From Marvel to Star Wars: 10 Best Action Figure Brands to Collect Now

That’s an astonishing figure. Collecting action figures is not just a hobby but a fantastic tradition enticing various generations of fans. Adding a new piece to the collection or introducing a rare figure at a convention gives them a sense of exhilaration. The Marvel and Star Wars craze has turned out to be the best action figures and has significantly transformed how collectors pick and add new pieces to their collections in the past few years. According to a report by Grand View Research, the US action figure market was USD 3.06 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2030. Marvel superheroes have taken the world by storm, with a gigantic universe continuously growing through movies, comic books, and TV series. Similarly, the epic saga of Star Wars has won the hearts of millions with its rich and iconic characters.

This blog post will dive deep into the best action figure brands and highlight the brands that stand out in quality, variety and unique offerings. If you also want to expand your collection or gift your loved ones the perfect action figure, you are in the right place. Browse our curated list of the top 10 best action figures and ensure you don’t miss out on the must-have collectables of this year.

Let’s review the trend before exploring the top 10 action figure brands.

What’s the Action Figure Trend?

The global market has evolved beyond its conventional roots in the past few years. The action figures are not considered mere children’s toy figures & playsets but stand in the queue of highly sought-after collectables, capturing the attention of hobbyists, pop culture enthusiasts and investors. That results from high-octane superhero movies and series dominating the entire entertainment landscape. Characters from Marvel, Star Wars and DC are not just a part of the cinematic universe but are recognised as cultural icons resonating with various generations.

AI Action Figure Trend

Furthermore, with technological advancements, a new wave of AI action figure trends has boomed in the industry, revolutionising how figures are designed, created and personalised.

Today, they are not considered under the category of games & toys. This modern approach allows brands to create figures that resonate with the audience.

With the emergence of the ChatGPT action figure trend, you can simply add your photograph, and mention the details. ChatGPT will create an image of a collectible figure according to mentioned details and preferences. Now, the audience can unleash their creativity and create the kind of action figures they want.

Top 10 Best Action Figure Brands You Can Collect

When you decide to select the best action figure brand from the market, it can be an overwhelming task. The market has diverse brands offering various products for different collector preferences. Look at the top ten action figure brands and select the best one for your preferences.

1. Hasbro

Hasbro is one of the best action figure brands and has gained a recognised position with its flagship lines, such as Marvel Legends and the Star Wars Black Series. Marvel Legends lineup has set top-notch standards for superhero action figures, with intricate details and an extensive character range that includes famous heroes and villains. In the same way, the Star Wars Black Series is known for its high quality and is one of the best Star Wars action figures presenting iconic characters.

Popular Hasbro action figures:

• Marvel Legends Spider-Man
• Star Wars Black Series Darth Vader

Why prefer Hasbro action figures?

• Wide variety of characters from popular franchises.
• Suitable for both play and display purposes.

2. Bandai

Bandai is another one of the best anime action figure brands. They offer some of the best anime action figures you’ve ever seen. Following the Dragon Ball and One Piece series, their range covers SH Figuarts and SH Monsters Arts. Popular figures like Dragon Ball Z Super Saiyan Goku, or the One Piece Luffy figures represent anime characters with precise accuracy and attention to detail, appealing to fans and serious collectors.

Popular Bandai action figures:

• S.H.Figuarts Goku (Dragon Ball Super)
• S.H.Figuarts Iron Man (Avengers: Infinity War)

Why prefer Bandai action figures?

• Dynamic and expressive poses.
• Action figures from anime and tokusatsu genres.

3. NECA

When considering cult classics and horror, NECA has a reputation for outstanding craftsmanship. From figures of Alien and Predators to beloved characters like Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers, NECA dedicatedly works to produce highly detailed figures. Action figure collectors interested in horror and pop culture will find their extensive collection fantastic and adventurous.

Popular NECA action figures:

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Leonardo
• Predator

Why prefer NECA action figures?

• Detailed and accurate presentations of iconic characters.
• Efficiently caters to niche collectors.

4. Funko

The Funko Pop phenomenon is a cultural staple attracting a huge number of fans to engage with their favourite franchise through a stylish action figure. Funko figures cater to a wide range of audiences, including categories from popular movies, television, video games and music. From Marvel characters to Star Wars' iconic heroes or villains, Funko provides an enticing collection of figures for adults and kids.

Popular Funko action figures:

• Spider-Man (Classic)
• Batman (DC)

Why prefer Funko action figures?

• Extensive range of characters.

5. Hot Toys

When you crave stunning reality and detailing, Hot Toys is the brand portraying action figure toys from franchises like Marvel and DC. Whether you like them or not, Hot Toys brings itself to the list of top action figure brands serving some rare kinds of pieces. Be it the Limited-run figures like Iron Man with solid armour or Loki in a unique costume. Every piece is the best action figure to collect.

