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The way we consume movies has changed dramatically over the last decade or so, with streaming services largely supplanting physical media. Now, in the new modern world, it often feels like every film under the sun is available at your fingertips thanks to streaming giants like Netflix, Paramount+, Hulu, et al. That being said, while most consumers favor the convenience of streaming, there’s still a surprisingly large number of collectors who love to track down that ol’ horror gem in physical form.
With that in mind, we’ve done the legwork and scoured eBay’s Recently Sold search functionality to create the definitive top 10 rarest DVD horror movies from the 1980s, much akin to our rarest blu-ray and rarest DVD listicles. Before diving in, it’s worth noting that we’ve opted against including boxsets, as they tend to significantly skew the numbers. Instead, we’ve focused on single DVD movies. These do include, however, a few special editions, as they typically hold their value a little more. So, without further ado, let’s get straight into it, shall we?
Transylvania Twist (1989)
eBay: $42
Kicking off our list is the cult horror-parody Transylvania Twist. Taking inspiration from Mel Brooks’ comedies like 1974’s Blazing Saddles and 1987’s Spaceballs, the campy Jim Wynorski spoof centers on a female member of the infamous Orlock family who inherits her ancestral home in Transylvania.
This DVD release is likely so valuable due to the obscure nature of the pic in question. Combine that with its cult status, notable cast, and catchy songs, and you have the perfect conditions for a rare gem.
The Beyond (1983)
eBay: $45
Lucio Fulci’s gothic supernatural gorefest The Beyond takes second spot on our list. While it’s far from a genre classic, and is more akin to low-budget dreck that would wind up directly in the bargain bin of your local video store, some avid fans have a soft spot for the Italian director, hence why there’s still some demand for this overlooked flick.
The blu-ray versions routinely go for around the $100 mark, but this DVD release, which features a limited edition tin case, a 48-page full color booklet featuring rare photos with a biography of Lucio Fulci, six international poster replicas, and even some additional “uncut” scenes, also goes for a not-too-shabby $45. On top of that, there were only 20,000 copies ever pressed, which is likely why this horror DVD sells for so much.
Society (1989)
eBay: $50
Society is an incredibly influential shapeshifting body horror pic that delves into the seedy underbelly of the upper crust Beverly Hills elite. Directed by Brian Yuzna, who also helmed 1986’s cult classic Re-Animator, Society holds a special place in many gorehounds’ hearts as it features some powerful eat-the-rich imagery, along with plenty of impressive practical effects.
This DVD release is surprisingly standard issue, but does include a few extra bells and whistles. Specifically, it features a behind-the-scenes featurette, a commentary track, and is widescreen, though it’s worth noting that this Unrated Edition is far from a rarity, but is likely desirable due to the cult status of the horror movie in question.
Fright Night: Part II (1989)
eBay: $55
Even though there’s a lot of love for Fright Night: Part II, it’s not exactly a stone classic, like its predecessor. Directed by Tommy Lee Wallace, the filmmaker behind the made-for-television adaptation of Stephen King’s It and a frequent collaborator with horror maestro John Carpenter, Fright Night: Part II was a failed attempt at turning the original vampiric classic into a full-blown franchise. What’s interesting about this sequel is that there is a major reason why this ’80s horror flick is so rare in physical form.
It all boils down to a convoluted rights issue involving Live Entertainment chairman, Jose Menendez, who apparently had an unproductive meeting over lunch with Tommy Lee Wallace to discuss the movie’s distribution and marketing. However, later that night, in a dark turn of events, Jose Menendez was murdered by his two sons, which obviously threw a spanner in the works when it comes to the physical distribution of Fright Night: Part II. Hence, why the DVD is so hard to come by.
The Thing – German Steelbook (1982)
eBay: $66
John Carpenter’s legendary sci-fi horror classic The Thing is legit one of my favorite films of all time, so it’s nice to see it take a spot on this list. While the bog standard US versions typically go for around $3 to $11, this German copy is more of a collectible due to its extensive list of extra features.
