15 Classic Horror VHS and DVD Releases Fans Still Collect

Collectors still chase down horror movies on VHS and DVD for one reason—nostalgia. These old releases hold the thrill of worn boxes, eerie cover art, and the feeling of watching scary films the way fans once did. Many of these tapes and discs have become treasures that bring back late-night rentals and grainy scares that made the genre unforgettable.

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Halloween (1978) – Media Home Entertainment VHS

The original Halloween VHS from Media Home Entertainment remains one of the most hunted copies among horror fans. Its chilling artwork, showing the pumpkin and knife, became a defining image of the slasher era. Collectors prize early editions with uncut footage and tracking imperfections that add to the movie’s eerie charm. Owning one feels like holding a piece of late-70s horror history.

Many remember renting this tape around Halloween night and watching it on small tube TVs. That nostalgic mix of static and darkness set the tone for generations of horror lovers. Authentic first prints can fetch hundreds today, especially if the box remains in good condition. For many collectors, this tape captures the start of modern horror as fans know it.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) – Wizard Video Big Box VHS

The Wizard Video big box release of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is one of the most iconic horror VHS collectibles ever made. Its oversized packaging and lurid artwork instantly draw attention. Because it came out in limited numbers, finding one intact with the foam insert and sleeve is a major score. The film’s grainy picture on tape matches its raw, chaotic style perfectly.

Fans treasure this edition for how it reflects the underground horror market of the early 1980s. Many were sold through video rental stores that often handled the tapes roughly, so mint copies are rare. Prices can soar well past a thousand dollars depending on condition. This big box has become a symbol of VHS horror collecting itself.

Friday the 13th (1980) – Paramount VHS First Release

The first Paramount VHS of Friday the 13th is a classic that many fans grew up with. The cover art showing the silhouette against a dark forest remains burned into the minds of collectors. Early editions came with distinct watermarks and slight variations that make them fun to hunt down. It’s a piece that captures the rise of the 1980s slasher craze.

Collectors often recall late nights watching this movie at sleepovers, rewinding scenes that scared them most. Owning the tape feels like revisiting that same nervous thrill. Sealed versions, especially from the first print run, can reach impressive prices at horror conventions. It’s one of those tapes that instantly connects fans to the golden age of home horror.

The Evil Dead (1981) – Thorn EMI / Palace VHS

Few tapes represent cult horror better than The Evil Dead on Thorn EMI or Palace Video. The UK release famously faced bans and censorship, earning its “video nasty” status. Because of this controversy, surviving copies are treasured by fans. The cover showing a screaming woman being pulled underground adds to its grim appeal.

Collectors appreciate how this tape captures the gritty, independent roots of Sam Raimi’s early work. It’s often sought after by fans who love its grainy transfer and unfiltered energy. The movie’s success on VHS helped it gain a devoted following long before streaming or DVD reissues. Holding one feels like owning a rebellion against mainstream cinema.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – Media Home Entertainment VHS

This original Nightmare on Elm Street VHS helped introduce Freddy Krueger to living rooms across America. Its artwork, featuring Nancy’s terrified face and Freddy’s claw, became instantly recognizable. The tape’s early editions have different cover fonts and copyright details that collectors study closely. Watching it again on VHS gives the film a darker, more dreamlike quality.

Fans love how this version feels raw and tense, matching the movie’s surreal tone. Many remember staying up too late just to get through it. Finding a clean copy with its red Media label can feel like striking gold. It remains one of the essential VHS titles for horror fans everywhere.

The Exorcist (1973) – Warner Bros. Clamshell VHS

The white clamshell VHS of The Exorcist has an eerie presence even before you press play. Warner Bros. packaged it like a forbidden object, and that sense of mystery still draws collectors. Its cover, with the priest standing under the streetlight, has become one of horror’s most famous images. Early U.S. and UK prints differ slightly, adding another layer of collecting fun.

Many owners display this tape rather than play it, treating it like a sacred relic of 1970s horror. The film’s dark subject matter only adds to its legend. Because so many were rented and worn out, good-condition copies are increasingly rare. It remains one of the crown jewels in any serious VHS horror collection.

Hellraiser (1987) – New World Pictures VHS

Hellraiser’s New World Pictures VHS release introduced Pinhead and his Cenobites to horror fans in vivid detail. The black box design with glowing blue light made it stand out on rental shelves. Early copies with original spine labels are especially sought after. Its practical effects and dark themes seemed even more disturbing on the grainy tape format.

Collectors often mention how this release carried a sense of forbidden fascination. Many first encountered it in the corner of video stores where the most intense titles sat. The VHS helped the movie build its cult following long before sequels and remakes. Having it today feels like preserving that unsettling 1980s horror atmosphere.

