10 Vintage Anime VHS Tapes That Fans Still Hunt For

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Akira VHS

The Streamline Pictures release of Akira is one of the most iconic anime VHS tapes in history. This version introduced many American viewers to the cyberpunk masterpiece and carried a gritty dub that is still remembered today. The tape itself is a prized piece because it marks an early entry of anime into Western mainstream media. Collectors see it as both a nostalgic artifact and a cultural milestone.

The market for this tape varies depending on condition, with sealed copies selling for much higher. On average, loose copies can fetch around $100 to $150, while sealed editions have sold for over $500. The historical importance of this release drives up its desirability. Many fans want to own a piece of anime’s early Western expansion, and this tape is often the first they look for.

Neon Genesis Evangelion VHS

The first ADV Films release of Neon Genesis Evangelion holds a special place among collectors. These tapes came out in the mid-1990s and featured artwork that fans consider highly nostalgic. Since Evangelion is one of the most influential anime series of all time, its original VHS tapes carry cultural and collectible weight. Owning these tapes represents a connection to the era when anime fandom in the West was rapidly growing.

Pricing for these VHS releases has risen steadily over the years. Individual tapes can range from $50 to $100, while full sets in good condition can sell for $400 to $600. Collectors especially seek complete sets with original covers and inserts. The blend of rarity and cultural significance makes them stand out in any collection.

Ghost in the Shell VHS

When Ghost in the Shell arrived in Western markets, it stunned audiences with its animation and themes. The Manga Entertainment VHS release from 1995 has become a sought-after collectible for fans of classic cyberpunk anime. This tape not only introduced many viewers to complex sci-fi storytelling but also paved the way for later works like The Matrix. Collectors value it both as a piece of film history and as a reminder of anime’s global rise in the 1990s.

The value of this VHS tape has climbed steadily, with loose copies often selling around $80 to $120. Sealed copies or first-run releases in mint condition have been known to reach $300 or more. The film’s ongoing cultural impact and the limited supply of original VHS copies make this a lasting favorite among collectors.

Dragon Ball Z VHS

The 1997 Pioneer release of Dragon Ball Z is another VHS tape that continues to attract fans. This edition brought one of the most recognizable anime franchises into American households, complete with English dubs that many grew up watching. For longtime fans, these tapes represent the early days of anime fandom in the West. The colorful covers and nostalgic packaging add to their collectible appeal.

Individual tapes can sell for $30 to $60, but complete box sets often go for much more. Depending on condition, a full Pioneer DBZ VHS set can reach $400 or higher. Sealed volumes from the late 1990s can even surpass those figures. The combination of childhood nostalgia and the franchise’s enduring popularity keeps these tapes in demand.

Vampire Hunter D VHS

The 1985 Vampire Hunter D VHS release by Streamline Pictures is one of the earliest anime films made widely available in the West. It introduced horror and gothic themes to anime fans who had mostly seen lighter or sci-fi titles before. The cover art and old-school dubbing make this tape a treasured piece of anime history. Collectors view it as a must-have for any serious vintage anime VHS library.

Prices vary depending on rarity and condition, with loose tapes usually priced between $50 and $100. However, sealed editions or those with original inserts have been known to sell for $200 or more. Since it was one of the first horror anime widely distributed in the United States, its historical importance drives demand.

Fist of the North Star VHS

 Fist of the North Star was another anime that had a huge cultural impact when introduced to Western fans. The 1991 Streamline Pictures VHS release is a collectible favorite due to its gritty action and dramatic presentation. Known for its violent and intense storylines, this anime helped shape perceptions of Japanese animation outside Japan. The tape is often remembered as a symbol of the hardcore anime fandom that grew in the early 1990s.

Collectors pay close attention to condition, as mint copies have become rare. Prices range from $70 to $150 for individual tapes, with sealed editions sometimes reaching $250. Because the anime retains a cult following, the original VHS release is a key collectible for fans who want to preserve its legacy.

Record of Lodoss War VHS

Record of Lodoss War gained recognition as one of the most famous fantasy anime of the 1990s. Its VHS release by Central Park Media in 1996 introduced English-speaking audiences to a story that felt like an anime version of classic role-playing games. The tapes are highly collectible due to their role in expanding the fantasy genre in anime fandom. The unique artwork and presentation add to their charm.

Collectors are willing to pay around $50 to $90 per tape, while complete sets can fetch $300 or more. Sealed volumes or promotional releases are especially valuable, sometimes topping $400. The rarity of these tapes has increased over time, making them more difficult to find in good condition.

Ninja Scroll VHS

 Ninja Scroll was a landmark anime film when it was released in the 1990s. The Manga Entertainment VHS edition from 1996 is now one of the most collectible tapes due to the movie’s lasting influence. Its mix of action, samurai themes, and dark storytelling made it a favorite among adult anime fans. Collectors prize this tape because it represents the mature direction anime was beginning to take in Western markets.

Current values for Ninja Scroll VHS range from $60 to $100 depending on wear. Sealed copies and first-run editions can sell for as high as $250. As the movie continues to be celebrated, demand for its original VHS release remains strong.

Macross II VHS

The US Renditions release of Macross II in 1992 is a classic collectible for fans of mecha anime. Known as a direct continuation of the Macross saga, this VHS series introduced Western viewers to one of anime’s most famous sci-fi universes. The tapes feature vibrant cover art and an early English dub that fans look back on fondly. Collectors see these VHS editions as essential for any mecha-focused collection.

Market values for Macross II VHS tapes generally range from $40 to $70 per volume. A complete set in good condition can sell for around $250 to $350. Sealed copies or promotional versions may go for even more, depending on rarity. The combination of nostalgic appeal and connection to a legendary franchise keeps these tapes valuable.

Perfect Blue VHS

Perfect Blue is one of the most acclaimed psychological thrillers in anime history. The VHS release by Manga Entertainment in 1999 introduced audiences outside Japan to Satoshi Kon’s dark and unsettling storytelling. Because it was released in limited numbers compared to mainstream titles, finding this tape in good condition has become increasingly difficult. Collectors value it for both its rarity and its place as a groundbreaking work in psychological anime.

Pricing for this tape is higher than many others due to limited circulation. Loose copies typically range from $150 to $250, while sealed editions can reach $400 or more. The film’s ongoing influence in both anime and Western cinema makes it a prized addition to any collection.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.