The Best Movie posters to buy in the UK
Quick answer: The best movie posters to buy in the UK in 2026 are timeless classics such as The Godfather, Goodfellas and The Wizard of Oz, Studio Ghibli favourites like Howl's Moving Castle, British cult hits such as Snatch, and horror posters for Halloween, from Scream to The Conjuring: Last Rites. At 98types, film posters start from £3, are printed in England at our studio in Camden, London, and come with free UK delivery.
A film poster is a small piece of cinema you can live with every day. It can remind you of the night you first saw a film, the friend you always quote it with, or the director who changed the way you see the world. It can also completely change the feel of a room, for very little money.
This guide is built the way film lovers actually choose posters: by director, by genre, by decade and by season. Whether you are decorating a bedroom, building a home cinema wall or looking for a gift for a film fan, you will find ideas from more than 50 films, TV series and anime, all available as prints from our studio in London.
Contents
- What makes a great movie poster?
- Shop by director
- Gangster and crime posters
- Horror posters for Halloween and beyond
- Studio Ghibli and anime posters
- Fantasy, sci-fi and adventure posters
- Drama, romance and world cinema posters
- TV series posters
- Film posters with a British connection
- Shop by decade
- Posters for every room
- Gifts for film lovers
- Frequently asked questions
What makes a great movie poster?
The best movie posters do three things at once. They capture the mood of the film in a single image, they look good as a piece of design even if you have never seen the film, and they spark a memory or conversation for people who have.
Over the past 20 years, alternative and minimalist movie posters have become hugely popular in the UK. Instead of copying the studio's original artwork, these designs reinterpret a film through colour, illustration and typography, often focusing on one symbol or moment fans instantly recognise. They suit modern homes because they look like art first and merchandise second.
When choosing a film poster, think about three things: the film's meaning to you, the colours of the room it will hang in, and the other prints it will sit next to. A great poster should feel personal, fit the space and work as part of a bigger story on your wall.
Movie poster styles explained
Not all film posters look the same. Knowing the main styles helps you choose prints that work together on one wall.
- Minimalist posters: reduce a film to one symbol, shape or colour, such as a single prop or silhouette. They look clean and modern and suit Scandinavian or contemporary interiors.
- Illustrated posters: hand-drawn or painted artwork full of detail and character. They are perfect for fantasy, animation and adventure films.
- Retro and vintage posters: designs inspired by the look of classic cinema advertising, with bold typography and limited colour palettes. They suit older films and mid-century interiors.
- Typographic posters: built around the title, a famous line or the credits, using lettering as the main design.
- Alternative posters: new artistic interpretations of a film that reimagine it rather than copying the studio's marketing.
Mixing styles can work, but a wall looks most professional when the posters share at least one thing: a style, a colour palette or a frame colour.
A short history of the movie poster
Movie posters are almost as old as cinema itself. In the early 20th century, posters were hand-drawn lithographs that had to sell a film with a single image, long before trailers or the internet. Many of those early designs, such as the artwork for silent classics like Nosferatu, are now collected as art in their own right.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the American designer Saul Bass changed poster design forever with bold, simple graphic posters for films such as Vertigo and Anatomy of a Murder. At the same time, the Polish School of Posters created surreal, artistic designs for foreign films that looked nothing like the Hollywood originals. Later, illustrators such as Drew Struzan defined the look of blockbuster posters for Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Back to the Future.
From the 2000s, a new wave of artists began creating limited edition "alternative" posters for films they loved, led by studios such as Mondo in Austin, Texas. Online communities then helped the style spread worldwide. Today, alternative and minimalist movie posters are among the most popular forms of wall art in the UK, offering fans a way to celebrate films with design that feels personal and artistic.
Original, reproduction or alternative: what are you buying?
When you shop for film posters, you will see three main types. Original posters are the actual prints made for a film's release. They are collectable, often expensive and usually sold through specialist dealers and vintage shops. Reproductions are copies of the original studio artwork. Alternative and art prints are new designs inspired by a film, created to work as wall art.
