When it comes to action figures, not all brands are equally popular. The best action figure brands offer exceptional quality, intricate details, and a rich variety to meet the needs of fans of all ages. From classic series like Marvel and DC Comics to beloved works like Dragon Ball Z and Star Wars, these companies have shaped the action figure toy industry for decades. Brands like Hasbro, Mattel, and McFarlane Toys stand out for their spirit of innovation and their commitment to producing collectible figures loved by both collectors and casual fans.
1. Hasbro
Hasbro was founded in 1923 and has grown into one of the world's leading toy brands, with action figures loved by fans of all ages. For decades, Hasbro has established an excellent reputation in the action figure industry through innovative designs and a diverse range of product lines.
Adhering to a philosophy of creativity and nostalgia, Hasbro continues to produce our favorite characters, including:
- Hydroponics Chamber
- Nerf
- Baby Alive
- Star Wars
- My Little Pony
- Power Rangers
- Marvel
- And more...
2. Mattel
Founded in 1945, Mattel has become a major player in the action figure industry, particularly renowned for producing highly detailed action figures and toys. Its flagship product, the Barbie doll, revolutionized the concept of dolls and made a huge impact in the toy industry.
Mattel's innovative ideas in play and storytelling, along with its commitment to diversity, have made it beloved by toy enthusiasts. With decades of experience, Mattel is dedicated to producing high-quality toys that inspire both children and collectors, such as:
- Hot Wheels
- Disney
- WWE Wrestling
- Barbie
- Thomas & Friends
- Jurassic Park
You might want to check out these Mattel products:
- Mattel Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 Bella Barbie Collector Doll
- Barbie Lunar New Year Collector Edition Doll
- Back to the Future 1/43 Hot Wheels Time Machine Alloy Model Car
- WWE Ultimate Edition Series Action Figure Pack (4-Pack)
3. McFarlane Toys
Todd McFarlane founded this company in 1994. It specializes in producing action figures known for their exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. McFarlane Toys focuses on various pop culture themes, particularly horror and comic book subjects.
Additionally, their NFL and NBA player figure series highlight the diversity of their products. By consistently releasing unique, character-centered toys, McFarlane Toys remains popular among collectors, especially fans of video games.
Some popular figure brands under McFarlane Toys include:
- Spawn
- The Walking Dead
- Halo (video game characters)
- NBA
- The Simpsons
- The Lord of the Rings
4. Bandai
This Japanese toy company, founded in 1950, is renowned for producing anime character models and other high-end action figures. Bandai's products reflect the diverse interests of global fans, making it a well-known brand in the market.
As a key player in the action figures market, Bandai continuously expands its product lines, making it the go-to brand for Japanese pop culture enthusiasts. Bandai is known for producing:
- Highly articulated Dragon Ball Z figures, such as Dragon Ball Z 7.5-Inch PVC Figure: Frieza (Final Form).
- One Piece collectibles, such as the Bandai One Piece Log Memoria 03 Scratchmen Apoo Figure keychain.
- Popular Gundam collectibles, such as Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Limited Edition Gundam Exia (Trans-Am Mode) for mecha anime fans.
- A wide variety of Power Rangers toys, such as Power Rangers Legacy Series 6.5-Inch Action Figure | Yellow Ranger.
- Sailor Moon action figures designed for female collectors, such as the Bandai Sailor Moon Sailor Uranus PVC Figure.
5. Hot Toys
Founded in 2000, Hot Toys is famous for producing highly detailed 1/6 scale collectible figures, especially from the Marvel Universe and Star Wars series. The company's dedication to quality and realism has made it a favorite among adult collectors.
Upholding exquisite craftsmanship, this company has become a leading producer of popular characters like Wonder Woman, Batman, and others from DC Comics, Avatar, Star Wars, and more. Other products include:
- Alien vs. Predator
- Fantastic Beasts
- Back to the Future
- Metal Gear
- RoboCop
- The Terminator
6. Funko
In 1998, Funko began transforming the toy market with its vinyl figures. As one of the world's leading action figure brands, Funko offers a wide variety of action figures catering to fans of all ages and interests, covering themes from comics, movies, video games, and more.
By continuously expanding its toy lines, every fan can collect their favorite characters. Funko has consistently produced the following types of action figures:
- Pop! Vinyl Figures, based on popular characters from various series.
- Mystery Minis or surprise boxes containing mini figures from hot series.
- Dorbz, a series of uniquely styled figures that add a distinctive charm to any collection.
7. NECA
The National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA), founded in 2002, specializes in producing detailed action figures based on popular series, attracting all kinds of collectors.
NECA's focus on popular IPs allows them to produce figures that resonate with fans, making them essentials in many action figure collections, such as:
- Alien figures capturing the horror essence of the classic film.
- Predator series figures representing iconic characters from different films.
- Uniquely designed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
- Horror movie collectibles meticulously recreating classic and contemporary horror movie icons.
8. Mezco
Founded in 2000, Mezco Toyz is known for producing unique figures often inspired by horror and comic themes. Their action figure series blends creativity with exquisite craftsmanship.
The company's commitment to quality and creativity has earned it a strong reputation in the action figure market. Their products attract fans worldwide, adding new members to their unique collections. Some of the best-selling action figures include:
- One:12 Collective series figures, known for strong articulation, rich detail, and abundant accessories.
- Living Dead Dolls bringing horror elements into the collector's world.
- Mez-Itz series stylized characters, popular among fans of all ages.
9. Marvel
Marvel is famous for its comics and cinematic universe, but it also excels in making action figures. The brand continues to grow and remains focused on product quality and fan engagement. Marvel's ability to blend storytelling with high-quality toys consistently inspires fan passion and participation.
Some known Marvel action figures include:
- Marvel Legends Series: Featuring highly detailed superhero and villain figures.
- Spider-Man: Action figures representing one of Marvel's most popular heroes.
- Iron Man and X-Men figures: Iconic collectibles paying tribute to classic IPs.
10. Mega House
Since 1997, Mega House has been dedicated to producing high-quality anime and comic character models, deeply loved by collectors worldwide. Their meticulous attention to detail and faithful character representation make them a top choice for anime fans.
You can find various collectibles at Mega House, including popular anime merchandise such as:
- Gundam Models: Popular model kits catering to mecha anime enthusiasts.
- One Piece Figures: Highly detailed collectibles showcasing beloved characters.
- Dragon Ball Collectibles: A wide variety of figures representing characters from this iconic series.