1890s – 1910s

Back in the late nineteenth century,
the earliest versions of posters were
very basic, mainly showcasing the
timings and locations to see the films.

Slowly the filmmakers discovered
the marketing potential, and
commissioned more visually alluring
designs, marking the start of movie
poster art as we know it today.

Few posters from this era ever become
available and are extremely rare.

1920s – 1940s

Posters from the golden age are
celebrated for their artistic beauty
and craftsmanship. They capture the
glamour and allure of early
Hollywood, making them collectors'
items prized for their historical and
aesthetic value.

Some of the rarest and most expensive posters are from this era, with notable sales including a Dracula one sheet (1931) for $525,800 in 2017, and a Casablanca (1946) Italian four sheet for $478,000 in 2017.

1950s – 1970s

These vintage posters are bold and
innovative. They reflect the cultural
shifts of their time, making them not
just visually striking but also rich with historical significance.

Highlights from this era include
Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast at
Tiffany's (1961), Sean Connery's
Goldfinger (1964) and Star Wars (1977).

1980s – 2000s

Posters from this era are full of cult
classic charm, capturing the essence of some of the most beloved films
and making them iconic pieces that
continue to inspire a sense of nostalgia and admiration among fans.

Highlights from this era include
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), The
Goonies (1985) and Raiders of the
Lost Ark (1981).

2000s – Present

With the advent of the internet and
digital media, movie posters have
become incredibly creative and
complex. There’s been a resurgence of minimalist and retro-inspired designs.

While not yet vintage, these posters
show how design and technology has
evolved. Most posters from this period are currently low end and accessible, with some recent classics such as The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) achieving £875 in February 2024 (Propstore).