Note: Currently the most commonly used movie poster size is the one sheet.: 27″ x 40″
Movie poster size has changed a lot since the 1980s when the first movie posters were distributed.
The first movie posters were actually used specifically for the theaters that would show the movie and required to be returned after use. Since then movie poster size has evolved in both color and dimensions.
Common old movie poster size included:
27 x 41″(One Sheet)
22 x 28″(Landscape)
14 x 36″(Portrait)
14 x 22″, (Window Card
41 x 54″,(Two sheet)
41 x 81″, (Three Sheet)
30 x 40″, 40 x 60″, and 81 x 81″(Square)
Currently the most commonly used movie poster size is the one sheet.: 27″ x 40″
The one sheet is used in many homes across America and especially children’s rooms as movie posters have become more mainstream and decorate many family’s rooms. Many companies have sprung up with the sole work of selling movie posters to university students through residences and over campus!
The next most commonly used movie poster size is: 40″ x 60″
also known as the bus stop poster. This movie poster size comes in portrait format and is commonly used for, you guessed it! Bus stop’s.
Creation of these posters and perfection of the use of movie poster size can be done by many standard printers however prices can vary depending on the quality coloring and pixelation. Many printers may use different types of color or may require you to have all your colors in a format specific to printing such as CMYK or RGB a good format to use when printing posters would be keeping the poster in CMYK when you start development and saving it in PDF format to retain its data. Also be sure to maintain a healthy amount of bleed around the edges dependent on the movie poster size so that essential pieces of the poster are not cut off after the printing.
For more information on movie poster size feel free to ask a question in the comments below….
So, what are the closest A or B paper sizes to these movie posters?
B0 is kinda close to the Bus Stop Movie Poster at 55.7 x 39.4 inches. Paper size B1 is closest to the smaller movie poster size at 39.4 x 27.8 inches.
I’m trying to print a poster in movie poster size, but the company only works in A paper sizes. Smaller movie poster seems to sit mid-way between A1 and A0 – rubbish 🙁
Hi Leyton sorry on the late reply, through my research and dealing with printers after these two basic sizes it starts to vary dependent on the printer. I would contact you use and ask for their exact specifications to be sure.
Cheers!
I am thinking of producing a one sheet for my documentary 27×40. Keeping with the theme of the movie, I was thinking about doing it in 2 color and on newsprint. Do you think a newsprint movie poster is usable?
Also, are there paper stocks that look light slightly yellowed newsprint?
That depends on your printer, I have seen different paper qualities and types that can effect the print outcome. This would be a great question to ask your printer before printing.
How can a 22″ x 28″ poster be landscape? Also, is the Bus Stop size 40″ x 16″ or 40″ x 60″? Your article claims both.
good catch on the poster size, the 22 by 28 is rectangularish
okkkk
How can I make a poster that will attract everybody?
Lots of hard work hehe. Not really sure where to go with this one there are some good books on typography in amazon and meanings of different fonts and how they effect different people. Also maybe start with a poster template if your new to designing
I would like to find out whats the type of paper that they used on a typical 27″x 40″ movie posters,also the ones that used or place in a light box what type of material do they use to printed to.
I have been trying to find out why the movie posters size shifted in 1985 from 27×41 to 27×40. Does anyone know why the change was made? Was it cheaper to print on certain equipment in the 40 inch width? Did paper stock come in 40 inch widths? Just curious what caused the change.
I have been trying to find out why the movie posters size shifted in 1985 from 27×41 to 27×40…….!
what type of paper is used for printing movie posters?
Has it ever been made there in US 14″x28″ movie posters? Basically it is a vertical rectangle with horizontal short side and vertical long side. How would you call that type of movie posters?
Hey There!
We are purchasing some snapping frames to hold our one sheets on the walls of the theaters and out front.
What’s the best size to order for current standard One Sheets?
27″x40″ or 27″x41″?
Thanks so much for the help!
I have an assignment to create movie poster,cd cover book jacket and book cover. I am working on the movie poster.I am new at this, only have a tablet,no adobe photoshop or any paid for apps. I am wondering how i can make a 27″×40-41″ piece like that.? It does say ( or) sized proportionately.what does sized proportionately mean for this??
I have a doctor who and the daleks movie poster. It looks like a British quad but it is only 27 by 36. Yes, 27 and not 24. I cant find a reprint of the poster in that size anywhere. And I have had it for over 10 years. Any idea what this is? Thanks!