Top 12 Most Expensive Movie Posters Ever Sold

A well-crafted movie poster can achieve legendary status, rivaling the fame of the film itself. For instance, the iconic image of a giant shark approaching a swimmer from Jaws (1975) is unforgettable, despite never appearing in the movie. Similarly, many Star Wars enthusiasts instantly recognize Darth Vader’s imposing helmet from the original series posters.

While reproductions of famous movie art are widely available, collectors crave the original prints. Using auction records, the financial analysis platform Top Dollar identified the 10 most sought-after movie posters. These rare pieces fetched hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction. Discover their unique stories and the staggering prices they commanded below.

Metropolis (1927) // Sold for $690,000

In 2005, the international poster for Fritz Lang’s Metropolis set a record by selling for $690,000. Speculation suggests Leonardo DiCaprio may now own this prized piece.

Dracula (1931) // Auctioned for $525,800

Among the horror classics listed, Dracula stands out. One of only two surviving Style A posters, it fetched an impressive $525,800 at auction.

London After Midnight (1927) // Sold for $478,000

The color poster for the silent mystery London After Midnight is incredibly scarce, with the sole known copy selling for $478,000. The film itself is even rarer, as the last surviving reel was lost in the 1967 MGM vault fire

Casablanca (1946) // Auctioned for $478,000

Luigi Marinati’s iconic poster for Casablanca fetched $478,000, tying it for third place on the list.

The Mummy (1932) // Sold for $435,500

The promotional poster for the Universal horror masterpiece The Mummy is valued at $435,500.

King Kong (1933) // Auctioned for $388,375

A vibrant three-sheet poster created to advertise King Kong was sold for an astounding $388,375.

Casablanca // Auctioned for $384,000

Casablanca also secures the seventh position on the list. Its vibrant color poster was sold for $384,000.

Frankenstein (1931) // Auctioned for $358,500

Frankenstein remains one of the most iconic monster films ever made, yet its posters are exceedingly rare. One such poster was acquired for $358,500.

Metropolis // Sold for $357,750

This Metropolis poster closely resembles the top-ranked version, differing mainly in its German text and sepia tones. While not as valuable as the record-holder, it still commanded an impressive $357,750.

The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) // Auctioned for $334,600

This extremely rare Style D poster for The Bride of Frankenstein was previously only known from the movie’s pressbook. Decades later, it reappeared and sold for $334,600.

The Black Cat (1934) // Sold for $334,600

The poster for The Black Cat fetched $334,600, matching the price of The Bride of Frankenstein.

Dracula // Auctioned for $312,000

The second Dracula poster on the list was sold for $312,000, a slightly lower price. Its striking color design, created for the 1938 reissue, makes it highly desirable among collectors.