The original 1931 poster for Frankenstein starring Boris Karloff, measuring 14in x 3ft (35.5 x 91cm), would have been designed to fit the display cases outside cinemas at the time of the film's release.
The poster was consigned by Keith Johnson, of Ottawa, Illinois, who said: "I got it from an antiques store in town in either 1968 or 1969, and I probably only paid $2 to $5 for it."
Johnson's wife, Julie, said the framed poster "was kept in the closet for the 30-plus years we've been married". She added: "Every once in a while we would pour ourselves a glass of wine and go take a look at it. We always loved it, and thought it was very cool."
In condition Fine+, with slightly trimmed borders and light colour retouching, it took $220,000 (£150,685) plus 19.5% buyer's premium against a $100,000 estimate at Heritage's July 27 sale.
Heritage set the previous record on November 29 last year when they sold an insert poster for the 1942 film Casablanca for $160,000.
