Lights, Camera, Action! Get Started Collecting Movie Memorabilia

Being a movie buff is more than a hobby—it's a lifestyle. Whether you prefer the larger-than-life movie figures of Godzilla or carry a special affinity for signed memorabilia from the Spielberg classics, just about everyone has a movie they love. So why not show off your passion for Hollywood magic with your own collection of movie collectibles? 

What Counts as Movie Memorabilia?

The term "movie memorabilia" encompasses any worthwhile or valuable objects connected to the film world. This can include almost anything, from costumes worn by the actors to scripts to movie figures. As long as the movie collectible was used on set or connected to specific movies or cinema in general, someone is out there collecting it. 

The History of Movie Collectibles

Nowadays, someone could spend millions of dollars on a single Star Wars movie figure—but that wasn't always the case. In the early decades of movie making, studios and producers did not assign any special meaning or value to items used to promote or make the films, often considering them to be junk that took up space in storage. 

This all changed when MGM decided to auction off movie memorabilia in 1970 in an effort to make more space on their lots! After a pair of Dorothy's Ruby Slippers sold for $15,000, fans and filmmakers realized the untapped financial potential of selling movie collectibles—and they've never looked back. 

Why Do People Collect Movie Memorabilia? 

Movie collectibles are a tangible way to show your passion for a specific franchise. Whether hanging posters on a gallery wall or displaying a collection of iconic movie figures, collecting memorabilia is a way to include your hobby in your home décor and embrace that nostalgic connection. That way, you and your guests can appreciate your amazing find and the film it came from 24/7!

Other people love buying movie collectibles at antique malls near Orlando because it connects them to their favorite actors and directors. Many movie memorabilia fans dream of being on the big screen one day and greatly admire those who make their must-see films a reality. Owning signed memorabilia, accessories, or slates that their idols once held makes them feel that much closer to the glamor of Hollywood. 

Most collectors partake in the hobby entirely or partially for financial investments. The worth of a movie collectible can vary depending on what it is and the condition it is in, but some items can fetch a pretty penny. Those hunting down rare film items often become vendors at a mall to turn their niche hobby into a successful business!

While there are certainly fans of standalone indie films who will spend their life savings on props and signed memorabilia, many collectors look for movie collectibles from these popular franchises: 

• Lord of the Rings

• Star Wars

• Harry Potter

• Twilight

• Indiana Jones

• James Bond

• The Marvel Cinematic Universe

How Are Movie Collectibles Valued?

The value of movie memorabilia is judged on rarity, age, and condition, just like other collectible items that make money, but the most important factor used to determine price is often personal connection. The film touches such a special place in our hearts, and whether it's a nostalgic love for watching old action flicks with our grandparents or an adoration for a certain inspiring actress, we're often willing to pay whatever we can afford to own a piece of the movie for ourselves. Movie memorabilia worth only a few dollars could be sold to the highest, most passionate bidder—it all depends on who finds it!

Discover 7 Sought-After Types of Movie Collectibles

If collecting movie memorabilia sounds right up your alley, you're in luck! With so many types of objects to choose from, you can show off your newfound hobby in various ways. Just keep an eye out for these items: 

1. Special Promotional Materials

One of the most commonly collected types of movie memorabilia includes any and all movie-related promotional items, including posters, cardboard cutouts of characters, magazine spreads, and more. Real collectible materials were rarely made for fan consumption, as film studios produced them in the sole effort to advertise films before they came out in theaters. Once the movie's run was over, they were often thrown away to make room for the next release, making them one of the rare and valuable items in the world of movie collectibles. 

Pro tip: don't be fooled into thinking any poster is collectible! While you can still add them to your collection, some posters specifically made for the general public are often a dime a dozen and do not carry the same value as those made for movie theaters. Learn the differences so you can spot worthwhile movie memorabilia and spend your money wisely.

Ways to Display Promotional Movie Memorabilia

Promotional posters and physical ads are some of the easiest ways to display a movie memorabilia collection in your home. Look for these popular pieces in your antique mall and try:

• Investing in a high-quality poster frame for a gallery wall centerpiece

• Creating a shadow box of vintage ticket stubs

• Placing a cutout of your favorite character in your TV room

2. Vintage Lobby Cards

Lobby cards are the perfect movie memorabilia for those who love an older Hollywood classic, as they are no longer used to promote modern movies. First appearing in 1913, these heavy cardstock paper posters were designed to sit in a movie theater lobby and attract potential audiences with their colorful images, famous actors, and beautiful fonts. They were most often made in two sizes: 11 in x 14 in or 8 in x 10 in.

From their vibrant beauty to their artful depiction of beloved characters, it's no wonder why people around the world still collect lobby cards to this day! They can be an incredibly valuable option for movie memorabilia, with certain title cards fetching thousands and thousands of dollars when auctioned off. If you want to build a lobby card collection, try focusing on specific subjects, genres, actors, directors, studios, or eras to make a cohesive set. 