For most people decorating a home, art prints offer the best balance of style and value. They are designed to look good on a wall, come in standard UK paper sizes such as A4, A3 and A2 that fit ready-made frames, and cost a fraction of an original.
Matching film posters to your colour scheme
The quickest way to make posters look designed rather than random is to match them to the colours of your room.
- Neutral and Scandinavian rooms: choose minimal posters with lots of white space and one accent colour.
- Dark, moody interiors: horror, noir and crime posters in black, red and deep blue look dramatic against dark walls. Mulholland Drive, The Witch and The Godfather are perfect.
- Bright, playful rooms: pinks, yellows and sky blues from Barbie, The Wizard of Oz and Castle in the Sky add energy.
- Blue and green schemes: Avatar: The Way of Water and Howl's Moving Castle bring calm natural tones.
- Warm, earthy rooms: vintage and retro designs with oranges, browns and creams, such as Stand by Me or Goldfinger, feel cosy and nostalgic.
Shop by director
Many film lovers collect by director. Building a wall around one filmmaker creates a strong, coherent look and tells guests exactly what kind of film fan you are.
Martin Scorsese
Few directors have defined crime cinema like Martin Scorsese. Goodfellas (1990) is his gangster masterpiece, following Henry Hill's rise and fall with Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro and an Oscar-winning Joe Pesci. Sixteen years later, The Departed (2006), with Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson, finally won Scorsese the Oscar for Best Director. Hang the two side by side for the ultimate Scorsese double bill.
Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata
The two great directors of Studio Ghibli have very different styles. Miyazaki creates flying machines, magical castles and brave young heroes in films such as Castle in the Sky (1986) and Howl's Moving Castle (2004). Takahata's Grave of the Fireflies (1988) is quieter and more devastating, one of the most powerful animated films ever made. Together they make a beautiful Ghibli gallery wall.
David Lynch
David Lynch made films that feel like dreams you cannot quite remember. Mulholland Drive (2001) was named the greatest film of the 21st century so far in a BBC critics' poll, while his debut Eraserhead (1977) remains the ultimate midnight cult movie. Lynch's posters suit dark, stylish interiors and true cinephiles.
Robert Eggers
Robert Eggers has become one of the most exciting horror directors working today. His debut The Witch (2015) introduced Anya Taylor-Joy in a chilling tale of a Puritan family, and The Lighthouse (2019) trapped Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe on a storm-battered rock. Both are perfect for a folk horror wall.
Guy Ritchie
Guy Ritchie made London crime cool. Snatch (2000) is a chaotic caper of stolen diamonds and bare-knuckle boxing starring Jason Statham and Brad Pitt, and his more recent series The Gentlemen (2024) brought his style to Netflix. A Ritchie wall is a must for a London flat or man cave.
Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks
Few partnerships are as trusted as Spielberg and Hanks. In The Post (2017), Hanks and Meryl Streep fight to publish the Pentagon Papers. Combine it with Hanks' Oscar-winning role in Robert Zemeckis' Forrest Gump (1994) and The Pursuit of Happyness for a wall of feel-good American drama.
Stephen King adaptations
Stephen King's stories have inspired some of the best films ever made. Rob Reiner's Stand by Me (1986), based on the novella The Body, is a tender film about friendship, while Misery (1990) and IT (2017) show his terrifying side. A Stephen King wall is perfect for book lovers and horror fans alike.
Gangster and crime posters
Crime films are some of the most popular posters for living rooms, home bars and offices. They are stylish, quotable and instantly recognisable.
At the top of the list is Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather (1972), regularly voted the greatest film ever made. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino's Corleone family saga won Best Picture and remains the benchmark for every crime film since. A Godfather poster is a timeless statement piece for a study or dining room.
For a darker, modern edge, David Fincher's Se7en (1995) is one of the most influential thrillers of the 1990s. Add Goodfellas, The Departed and Snatch and you have a crime wall that covers New York, Boston and London. Browse more in our action movie posters and drama movie posters.
Horror posters for Halloween and beyond
October is the busiest month of the year for horror posters, and our horror movie poster collection covers everything from silent classics to this year's releases. Here are the essentials for a Halloween wall.
