With so many manufacturers and figure series available, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth considering. Some figures focus on adorable chibi designs, while others offer highly detailed poses, realistic costumes, and impressive accessories. From affordable prize figures to premium collectibles, there is something for almost every anime fan and budget.
In this guide, we explore 10 popular anime figure series and manufacturers that collectors should know about. These include Nendoroid, Pop Up Parade, Banpresto, Taito, Sega SPM, Kotobukiya, S.H.Figuarts, Megahouse Look Up, Furyu/Ichibansho, and Figma.
Good Smile Company Nendoroid Series:
Good Smile Company Nendoroids are among the most recognizable anime collectibles in the world. These figures are famous for their cute chibi-style appearance, small bodies, large heads, and expressive faces.
One of the biggest advantages of Nendoroids is customization. Many figures come with interchangeable facial expressions, hands, arms, weapons, accessories, and other parts. This allows collectors to recreate different scenes or display their favorite characters in various poses.
Nendoroids are available from an enormous range of anime, manga, games, and entertainment franchises. Popular characters can often be found in this format, making Nendoroids an excellent choice for fans who want a combination of cuteness and collectability.
They also make attractive desk decorations because of their compact size. If you want an anime figure that is expressive, customizable, and easy to display, the Nendoroid series is an excellent place to start.
Good Smile Company Pop Up Parade:
Good Smile Company's Pop Up Parade series is designed for collectors who want attractive anime figures without moving into the highest premium price ranges. The series features characters from numerous anime, manga, games, and other popular franchises.
Compared with highly articulated figures, Pop Up Parade collectibles generally focus more on presentation and character appearance. Many figures have dynamic poses, recognizable costumes, and carefully designed details.
Another advantage is their relatively accessible size and price compared with some larger premium statues. This makes them particularly appealing to beginners who want to start collecting anime figures.
Pop Up Parade figures can also work well when displayed together. Collectors can create shelves dedicated to specific anime series or combine characters from different franchises to create a colorful collection.
Banpresto (Bandai Spirits):
Banpresto, part of Bandai Spirits, is particularly well known for its prize figures. These collectibles are popular among anime fans because they often provide impressive character designs at more accessible prices than many high-end statues.
Banpresto produces figures from major franchises such as One Piece, Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer, and many others.
One of the biggest attractions of Banpresto figures is variety. Collectors can find characters in different outfits, poses, costumes, and themed series. Some releases are based on important anime moments, while others simply showcase characters in stylish poses.
If you want to build a large collection without spending premium prices on every individual figure, Banpresto is a manufacturer worth exploring. Their prize figures can also be excellent choices for displaying several characters together.
Taito Prize Figures:
Taito is another major name in the Japanese prize-figure market. Taito prize figures are popular among collectors who want attractive anime collectibles while keeping their spending relatively reasonable.
These figures cover a wide range of popular anime franchises and characters. Depending on the release, collectors can find figures featuring school uniforms, battle outfits, casual clothing, fantasy costumes, and other character designs.
Taito figures are especially appealing to collectors who enjoy collecting female anime characters, although the company's catalog includes many different types of characters and franchises.
Because prize figures are generally designed to be more accessible than premium collectibles, Taito is a great option for newcomers. They can also help collectors expand an existing display without making every purchase a major investment.
Sega SPM (Super Premium) Figures:
Sega's SPM, or Super Premium, figure line is another popular choice for anime collectors. These figures are designed to provide a more detailed presentation while remaining accessible to a wide range of fans.
SPM figures often feature characters in dynamic poses, distinctive costumes, and visually interesting compositions. Their larger presentation compared with many small collectibles can make them stand out on a display shelf.
The series includes characters from popular anime and gaming franchises, giving collectors plenty of choices. Many releases are particularly attractive for fans who want figures that capture a character's personality rather than simply showing them standing in a basic pose.
If your goal is to create an eye-catching anime display without purchasing expensive scale statues, Sega SPM figures are worth considering.
Kotobukiya ArtFX J Series:
Kotobukiya is widely recognized among collectors for its detailed character statues, and the ArtFX J series is one of its popular lines.
ArtFX J figures typically focus on detailed sculpting, carefully designed costumes, recognizable expressions, and dynamic poses. They can have a more premium statue-like appearance compared with many prize figures.
