Kids in the 90s fell into two categories…

There were the ones who had no action figures but desperately wanted them, and the kids whose walls were covered in every possible of franchise plastic you could imagine. It was truly a golden era for action figures, as legendary franchises emerged and took over the entertainment and toy industries, captivating audiences worldwide and leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. From blockbuster movies and television shows to best-selling toys, these franchises enjoyed unprecedented success, propelling their net worth to impressive heights. Here we look at the legendary action figures we all wanted:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) were a breakout success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. With their hit animated series and blockbuster movies, the TMNT captured the imaginations of a generation. The action figures featuring the four pizza-loving, crime-fighting turtles—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael—became a must-have for kids. The TMNT’s multimedia success, including comic books, TV shows, and films, catapulted their franchise value to astronomical heights, currently estimated at three billion dollars.

Power Rangers

Making their debut in the early 1990s, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers brought a unique blend of action, martial arts, and epic robot battles to the screen. The TV show’s global success translated into a surge of popularity for Power Rangers action figures. These collectibles allowed fans to immerse themselves in the world of their favorite characters, becoming a fundamental part of imaginative play. The Power Rangers franchise, with its numerous adaptations and iterations, now stands as a hallmark of pop culture.

G.I. Joe (A Real American Hero)

The 90s witnessed a resurgence of interest in G.I. Joe with the “A Real American Hero” line, resonating strongly with both collectors and kids. These meticulously designed military-themed action figures combined realism with articulation, capturing the imagination of fans young and old. The enduring appeal of the G.I. Joe franchise has resulted in a lasting legacy of toy sales and entertainment engagement.

X-Men:

The X-Men action figures brought the iconic mutants from Marvel Comics to life. Riding the wave of the immensely popular X-Men animated series and the success of comic book storylines, these figures were highly sought after. The X-Men franchise’s value skyrocketed due to successful movies and expanded multimedia properties, reaching several billion dollars.

Batman: The Animated Series

Based on the critically acclaimed animated TV show, Batman: The Animated Series action figures featured the Dark Knight and his allies, as well as iconic villains like The Joker and Harley Quinn. These figures combined sleek designs with excellent articulation, appealing to both collectors and young fans.

Star Wars (Power of the Force)

The Power of the Force action figure line revived Star Wars toys in the 90s, coinciding with the anticipation of the upcoming prequel trilogy. These figures featured updated sculpts and became sought-after collectibles. The enduring popularity of Star Wars, combined with the success of movies, TV shows, and merchandise, has made it one of the most valuable franchises in entertainment history, with a net worth in the tens of billions of dollars.

Spawn

Spawn action figures were based on Todd McFarlane’s dark and edgy comic book series. These detailed and mature-themed figures appealed to an older audience, pushing the boundaries of the action figure market.

Transformers (Beast Wars)

Transformers: Beast Wars introduced a fresh twist to the beloved franchise, showcasing characters with animal-themed transformations. This iteration, in conjunction with the enduring popularity of the brand expanded the Transformers universe and brought in new followers.

WWF (now WWE) Wrestling Figures

With the wrestling boom of the 90s, WWF wrestling figures became incredibly popular. Featuring wrestling superstars like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Undertaker, these action figures allowed fans to recreate their favourite wrestling matches at home.

Street Fighter II

Inspired by the classic arcade and console game, Street Fighter II action figures let fans collect their favourite characters like Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, and M. Bison. The enduring popularity of Street Fighter, with continued video game releases and adaptations, has contributed to the franchise’s net worth in the hundreds of millions of dollars.