Modern horror
Jordan Peele's Get Out (2017) turned a visit to the in-laws into one of the sharpest horror films of the century and won Peele the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) brought Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson back as Ed and Lorraine Warren for one final case, and looks perfect beside the original The Conjuring (2013). For grief and dread, Jennifer Kent's The Babadook remains a modern classic.
Slashers and 90s horror
Wes Craven's Scream (1996) reinvented the slasher with its Ghostface killer and characters who knew every horror rule. Pair it with Candyman (1992) and The Sixth Sense (1999) for a full 90s horror wall. Fans of extreme modern slashers will love Terrifier.
Classic and cult horror
Horror history starts with Nosferatu (1922) and runs through The Birds (1963), Rosemary's Baby (1968), Night of the Living Dead (1968) and the vivid colours of Dario Argento's Suspiria (1977). These vintage designs give any Halloween wall a sense of history.
Family-friendly Halloween
Not every Halloween poster needs to be scary. Hocus Pocus (1993), with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson sisters, is a cult Disney favourite that many families watch every October. And Tim Burton and Henry Selick's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) is the only poster that works from Halloween right through to Christmas.
Studio Ghibli and anime posters
Anime is one of the fastest-growing categories of wall art in the UK, especially with teenagers, students and gamers. Explore our anime posters collection for more.
Studio Ghibli films
Studio Ghibli posters are loved by all ages. Castle in the Sky was the first film released under the Ghibli name, a sky-pirate adventure in search of a floating city. Howl's Moving Castle is one of the most popular Ghibli films in Britain, partly because it is based on a novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones. Grave of the Fireflies is the one serious film fans insist everyone must see once.
Anime series
My Hero Academia, based on Kohei Horikoshi's manga, is one of the most popular shonen anime in the world, following Izuku Midoriya's journey to become a hero in a world full of superpowers. Neon Genesis Evangelion, Hideaki Anno's 1995 mecha series, is one of the most influential anime ever made. For comedy, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. follows a psychic teenager who just wants a quiet life. For a darker taste of Japanese cinema, Takashi Miike's Audition and The Grudge are J-horror essentials.
Fantasy, sci-fi and adventure posters
Big-screen spectacle makes for bold, colourful wall art.
Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) won all 11 Oscars it was nominated for, equalling the all-time record, and remains the ultimate fantasy poster for a study or games room. James Cameron's Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) took audiences into the oceans of Pandora and won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects, its deep blues perfect for calm bedroom walls.
For young adult fans, The Hunger Games (2012) made Jennifer Lawrence a star as Katniss Everdeen. And for a true classic, The Wizard of Oz (1939) is one of the most loved films ever made, a joyful choice for a child's bedroom or family room. Monster lovers should also look at King Kong (1933) and our science fiction posters.
Drama, romance and world cinema posters
Some of the most meaningful posters come from films that made us cry, laugh and think.
Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain (2005), starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, is a landmark love story and a favourite in our LGBTQ+ film collection. Rob Reiner's Stand by Me is the ultimate gift for a childhood best friend, while Forrest Gump remains one of the most loved feel-good films of all time.
Greta Gerwig's Barbie (2023), starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, was the biggest film in the world in 2023 and is a bright, playful poster for bedrooms and dressing rooms. For romance with a British accent, Me Before You is a popular choice; browse more in our romantic film posters.
World cinema
World cinema posters show real film knowledge. Wolfgang Becker's Good Bye, Lenin! (2003) is a funny and moving German film about a son hiding the fall of the Berlin Wall from his mother, starring Daniel Brühl. The Intouchables (2011), with François Cluzet and Omar Sy, is one of the most successful French films ever made, while Joachim Trier's The Worst Person in the World is a modern Norwegian favourite. For award-season fans, Tár and Million Dollar Baby are elegant choices.
TV series posters
Great television deserves wall space too. Our TV series posters include more than 160 shows.