Popular Hot Toys action figures:

• Iron Man Mark LXXXV (Avengers: Endgame)
• Spider-Man (Far from Home)

Why prefer Hot Toys action figures?

• Highly collectable pieces.
• Quality materials

6. Mafex

Mafex experienced immense popularity with its fantastic collection of action figures featuring the perfect combination of variety and quality. These distinctive features make it one of the best action figure brands, allowing you to easily choose from superhero and anime genres. The Batman, Spider-Man, and anime classics represent their fine detailing ability to capture the character’s essence. Mafex Hush Batman and Mafex Miku Hatsune are outstanding pieces for your collection.

Popular Mafex action figures:

• Mafex Batman (Hush)
• Mafex Spider-Man (Homecoming)

Why prefer Mafex action figures?

• Attention to detail.
• Characters from both the superhero and anime genres.

7. McFarlane Toys

McFarlane Toys is mainly known for its commitment to exceptional detail and artistic design. The brand produces some of the most popular action figures across various categories, such as comic characters and popular video games. Their Spawn figures have won the hearts of the audience, while Minecraft and Fortnite are also the most loved by the audience. McFarlane Toys ensures that every action figure resonates with fans’ collectable preferences.

Popular McFarlane Toys action figures:

• DC Multiverse Batman
• Spawn (Classic)

Why prefer McFarlane Toys action figures?

• Exceptional detailing and spectacular craftsmanship.
• Innovative and dynamic poses.

8. Play Arts Kai

Play Arts Kai is focused on offering artistic presentations and specialises in depicting video game characters and similar icon figures in a stylised format. Their designs from popular franchises like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts are some of the most lovable action figures, highlighting excellent posing ability.

Popular Play Arts Kai action figures:

• Final Fantasy VII Cloud Strife
• Metal Gear Solid V Snake

Why prefer Play Arts Kai action figures?

• Artistic interpretations from video games and anime genres.
• Imaginative and dynamic displays.

9. Mattel

Mattel owns a majestic, storied legacy and produces action figures appealing to various demographics. Be it the WWE or DC Comics, their high-quality figures have kept them tough in the competition for decades. Mattel focuses on creating the best action figures for kids while maintaining collector appeal for the limited editions.

Popular Mattel action figures:

• Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures Barbie
• DC Super Friends Batman

Why prefer Mattel action figures?

• Strong focus on storytelling.
• Appealing to both children and collectors.

10. Sideshow Collectables

Collectors and enthusiasts looking for premium and high-end action figures can prefer Sideshow Collectables. Their vast collection typically includes striking figures and detailed art pieces, making them a first choice for those seeking the best female action figures. Action figures from Sideshow Collectables not only visualise craftsmanship but also highlight small bits of conversation.

Popular Sideshow Collectables action figures:

• Scarlet Witch (Avengers: Endgame)
• Joker (Premium Format)

Why prefer Sideshow Collectables action figures?

• High-end collectables for serious collectors
• Offers limited editing releases

Still confused and feeling overwhelmed while exploring all these brands? Let’s make picking the best action figure that fits your preferences easier.

How To Collect the Right Action Figure Across Various Categories?

We have classified several popular categories catering to various age groups, interests and fandoms. Look at the three major categories, ensuring that collectors and hobbyists of all ages find the perfect one from the best action figure brands for their collection and buy it from online stores like Ubuy that offer plenty of toy figures and playsets for you to choose from.

Category	Brand	Notable Figures/Lines	Key Features
Best Action Figures for Kids	Hasbro	Transformers, Marvel Superhero Adventures	Easy to handle, durable, encourages imaginative play
	Mattel	Barbie, DC Super Friends	Promotes positive role models, child-friendly design
	Playmobil	Themed sets (Pirates, Superheroes, etc.)	Durable, many accessories, supports storytelling
Best Female Action Figures	DC Collectibles	Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Harley Quinn	Highly articulated, comic-accurate, empowering representations
	Hasbro	Marvel Legends (Captain Marvel, Black Widow)	Detailed design, extensive articulation, dynamic posing
	Women of the DC Universe	Various female DC characters	Strong portrayals, artistic craftsmanship
Best Superhero Action Figures	Hasbro	Marvel Legends (various Marvel heroes & villains)	Excellent sculpting, great articulation, wide character roster
	McFarlane Toys	DC Comics, Spawn	Intricate sculpts, high-detail paintwork, premium quality
	NECA	Superhero film-based figures	High detail, aimed at mature collectors
	Hot Toys	MCU, DC Films	Excellent sculpting, great articulation, and a wide character roster

Now, selecting your favourite and the best action figure is just a piece of cake. It is now clear that several brands have made their strong position in their niche, contributing to the diverse world of collections. Participate in discussions for new releases and connect with fellow enthusiasts on social media to grab the latest action figure insights. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a beginner, this is the perfect time to expand your collection with various themes and interests resonating with your personal preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions