20 Action Figure Lines We Collected
If you grew up with them, you probably have more than just toys in your action figure collection. Action figure lines have sparked our interest and brought our favorite characters from movies, TV shows, and books closer to us. Here are 20 action figure lines, some well-known and some not, that we just had to collect and still love today.
- Tricia Quitales
- 7 min read
Action figure lines have always been a big part of pop culture because they allow fans to connect with their favorite characters. Whether based on hit movies, comic books, or original stories, these toys were more than just things to play with. They let us enter into new worlds. Some lines became classics in our childhood collections, while others’ unique styles and stories made us want to make up our own. Here is a list of 20 action figure lines that many fans loved as kids and still do.
1. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1980s)
Erik Mclean on Pexels
In the 1980s, Masters of the Universe action figures were necessary because of He-Man’s strong deeds and Skeletor’s evil plans. The line included many crazy, colorful figures, from the good guy He-Man to the lousy Trap Jaw. Each figure was given over-the-top accessories and features to make it stand out, making them great for making up battles.
2. G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1980s)
Public domain on Wikimedia
With so many characters and vehicles, the G.I. Joe action figures brought military action and excitement to life. These detailed figures came with guns, tanks, and helicopters, making playing with them even more fun. The fact that kids could mix and match figures and cars kept them coming back for more.
3. Star Wars (1978-present)
Lisa Fotios on Pexels
After the first 12 figures were released in 1978, Star Wars action figures quickly became a must-have for fans of all ages. Kids loved these toys because they let them play with characters from a world far, far away, like Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Princess Leia. Because the world is so big, there are always new characters and figures to collect, which has kept people interested for decades.
4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1988)
InspiredImages on Pixabay
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action toys were very popular with kids in the 1990s. The Turtles had unique personalities and loved pizza. The figures were very detailed and came with many fun extras, like weapons and vehicles, which made them great for fights with lots of action. The Turtles’ figures brought their stories to life, whether you liked the cartoon or the comics.
5. Transformers (1984-Present)
Soly Moses on Pexels
Transformers changed how action figures were played by making toys that could transform from robots to cars and back again. From Optimus Prime to Megatron, the Transformers line had many different personalities, and each could transform into a different form. People who like action and tech toys liked these figures, especially kids who wanted to play with them.
6. Marvel Legends (2002-Present)
Erik Mclean on Pexels
With their highly detailed, poseable models of all the famous Marvel characters, Marvel Legends action figures took the world of comic books to a new level. From Spider-Man to Iron Man, each figure had extra hands and accessories to improve the show. Because of how well they were made, these figures were more than just toys for the adults who collected them.
7. Barbie (1959-Present)
Tara Winstead on Pexels
For more than 60 years, Barbie dolls have been a collector’s dream. Many types of Barbie dolls exist, including historical figures, fantasy characters, and more. With their famous pink Corvette and huge clothing, Barbie dolls were great for playing make-believe for hours. Barbie was always a popular treasure, even if you only had one or all of her versions.
8. Hot Toys (2000s-Present)
Min An on Pexels
Fans of lifelike figures of their favorite characters love Hot Toys, which is known for making very realistic figures with a lot of small details. These 1/6th scale models from Star Wars to The Avengers are made with great care and attention to detail. They have realistic clothes and faces. Even though they are pricey, these action toys are the most luxurious you can get.
9. Masters of the Universe Classics (2008-2015)
Geekcdtoys on Pixabay
Building on the original Masters of the Universe line, Classics gave He-Man models from the 1980s a new, more detailed look that made people nostalgic. These figures, made for adult fans, feature old and new characters. The line also included rare, hard-to-find statistics, making it a prize hunt for die-hard fans.
10. Super Powers Collection (1984-1986)
Craig_Steffan on Pixabay
The Kenner Super Powers line brought DC Comics characters to life with bright, prominent action figures. Characters like Batman, Superman, and the Joker were easy to play with because their forms were simple but effective. They still had the comic book charm. The figures also had unique features, like action kicks and the ability to fly, that made them more fun to play with.
11. Funko Pops! (2010-Present)
MBEMBE123 on Wikimedia
Many people like to collect Funko Pops, even though they’re not action toys. Their bodies are tiny, and their heads are enormous. There’s a Funko Pop! for every movie, TV show, video game, and cartoon. For almost any group. There are a lot of them, and they are easy to show off. Fans of pop culture must have them.
12. Thundercats (1985-1987)
IIkksya on Pixabay
The exciting tales of Lion-O and his team with their swords were turned into toys with the Thundercat’s action figures. Each figure had a famous weapon and a unique feature, like Lion-O’s sword that could “glow.” These figures had a nostalgic, exciting appeal that kept kids interested during the show’s peak success.
13. Wrestling Action Figures (1980s-Present)
Unknown artist on Wikimedia
From the Hasbro WWF figures to the Mattel WWE action figures, wrestling fans have been able to act out their favorite fights and stories. These figures were very accurate recreations of great fighters. Their limbs could move, and they were posed in their signature ways. Fans stayed interested and couldn’t wait for more because new characters and items always emerged.
14. Playmobil (1974-present)
Markus Spiske on Pexels
Playmobil’s action figures are known for being simple and easy to assemble. They come in many themes, such as pirates, warriors, and modern-day heroes. Playmobil figures are different from other action figures because they come with extra parts that can be used to build whole worlds. The kids could easily make up whole scenes and stories with these figures, which made them great for creative play.
15. Power Rangers (1993-Present)
Miguel Discart on Pixabay
Power Rangers figures brought the bright stars of the popular TV show to life. Each Ranger, their weapons, and their Zords were modeled after real people. These figures made kids want to act out their favorite fight scenes from the show and play make-believe for hours on end. With new shows and designs, collections have kept the Power Rangers’ name alive.
16. The Walking Dead (2011-Present)
ErikaWittlieb on Pixabay
With The Walking Dead action models, TV show fans can bring the world of the hit show into their own homes after the end of the world. These collectibles capture the gritty feel of the show with highly detailed figures of characters like Rick, Daryl, and Negan. People who liked collecting liked the detailed statistics and the many extras they came with, like guns and different heads.
17. Star Trek (1970s-Present)
henlfern on Pixabay
With models of the famous crew from the original series, The Next Generation, and other shows, Star Trek fans have been bravely able to go where no one has before. Often, these figures came with detailed clothes and items that matched the ones they wore in the movies. They’re a great way to show your love for the series, whether you’re a Trekkie or a sci-fi fan.
18. Ninja Turtles (2012-Present)
faisalarefinabid on Pixabay
The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures update the old Turtles with new looks, moving parts, and extras. Collectors like the action figures, especially since different versions have been added, such as movie versions and Turtles from other worlds. The well-known heroes look different in a half-shell with these new models.
19. Ghostbusters (1984-Present)
gregstepien75 on Pixabay
With the Ghostbusters action models, you could bring the Ghostbusters team and their famous gear to life. These figures, from the proton packs to the Ecto-1, showed how fun and exciting it is to hunt down magical beings. The collection includes models from different periods so fans can assemble the best ghost-fighting team possible.
20. McFarlane Toys (1994-Present)
solihinkentjana on Pixabay
McFarlane Toys changed the action figure world by making figures with a lot of detail from many titles, such as Spawn and Halo. Figures often look more accurate than most, with detailed sculpts and paint jobs that make them stand out. Because McFarlane cares so much about quality and detail, their figures are some of the most sought-after souvenirs on the market.