Origin - Belgium Movie Posters Collection | MPA
This collection groups all Belgian movie posters and ephemera together for easy search, sort, and filtering, offering a gripping archive of cinematic suspense. This collection of original Belgian movie posters showcases the unique artistry and historical value of one of Europe’s most underappreciated but creatively rich poster traditions. Known for their distinctive sizing, striking graphic design, and multilingual text layouts, Belgian movie posters offer collectors a special glimpse into the way international and local films were marketed to Belgian audiences throughout the 20th century and beyond.
The standard size for vintage Belgian movie posters is typically 14 x 22 inches (also known as "petit" size), though many are found in larger formats as well. These posters are especially notable for their use of both French and Flemish (Dutch), reflecting Belgium’s bilingual culture. This not only adds visual character to the designs but also serves as a cultural artefact of the film’s regional distribution.
Belgian posters often feature striking, sometimes minimalist illustrations, making them a standout for collectors looking for pieces with aesthetic depth and European flair. Whether the artwork is hand-rendered or photo-montage based, the attention to detail is undeniable. In many cases, Belgian posters used original artwork not seen in other countries, giving them an exclusive edge for fans of poster art and cinema history alike.
Among the key titles in this collection is the Belgian release of Casablanca (1942). With slightly different styling than its American counterpart, the poster captures the romantic tension and wartime drama of the classic Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman film with subtle elegance. The Belgian design leans into atmospheric art, often opting for emotional resonance over bold typography.
Also featured is the vivid and unforgettable Belgian poster for La Dolce Vita (1960). Federico Fellini’s masterwork was met with international acclaim, and the Belgian poster doesn’t disappoint—channeling the glamour, chaos, and beauty of Rome’s nightlife with a composition that blends cinematic stills and stylised colour treatment. For fans of world cinema, this piece is both visually powerful and culturally significant.
Fans of the horror genre will find the Belgian poster for The Exorcist (1973) particularly compelling. The layout differs noticeably from the American version, incorporating more expressive typography and a haunting still of Regan. This ability to reinterpret familiar titles with a fresh visual tone is one of the great joys of collecting Belgian movie posters.
Belgium was also a key international market for kung fu and martial arts cinema in the 1970s, and this collection reflects that with thrilling posters for films like Enter the Dragon (1973) and Five Fingers of Death (1972). These posters often featured bold, action-packed illustrations and used layout designs that drew heavily from French comics and graphic novels—a unique stylistic twist on a globally popular genre.
Of course, the Belgian passion for cinema extended to American blockbusters, and posters for titles such as Star Wars (1977), Jaws (1975), and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) all appear in this collection, often with unique taglines and translated titles that add further interest. These Belgian versions are prized not only for their filmic connection but also for their stand-alone artistry and collectability.
Equally captivating are the posters for Belgian and French domestic films. Pieces like Man Bites Dog (1992) and Jean de Florette (1986) offer a glimpse into European cinema and highlight the contrast in tone and promotional style compared to Hollywood. Belgian movie posters for domestic productions often feature high-concept or abstract design, reflecting the often philosophical or character-driven nature of European storytelling.
Beyond the artwork and titles themselves, what makes the Belgian movie posters collection so compelling is the diversity of printing styles, colour use, and language choices. Collectors will notice how the cultural nuances of Belgium’s trilingual identity—French, Flemish, and occasionally German—are reflected in the layout and composition. This adds an additional layer of richness and collectability, as small changes in language or imagery can indicate a poster’s region of distribution or specific release period.
As with all vintage film memorabilia, condition and rarity play a significant role. Many of the posters in this collection have been preserved in excellent condition and are printed on classic lightweight paper stock typical of mid-20th century European prints. The ephemeral nature of these pieces—often discarded after theatrical runs—makes surviving examples even more desirable today.
Whether you're a seasoned collector, a design aficionado, or a film enthusiast, this collection offers a curated window into a cinema culture that masterfully blended international and local influences. The Belgian movie posters housed here are not just promotional materials—they’re miniature time capsules of the films, people, and historical moments they represent.
Movie Posters Australia has a large collection of original movie posters and movie ephemera available for you to add to your collection or display and enjoy.
If Movie Posters Australia doesn't have what you're looking feel free to contact us with some information about what you are searching for (title name, year, size, and any other relevant information eg. style, advance, condition) and we'll be happy to see if we can find it in our stored items, or through our extensive network of dealers, collectors and contacts.
Movie Posters Australia have been avid collectors, and more recently dealers, of original vintage movie posters for 40 years. Our passion for movie posters comes from our love of movies and the poster art created for these movies that captures and evokes the same feelings and memories created from watching the films. Sometimes, the posters themselves can be more enjoyable than the movies. And with a framed movie poster on your wall you can continue to appreciate the movie, and the memories it created, every single day. Movie Posters Australia allows us to work with something we love.
