10 Movie Posters That Are Almost More Famous Than the Film Itself

Movie posters are often the first glimpse we get of a film, designed to grab attention and spark curiosity. Some posters, though, become so iconic that they eclipse the movies they promote, living on as cultural touchstones.

From bold designs to clever imagery, these posters have left a lasting mark, often more memorable than the films themselves. Here are 10 movie posters that have become legends in their own right, starting from the least to the most iconic.

The Blob (1958)

The poster for ‘The Blob’ features a gooey red mass oozing toward a terrified crowd, with a tagline warning of ‘creeping horror.’ Its striking design captures the essence of 1950s sci-fi terror.

While the film, starring Steve McQueen in an early role, is a cult classic, it’s the poster’s bold imagery that became a staple in horror marketing. It’s more iconic than the movie’s simple story of a gelatinous alien.

Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)

‘Plan 9 from Outer Space’ has a poster that’s pure retro sci-fi, with flying saucers and a ominous tagline about alien invaders. Its gritty, low-budget aesthetic screams cult classic.

The movie, directed by Ed Wood, is often called one of the worst ever made, with clunky dialogue and cheap effects. Yet the poster’s eerie vibe and nostalgic charm have made it a beloved piece of cinema history.

The Brain That Wouldn’t Die (1962)

With a severed head in a pan and an eye glaring from within a brain, the poster for ‘The Brain That Wouldn’t Die’ is a horror fan’s dream. Its lurid colors and shocking imagery demand attention.

The film, about a doctor keeping his fiancée’s head alive, is a low-budget mess with little lasting impact. The poster, though, became a cult favorite, its grotesque visuals far more memorable than the movie itself.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

The poster for ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ is instantly recognizable, with bold red lips against a black background and the tagline ‘A Different Set of Jaws.’ It’s simple yet provocative, especially with Tim Curry’s presence.

The film, a musical sci-fi comedy, has a devoted cult following, but its poster became a pop culture icon, symbolizing rebellion and quirkiness. Those lips alone are more famous than many scenes from the movie.

Flash Gordon (1980)

‘Flash Gordon’s poster bursts with comic-book energy, showing a heroic figure against a cosmic backdrop, complete with vibrant colors and dynamic poses. It’s a visual feast that promises epic adventure.

The film, a campy space opera with a Queen soundtrack, has its fans but never reached blockbuster status. The poster’s bold design, however, became a defining image of 1980s sci-fi flair.

The Thing (1982)

With a hooded figure emitting a blinding light from its face, the poster for ‘The Thing’ is hauntingly mysterious. Its cold, dark colors hint at the film’s icy, paranoid tone.

John Carpenter’s sci-fi horror is now a classic, but at release, it was a box-office flop. The poster, designed by Drew Struzan, became legendary, its enigmatic figure outshining the film’s initial reception.

Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)

The poster for ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ channels 1960s cool, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt smiling against a retro Hollywood backdrop. Its vibrant, nostalgic design pops.

Quentin Tarantino’s film was a hit, but the poster’s slick style and star power made it a cultural marker, often seen on dorm walls and T-shirts, outpacing the movie’s specific scenes.

The Social Network (2010)

‘The Social Network’s poster is stark, with Jesse Eisenberg’s face overlaid by the tagline ‘You don’t get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies.’ It’s bold and modern.

The film about Facebook’s origins is acclaimed, but the poster’s clever design, mimicking a web browser, became a defining image of the digital age, often more quoted than the movie itself.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

The poster for ‘Pulp Fiction’ shows Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace, lying on a bed with a cigarette, styled like a pulp magazine cover. Its retro vibe and bold colors are unforgettable.

Quentin Tarantino’s crime drama is a classic, but the poster’s iconic image became a cultural phenomenon, plastered everywhere from dorms to T-shirts, often overshadowing the film’s complex plot.

Jaws (1975)

The poster for ‘Jaws’ is a masterpiece of terror, showing a massive shark rising toward a swimmer against a stark blue background. Its simplicity and menace are unmatched.

Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster redefined horror, but the poster, designed by Roger Kastel, became the most iconic image in cinema history. It’s instantly recognizable, far beyond the film’s suspenseful scenes.

Which movie poster is your favorite, or did we miss one that outshines its film? Share your thoughts in the comments!