Game of Thrones became a worldwide phenomenon across eight seasons and won a record number of Emmys for a drama series, with much of it filmed in Northern Ireland. For 2000s nostalgia, One Tree Hill followed the Scott brothers and their friends through nine seasons of rivalries and romance in a small North Carolina town, and is a perfect best-friend gift for anyone who grew up with it.
Film posters with a British connection
British fans often love films with a link to home, and many of the posters on this list have one.
- Goldfinger (1964): Sean Connery's third James Bond film introduced the Aston Martin DB5 and Shirley Bassey's iconic theme, and made 007 a global phenomenon.
- Snatch (2000): Guy Ritchie's London crime classic, packed with British slang and swagger.
- Howl's Moving Castle (2004): based on the novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones.
- The Lord of the Rings: adapted from the books of J.R.R. Tolkien, the Oxford professor who created Middle-earth.
- Get Out (2017): starring British actor Daniel Kaluuya, who earned an Oscar nomination for the role.
- Game of Thrones: filmed largely in Northern Ireland, with a cast packed with British actors.
Explore more homegrown classics in our British movies and TV posters.
Shop by decade
Choosing a film from the decade someone grew up in is one of the easiest ways to make a poster feel personal.
| Decade | Posters to look for | Great for |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s–1930s | Nosferatu, King Kong, The Wizard of Oz | Vintage lovers and film history fans |
| 1960s | Goldfinger, The Birds, Rosemary's Baby | Retro interiors and Bond fans |
| 1970s | The Godfather, Suspiria, Eraserhead | Serious cinephiles |
| 1980s | Stand by Me, Castle in the Sky, Grave of the Fireflies | Nostalgia and Ghibli fans |
| 1990s | Goodfellas, Forrest Gump, Scream, Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas | Millennials and 90s kids |
| 2000s | Snatch, Mulholland Drive, The Return of the King, The Departed, Good Bye, Lenin! | Cult film collectors |
| 2010s | Get Out, The Witch, The Hunger Games, The Intouchables, The Post | Modern film lovers |
| 2020s | Barbie, Avatar: The Way of Water, The Conjuring: Last Rites | Fans of the latest releases |
Want films in alphabetical order? Browse our A to Z movie posters.
Posters for every room
Living room
Choose one or two statement posters in a larger size. Timeless classics such as The Godfather, The Wizard of Oz or Forrest Gump suit shared family spaces. See ideas in our living room gallery walls.
Bedroom
Bedrooms suit calmer, more personal posters. Studio Ghibli, romance and nostalgic TV series like One Tree Hill work beautifully. Teenagers often prefer anime and young adult films such as My Hero Academia or The Hunger Games.
Home cinema or media room
Go big and go bold with a full wall of posters. Mix one director's work, one genre or one decade for a curated look, and frame them all in the same colour for a professional finish.
Home office
Inspiring and thoughtful films suit a workspace. The Post is a favourite with journalists and writers, while Forrest Gump and The Intouchables bring warmth to long working days.
Man cave or home bar
Crime and action dominate here: The Godfather, Goodfellas, The Departed, Snatch and Goldfinger.
Children's bedroom
Choose bright, gentle films such as The Wizard of Oz and Castle in the Sky. Browse more in our children's bedroom collection and cartoon posters.
Choosing the right size
| Size | Best for |
|---|---|
| A4 | Gallery walls, desks, shelves and small spaces |
| A3 | Bedrooms and the most popular size for gifts |
| A2 | Statement pieces above beds, desks and sofas |
| A1 | Living rooms and home cinemas |
How to build a movie poster gallery wall
- Pick a theme: one director, one genre, one decade or one colour palette.
- Choose an anchor: start with one larger poster in the centre, such as The Godfather or Howl's Moving Castle.
- Add supporting prints: surround it with three to six smaller posters that share the theme.
- Keep frames consistent: matching black, white or oak frames make different designs look like one collection.
- Plan on the floor first: lay the frames out on the floor or trace them on paper before you put a single nail in the wall.
- Leave even gaps: around 5 to 8 cm between frames looks tidy and intentional.
Our Buy 3, Get 1 FREE offer makes a four-poster gallery wall one of the most affordable home makeovers you can do.
