Vintage Movie Posters | News

“Chinatown” (1974) is often described as a flawless film, an intricate noir that combines corruption, beauty, and tragedy. Its legacy extends beyond the screen, embodied in Jim Pearsall’s unforgettable and collectible poster design.

From Robert Towne’s Academy Award–winning screenplay to Jack Nicholson’s defining role and Jerry Goldsmith’s haunting trumpet score, “Chinatown” stands as a landmark of 1970s Hollywood. The film reimagines classic noir with unsettling precision, while Pearsall’s Art Nouveau–inspired poster distills its themes into a single haunting image. Both the movie and its artwork reflect a moment when cinema and design reached new artistic heights.

In this blog, we’ll explore why “Chinatown” is considered a perfect film, how Pearsall’s poster has become just as iconic, and what makes both continue to captivate critics, audiences, and collectors. We’ll also answer common questions about the film’s story, setting, and enduring reputation.

Crime movies have long fascinated audiences with their mix of danger, moral ambiguity, and unforgettable style. From shadowy noir classics to sprawling gangster epics, the genre has produced some of cinema’s most enduring masterpieces. These films not only broke box office records but also left their mark on design history through iconic posters that remain highly prized by collectors today.

In this curated list, we revisit ten of the best crime movies ever made—highlighting their directors, casts, storylines, awards, and the poster art that brought them to life. Along the way, we’ll share fascinating production anecdotes and collect insights that showcase why these titles continue to captivate audiences and collectors alike.

The Jaws Original Vintage Movie Poster.

Half a century later, the shark still swims toward us. Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975) didn’t just terrify audiences—it changed Hollywood forever. With its wide release strategy, relentless TV marketing, and Roger Kastel’s unforgettable poster art, Jaws created the blueprint for the modern summer blockbuster.

But the story of Jaws is as wild as the film itself. From mechanical sharks that constantly broke down to a poster shark that wasn’t even a great white, the production was full of surprises that only add to its legend. And for collectors, the imagery that came out of it, especially Kastel’s one-sheet, is now one of the most coveted pieces of movie poster history.

Here are seven surprising facts about Jaws that show why this film, and its iconic poster, continue to thrill audiences and collectors alike.

Few films capture the spirit of the 1980s quite like “Top Gun.” It has everything a blockbuster needs: young stars at the height of their rise (Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer), thrilling action sequences (F-14 Tomcats pulling high-G maneuvers), a complicated love story, and a soundtrack stacked with hits like “Danger Zone” and “Take My Breath Away.”

The result was instant cultural history. “Top Gun” didn’t just dominate the box office — it defined a decade of style and attitude, from aviator sunglasses to Navy pride.

In this blog, we’re looking at ten high-flying facts every fan should know. From behind-the-scenes movie trivia to the story of the “Top Gun” poster, here’s why this film remains a classic — both on screen and in collections.

From towering samurai to soot sprites and spirits, Japanese movie posters are among the most visually distinctive and culturally rich in the world of film art. With their bold compositions, vertical typography, and a deep connection to cinematic history, these posters are collectible artifacts that reflect Japan’s evolving graphic design and storytelling traditions.

Whether it's the rare scroll-style Seven Samurai poster that fetched over $22,000 at auction or the atmospheric minimalism of the original “Spirited Away” design, Japanese film posters continue to captivate collectors, designers, and cinephiles alike.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the evolution of Japanese poster design, from the postwar era’s hand-painted epics to the anime boom of the 1980s and beyond. We’ll spotlight iconic titles like "Princess Mononoke", "Godzilla", and "Akira", explore the directors who shaped their visual identities, and introduce the artists whose work made these posters unforgettable.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning your search for the perfect piece of cinematic history, Japanese movie posters offer an incredible world of art, nostalgia, and storytelling worth exploring.

For film poster collectors, “Seven Samurai” (1954) is a dream. Japanese brushwork, French lithography, American studio drama—more than 50 known designs exist, each one visually striking, regionally distinct, and tied to the era and culture that produced it.

