I Asked ChatGPT What DVDs in My Collection I Could Sell for Quick Profit — Here’s What It Said
Written by
Terence Loose
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
If you have a large collection of DVDs (remember those?), you might think you’re sitting on some untapped side money. Well, not so fast. A quick search of eBay reveals that most used DVDs go for less than a Dollar Tree Christmas ornament in January. So don’t go spending the expected windfall from your copy of “Easy Money” just yet.
However, there are some DVDs, especially collector’s editions, rare sets and iconic movies, that have some decent production value — as in, they can produce a nice profit. I tapped into ChatGPT’s wealth of information — below is what the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot had to say.
Also here is the next big side hustle, according to ChatGPT.
How To Spot a Good Sell
I asked ChatGPT for its assessment of the chances of making some cash off the soon-to-be-forgotten DVD. Predictably, the AI chatbot said it could only handle valuations on a disc-by-disc basis. But it did give me a few tips on what to look for to get more than taco money:
- Rare or in-demand editions: Collector’s items (special editions, steelbooks, out-of-print releases, Criterion Collection, horror titles, anime box sets, concerts and TV series) often fetch higher prices.
- Quick sellers: Popular franchises (Disney Vault releases, Star Wars, Harry Potter, MCU, etcetera) or cult classics usually move fast if priced competitively.
- Good condition: Sealed or new DVDs and complete box sets usually resell for more.
Next, I asked ChatGPT to give me examples of high-value, mid-value and low-value DVDs. Mine were all destined for the bargain table, but maybe your collection will fare better.
Examples of Highly Valuable DVDs or Special Editions
These titles or editions are often rare, limited runs or heavily collected — when in great condition they fetch premium prices.
| Title and Edition | Why It’s Valuable / Notable | Example Sale Price |
| Walt Disney Treasures (Premium or limited edition sets) | These collectible Disney-themed DVD box sets often go out of print, generating collector demand. | Up to $3,999 for certain premium sets, such as the Walt Disney D23 Treasures Premium Collection Limited Edition 54-Discs Box Set (on eBay) |
| Alien Quadrilogy 25th Anniversary Edition (skull packaging) | Multi-disc, novelty packaging, out of print | $500 or more (on eBay) |
| Bruce Lee Spectrum Collection (limited edition, sealed or mint) | Martial arts / cult appeal + limited run + sealed condition boosts value | Approximately $1,000 or more for mint copies, according to The Sun |
| Star Trek Voyager “Borg Cube” Box Set | Sci-fi fans, unusual packaging, collectible | Approximately $500 or more, according to The Sun |
| The Exorcist 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition | Horror collectors, deluxe packaging, limited run | $250 to $300, according to The Sun |
Examples in the Middle (Some Value, But Not Lucrative)
These are DVDs that might fetch more than pocket change, but usually won’t reach collector-rare status. You might get $10 to $50 (or more if sealed, rare variant) depending on demand.
| Title and Type | Why It Sells Better than Common DVDs | Approx Price Range |
| Complete TV series box sets (cult shows) | Collectors want full runs; demand for complete sets | $20 to $50 or more depending on show and rarity |
| Anime box sets or limited editions | Fans often seek these, especially for out-of-print sets | Some listings are $30 or more (e.g. “Initial D Complete Set” in listings on The Animatics) |
| Disney classic DVDs or “Vault” releases | Disney’s “vault” marketing sometimes causes scarcity | Premium versions may go above average prices. (e.g. Old Yeller (Vault Disney Collection for $35 on Amazon) |
| Cult or genre films with collector appeal (horror, sci-fi) | Niche fans often pay more for unopened or rare prints | Depends heavily on edition or condition |
| Special packaging or steelbooks or imported editions | These variations can bump value over standard versions | Might fetch two to five times standard edition value if condition is good |
Examples of Low-Value or Hard-To-Profit DVDs
These are types of DVDs that very frequently are hard to sell for profit, especially if used or in common editions. These make up the bulk of most movie watchers’ collections. If this is you, you might decide to donate them and take a tax write-off or watch them and try to save on streaming bills. Because selling them isn’t going to pay the rent.
- Many “mass release” DVDs (mainstream movies in standard packaging) often only fetch $1 to $3 each in resale or thrift markets.
- Generic music video DVDs or concert DVDs (unless special edition or very rare)
- TV shows with many reprints (if not a special collector’s edition)
- Region-locked or obscure foreign editions (unless there’s a niche collector market)
- Damaged, missing case or inserts or heavily worn discs
Alternative DVD Uses
In case, like me, your DVD collection is more trash than treasure, I asked ChatGPT for examples of other uses people find for them. Turns out, there are a lot — let’s see your Netflix subscription do these things.
Outdoor and Fishing Uses
- Spearfishing flashers: The reflective surface mimics fish scales.
- Bird deterrents in gardens: Hung on string in fruit trees or gardens, spinning discs scare off birds with flashes of light.
- Scare devices on boats or crops: Similar to the above, but at larger scales.
Household and DIY Uses
- Coasters: A quick repurpose into drink coasters.
- Mirrors or reflectors: Broken into pieces for mosaics or used as small mirrors in art or crafts.
- Wind chimes & mobiles: Strung together for decorative projects.
- Christmas ornaments: Shiny discs make for DIY tree decor.
Tech and Utility Hacks
- Emergency signal mirror: Reflective surface can be used in survival kits.
- Hard drive platter replacements in art projects: While not functional as storage, people use them in PC case mods for aesthetics.
- Clock faces: Some DIY clocks repurpose DVDs as the main face plate.
- Spacers or shims: In some maker projects or mechanical fixes, discs are used as uniform spacers.
Art and Design
- Mosaics and wall art: Cut up into tiles for reflective art.
- Costume design: Reflective scales for cosplay or stage outfits.
- Light installations: Reflective surface creates rainbow diffraction when hit by light.
More From GOBankingRates
