The 10 Rarest Action Figures from Popular Movie Franchises
For collectors, action figures are more than just toys. They are treasured pieces of movie history. Some action figures are so rare that they become prized possessions among enthusiasts. These rare figures often come from limited releases or special editions, making them even more valuable. If you are a fan of movie memorabilia, these figures are worth learning about. Let’s take a look at some of the rarest action figures from popular movie franchises that every collector dreams of owning.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Superman
The original Superman action figure, created by Louis Marx and Company in 1939, holds a special place in toy history. It is one of the earliest superhero action figures, and its rarity is due to its age and limited production. Made of composition material, the figure features Superman in his iconic costume, but only a few were produced. Its market value is estimated at around $50,000, depending on its condition and packaging.
Superman, a character from the DC Comics universe, was not widely marketed as an action figure at the time. This toy is one of the first of its kind, predating the mass production of superhero-themed action figures. The scarcity of these early figures makes them highly valuable to collectors. The figure represents Superman’s early days in Superman- The Movie and Superman II and remains a collector’s icon.
Boba Fett
The Boba Fett action figure prototype from 1969 is a key piece in Star Wars history. This early version was never mass-produced, making it one of the rarest Star Wars action figures to date. Its unique design, before the final version was completed, was a test model and was never intended for the public. The value of a well-preserved prototype is often estimated to be between $100,000 and $150,000.
Unlike the widely produced Boba Fett figures, this version features different colors and a much simpler design. The prototype was used to test how the character could be marketed and did not have the same detailed features seen in later versions. It is a valuable find for collectors because of its historical significance and rarity. This figure is deeply associated with Star Wars- The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, in which Boba Fett became a fan-favorite character.
Vinyl Cape Jawa
The Vinyl Cape Jawa is one of the rarest action figures from the original Star Wars series, released by Kenner in 1978. This figure is unique because it features a vinyl cape, which was later replaced by a fabric version in the same toy line. The rarity stems from the fact that only a small batch of Vinyl Cape Jawas were produced before the change. Today, this figure can fetch up to $20,000 in the market, depending on its condition.
The Vinyl Cape Jawa is part of the Star Wars collection that became a cultural phenomenon in the late 1970s. The figure itself has a distinctive look, with its large eyes and robe, but it is the cape that sets it apart. Collectors prize this figure for its rarity, and it is often seen as one of the holy grails of Star Wars toys. Its connection to the first Star Wars movie, A New Hope, contributes to its significance and demand.
Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn’s first appearance as an action figure, released by DC Direct in the late 1990s, became a significant collectible. This figure is rare due to its limited release and the growing popularity of the character in comics and films. Harley Quinn, originally a character in Batman- The Animated Series, was not widely known at the time, making the early action figure even more valuable today. The market price for a mint Harley Quinn figure from this time can reach up to $2,000.
The popularity of Harley Quinn exploded in the years following the release of this figure, especially after her role in major films like Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey. DC Direct’s decision to release a small batch made the figure highly desirable to fans. This action figure is a true gem for collectors, especially those who followed her rise to fame. Harley Quinn’s cinematic appearances in Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey further cemented her status as an iconic character.
Star Wars 12-inch Darth Vader
The 12-inch Darth Vader action figure, produced by Kenner in the late 1970s, is one of the most sought-after Star Wars collectibles. It was part of a larger series of figures that aimed to bring the Star Wars universe to life. The rarity of this figure is due to its limited production, as well as its condition-many have been damaged or lost over the years. Its value is estimated at around $5,000 for a mint-condition figure in the original packaging.
Darth Vader, a central character in the Star Wars saga, became an iconic figure, and this 12-inch figure was one of the first large-scale toys made in his likeness. Collectors cherish the figure for its size and design, as well as its place in Star Wars history. The figure was initially a part of Kenner’s early Star Wars toy line and has become a treasured item for fans. The high value reflects both its rarity and the enduring popularity of Darth Vader in A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.
G.I. Joe Prototype
The original G.I. Joe action figures, produced by Hasbro in the 1960s, set the stage for modern action figures. The G.I. Joe Prototype, which was never mass-produced, is one of the rarest items in the franchise. It features a different design from the final product and was used as a test model before the final approval of the line. Its estimated value is around $10,000 to $20,000 depending on its condition and rarity.
The G.I. Joe Prototype was never sold to the public and was part of Hasbro’s internal testing. Only a few of these figures were produced, making it an extremely rare find. As G.I. Joe became a pop culture phenomenon, the value of these early prototypes skyrocketed. This rare prototype remains one of the most coveted action figures among G.I. Joe collectors, with deep ties to the franchise’s role in G.I. Joe- A Real American Hero cartoons and comics.
Mego Spider-Man (1973)
The Mego Spider-Man action figure, released in 1973, is a rare find for Marvel fans and action figure collectors alike. It was part of Mego’s superhero toy line and featured Spider-Man in his classic red-and-blue suit. The rarity comes from the limited number of figures made, as well as the figure’s fragility, which leads to many being in poor condition today. This figure can sell for over $5,000, depending on its condition.
This Spider-Man figure was one of the first to accurately capture the look of the character as depicted in Marvel comics. Mego’s action figures were groundbreaking for their time, and the Spider-Man figure remains one of the most popular and valuable. As Spider-Man’s popularity grew over the years, so did the demand for this vintage figure. The Spider-Man films and comics continue to keep this figure in high regard among Marvel and action figure collectors.
1989 Batman
The 1989 Batman action figure from Kenner, based on the film directed by Tim Burton, is a rare piece for collectors. It was part of a limited-edition line that followed the release of the film. The rarity of this figure comes from its limited production, especially in the early 1990s when action figures from the film were still in high demand. Today, its market value can exceed $3,000 depending on condition.
The figure features a sleek design, capturing the essence of Michael Keaton’s Batman. It was one of the first action figures to incorporate elements from the 1989 film, which became an instant classic. Batman (1989) became a cultural touchstone, increasing the value of this figure in the collectible market. Collectors continue to seek out this figure as a piece of Batman film history.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Released by LJN Toys in 1982, the E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial action figure is one of the rarest movie-related toys from the 1980s. Based on the hit film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, this figure was produced as part of a toy line to capitalize on the movie’s massive success. Due to poor sales and the figure’s limited production run, it is now a highly sought-after collector’s item. The figure’s current market value can be as high as $4,000.
The E.T. figure features the iconic alien in his unique shape and appearance from the film. The rarity of this figure is due to its limited production and the fact that it was discontinued quickly after its release. Over the years, the nostalgia for the film has made the figure more valuable to collectors. Fans of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial treasure this action figure as a reminder of the beloved film.
Marty McFly
Released by Mattel in the 1980s, the Marty McFly action figure from Back to the Future is rare due to its limited production and the immense popularity of the film. This action figure features Marty in his iconic outfit, including his red vest and jeans. The rarity stems from the fact that not many were produced, and some were damaged due to poor packaging. It is now worth over $1,500 on the current market.
The figure’s connection to the beloved Back to the Future film franchise makes it a hot item for both movie and action figure collectors. The figure captures the essence of Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, and his adventurous spirit. Due to its scarcity and iconic status, it remains a prized possession among fans. The Back to the Future trilogy’s continued popularity keeps the figure in high demand.
Rare action figures hold a special place in the hearts of collectors. The demand for these figures continues to grow, as they represent a connection to beloved movie franchises. If you are fortunate enough to own one, you are holding a piece of movie history.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.