Part of the poster’s allure is its actual value: in 2018, a rare 1954 Japanese vertical scroll-style poster (believed to be unique) sold at Heritage Auctions for an eye-popping $22,705.

That kind of demand—and the sheer variety of artwork—reflects the film’s extraordinary global reach. Directed by legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, “Seven Samurai” was released and re-released across continents for decades, inspiring not just audiences but generations of directors. Its narrative structure, ensemble casting, and groundbreaking action sequences became foundational to everything from the golden age of Westerns to the rise of the modern action movie blockbuster.

Let’s explore what makes this Kurosawa Japanese film such a classic and how its companion, the “Seven Samurai” poster, is equally appealing to cinema enthusiasts.

Few films have cast as long and influential a shadow as "The Godfather." Released in 1972 by Paramount Pictures, it redefined the gangster film genre, elevated its cast and director to stardom, and transformed the cultural conversation around American cinema. With its intricate exploration of power, loyalty, and family, "The Godfather" remains a high watermark of storytelling.

In this post, we’re sharing core reasons why “The Godfather” remains a defining achievement in film — and why its vintage Godfather movie poster has become a collector’s essential. From box office domination to era-defining cinematography and a legacy that echoes across decades, few artifacts carry as much cinematic weight as the original Godfather film poster.

Few films have left as lasting a mark on cinema as “Casablanca”. Released in 1942 and set against the backdrop of World War II, it’s a film that has come to represent much more than its plot. “Casablanca” is a touchstone for romance, sacrifice, and timeless style—and its movie posters reflect all of that. For collectors of vintage film memorabilia, the original “Casablanca” movie poster is not just a decorative piece. It’s a cultural artifact.

Whether you're a seasoned art collector, a lifelong movie buff, or someone who just loves the aesthetic of old Hollywood, here are five compelling reasons why a “Casablanca” poster deserves a place in your collection.

If you're a true film enthusiast, you will know that collecting film posters isn't just about decoration—it's about owning a tangible piece of cinema history. It's a way that helps us connect with the stories, characters, and moments that have defined modern film culture. 

And, few modern filmmakers have inspired as much fan devotion as Quentin Tarantino.

Known for his explosive dialogue and genre-defying storytelling, Tarantino’s films have been redefining the art and craft of cinema over the past three decades. 

In this blog, we take a look at some of the most iconic Quentin Tarantino film posters, what makes them special, and why the films themselves have become legends.

Studio Ghibli doesn’t just make animated movies—they craft timeless worlds. Whether it’s a giant spirit or a war-torn forest, these films pull us in and never quite let us go. However, there’s another layer to their magic that doesn’t always get the spotlight—unless you're a die-hard Ghibli fan, of course! 

We're talking about the Studio Ghibli movie posters.

In this blog, we explore five Studio Ghibli classics and the truly unforgettable posters that helped define them.

Before the 1960s rolled out, movie posters were pretty straightforward. They relied heavily on studio photography and followed a clear formula: showcase the stars, include the title, and hint at the storyline. They could be considered functional, but rarely did they stand out as a work of art. Then came Bob Peak—a commercial illustrator who redefined what a movie poster could be.

Today, Peak is widely credited as the father of the modern movie poster. In this blog, we explore some Bob Peak artwork and understand his influence on film posters as we know them today.

There was a time in cinema history when every poster was a work of art. This was the era when iconic imagery was crafted by talented artists, and each brushstroke told a story long before the first scene even played. 

When we think of those unforgettable, hand-drawn masterpieces, names like Saul Bass, Drew Struzan, and, of course, Richard Amsel, immediately come to mind. 

Richard Amsel, in particular, is probably most famous for his hand-painted movie posters—each one perfectly capturing the heart of the films they represented with incredible detail and style. Today, his posters remain a tribute to that golden age of cinema.

In this blog, we delve into some of the best-known Richard Amsel movie posters, as well as understand why his work remains a valuable collector's item the world over.