seem to mind.
Watch it:Silent Night, Deadly Night
11. The Rescuers Down Under
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Estimated price tag: $10,999
Release date: 1990
Bottom Line: The Rescuers Down Under
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The black-diamond release of the 1990 film "The Rescuers Down Under" recently sold on eBay for a shocking $10,999.
Unfortunately, there’s really no way to predict how these niche VHS films could go for such sky-high amounts.
But the more niche, the higher the price tag.
Watch it:The Rescuers Down Under
10. The Big Lebowski
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Estimated price tag: $12,000
Release date: 1998
Bottom Line: The Big Lebowski
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In a case of mistaken identity, Jeff "The Dude" Leboswki is assumed to be The Big Lebowski, a millionaire who's landed himself in debt.
After he's personally targeted by The Big Lebowski's not-so-legal creditors, The Dude tracks down the real Lebowski who offers him a job.
That's how an average Joe (well, Jeff) ends up on a quest to save a kidnapped woman, bringing his goofy friends along for the ride.
Watch it:The Big Lebowski
9. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
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Estimated price tag: $12,500
Release date: 1981
Bottom Line: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
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The first of Indiana Jones's epic adventures follows his quest to keep an ancient religious relic out of the hands of a group of Nazis. Along the way, he has to deal with an ex-girlfriend who isn't his biggest fan, and his own fear of snakes.
Question for anyone who grew up watching "Raiders of the Lost Ark." When you got older, did it surprise you that quicksand and venomous reptiles weren't much of a day-to-day issue? Because we thought escaping quicksand was an essential life skill.
Watch it:Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
8. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
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Estimated price tag: $13,000
Release date: 1998
Bottom Line: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
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The sequel of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is just as valuable in VHS form as its predecessor.
The beloved and plucky Indiana Jones travels to India in search of the famed Sankara stone.
And, what's this? It's cursed? Shocker.
Watch it:Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
7. 101 Dalmatians: Black Diamond Edition
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Estimated price tag: $14,000
Release date: 1961
Bottom Line: 101 Dalmatians: Black Diamond Edition
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One hundred and one puppies sound like a dream to kids and a nightmare to most parents. Imagine potty training 100 puppies. No pet deposit would cover that kind of damage, but selling your VHS collection might.
We already listed an ordinary copy of Disney's "101 Dalmatians," but this is the Black Diamond Edition that's much rarer.
Even with a small crack in the plastic case, it sold for thousands.
Watch it: 101 Dalmatians: Black Diamond Edition
6. Mulan
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Estimated price tag: $15,295
Release date: 1999
Bottom Line: Mulan
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Yes, you read that right. In the summer of 2019, a copy of the original 1999 version of "Mulan" sold for an eye-popping $15,295.
It seems that someone just couldn’t wait for the release of the 2020 remake.
Watch it:Mulan
5. Top Gun
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Estimated price tag: $18,500
Release date: 1986
Bottom Line: Top Gun
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The Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School is the place to go if you're an elite pilot who wants to become the best in the world.
When Maverick, played by Tom Cruise, attends the school, his arrogance quickly gets him into hot water with the other pilots. Can he still make it as the school's top pilot and win the heart of his stunning flight instructor? You'll just have to watch this 1980s classic and find out.
In terms of value, it's the 1987 Pepsi variant that turns a copy of Top Gun into an expensive collector's item. The classic first release is much more common.
Watch it:Top Gun
4. Star Wars Red Label Set
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Estimated price tag: $19,908.22
Release date: 1984
Bottom Line: Star Wars Red Label Set
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The original "Star Wars" trilogy was a work of cinematic brilliance. Few movie franchises have such a devoted following as "Star Wars" does. This copy of the trilogy was still sealed in its original packaging when it was put up for sale on eBay.
The boxes showed some minor wear, reducing the value slightly, but they still sold for almost $20,000. And we thought we were big Star Wars fans.
Watch it:Star Wars: A New Hope
3. Revenge of the Nerds
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Estimated price tag: $25,000
Release date: 1984
Bottom Line: Revenge of the Nerds
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Being called a nerd isn't much of an insult now, but back when nerds got mercilessly bullied and teased, "Revenge of the Nerds" was a hit in 1984.
After a group of notoriously nerdy college students are kicked out of their dorm by the residents of a frat house, the nerds pool together their resources and brainpower to exact revenge.
It didn't have the best ratings, but someone must have loved it to buy a VHS copy for such a high price.
Watch it:Revenge of the Nerds
2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
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Estimated price tag: $28,500
Release date: 1990
Bottom Line: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
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In the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" movie that came out in 1990, the team of turtles goes on an adventure to rescue their master, Splinter, with the help of their new allies. It's a pretty standard plotline, but the audience ate it up.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" became the highest-grossing independent film at the time, holding that title until it was surpassed by "The Blair Witch Project" in 1999.
The VHS copy sold was a first edition Alliance variant produced in 1990. It's much harder to find than the FHE (family home entertainment) print version, and it's considered to be a very rare collectible VHS.
Watch it:Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
1. Star Wars: A New Hope
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Estimated price tag: $35,000
Release date: 1984
Bottom Line: Star Wars: A New Hope
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"Star Wars" VHS tapes seem to have the greatest potential to become collectibles, and the condition of the tapes helps to determine whether a VHS is worth $100 or $10,000. While a set of three "Star Wars" tapes appeared earlier on this list, this copy of "A New Hope" sold for even more.
That's because it was brand-new, still sealed in its original plastic packaging from 1984, complete with the white CBS/Fox watermark and two promotional stickers. The copy in question was kept in an acid-free plastic case with little exposure to light.
If you had the foresight to buy a copy back in the '80s and hide it away in a box for decades, you might be able to fund your next vacation with it.
Watch it: Star Wars: A New Hope
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