A man’s personal DIY Blockbuster store, creatively built inside his bedroom, has left people amazed. Taking to his TikTok page on Wednesday (November 20), John Martino quickly went viral, amassing 3.6 million views after sharing a carousel of his very own VHS tapes shop.
John shared photographs of his Blockbuster-inspired creation, revealing how he transformed a small, ordinary closet in his bedroom into a nostalgic tribute to the beloved American movie rental store.
As he explained in the caption, the TikToker had recently started collecting VHS tapes. However, he soon ran out of space to store them.
A man transformed his bedroom’s closet into an impressive blockbuster VHS store
“Got the crazy idea to turn a tiny closet I have in my bedroom into a miniature Blockbuster,” he explained.
John completely overhauled his closet, completing the space with signature yellow walls, shelves, blue carpeting, and even a snack rack.
The space now features a functioning Blockbuster sign that lits on, a “staff picks” section for him and his dog, and a hidden VCR connected to a TV for browsing while watching movies.
Moreover, the make-believe movie rental shop is decorated with a “Coming soon” sign which includes the 1990s movies Houseguest, Good Will Hunting, and Almost Heroes.
John wrote in the caption: “This project turned out so much better than I could have imagined and it makes me smile so hard. To me, this is art.”
Viewers were amazed at John’s unexpected creativity
A slew of nostalgic people were stunned by the Tiktoker’s project, as a user commented: “Now there are TWO remaining [Blockbusters] in the world.”
A person wrote: “I just love creative minds like what do u mean u have a walk-in Blockbuster.”
Someone else penned: “Great now I want a Blockbuster in my closet.”
“From someone [whose] first job was at Blockbuster Video in 1999, this is a flex bro!” a cybernaut shared. “Respect.”
A commentator added: “This gave me a lil [serotonin] boost thank you.”
“Are you hiring?” a netizen asked.
A separate individual chimed in: “This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.”
John’s audience gave their fair share of what John could create next
Many viewers shared their suggestions as John asked his audience what he should do next with the space.
While some encouraged the DIY master to install a gumball machine, others pointed to an “adults only” section behind a “tiny curtain.”
“Teeny tiny movie posters!” a TikTok user suggested while another recommended John hang up a “Be Kind. Please Rewind” sign.
“You need a slot in the door for returns,” an observer noted. Additionally, someone highlighted the importance of the space to smell like the authentic Blockbuster.
Image credits: johnfmartino
@johnfmartino @The Worlds Last Blockbuster’s opponent has entered the ring. #blockbuster #diy #diyproject #project #vhs #vhstapes #collection #nostalgia #nostalgiacore #90s #90sthrowback #fyp ♬ Retro 80s – MaxKoMusic
A person subsequently revealed that the Glade Plug in the scent “Aqua Waves” smelled just like the real deal.
John also shared a tour of his mini Blockbuster in a video on TikTok. The clip showed his impressive VHS collection, which included Batman Forever and some other 1990s classics, such as the Ninja Turtles.
“It feels like there’s always room for more,” John admitted.
Blockbuster was formerly a major player in the entertainment industry
Blockbuster was a popular video rental chain that became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s and early 2000s, primarily in the United States and other countries.
Customers would visit physical stores to rent VHS tapes, DVDs, and later Blu-rays, to watch movies and TV shows at home.
At its peak, Blockbuster had thousands of locations worldwide, but with the rise of digital streaming services, the chain declined and closed most of its stores, leaving only one remaining location in the US today.
The only remaining Blockbuster in the world is located in Bend, Oregon, USA. The last store, run by Sandi Harding and her husband, still offers DVD and VHS rentals, along with nostalgic merchandise like T-shirts and popcorn-scented candles.
Though tourism has become its primary business, attracting visitors from all over the world, the store has maintained a retro atmosphere, with customers enjoying the classic rental experience.
“Now everybody is like, ‘Aw, man, we miss it,’ which is always funny,” Sandi told The Washington Post in April. “You’d be surprised how many people insist on paying their late fees now to support the store.”
John’s creativity brought upon a wave of nostalgia and awe with viewers
