15 Disney VHS Tapes You Could Resell for More Than You Think

Have a couple of boxes of old VHS tapes lying around? They could be your secret to putting some extra cash in your wallet.

From 1980 to the early 2000s, Disney released VHS tapes so that people could enjoy its catalog of movies from home. Many of these tapes brought whimsy and art to homes worldwide, and several are worth looking for if you’re hoping to make some quick cash.

While rare, you could earn extra money by sourcing and selling these 15 vintage Disney VHS finds. The most expensive include misprinted or rare releases or tapes with noticeable or iconic branding.

These early Disney VHS releases — there are 20 — are marked with a black diamond on the spine. Inside the diamond, the term “The Classics” is coupled with the Walt Disney logo. 

These releases are highly sought after, particularly for titles like “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Cinderella,” which were released between 1984 and 1994. Most Black Diamond tapes have sold for between $5 and $15 on eBay.

Often cited as one of the most valuable tapes, this version's rarity and cultural significance make it a collector’s favorite. You can make some decent money if the tape and clamshell are in good condition.

Look for the phrase “A Walt Disney Classic” above the movie title on the tape. This phrase often attracts more money from fans. Although several are listed for thousands of dollars online, including one in “like new” condition that is up for $70,000, you're likely to fetch anywhere from $3 to $25.

This infamous VHS features cover art with a controversial design that was later altered, making original copies incredibly collectible. Many made their way into circulation, but they are still considered more rare than others.

Several are currently listed online for around $9,000, and some well-used ones are listed at $250. But in most cases, you can expect to earn $5 to $10 for a copy. A sealed version recently sold on eBay for $89.99.

On Sept. 29, 1993, Disney released Aladdin, another prized tape from the Black Diamond series. This particular tape is more valuable in mint condition or unopened packaging. 

Although there are several listed between $35,000 and $50,000 on eBay, most unsealed versions have sold for a few dollars. A brand-new sealed copy could fetch you closer to $15.

Part of a limited-release series, these tapes can fetch high prices when in pristine condition. A current listing for one with a black diamond on its spine is $9,999, but most go for around $5. If yours is sealed, you could make closer to $20.

One of Disney’s earlier releases, “Song of the South” — which was turned into the now-replaced Splash Mountain ride — is considered racially insensitive. Because of some glaring issues with the film, Disney wiped it from production and availability. Copies of it are rare, as they were taken out of circulation in 1986.

Although the most expensive pre-owned option is currently listed for $2,000, most on eBay have sold for between $30 and $50. Some sealed versions have sold for more than $100.

Disney used to push dozens of home video releases to the market via formats like LaserDisc, Betamax, and VHS. This 1982 live-action cult hit had a VHS run the following year, and you can make some money off any copies you have.

They have gone for over $1,600, and a used copy is currently listed on eBay for $109.99. Most have sold on eBay for between $5 and $15, although sealed copies have sold for more than $30.

The Walt Disney classic “The Fox And The Hound” is a tale about two friends who overcome differences to become friends. It was released in 1994.

Some are considered rare, like the Black Diamond releases, and are listed upwards of $7,500. Many copies, though, sell for less than $15.

“Pinocchio” was originally a cartoon in a children’s publication in 1881, but Italian author Carlo Collidi later adapted it into a novel.

Disney’s version was officially released to the public in 1993. A brand-new, unopened copy is available online for $10,000, but most on eBay have sold for $5 to $20.

In 1941, “Dumbo” was released by Walt Disney Studios to critical acclaim. Its colorful visuals and intricate storyline stunned audiences.

A Black Diamond version of this VHS tape, in near-perfect condition, is listed for around $20,000. If you've got one on your hands, you're likely to get between $5 and $10. If it's sealed, expect closer to $20.

The Walt Disney classic “Robin Hood” was released in theatres in 1973. The versions later released on VHS in 1984 and 1991 could earn you some cash. 

If you can believe it, one in “like new” condition is up for $10,000, although most on eBay have sold for $5 to $10. If yours comes in the black clamshell case instead of white, you could fetch closer to $20.

The story of Peter Pan reached a wider audience in February 1953 with the theatrical release of the Disney cartoon version. 

Although a Black Diamond first edition list price on eBay is requesting $8,000, many go for less than $10. Some sealed copies have sold for between $15 and $25.

In 1998, “Pete’s Dragon” was released from the Walt Disney vault in a run as part of the official Masterpiece Collection. 

A listing in good condition is asking for around $1,000 for this important story about friendship, but you're more likely to earn about $5. New and sealed copies have sold for around $15, although one did sell for $180.

The movie “Bambi” experienced several releases. It also had multiple versions of its cover; some are less common than others.

One 55th anniversary edition of this cute coming-of-age film about a deer and his friends is going for $2,250 currently on eBay, but you're likely to get between $5 and $10.

A Black Diamond release that has experienced pricing volatility in the market — its value has changed incredibly multiple times — is 1950’s “Cinderella.” This could be because she is the original Disney princess.

Although multiple copies are currently listed for $25,000, with one in “like new” condition for $50,000, most new and sealed copies have sold for between $25 and $35.

If you have any of these VHS tapes in your orbit, you might consider listing them in a few places online to make extra money on the side. To extend the life of your copy, never store VHS media in hot temperatures or near a magnetic source.