10 Best Action Figure Brands: Who Tops the List? (2024)

When it comes to action figures, not all brands are created equal. The best action figure brands offer exceptional quality, detail, and variety, catering to fans of all ages.

From iconic franchises like Marvel and DC Comics to beloved series such as Dragon Ball Z and Star Wars, these companies have shaped the toy industry over the decades.

Brands like Hasbro, Mattel, and McFarlane Toys stand out for their innovation and commitment to producing collectible figures that resonate with both collectors and casual fans alike. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top brands that have made their mark in the world of action figures.

Top 10 Most Popular Action Figure Brands

1. Hasbro

Founded in 1923, Hasbro has grown into one of the top action figure brands in the world, producing action figures that resonate with fans of all ages. Over the decades, Hasbro has established a prominent name in the toy industry through innovative designs and diverse collections.

With a focus on creativity and nostalgia, Hasbro continues to produce our favorite characters, including:

• Hydro Pods

• Nerf

• Baby Alive

• Star Wars

• My Little Pony

• Power Rangers

• Marvel

• And many more...

Some of the best action figures from Hasbro are:

• G.I. Joe Classified 6 Inch Tiger Force Duke & RAM Vehicle

• Marvel Legends SDCC The Thanos Imperative 5-Pack

• Power Rangers Beast Morphers Beast-X Ultrazord Ultimate Collection Action Figure

2. Mattel

Established in 1945, Mattel has become a major player in the action figure industry, particularly known for producing highly detailed action figures and toys. The flagship product, Barbie, revolutionized the concept of dolls, making waves in the toy industry.

Mattel’s innovative approach to play and storytelling and its commitment to diversity makes it a favorite among fanatics. With decades of experience, Mattel is dedicated to producing quality toys that inspire children and collectors, like:

• Hot Wheels

• Disney

• WWE Wrestling

• Barbie

• Thomas & Friends

• Jurassic Park

You might want to check out these Mattel products:

• Mattel The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part II Bella Barbie Collector Doll

• Barbie Lunar New Year Collector Doll

• Back To The Future 1/43 Hot Wheels Time Machine Die-Cast

• Masters of the WWE Universe Action Figure Set of 4

3. McFarlane Toys

Todd McFarlane founded this company in 1994 [1]. It specializes in action figures known for their fantastic quality and attention to detail. McFarlane Toys focuses on various pop culture themes, especially horror and comic books.

Additionally, their collection of NFL players and NBA figures highlights their versatility. By consistently producing unique, character-driven toys, McFarlane Toys remains a favorite among collectors, especially video game fans.

Some of the popular figure brands from McFarlane Toys include:

• Spawn

• The Walking Dead

• Halo (video game characters)

• NBA

• The Simpsons

• Lord of the Rings

Seeking value for money? Explore these toys from Toynk:

• The Matrix McFarlane Toys Series 1 Action Figure: Neo

• The Walking Dead Deluxe 10 Inch Figure Set - Daryl Dixon & Rick Grimes

• Mortal Kombat 7 Inch Action Figure | Shao Kahn

4. Bandai

This Japanese toy company, established in 1950, is renowned for producing anime figures and other high-end action figures. Bandai's action figures reflect the diverse interests of fans across the globe, making it a prominent name in the market.

As a significant player in the toy market, Bandai continues to expand its offerings, making it a go-to brand for fanatics of the Japanese pop culture. Bandai is known for manufacturing:

• Highly articulated Dragon Ball Z figures, like the Dragon Ball Z 7.5" PVC Figure: Frieza (Final Transform).

• One Piece collectibles, like the Bandai One Piece Log Memories 03 Scratchmen Apoo Figure Strap.

• Popular Gundam collectibles, like Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Exclusive Gundam Infinity Gundam Exia (Trans-Am Mode), for mecha anime enthusiasts.

• Power Rangers franchise through a huge variety of toys like the Power Rangers Legacy Collection 6.5 Inch Action Figure | Yellow Ranger.

• Sailor Moon action figures like Bandai Sailor Moon Sailor Uranus PVC Figure, specifically for girl collectors.

5. Hot Toys

Founded in 2000, Hot Toys is renowned for producing highly detailed, 1/6 scale collectible figures, particularly from the Marvel Universe and Star Wars franchises. The company's focus on quality and realism makes it a favorite among adult collectors.

With a commitment to craftsmanship, this company has established itself as a leader in producing popular characters like Wonder Woman and Batman alongside other figures from DC Comics [2], Avatar, and Star Wars. Others include:

• Alien vs Predator

• Fantastic Beasts

• Back to the Future

• Metal Gear

• Robocop

• Terminator

Some of the premium action figures that will surely resonate with fans include:

• Avatar 1:6 Hot Toys Collectible Figure: Jake Sully Navi

• Robocop Hot Toys MMS 1:6 Scale ED-209 Figure

• Batman Returns Hot Toys 1:6th Scale Collectible Figure: Batman

• Aliens Alien Warrior 1:6 Scale Collectible Figure

6. Funko

In 1998, Funko started to transform the toy market with its vinyl figures. As one of the action figure brands globally, the Funko company offers a wide variety of action figures, catering to fans of all ages and interests, from comics to movies to video-game-inspired characters.

By continuously expanding its toy line, every fan can surely collect their favorite characters. Funko has been to produce action figures in the form of:

• Pop! Vinyl Figures, which feature popular characters from various franchises.

• Mystery Minis or surprise boxes that include mini figures from beloved series.

