In 2006, A History of Violence became the last movie ever released on VHS by a major studio - ending a two-decade era of home entertainment built on tape. While DVDs had already taken over store shelves, a few final titles quietly slipped onto VHS, closing out the format with a mix of cult hits, Oscar winners, and blockbuster favorites. Capture takes you inside the final days of VHS: from the last VHS movies released by genre to the rarest collector’s editions. You'll also find out where to get old tapes today, how to preserve or digitize what you have, and why the VHS format still matters nearly 20 years after its final chapter.

Jump to:

• The Last Movies on VHS: A Nostalgic Journey
• Memorable VHS Releases: Movies That Defined the Format
• The Appeal of Watching VHS Movies
• Where to Buy VHS Movies Today
• Tips for Collecting and Preserving VHS Movies

The last VHS movie: A Nostalgic Journey

The last Hollywood movie to be released in VHS format was “A History of Violence.” This movie came out on VHS in 2006 and in addition to being the last movie released in the nostalgic format; it also got decent reviews.

“A History of Violence” was directed by David Cronenberg and starred Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris. The action thriller story was adapted from a graphic novel and is about a diner owner who becomes a hero by stopping an attempted robbery, but then must protect himself and his family from a renowned gangster.

While the movie didn’t have a profound impact on culture, by being the last VHS release it has become somewhat of a collector’s item. While you can easily find DVD and Blu-Ray copies on Amazon and Etsy, it’s very hard to find a true VHS copy. If you do find it, then it could sell for $50 to $100 or more depending on the collector.  

Memorable VHS Releases: Movies That Defined the Format

While there can only be one last VHS release, there are plenty of memorable and rare VHS movies that may offer nostalgia, value, and contribute to the history of the VHS format. 

Last Horror Movie Released on VHS

The last horror movie to get an official VHS release was “Saw II” in 2006. Known for its intense psychological thrills and gruesome traps, this sequel closed out a long line of horror classics on VHS. It’s fitting that the genre ended with a film that epitomized the modern horror renaissance of the early 2000s.

Last Comedy Movie Released on VHS

“Just Friends” (2005), a romantic comedy featuring Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart, is widely recognized as the final major comedy released on VHS. Its holiday-themed humor and quirky romance made it a lighthearted farewell for the genre in the VHS format.

Last Romance Movie Released on VHS

The 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice”, starring Keira Knightley, is considered the last romance film to be released on VHS. The timeless tale of love, misunderstandings, and social expectations fittingly ended the romance genre’s run on the format.

Last Disney Movie Released on VHS

Pixar’s “Cars” (2006) holds the distinction of being the last Disney/Pixar film released on VHS in the United States. As DVD had already become the dominant format, this release was limited and is now considered a collector’s item. It marked the final chapter of an era when families would gather around the VCR to enjoy animated storytelling.

Last Action Movie Released on VHS

“A History of Violence” (2005), directed by David Cronenberg and starring Viggo Mortensen, is often cited as the last major action-thriller released on VHS. Its gritty, realistic tone made it a powerful send-off for the action genre in the VHS catalog.

Last Sci-Fi Movie Released on VHS

“Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005) was not officially released on VHS in the U.S., but other titles like “Serenity” (2005) were among the final sci-fi entries released on tape in international or specialty markets. The format faded just as digital effects and futuristic storytelling reached new heights.

Last Drama Movie Released on VHS

“Crash” (2004), which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, was one of the final drama films released on VHS. Its emotionally intense storylines and ensemble cast made it a significant entry in the closing chapter of dramatic storytelling on videotape.

Best-Selling and Most Valuable VHS Tapes

The final films released on VHS are only telling part of the VHS movie industry legacy. The best-selling VHS movie of all time is “The Lion King”. This Disney movie was released on VHS in 1995 and instantly became an all-time classic.

However, it isn’t the rarest or most valuable VHS tape. While many popular 80s movies like “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Top Gun” have been sold for impressive sums, a VHS copy of “Back to the Future” sold for $75,000, setting the record for videotape price tag.

Nostalgic and Iconic VHS Releases

Still, a home video doesn’t have to be worth lots of money to be valuable for nostalgia. For example, the sci-fi classic “The Matrix” was released on VHS in 1999. Not only did it break box-office records in its first days, but it also became an instant best-seller in video rental stores and homes alike.

