Star-Studded Pages
Before the internet gave us celebrity gossip 24/7, movie magazines were the gateway to Hollywood’s golden age. Packed with glamorous photos, behind-the-scenes scoops, and timeless cover art, many of these vintage magazines are now collector’s gold.
Photoplay (1950s Issues)
Estimated value: $10–$25
One of the earliest fan magazines, Photoplay featured classic Hollywood stars and dreamy covers. Though not all issues are rare, ones with Marilyn Monroe or James Dean tend to go for more.
Studio publicity still, Wikimedia Commons
Screenland (1940s–50s)
Estimated value: $15–$30
Known for its colorful illustrations and early celebrity coverage, Screenland issues with first appearances or WWII-era stories are gaining value.
Screenland magazine [1], Wikimedia Commons
Modern Screen (1960s)
Estimated value: $20–$40
This tabloid-style magazine showcased big names like Elizabeth Taylor and Elvis Presley. Issues tied to major Hollywood scandals are most collectible.
Unknown authorUnknown author, Wikimedia Commons
Movie Mirror (1930s)
Estimated value: $25–$50
These thin, glossy issues captured early Hollywood gossip. Surviving 1930s editions are scarce due to age and fragility.
Paramount Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Wikimedia Commons
Motion Picture Magazine (1940s)
Estimated value: $30–$60
Covers featuring stars like Rita Hayworth or Clark Gable make this a must-have for classic film collectors.
Motion Picture magazine, Wikimedia Commons
Silver Screen (1950s)
Estimated value: $35–$70
Known for its rich color covers, Silver Screen was popular during the golden age of musicals and romance. Clean copies with stars like Audrey Hepburn fetch more.
Silver Screen, Wikimedia Commons
Screen Stories (1950s–60s)
Estimated value: $40–$75
These included full plot synopses of current films, which made them unique. Issues covering blockbuster films have increased in value.
Robert Coburn, Wikimedia Commons
Hollywood (1930s)
Estimated value: $50–$80
Rare pre-war issues of this title are hard to find and highly collectible due to their detailed studio content and fragile construction.
TV-Radio Mirror (1960s)
Estimated value: $60–$90
Popular during the early days of television, issues with dual TV and film stars—like Lucille Ball—are collector favorites.
Whitey Schafer, Wikimedia Commons
Movie Life (1950s)
Estimated value: $70–$100
Loved for its fan letters and pinups, Movie Life issues with stars like James Dean or Natalie Wood are hot among nostalgia collectors.
Published by Movie Life. Photographer unknown., Wikimedia Commons
Cinefantastique (1970s)
Estimated value: $80–$110
This sci-fi and horror-focused magazine featured in-depth film analysis. Issues covering Star Wars or Alien are particularly valuable.
Mirko Toller, Wikimedia Commons
Famous Monsters of Filmland (Early Issues)
Estimated value: $100–$150
A cult favorite, early issues from the 1960s, especially those with Bela Lugosi or Boris Karloff, are in demand.
Starlog (First Issues, 1976+)
Estimated value: $120–$180
This sci-fi mag exploded with the release of Star Wars. First issues and Star Trek features attract both comic and film collectors.
NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons
Cahiers du Cinéma (1950s French Editions)
Estimated value: $150–$200
The intellectual film mag that helped birth the French New Wave. Original French issues featuring Godard or Truffaut are highly prized.
Gary Stevens, Wikimedia Commons
Films and Filming (UK, 1960s)
Estimated value: $160–$220
Known for its artistic photography and sometimes risqué content, British collectors seek these stylish, forward-thinking magazines.
Copyright by Twentieth Century–Fox Film Corp MXMXXXIII. Restored by Adam Cuerden
Premiere Magazine (First Issue, 1987)
Estimated value: $180–$250
Though more modern, the first issue of Premiere has become a milestone collectible, especially when in pristine condition.
HildegardeParis, Wikimedia Commons
Fangoria (Early Issues)
Estimated value: $200–$300
Horror fans love this gore-filled magazine. Issues from the late 70s and early 80s with iconic slasher features are especially valuable.
Screen Thrills Illustrated (1950s)
Estimated value: $250–$350
Focused on serials and action stars, its limited print runs and bold pulp covers make it desirable among genre fans.
Motion Picture Classic (1920s)
Estimated value: $300–$400
One of the earliest American film magazines, surviving 1920s editions with silent film legends are exceptionally rare.
Leo Sielke, Jr., Wikimedia Commons
The Moviegoer (1930s Limited Prints)
Estimated value: $400–$500
These magazines were distributed in select theaters and often had local advertisements. Surviving issues are quite rare.
Hollywood Reporter (Bound Volumes, 1940s)
Estimated value: $500–$700
Old studio-bound volumes of this industry insider paper reveal deep Hollywood history. They’re prized by archivists and collectors.
Daily Variety (Oscar Week Editions)
Estimated value: $700–$900
Special printings around the Academy Awards with bold covers and campaign ads have become very collectible.
Variety magazine, Wikimedia Commons
Film Fun (1910s–1920s)
Estimated value: $800–$1,000
One of the first illustrated humor/film magazines. Issues featuring early stars like Mary Pickford are highly collectible.
Film Fun cover (July 1917), Wikimedia Commons
Photoplay (First Issue, 1911)
Estimated value: $2,000–$3,000
The magazine that started it all. The first-ever issue of Photoplay is the ultimate collector's piece in film journalism.
Original rights holder: Photoplay Publishing Co. Artist: Earl Christy, Wikimedia Commons
Motion Picture World (Bound Studio Sets, 1910s)
Estimated value: $3,000–$5,000
These studio archives contain production notes, reviews, and ads from Hollywood’s earliest days. Full bound sets are extremely rare and museum-worthy.
Alberto Vargas, Wikimedia Commons
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