• Dorbs, a line of stylized figures to add a unique charm to any collection

If you want to capture the facial expressions of your favorite characters, you don't want to miss these Funko Pops:

• Godzilla Vs Kong Funko POP Vinyl Figure | Battle-Ready Kong

• Care Bears X Universal Monsters Funko POP | Grumpy Bear as Frankenstein

• Killer Klowns from Outer Space Deluxe Funko POP | Jumbo

• Terrifier Funko POP | Art the Clown

7. NECA

Established in 2002, the National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA) specializes in producing highly detailed action figures based on popular franchises, appealing to collectors of all kinds.

NECA's focus on popular franchises allows them to produce figures that resonate with fans, making them a staple in many action figure collections, like:

• Aliens to capture the terrifying essence of the classic film.

• Predator figures, representing iconic characters from the different series.

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with unique designs.

• Horror movie collectibles for detailed representations of classic and contemporary horror icons.

Popular options include:

• AC/DC Bon Scott Highway to Hell 8 Inch Clothed Action Figure

• Clash Of The Titans Figurines Of Gods Prop Replica Set Of 6

• Diablo III Shadow of Diablo 7" Deluxe Scale Action Figure

8. Mezco

In 2000, Mezco Toyz was known for producing unique figures that often draw inspiration from horror and comic book genres. Their action figure collection features a blend of creativity and craftsmanship.

The company's commitment to quality and creativity makes it a remarkable name in the action figure market. Their offerings have been attracting fans worldwide looking for distinctive additions to their action figure collections. Some of the best-selling action figures are:

• One:12 Collective figures, which are highly articulated with impressive detail and accessories.

• Living Dead Dolls that bring horror elements into the collecting world.

• Mez-Itz series of stylized figures, which appeal to fans of all ages.

While some may fetch higher prices, here are some affordably-priced Mezco Toys for you:

• Planet of the Apes (1968) One:12 Collective Action Figure | Dr. Zaius

• Marvel One:12 Collective 6" X-Force Wolverine Action Figure, Previews Exclusive

• Alien One:12 Collective 6 Inch Action Figure

• GI Joe One:12 Collective Action Figure | Destro

9. Marvel

While Marvel is renowned for its comics and cinematic universe, it also excels in producing action figures. The brand continues to grow with a focus on quality and fan engagement. Marvel's ability to merge storytelling with high-quality toys keeps fans excited and engaged.

Some of the known action figures from Marvel include:

• Marvel Legends Series: Featuring highly detailed figures of superheroes and villains.

• Spider-Man: Action figures representing one of Marvel's most beloved heroes [3].

• Iron Man and X-Men figures: Iconic collectibles that celebrate major franchises

Check out these Marvel figurines with the good reviews from fans:

• Marvel Legends 6 Inch Action Figure | Rescue

• Doctor Doom Vs. Akuma 1:4 Scale Statue Set

• Marvel One 12 Collective Black Panther Action Figure

10. Mega House

Since 1997, Mega House has produced high-quality figures based on anime and manga, which appeal to collectors worldwide. Their focus on detail and character representation has made them a go-to brand for anime fans.

You can find various collectibles from the Mega House, which includes popular animes, such as:

• Gundam models: Popular model kits that cater to fans of mecha anime.

• One Piece figures: Highly detailed collectibles that showcase beloved characters.

• Dragon Ball collectibles: A vast array of figures representing characters from the iconic series

FAQs

What is the biggest action figure in the world?

The biggest action figure in the world is often considered to be the G.I. Joe Colossal figure, which stands at an impressive 12 feet tall. Created by Hasbro [4], this colossal figure was displayed at various events. Other notable large figures include a 4-foot-tall Hulkbuster from Hot Toys, a highly detailed representation from the Marvel Universe.

Why is Todd McFarlane so popular?

Todd McFarlane is renowned for revolutionizing the comic book industry and the action figure market through his work on Spider-Man and the creation of Spawn. His unique art style, characterized by intricate details and dynamic poses, captivated fans and led to a major shift in how superheroes were portrayed. As the founder of McFarlane Toys, he set new standards for action figures, focusing on high quality and realism.

What is the rarest Action Man figure?

The rarest Action Man figure is the Prototype G.I. Joe, the first-ever G.I. Joe figure. This is also a high-value action figure, being one of a kind is key. This particular figure was hand-crafted by Don Levine in 1964 before the first G.I. Joe figures were produced. Now considered more of an antique and a historic item than just a toy, it sold for $200,000 to a private collector in 2003. If that collector ever sold it again, it would likely fetch an even higher price.

Are action figures a good investment?

Investing in action figures can be lucrative, especially for rare or limited-edition items. Certain brands, like Hot Toys and McFarlane Toys, have seen their collectibles appreciate significantly over time. Factors that influence value include rarity, condition, and the popularity of the character or franchise. However, like any investment, there's inherent risk, and the market can fluctuate based on trends and pop culture.

Final Thoughts

The world of action figures is rich with brands that offer exceptional quality, detail, and variety, catering to fans and collectors alike. From Hasbro to Bandai and Hot Toys, each brand brings something unique to the table.

Investing in action figures can be rewarding, especially for rare items. If you're looking to expand your collection or find that perfect piece, explore the diverse action figure selection at Toynk, where you can discover action figures that resonate with your favorite franchises and characters. Start collecting today!

References:

1. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Spider-Man-comic-book-character
2. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/647943/dc-comics-facts
3. https://www.cbr.com/popular-marvel-characters/
4. https://hasbro.fandom.com/wiki/Hasbro