In fact, it has way more additional content than the US version, which is a little baffling. Not only does it include more behind-the-scenes footage, including an hour-long uncut footage of rehearsals and filming, but it also comes in a snazzy steelbook case.
Evil Dead II – Book of the Dead Special Edition (1987)
eBay: $70
Evil Dead II is the sophomore entry in Sam Raimi’s grisly undead trilogy. Though there have been a couple of newer entries in the franchise, from directors Fede Álvarez and Lee Cronin, it’s safe to say that the originals are the most beloved. Starring Bruce Campbell as the wise-cracking everyman as he goes toe-to-chainsaw with a bunch of flesh-munching Deadites, Evil Dead II is one of those sequels that just takes everything fans loved about the original — the blood, the laughs, and the gore — and dials it up to 11.
While the OG duo in their Book of the Dead Special Edition form can be purchased for around the $100 mark, some are missing a few of the extras or are a little worn, which makes them a little less desirable. However, if you find one that is complete and “Like New”, then expect to pay around $70 for the privilege. Not only is this one a great horror pic, but the fact that it looks exactly like the Necronomicon at the heart of the movie is just icing on the zombie-flavored cake.
Mutilations (1986)
eBay: $75
When it comes to cheap horror dreck that has been made off a shoestring budget, Mutilations takes the blood-drenched “crown.” Story-wise, this creature feature centers on an astronomy professor who stumbles upon a string of grisly cattle murders, only to discover a bunch of killer alien lifeforms are up to no good. With old-school practical effects, there’s a lot of charm to this low-budget sci-fi schlock.
Due to its B-movie status and minimal distribution, it’s hard to track down a physical DVD copy, which is the reason why it’s so valuable to avid collectors. Suffice to say, if you find a “Brand New” copy like this recently sold one, prepare to shell out around $75 to get your mitts on it.
Dead Ringers (1988)
eBay: $90
Out of David Cronenberg’s rich filmography, Dead Ringers is arguably one of his most divisive. At its core, this is a creepy psychological thriller focusing upon the exploits of a pair of twins who both happen to be gynaecologists. Starring the award-winning Jeremy Irons and French-Canadian actress Geneviève Bujold, it’s apparently the favorite Cronenberg film of Korean director Chan-wook Park.
It’s important to note that while the standard DVDs go for around $10 to $20, the Criterion Collection version, which has since gone out of print, is worth a staggering $75 these days.
Cannibal Holocaust – German 3D Steelbook (1985)
eBay: $195
Often cited as the “Most Controversial Movie of All Time,” Cannibal Holocaust is a disturbing trip into the heart of the Amazon rainforest that blends murder, torture, salacious sex, castration, and genocide, all wrapped up in eerily believable found footage style. Directed by Ruggero Deodato, the film was banned in Australia, United States, Norway, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore and several other countries largely due to snuff film allegations, animal cruelty, and the disturbingly real gore and imagery. In 2001, however, the film received a home release in the UK, after around six minutes were cut from it.
While most DVD versions of Cannibal Holocaust can be snapped up for as little as $20 to $35, the German 3D steelbook sold for an impressive $195 recently. In it, you’ll find plenty of behind-the-scenes footage, some retrospective interviews, and a commentary track.
The Stepford Children (1987)
eBay: $250
And so here we are: the most valuable DVD horror movie from 1980s is… The Stepford Children. While this made-for-television sc-fi thriller is far from a bonafide classic per se, the fact that it’s a sequel inspired by the original Ira Levin novel and the iconic 1975 film The Stepford Wives makes it very attractive to collectors.
Due to its limited release and its desirable franchise status, this is very hard to find out in the wild, and is worth a pretty penny if you do manage to track it down. This sealed DVD, for instance, recently sold for an astonishing $250. Not too shabby, eh?