Gifts for film lovers
A film poster is one of the most personal gifts you can give, because it shows you know what someone loves.
- For dads and grandads: Goldfinger, The Godfather, Goodfellas or Stand by Me.
- For a best friend: Stand by Me, One Tree Hill or the film you always quote together.
- For couples: the film from your first date, or a romantic classic such as Brokeback Mountain.
- For teenagers: My Hero Academia, The Hunger Games or Saiki K.
- For horror fans: Scream, Get Out, The Witch or The Conjuring: Last Rites.
- For world cinema fans: Good Bye, Lenin!, The Intouchables or Grave of the Fireflies.
- For journalists and writers: The Post.
Christmas is coming, so don't forget our Christmas movie posters, and if you are into film music, our movie song lyric prints make a great companion gift. For more ideas, read our guide to gifts for him who has everything.
If you love this film, try this poster
Building a collection is easier when one favourite leads to the next. Here are our pairings for film fans who already know what they love.
| If you love… | Try… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The Godfather | Goodfellas, The Departed | The three pillars of the crime genre |
| Snatch | The Gentlemen, Goldfinger | British swagger, from Guy Ritchie to 007 |
| Howl's Moving Castle | Castle in the Sky, Grave of the Fireflies | Complete your Studio Ghibli wall |
| Mulholland Drive | Eraserhead | A David Lynch double bill |
| The Witch | The Lighthouse, The Babadook | Atmospheric, art-house horror |
| Scream | Candyman, Terrifier | Slasher icons through the decades |
| The Conjuring: Last Rites | The Conjuring, Poltergeist, Paranormal Activity | Haunted house horror at its best |
| Hocus Pocus | The Nightmare Before Christmas | Family-friendly spooky season |
| Forrest Gump | The Post, The Pursuit of Happyness | Feel-good drama with heart |
| Stand by Me | IT, Misery | The many sides of Stephen King |
| Good Bye, Lenin! | The Intouchables, The Worst Person in the World | European cinema favourites |
| My Hero Academia | Neon Genesis Evangelion, Saiki K. | Anime for every mood |
| Game of Thrones | The Return of the King | Epic fantasy for your wall |
| Barbie | The Wizard of Oz | Colourful, joyful classics old and new |
Movie posters for students
Movie posters are a student favourite. They are affordable, light, easy to hang with removable strips and easy to take home at the end of term. Film studies students often choose landmark films such as Mulholland Drive, The Godfather or Get Out, while anime and young adult posters like My Hero Academia and The Hunger Games are popular in halls of residence. With our Buy 3, Get 1 FREE offer, decorating a whole student room costs less than a takeaway.
The film poster calendar
Many fans change their posters with the seasons. Here is how to keep your walls in step with the year:
- January to March: award season. Celebrate Oscar and BAFTA winners such as The Godfather, Forrest Gump or The Return of the King.
- February: romance for Valentine's Day, from Brokeback Mountain to Me Before You.
- Spring and summer: adventure, fantasy and feel-good films such as The Wizard of Oz, Castle in the Sky and Barbie.
- October: Halloween horror, from Scream and Get Out to Hocus Pocus and The Conjuring: Last Rites.
- December: Christmas classics and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Fun facts behind the posters
Part of the joy of a film poster is the story behind the film. Here are a few facts to share with guests when they ask about your wall.
- The Wizard of Oz: in L. Frank Baum's original book, Dorothy's magic shoes are silver. They became ruby red for the 1939 film to show off the new Technicolor process.
- Stand by Me: the film takes its title from the Ben E. King song, after the original title, The Body, was felt to sound too much like a horror film.
- Scream: the script's original working title was Scary Movie, a name later used for the comedy series that parodied it.
- Hocus Pocus: the film was a box office disappointment on release in 1993 and only became a beloved cult classic through years of Halloween TV screenings.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas: the stop-motion animation took around three years to complete, with each animator producing only a few seconds of finished film per week.
- The Godfather: for his screen test, Marlon Brando stuffed his cheeks with cotton wool to create Vito Corleone's famous look.