Another iconic VHS release was “Titanic” (1997). Because the movie was so long, it was released as a two-tape set—one tape covering the story up to the iceberg, and the second continuing through the film’s emotional conclusion. When it was converted to DVD format, this two-part approach was no longer needed, but the double-tape set remains iconic.

Other notable multi-cassette VHS collections include the original “Star Wars” trilogy, “The Godfather”, “Gone with the Wind”, and “The Sound of Music.”

As the VHS era came to a close in the late 1990s and early 2000s, major titles were still released on VHS, even as DVD was becoming the new standard.

• “Gladiator” (2000)
• “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (1999)
• “Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001)
• “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001)

Many households hadn’t yet transitioned to DVD players, making these late VHS titles part of the format’s lasting legacy.

The Appeal of Watching VHS Movies

While VHS beat out Betamax during the format wars and dominated the home movie market for years, it’s since been deemed mostly obsolete. Still, many people continue to enjoy watching VHS movies — and here's why:

• Nostalgia and sentimental value: People cherish memories of recording home videos, renting tapes from video stores, and watching VHS with friends and family. The analog format brings back a sense of time and place that digital can’t replicate.
• Exclusive content: Some films — especially cult horror titles — are only available on VHS. If you want to watch them today, you may need to purchase a VCR and find a physical copy.
• Physical media collecting: Many enthusiasts enjoy the tangible nature of VHS tapes, just like they collect Super 8 film or audio cassettes. For them, it's not just about watching — it's about preserving and owning a piece of media history.
• Authentic viewing experience: Watching a movie on VHS means seeing it the way you did as a kid — complete with the fuzzy tracking lines, rewind sounds, and all. That experience can be more emotionally rewarding than a crystal-clear digital stream.
• Digitization is optional: While many choose to digitize their VHS tapes for convenience and preservation, others prefer to enjoy them in their original format.

Where to Buy Last VHS Movies Today

If you want to buy last VHS tapes ever made there are plenty of options. Many used bookstores, thrift stores, and pawn shops sell VHS tapes as well as VCR systems. You can also check garage sales and may get lucky and find a rare VHS movie format like the last VHS movie. 

Additionally, you can check online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, or even Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. While not all these options have VHS cassettes in the best condition, you have options for restoring old videotapes. 

Finally, if you are looking for rare videos of specific movies, then you might want to look at forums for VHS movie collectors. For example, VHSCollector.com has tons of great information on a wide range of analog media topics.  

Tips for Collecting and Preserving VHS Movies

If you plan on collecting and viewing old VHS movies, it’s important to keep them in good condition and understand how long VHS tapes last, because they don’t last forever. While they generally last 10 to 25 years, if you can keep them in a cool, dry place then they could last much longer. 

If they do get damaged or if you buy a damaged copy of a favorite movie, then there are ways you can repair VHS tapes. Even if the magnetic tape is broken, you can splice it. While you won’t have the removed section of the film, you may still be able to view the rest of the movie. 

Also, remember that VHS tapes that are in good condition with the box are worth a lot more than those missing the original cassette sleeve or tapes that are damaged or in poor condition. The most valuable are those that are not even opened, which are also rare especially if they are already for collectors’ favorite films. 

Finally, we highly recommend you to convert old home movies to digital. Doing so will ensure your favorite films and home movies are never lost as the VHS tapes start to degrade. Capture can convert your home movies and precious memories to digital and our state-of-the-art tracking and security system ensures they are safe through every hand and all the way back to you. 

If you have VHS tapes that you don’t want anymore, then make sure you check with collectors to see if they might want any of the movies you have. If not, then there are plenty of options for recycling VHS tapes so you don’t have to throw them away completely. 

Why the Last VHS Movies Still Matter

The last VHS movie is “A History of Violence,” but there are other memorable releases during the end of the VHS era like “Titanic,” “Gladiator,” and “Saw II,” that are considered some of the last in their genres or iconic for other reasons. These types of movies remain cultural artifacts because of their importance and there is a huge appeal of collecting VHS tapes. 

If you have home movies on VHS or other videotape formats, then make sure you transfer VHS to digital while you still can. Plus, digital copies are easier to share over email and social media! While there are many options, Capture is one of the best when you compare us with competitors.