Buzz
Although VHS tapes and players have been absent from living rooms for decades, the format hasn’t completely vanished. Collectors are actively trading videocassettes on platforms like eBay and Facebook, with some fetching prices in the hundreds of dollars.
Don’t be fooled by VHS Disney movies or the so-called “Black Diamond” tapes released from 1984 to 1994, which are rumored to sell for thousands—they’re not nearly as valuable as people think. Instead, collectors are drawn to rare horror films, children’s shows, and niche genres that either never made it to DVD or evoke strong nostalgia. Here are 10 tapes worth looking for at your next yard sale.
The Dark Planet (1989)
Fantasy artist Richard Corben helmed this obscure low-budget sci-fi and horror anthology, which is incredibly rare and perhaps for good reason. Those who’ve watched it describe it as a campy production with somewhat rudimentary Claymation effects. Despite this, Corben enthusiasts find it a worthwhile pursuit, especially since the VHS features a stunning Corben-designed cover. It occasionally surfaces on eBay, with a recent listing selling for $250.
Out of the Box (1998-2004)
While Disney’s classic films may be overhyped, some of their discontinued titles can still command decent prices. Commercial VHS tapes of Out of the Box, a Disney Channel preschool show that ran from 1998 to 2004, are particularly sought after. For instance, Out of the Box: Happy Holidays fetched $219.99, and Out of the Box: Trick or Treat went for $74.99.
The Prowler (1981)
Few horror movies begin at the end of World War II, suggesting that the murderer might be a scorned veteran who resurfaces 35 years later to continue his rampage. This slasher, featuring gore effects by the legendary Tom Savini, was issued on DVD, but collectors still hunt for the VHS version, which came in various packaging styles, from hard plastic clamshells to cardboard slipcases. A rare “big box” edition sold for $336.83 on eBay, while the regular cardboard version typically goes for around $60.
Tammy and the T-Rex (1994)
This quirky comedy has garnered a niche fanbase. It follows a young man (the late Paul Walker) whose brain is transplanted into an animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex, while his girlfriend, Tammy (Denise Richards), attempts to find him a better body. The VHS version, which is unavailable on DVD, can fetch prices as high as $80.
Deadly Prey (1987)
This low-budget action film, centered on a vengeful Vietnam veteran, has become a cult favorite for its B-movie appeal. (The AV Club noted its aesthetic as “something you’d expect to see filmed in a backyard.”) A sealed copy with striking cover art recently sold for $125 on eBay.
Blood Lake (1987)
This low-budget, shot-on-video project has earned admiration from horror enthusiasts for its gritty DIY style. Collectors are willing to shell out $120 or more for a VHS copy.
Barney (1992-2009)
The iconic purple dinosaur, a staple of childhood (or nightmares), starred in numerous VHS releases, some of which have become highly prized due to their scarcity. For instance, Barney’s First Adventures fetched $300, the singalong Waiting for Santa earned $125, and Barney’s Rockin’ Rhyme Time closed at $200.
Professional Wrestling Tapes
Professional wrestling was a major draw on VHS, and rare events often command high prices. A sealed edition of Halloween Havoc 1993 sold for $349.99, while a version of Wrestlemania III went for $190. Additionally, Halloween Havoc 1996 can fetch up to $100.
Star Wars (1977)
The original Star Wars trilogy holds the record for the most home video releases of any film or franchise. VHS copies are highly sought after by collectors, who often pay $76 or more for the 1982 rental edition of Episode IV: A New Hope. This version is prized as one of the few ways to watch the unaltered film, free from later special effects revisions.
A History of Violence (2005)
Despite being widely available on DVD and streaming platforms, this David Cronenberg thriller about a family man (Viggo Mortensen) with a hidden violent past holds a unique distinction: it was the final major studio film ever released on VHS. A copy recently sold for $75 on eBay, making it a collector’s item.
