Horror Buttons & Pins Have Become Increasingly Popular Collectibles

The Rising Popularity of Horror Buttons and Pins

Horror-themed collectibles like buttons and pins have seen a major resurgence in recent years. Fueled by nostalgia and a new generation of horror fans, small accessories featuring iconic horror movie characters, creatures, and imagery have become increasingly popular items to collect and display.

Horror Collectibles Tap Into Nostalgia

For longtime fans of the horror genre, buttons and pins featuring their favorite scary movie villains and monsters allow them to showcase their dedication. Horror buttons may bring back nostalgic memories of browsing novelty shops as a child and picking out a new button for a backpack or jacket.

Enthusiasts who grew up visiting amusement parks may fondly remember collecting buttons with ghost or vampire imagery after riding a horror-themed ride. A new enamel pin featuring that same amusement park creature can tap directly into those nostalgic memories.

Showcasing Fandom Through Clothing and Accessories

Along with nostalgia, fans also simply want to showcase their horror fandom. Small accessories like horror buttons and pins make it easy to incorporate a love of horror into any outfit. Fans can customize jackets, backpacks, lanyards, and more with their favorite scary characters.

Halloween is the perfect opportunity to showcase clever or retro horror pins on a costume or accessory. But the small size and uniqueness of horror buttons makes them a functional, year-round display of fandom. They are perfect for incorporating on a daily basis into goth, punk, or alternative styles.

The Rise of Enamel Horror Pins

Enamel pins in particular have become popular horror accessories over the last decade. Like buttons, they feature colorful or artistic designs encapsulated in durable metal and plastic. But unlike pin-back buttons, enamel pins are equipped with a locking backing so they can be securely fastened.

The smooth, glass-like surface of enamel allows for incredible artistic detail. So horror fans can find enamel pins featuring stunning renditions of characters like Pennywise, pumpkinhead characters, Ouija boards, and more.

Accessible & Collectible Horror Items

Part of the appeal of horror buttons and pins is that they let fans collect horror memorabilia on a budget. They are an accessible alternative to more expensive items like action figures or prop replicas.

Additionally, new designs are constantly being released as movies and shows inspire new artistic creations. So there is always something new to collect. Horror fans can accumulate a wide assortment representing various facets of the genre.

Types of Horror Buttons & Pins

Horror accessories showcase a wide range of styles catering to different niche interests within the horror community. Here are some of the major themes and imagery found on popular horror buttons and pins:

Slasher Villains

No horror button collection would be complete without some classic slasher movie villain representation. Collectors can find enamel pins featuring franchise villains like Freddy Krueger from Nightmare on Elm Street, Ghostface from Scream, and Chucky from Child's Play.

Horror Icons

Beyond slashers, horror cinema has created countless iconic monsters now featured heavily on collectibles. The most famous include pins and buttons showing Frankenstein's monster, Dracula, Wolf Man, and characters from The Mummy. These classic movie monsters remain hugely influential in the horror world.

The 1980s

No decade has influenced horror more than the 1980s. So horror fans love buttons featuring killer clowns, zombies, and strange creatures from the era's iconic films. Pins may reference A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, Hellraiser, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Re-Animator, and other 1980s cult classics.

Retro Horror

Vintage horror cinema also inspires lots of collectibles. Buttons may feature classic black and white images of Lon Chaney, Bela Lugosi, and Boris Karloff. Or showcase poster art or lobby cards from 1930s and 1940s horror movies. These types of pins have an antique, creepy vibe.

Modern Horror

Today's popular horror series likewise show up on enamel pins. Collectors can display icons from contemporary franchises like Insidious, The Conjuring, IT, and A Quiet Place. Or showcase characters from current hit horror shows on platforms like Netflix and Hulu.

Horror Comedies

Horror and comedy often mix well together in movies like Evil Dead 2, Beetlejuice, and Shaun of the Dead. Collectors can find buttons featuring wise-cracking characters like Freddy Krueger, Chucky, Critters, and Leprechaun.

Horror Artists

Some enamel pin designers pay tribute to famous horror poster artists or magazine cover illustrators. These types of collectibles let fans showcase work by legends like Basil Gogos, Graham Humphreys, Stephen Bissette, and John Carpenter.

Ideal Places to Display Horror Buttons & Pins

Once collectors acquire some horror buttons and pins, where do they display them? Here are some popular ways horror fans like to show off their scary little accessories:

Backpacks & Messenger Bags

Buttons and pins make great personalized touches on bags used every day. Horror accessories can make even a professional work bag look edgy and cool.

Hats & Beanies

An assortment of small pins around the brim adds personality to any ballcap or winter hat. Horror buttons work nicely with beanie hats popular in alternative fashion styles.

Denim or Leather Jackets

The classic punk rock battle jacket gets transformed into a horror jacket when covered in scary pins and buttons. But even non-punks can decorate traditional denim or leather jackets.

Lanyards & Badge Reels

Custom lanyards created for conventions, festivals, or Halloween make ideal places to show off lots of small horror pins.

Conducting SEO Research

To maximize search traffic, horror collectible brands should research how fans search for these types of accessories online. Are they using broad terms like “horror pins” or more specific keyword phrases? Performing keyword research can provide insight.

Likewise, analyzing the types of content ranking prominently in search engines can reveal themes and topics to focus on. If reviews of enamel horror pins perform well, consider creating blog, video, or podcast review content.

By creating content that targets audience search behavior, horror brands can earn more organic search visibility and traffic to their online shops. But they need to research those behavioral patterns first.

The Future of Horror Collecting

As classic horror continues to inspire new generations and the genre keeps evolving, the popularity of horror-themed buttons and pins will undoubtedly continue rising. These scary little accessories let fans showcase their fandom, interests, and personal style.

Horror creators and retailers would do well to keep up with trends in the space regarding iconography, color schemes, and stylistic approaches favored by collectors. However, even the most traditional pins featuring classic monsters and slashers continue resonating with horror enthusiasts.

With horror's enduring and growing fanbase, small accessories like pins and buttons give devotees an affordable way to express themselves. As long as people eagerly consume horror entertainment, they will also eagerly grab up horror collectibles in all their dark stylistic glory.

FAQs

Why have horror buttons and pins become so popular lately?

Horror accessories allow fans to showcase their fandom in an affordable, wearable way. Small pins and buttons make great collectibles. Factors driving popularity include nostalgia among older fans, a new generation of young horror enthusiasts, and the unique stylistic art on enamel pins.

Where is the best place to buy horror buttons or pins?

Many major online retailers like Amazon and Etsy carry horror collectibles. But the most unique and extensive selections are often found in specialty online shops catering specifically to horror fans. These retailers work directly with horror artists and suppliers.

How long have horror buttons and pins been popular collectibles?

Horror-themed pins and buttons grew throughout the late 1900s. However, the recent rise of enamel pins driven by fan culture on Instagram has made them mainstream. Horror is one of the most popular themes for enamel pins.

What are good ways to display a collection of horror buttons or pins?

Collectors often decorate clothing like hats, bags, denim jackets, and backpacks with pins. Beanies and ballcaps decorated with pins are very popular. Displays for showing off loose pins are also available. Shadow boxes and corkboards make great display pieces.