3. Actors and Actresses Autographs

Is there anything more exciting than plucking up the courage to go up to a famous actor and ask for an autograph? Some collectors don't think so! Collecting autographs is a popular pastime for those obsessed with meeting their idols from the film world rather than buying physical items to connect them to a movie. If you come across one at an Illinois antique mall or yard sale, scoop it up and have it sent in for authentication.

Is Signed Memorabilia Worth More on Movie Collectibles?

Signed memorabilia is often more valuable sentimentally than monetarily. While finding an autograph on its own is cool, signatures are most valuable to someone when they are the one who has interacted with the celebrity. 

While many people will add signed memorabilia to their collection should they find it, they are not commonly prioritized unless the autograph is on something of value, like a poster or a movie figure. But they do make amazingly unique gifts for someone if they love that actor!

4. Collectible Movie Figures

Action figures, dolls, collectible figurines—whatever you call them, movie figures are one of the most popular options for movie memorabilia fans to collect. Each small-scale figurine is designed to capture a realistic likeness of a beloved character, whether it be a Funko Pop doll or a detailed Star Wars stormtrooper. Often made with high-quality materials, these movie figures are not to be played with, like some would assume, but are made to be put on display. 

When you shop for movie collectibles at a Highland antique mall, keep an eye out for movie figures of all shapes and sizes, as they can vary from extra-small keychain figurines to life-size. The most valuable movie figures are those released as limited-edition designs, making them one of the most sought-after items out there. Whether you display your beautiful collectible figurines in a row or create a mini diorama scene for them to live in is up to you!

5. Props Used on Set 

Movie props are almost always automatically high-value movie memorabilia, as fans would often give anything to own something that was really used on the set of their favorite film. From quills used by the lead to scribe an important document to swords used on the battlefield and everything in between, any item used in a scene can be auctioned off. To add props to your movie collectibles, make sure to consistently scour online auction sites, conventions, and your local Florida vendor mall, as these pop up all the time. 

If you collect movie props, you must learn how to properly care for and preserve them. To safely keep them on display, buy high-quality display cases and keep them away from direct sunlight so you can enjoy it for years to come. Taking these measures will ensure the value of your movie memorabilia only grows over time, making each purchase a worthy investment. 

6. Filled Out Film Slates 

If you've ever seen a movie's behind-the-scenes, you've seen those black and white boards being clapped down when the director yelled, “Action!" These one-of-a-kind movie collectibles, known as clapperboards or film slates, hold all of the information about a scene to help editors select footage when making a movie sequence. Each one can have the movie's title, scene number, director's name, or date, making them easily recognizable when shopping for movie memorabilia at a collectibles mall in Melbourne. 

7. Costumes and Accessories Worn by the Actors

Who hasn't been mesmerized by a fantastical ballgown in a period film or loved the look of a suave '70s suit in a detective flick? Costumes are essential to the world-building of a movie, so it's no wonder why passionate collectors will pay thousands to own the garments worn on screen. These costumes can sell for any price, from a couple of bucks for a background actor's gloves to $5.4 million dollars for  Marilyn Monroe's famous white dress. 

If you're going to collect costume pieces, you'll need to invest in proper costume storage. Avoid hanging any garments, as gravity will weigh down the fabric over time. Instead, buy acid-free boxes and stack pieces horizontally, or purchase wide picture frames and pin them up for display. 

3 Expert Tips for Collecting Movie Memorabilia: 

Tip 1: Get Your Movie Collectibles Authenticated

An unfortunate reality of this hobby is that some people create fakes in an effort to trick collectors and make a quick buck. To avoid this terrible situation, you should always make sure that your signed memorabilia has been authenticated before buying. Building relationships with vendors you trust at an Indiana antique mall is one of the best ways to shop from reputable sources and fend off scammers.

If you find something that is not authenticated but you think maybe the real deal, send it to one of these trusted authentication and appraisal services:

• Premiere Props

• ValueMyStuff

• Heritage Auctions

Tip 2: Set a Budget

Like all hobbies, it's important to shop with a pre-planned budget in mind. Since movie collectibles can be found at such a wide range of prices, depending on both the type of object and the film they're from, you'll need to understand that value may fluctuate. Before you make a purchase, set a limit for how much you are willing to spend should you come across a collectible item.  

Tip 3: Choose a Niche

When you first start out, it may feel tempting to collect any and all movie memorabilia you find—but wait! The key to growing a collection that reflects you and your interests without unnecessarily breaking the bank is sticking to a chosen niche. Start by collecting objects from one film or franchise, stick exclusively to movie posters, or find signed memorabilia from one actor. 

Where Can You Find Authentic Movie Memorabilia? 

One of the best parts of becoming a film item collector is that pieces can be found just about anywhere! From specialized auctions selling signed memorabilia from specific franchises to stumbling upon a rare movie figure at a vendor mall, authentic and valuable movie collectibles can be spotted all around you. Don't forget to look in your friends’ and family's storage units and shop local yard sales—you never know what could be waiting in the bins!

From James Bond movie figures to the dresses worn by Hollywood royalty, there's a type of movie collectible for everyone. If you're sitting on a collection that you can't wait to learn how to sell, or you just want to sort through hundreds of collections, stop by one of our antique mall locations today!