This series is especially attractive to collectors who care about presentation and character accuracy. Figures from popular anime and manga franchises can become impressive centerpiece items in a collection.
Kotobukiya figures may also appeal to experienced collectors who want something more elaborate than an entry-level collectible. If you are building a dedicated anime display and want figures with strong visual impact, ArtFX J is a series worth checking out.
Tamashii Nations S.H.Figuarts:
Bandai Namco's Tamashii Nations brand is well known for articulated collectibles, and S.H.Figuarts is one of its best-known figure lines.
Unlike static statues, S.H.Figuarts figures are designed with articulation in mind. Collectors can often move the characters into different poses and recreate action scenes.
This makes the series particularly appealing to anime fans who enjoy dynamic displays, photography, and action poses. Depending on the character, figures may include interchangeable hands, faces, weapons, or other accessories.
S.H.Figuarts can be a great choice if you want your collection to feel interactive rather than simply decorative. Fans of action-heavy anime and characters with distinctive battle poses may especially enjoy this series.
Megahouse Look Up Series:
The Megahouse Look Up series has a unique concept that makes these collectibles immediately recognizable. Characters are designed in a cute sitting pose, usually looking upward toward the viewer.
MegaHouse Look Up figures are generally compact and work particularly well on desks, bookshelves, monitors, and smaller display spaces.
Their adorable style makes them different from traditional action figures or realistic statues. Instead of focusing on dramatic movement, the series emphasizes personality and charm.
They can also look fantastic when several characters from the same anime are displayed together. For collectors who prefer cute anime merchandise rather than serious battle poses, the Look Up series is an excellent option.
Furyu / Ichibansho:
Furyu is known for producing a variety of anime collectibles, including prize figures with attractive designs and accessible pricing. Its releases cover numerous popular Japanese entertainment franchises.
Ichibansho figures, associated with Bandai Spirits' collectible offerings, are another popular choice among anime fans. These figures often focus on recognizable characters and strong display poses.
Both categories can appeal to collectors who want visually impressive figures without immediately moving into the most expensive premium statue market.
When shopping for Furyu or Ichibansho collectibles, collectors should pay attention to the specific release, scale, materials, and seller because designs and pricing can vary considerably between figures.
Max Factory Figma Series:
Max Factory's Figma series is an excellent choice for collectors who prioritize articulation and posing. Figma figures are known for their flexible joints and wide range of accessories.
Max Factory has produced Figma collectibles featuring characters from anime, manga, video games, and other entertainment properties.
One of the biggest benefits of Figma is versatility. Collectors can pose characters for different scenes, photographs, and displays. Many figures also include interchangeable parts that add even more possibilities.
Figma figures are especially attractive to fans who enjoy action poses or creating miniature scenes. If you want an anime collectible that can do more than simply stand on a shelf, Figma is definitely worth considering.
How to Choose the Best Anime Figure for Your Collection
Choosing an anime figure ultimately depends on your personal preferences, available space, and budget. Before purchasing, consider whether you want a static display figure or an articulated collectible.
For cute and customizable figures, Nendoroids and Megahouse Look Up figures are excellent choices. If you want affordable display pieces, Banpresto, Taito, Sega SPM, and similar prize figures can be attractive options.
Collectors who prefer premium-looking statues may want to explore Kotobukiya ArtFX J. Meanwhile, fans who enjoy posing and action displays may prefer S.H.Figuarts or Figma.
You should also check the figure's size before ordering. A collectible that looks small in a product photo can take up considerably more shelf space than expected. Always check dimensions, release information, seller ratings, and product reviews before buying.
Final Thoughts
Building an anime figure collection should be fun rather than stressful. There is no single figure series that is perfect for everyone. Some collectors love cute chibi designs, while others prefer realistic statues or highly articulated action figures.
The Good Smile Company Nendoroid Series, Pop Up Parade, Banpresto, Taito Prize Figures, Sega SPM, Kotobukiya ArtFX J, Tamashii Nations S.H.Figuarts, Megahouse Look Up, Furyu/Ichibansho, and Max Factory Figma Series all offer different experiences for anime fans.
Whether you are buying your first anime figure or searching for the next centerpiece for your collection, take time to compare designs, sizes, prices, accessories, and reviews. The best anime figure is ultimately the one that represents a character or series you genuinely enjoy.
With the right choice, even a small shelf can become an exciting display of your favorite anime worlds and characters.
0 Comments