- Goldfinger: the Aston Martin DB5, with its ejector seat and hidden machine guns, became one of the most famous cars in film history.
- Howl's Moving Castle: Diana Wynne Jones, the British author of the original novel, was a fan of Miyazaki's adaptation.
Framing and caring for your movie posters
A good frame turns a poster into a piece of art. Black frames give a bold, cinematic look and suit most film posters. White frames feel lighter and work well with pastel designs such as Studio Ghibli or Barbie. Natural oak frames add warmth to vintage and retro prints.
To keep posters looking their best, hang them away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours over time, and avoid damp rooms without ventilation. Glass or acrylic in the frame protects the print from dust and fingerprints. If you change your posters with the seasons, store the ones you are not using flat, between sheets of clean paper, rather than rolling them tightly.
Many film fans like to rotate their walls: horror posters for October, Christmas films for December and their all-time favourites for the rest of the year. With prints from £3, keeping your walls fresh has never been easier.
Can't find your film?
We regularly add new film, TV and anime posters to our New In collection. If your favourite is not there yet, request your own film poster and our studio in Camden will design it for you.
Why buy movie posters from 98types
- Printed in England: every poster is designed and printed at our studio in Camden, London.
- Quality paper: premium 260gsm paper for rich colour and crisp detail.
- Great value: posters from just £3.
- Fast delivery: free UK delivery and same-day dispatch.
- Buy 3, Get 1 FREE: mix and match films, TV series and anime.
- Win £100: don't miss our £100 shopping voucher draw every Sunday.
Frequently asked questions about movie posters
What are the best movie posters to buy?
The most popular movie posters are timeless classics such as The Godfather, Goodfellas and The Wizard of Oz, Studio Ghibli films like Howl's Moving Castle, and cult favourites such as Snatch, Scream and Mulholland Drive.
What is an alternative movie poster?
An alternative movie poster is a new design for a film, created instead of the studio's original artwork. It often uses illustration, minimal shapes or typography to reinterpret the film in a fresh, artistic way.
What size should a movie poster be?
A3 is the most popular size for bedrooms and gifts. A2 and A1 work best as statement pieces in living rooms and home cinemas, while A4 suits gallery walls and desks.
What are the best horror posters for Halloween?
Popular Halloween posters include Scream, Hocus Pocus, Get Out, The Witch, The Conjuring: Last Rites and The Nightmare Before Christmas, which also works for Christmas.
Which Studio Ghibli posters are most popular?
Howl's Moving Castle is one of the most popular Studio Ghibli posters in the UK, along with Castle in the Sky and Grave of the Fireflies.
What is a good gift for a film lover?
A poster of their favourite film is a thoughtful and affordable gift. It works for birthdays, Christmas and Father's Day. At 98types, film posters start from £3 with free UK delivery.
Are movie posters good for a home cinema?
Yes. Movie posters are the most popular way to decorate a home cinema or media room. Choose a theme, such as one director or genre, and use matching frames for a professional look.
What are the best Christmas film posters?
The Nightmare Before Christmas works for both Halloween and Christmas. Browse our Christmas movie posters for more festive classics.
What are the most famous gangster film posters?
The Godfather, Goodfellas and The Departed are the most popular gangster film posters, alongside British crime favourites such as Snatch.
How do I hang a poster without damaging the wall?
Use removable adhesive strips or hooks for lightweight frames, or a picture rail if you rent. Avoid sticking tape directly onto posters, as it can damage the paper.
Do you sell TV series and anime posters?
Yes. We sell posters for more than 160 TV series, including Game of Thrones and One Tree Hill, as well as anime series such as My Hero Academia, Neon Genesis Evangelion and The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
Bring cinema home
From Coppola and Scorsese to Miyazaki and Lynch, from Halloween horror to Christmas classics, the right film poster turns a blank wall into a story about who you are. Pick the film that made you fall in love with cinema, add a few favourites around it, and let your walls do the talking.
Ready to roll? Shop all movie posters – from £3, printed in England, free UK delivery, same-day dispatch, and Buy 3, Get 1 FREE.