On any given day, a web search will return 1,000s of listicles purporting to have the superior guide to action figures.
So naturally, we had to one-up them.
From currently trending to most collector-worthy and top brands, the following product review will provide you everything you need to know about action figures.
This is a difficult list to make. What makes an action figure “worthy” of inclusion here? And how do you compare? Well, we hope our list of the best action figures speaks for itself. In compiling this shortlist, we took into account each toy’s popularity; the repute of the Brand; its influence on subsequent toys; and the craft of each figurine.
Read on (or skip to Number 1):
10. Juggernaut
Diamond Select’s Juggernaut action figure is one of the hardest-hitting mutants in the MCU, as evidenced by a cameo in Deadpool 2. Complete with sixteen points of articulation, this Juggernaut is unstoppable.
9. Darth Maul by S.H.Figuarts
At about 5.5-inches tall, this iteration of Darth Maul is one of our favorites. But the lifelike accuracy is not what makes it standout; it’s the peerless range of articulation and mobility that makes this Star Wars figure unlike the competitors.
8. Stretch Armstrong
Okay, so this one is probably not fair. But you have to give it to him; based on true articulation, Stretch Armstrong is pound-for-pound one of the primo out there. At maximum, he’ll stretch to 4x his original size, and can be pulled, twisted, and stretched in just about every direction.
7. He-Man (1981)
Estimated He-Man figures sold: 70 Million (Source)
At the height of He-Man fame, stores across the US couldn’t keep these figures in stock. And since launch, fans have bought up some 70 million He-Man toys.
6. Son Goku Dragon Ball Z
This Son Goku Dragon Ball Z action figure from Bandai gives a two-dimensional character some 3D traits. At 7″ tall, and 1/9 scale, this action figure combines lifelike detail with action-packed articulation. Son Goku is a must-have on any ‘ultimate action figures’ list.
5. Snake Eyes
Brand: Hasbro
More info:
- MPN: 5010993738366
- SKU: E8490
- Buy It Now
No action figure guide is complete without Hasbro’s 6-inch Snake Eyes action figure. Highly posable and well-articulated, this action figure includes the ninja assassin’s signature katana.
Price: 39.75
4. Optimus Prime (11-inch)
Brand: Transformers
More info:
- MPN: 630509633197
- SKU: C2001
- Buy It Now
Talk about iconic. In six simple steps, Hasbro’s Optimus Prime action figure morphs between semi truck and robot. At 11 inches, and weighing in at almost one pound, this Optimus Prime is a pure classic. Better yet, you can collect all the Cyber Commander Series Transformers figurines to round out your shelf. No action figure collection is complete without the timeless Optimus Prime.
Price: 44.00
3. Cable Action Figure
Brand: Kaiyodo
More info:
- MPN: 4537807013231
- SKU:
- Buy It Now
This Cable action figure combines near-limitless articulation with a full arsenal of weaponry. Just as useful for play and display, this lifelike take on the X-Men favorite is perfect for those who want action.
Price: 95.75
2. Silver Surfer
Brand: Hasbro
More info:
- MPN: 653569883951
- SKU: F02225L0
- Buy It Now
And while the original 90s Silver Surfer figurines can fetch prices as high as $60-70, Marvel has wisely revived him as 10-inch action figure, ready for battle.
Price: 55.85
1. Batman Timeless Bushido
Brand: Square Enix
More info:
- MPN: 662248815909
- SKU: MAR162547
- Buy It Now
Rare. Unique. Revisionist. The Batman Timeless Bushido action figure was brough to life by a talented team of designers, engineers, and otherwise visionaries. Behold, the Play Arts Kai samurai take on Gotham’s dark night. Batman takes “the way of the warrior,” armed to the teeth with katana and chained claw.
Price: 389.90
Honorable Mentions…
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G.I. Joe Green Beret (1966)
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G.I. Joe Mountie (1967)
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Snoopy Astronaut (1969)
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Ghostrider by Fleetwood Toys (1976)
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Mego Elastic Batman (1979)
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Hulk Hogan Pop Japan Wrestling (1981)
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Indiana Jones by Kenner (1982)
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Yak Face from Star Wars (1985)
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Mattel Faker action figure (1986)
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Mumm-Ra, ThunderCats by LJN (1987)
Reputable Action Figure Brands
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Bandai
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Hasbro
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Hot Toys
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Mattel
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Play Arts Kai
- Five Nights at Freddy’s
More Action Figures Resources:
Final Thoughts
That’s a ton of information! And, with how much we covered, we’ll be routinely updating and fact-checking this guide, so stay tuned.
The Brick Stan has poured countless hours into collecting and curating action figures, along with help from our readers. So if you do have any input or feedback, drop a comment below.
Our goal is to make the most exhaustive, informative gift guides on the web. And, if you’d like us to point us to any action figures or must-have toys, contact us here.