You’ve seen it a thousand times. Two dudes, one phone booth, and enough neon-soaked energy to power a San Dimas Circle K. But if you think every bill and ted movie poster you find on eBay is a piece of 1989 history, you’re probably in for a bogus journey.
Honestly, the world of 80s movie memorabilia is messy. Between the international "quad" prints, the video store promos, and the flood of high-quality fan art from modern boutiques like Skuzzles or Mondo, it’s easy to get confused.
Let’s be real. The 1989 original isn’t just a piece of paper. It’s a snapshot of a movie that almost didn’t exist. De Laurentiis Entertainment Group went bankrupt before they could release it, leaving the film—and its marketing—in a weird sort of limbo until Orion Pictures swept in to save the day. That’s why some early promotional materials look a little... different.
The 1989 original: A design by B.D. Fox & Friends
Most people assume a legend like Drew Struzan—the guy behind Star Wars and Back to the Future—painted the original Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure one-sheet. It fits his style, right? The airbrushed glow, the character montage, the sense of motion.
Actually, it wasn't him.
The primary theatrical poster was designed by a studio called B.D. Fox & Friends Advertising. They were the heavy hitters for 80s movie marketing. They leaned hard into the "time travel" chaos, cramming Napoleon, Billy the Kid, and Socrates into the frame.
The composition is brilliant for its time. You have the phone booth acting as a central anchor. It grounds the "historical" madness swirling around Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves.
Check your corners if you’re looking at an original. An authentic US one-sheet usually measures about 27x40 inches. If you find one that’s 24x36, it’s likely a commercial reprint sold at Spencer’s Gifts or a record shop back in the 90s. Collectors care about that distinction. A lot.
Why Bogus Journey changed the game
By 1991, the vibe shifted. Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey was weirder, darker, and way more visually ambitious. The poster had to reflect that.
B.D. Fox & Friends returned for the sequel’s art, but the palette swapped the sunny yellows of the first film for deep blues and purples. It’s got Death (played by the incredible William Sadler) looming over them.
You’ll notice the tagline: "Whoa dude, pressed hams!" It’s a bit of a head-scratcher today, but in '91, it was pure marketing gold for the target demographic.
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The interesting thing about the Bogus Journey posters is the "Double Feature" prints. Because the first movie was such a sleeper hit on VHS, many theaters ran marathons. These rare posters featuring both movies on one sheet are the holy grail for some fans. They don't show up often. When they do, expect to pay a premium.
Spotting a fake bill and ted movie poster
Buying "vintage" online is a gamble. The market is flooded with "reproduction" prints that claim to be original.
Here is how you actually tell the difference:
- The "Double-Sided" Rule: Most theatrical posters from the late 80s and early 90s were printed "double-sided" for lightboxes. This means the image on the back is a mirror of the front, but slightly lighter. If the back is plain white, it’s almost certainly a reprint or a video store promo, not a theatrical one-sheet.
- Paper Weight: Originals feel like actual paper, not thick cardstock or flimsy high-gloss photo paper.
- Print Quality: Grab a magnifying glass. Look at the text. On an original, the edges of the "billing block" (those tiny names at the bottom) will be crisp. If it’s a scan-and-print fake, the letters will look slightly fuzzy or "pixelated" at the edges.
It’s also worth mentioning the British Quad posters. These are horizontal (30x40 inches). In the UK, the marketing focused more on the "Excellent" branding than the individual characters. If you have a horizontal poster, you’ve got an international gem.
The rise of the "alternative" poster
Lately, the most interesting bill and ted movie poster designs aren't coming from the studios. They’re coming from artists like Matt Ryan Tobin.
He created a set of companion posters for both movies that have become legendary in the "alternative movie poster" (AMP) community. They’re incredibly detailed, incorporating small easter eggs that the original studio artists didn't have the time—or the fandom knowledge—to include.
These aren't "fakes." They’re officially licensed limited editions. They often sell out in minutes and then appreciate in value on the secondary market. If you want something that looks "prestige" on a wall, these screen-printed versions often look better than the original theatrical prints anyway.
Face the Music and the modern era
When Bill & Ted Face the Music dropped in 2020, the poster game had changed. We were in the era of "Art Machine," the agency responsible for the third film’s marketing.
The main poster for the third film is a direct callback to the first. You’ve got the phone booth, the two leads, and a lot of familiar faces. But look closely at the lighting. It’s much more digital. It lacks the hand-painted "soul" of the 80s versions, but it does its job: it tells you that the dudes are back.
There’s a specific "Billie and Thea" variant for the third movie too. It features Samara Weaving and Brigette Lundy-Paine. For many younger fans, this is the version they identify with. It’s a bridge between the Gen X nostalgia and the new school.
Actionable steps for your collection
If you're serious about owning a piece of this history, don't just click "buy" on the first $15 listing you see.
First, decide what you actually want. Is it a theatrical one-sheet for the history? Or a screen-printed boutique poster for the aesthetics?
If you want a theatrical original:
- Search specifically for "double-sided one-sheet."
- Ask the seller for a photo of the "billing block" under high light.
- Verify the dimensions (27x40 is the standard).
If you just want cool art for your room:
Look for artists like Matt Ryan or companies like Mondo and GMA (Grey Matter Art). Their prints use high-quality inks that won't fade in the sun like a cheap Xerox copy will.
Regardless of which version you choose, keep it out of direct sunlight. Those 80s neons are notoriously prone to fading. A UV-protected frame is basically mandatory if you don't want your most excellent investment to turn into a bogus yellowed mess in five years.