Phantasm (1979) – MGM/CBS Home Video VHS

The Phantasm MGM/CBS release holds a special place in horror collectors’ hearts. Its surreal imagery and mysterious tone translated well to the analog format. The silver VHS spine became a familiar sight in rental stores, signaling something strange and dreamlike inside. Original tapes with the classic sphere artwork are highly collectible.

Fans admire how the VHS helped this low-budget film gain national attention. The eerie hum of the soundtrack and soft flicker of the tape make each viewing more haunting. For collectors, it’s one of those titles that bridges sci-fi and horror seamlessly. Few movies feel as otherworldly when watched on an old VCR.

Suspiria (1977) – Anchor Bay Limited Edition DVD (Black Box Set)

This Anchor Bay black box set of Suspiria remains one of the most prized horror DVDs ever made. It includes restored footage, lobby card replicas, and interviews with the cast. The packaging alone, sleek and ominous, makes it stand out on any collector’s shelf. Fans often display it unopened due to its collectible value.

It marked one of the first times a horror film received true luxury treatment on home media. The remastered color brings Dario Argento’s visuals to life while keeping that eerie 1970s tone. Because it was limited, prices can rise sharply over time. It’s a perfect mix of art and horror history in one box.

The Thing (1982) – MCA Universal VHS First Pressing

John Carpenter’s The Thing on its first MCA Universal VHS pressing is a fan favorite. The cover shows the glowing figure in the parka, a visual that stuck with anyone browsing video aisles. The movie’s practical effects looked raw and unsettling on tape, enhancing its tension. Many collectors keep sealed versions for display.

This release captured the movie’s cult rise after its poor theatrical run. On VHS, the film found the audience it always deserved. The eerie hiss of the tape adds to its cold, isolated mood. For collectors, this edition marks the redemption of one of sci-fi horror’s greatest works.

Dawn of the Dead (1978) – Anchor Bay Ultimate Edition DVD

Anchor Bay’s Dawn of the Dead Ultimate Edition DVD remains a landmark release. It packed multiple versions of the film, commentaries, and behind-the-scenes extras into one set. The durable case design and attention to presentation made it an instant must-have. Collectors love its balance of quality and nostalgia.

This release allowed fans to experience George A. Romero’s zombie classic in new depth. Many enjoy comparing cuts to see how tone and pacing shift. The set is long out of print, which adds to its allure. It’s a defining piece of DVD horror history that collectors refuse to part with.

Creepshow (1982) – Warner Home Video VHS

The Warner Home Video edition of Creepshow feels like opening a comic book from the 1980s. Its bright cover art and anthology structure made it a hit with fans who enjoyed fun scares. Early prints came in large clamshells that are now harder to find. Watching the grainy tape brings back the Saturday night horror vibe of old cable TV.

Collectors often value this one for its nostalgic charm and crossover appeal. It’s both campy and chilling, making it ideal for group viewing. Mint copies can still be found at estate sales or online auctions. For many, this tape represents horror’s playful side during the VHS boom.

The Shining (1980) – Warner Bros. Big Box VHS

Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining had several VHS versions, but the Warner big box remains the most collectible. Its minimalist design and large format gave it a prestige look. The eerie cover image of Jack Nicholson’s face still gives viewers chills. Because of its wide release, finding an uncut, clean copy has become a challenge.

Fans treasure how the analog picture softens the hotel’s sterile setting, making it even creepier. Many who grew up renting it remember rewinding key scenes to catch hidden details. Today it’s both a horror classic and a collector’s showpiece. The tape’s weight and size make it feel like a true relic from another era.

Re-Animator (1985) – Elite Entertainment Special Edition DVD

Elite Entertainment’s Re-Animator special edition DVD set raised the bar for cult horror releases. It featured restored visuals, commentary tracks, and collectible artwork. The green-tinted cover paid homage to the film’s infamous serum glow. Limited pressings make this version especially desirable among fans.

Collectors praise how the release treated a once obscure film with real respect. Its bonus features give insight into the movie’s quirky production and effects. Over time, sealed editions have become harder to find. For those who love offbeat horror, this DVD remains a prized possession.

The Lost Boys (1987) – Warner Bros. VHS First Edition

The original Lost Boys VHS captures the 1980s at its coolest and creepiest. Its neon lettering and vampire imagery appealed to both horror and teen audiences. Early copies came with different tape labels depending on rental chains. The movie’s soundtrack and energy made it a staple for weekend rentals.

Collectors hold this tape close because it blends horror with pop culture perfectly. Watching it on VHS restores that gritty, moody tone of the original experience. Finding one in top shape with its slipcase intact can be tricky. For many, it’s the ultimate reminder of how stylish horror became by the late ’80s.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.