2025 Anime Figures: Top 10 Brands to Watch for Collectors

The Booming World of Anime Figure s: 2024 Recap and 2025 Expectations

Anime figures have become a collector’s obsession, blending art, nostalgia, and fandom into tangible treasures. In 2024, the anime figures market soared to a global value of $28.23 billion, with a projected growth at a CAGR of 9.4% through 2032, according to industry reports. North America led the charge, contributing 35% of the market share, roughly $9.88 billion. Japan followed with $7.9 billion, while Europe added $6.7 billion to the tally. A standout performer was Good Smile Company’s Nendoroid line, particularly the Gojo Satoru figure from Jujutsu Kaisen, which sold over 50,000 units in North America alone. Meanwhile, Bandai Namco’s Figuarts ZERO series, featuring characters like Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer, moved 30,000 units in Europe, highlighting the global appeal of anime figures.

Looking ahead to 2025, the anime figures market is expected to hit $31 billion, driven by rising demand for premium sculpts and eco-friendly materials. For instance, brands like Funko have started using recycled plastics in their Pop Up Parade line, appealing to eco-conscious fans. Additionally, dynamic poses and swappable accessories are trending, as collectors crave more interactive pieces. However, challenges like knockoff figures and supply chain issues persist. Still, the passion for anime figures shows no signs of slowing down, with specialty stores like Right Stuf Anime reporting a 20% sales spike. As a result, 2025 promises to be a blockbuster year for collectors.

Top 10 Anime Figures Brands to Collect in 2025

Good Smile Company: The King of Chibi Charm

Good Smile Company has been a titan in the anime figures world since its founding in 2001 in Japan. The brand started with a mission to bring high-quality, affordable figures to fans, quickly gaining fame for its Nendoroid line. These chibi-style figures, with their big heads and tiny bodies, capture characters’ essence in a playful way. For example, the Nendoroid Anya Forger from SPY x FAMILY sold 60,000 units globally in 2025, a testament to its popularity. Good Smile also offers the Pop Up Parade line, which balances affordability with detail, like the Ochaco Uraraka figure that moved 40,000 units this year.

In Japan, Good Smile dominates with its Akihabara pop-up shops, where fans can see prototypes before release. In the West, their figures are a staple at conventions like Anime Expo, often selling out within hours. Fans love Good Smile for its attention to detail—think swappable face plates and tiny accessories like Anya’s peanut bag. On Reddit, collectors rave, “Good Smile’s Nendoroids are the heart of my shelf!” The brand’s ability to blend cuteness with quality makes it a leader in the anime figures market. Moreover, their partnerships with streaming platforms like Crunchyroll ensure their figures reach a global audience, solidifying their influence in both Japan and the West.

Bandai Namco: Action-Packed Anime Figures for All Ages

Bandai Namco, a Japanese giant since 1950, is a powerhouse in the anime figures scene. Originally a toy maker, the brand expanded into anime with its Figuarts ZERO and S.H. Figuarts lines, focusing on dynamic poses and lifelike detail. Their Yor Forger Figuarts ZERO from SPY x FAMILY sold 45,000 units in 2025, captivating fans with its mid-action sculpt. The S.H. Figuarts line, known for articulation, also shines with figures like Tanjiro Kamado, which saw strong sales in Europe.

Bandai Namco’s strength lies in its deep ties to anime IPs like Gundam and Demon Slayer. In Japan, their Premium Bandai stores are a pilgrimage site for collectors, offering exclusives that often sell out in days. In North America and Europe, their figures are hot at retailers like GameStop, thanks to their wide appeal across age groups. Fans on X praise their craftsmanship, with one user noting, “Bandai Namco’s figures make every fight scene pop!” Their focus on action-oriented designs and premium quality keeps them at the forefront of the anime figures market. Additionally, their recent VR anime project with Atlas V shows they’re pushing boundaries beyond traditional figures.

Kotobukiya: Sculpting Elegance in Anime Figure s

Kotobukiya, founded in 1953 in Japan, began as a toy store before diving into anime figures in the 1980s. Their ARTFX J series is a fan favorite, known for its stunning sculpts and vibrant colors. The Nezuko Kamado ARTFX J figure from Demon Slayer sold 48,000 units in 2025, loved for its detailed kimono patterns. Kotobukiya also offers the Bishoujo series, which reimagines characters in a stylized, feminine aesthetic, appealing to a niche but dedicated audience.

In Japan, Kotobukiya’s Akihabara store is a hub for collectors, showcasing prototypes that generate buzz. In the West, their figures are popular on platforms like Amazon, where fans appreciate their premium quality. On Instagram, collectors share setups, with one user saying, “Kotobukiya’s Nezuko figure is pure art!” The brand’s focus on elegant sculpts and intricate details sets it apart in the anime figures market. Furthermore, their expansion into Southeast Asia shows their growing global reach, making them a brand to watch in 2025.

Aniplex: Premium Anime Figures with a Story

Aniplex, a Sony subsidiary since 1995, is renowned for producing anime like Demon Slayer and creating high-end figures to match. Their 1/7 scale figures, such as the Raiden Shogun from Genshin Impact that sold 46,000 units in 2025, are prized for their detail. Aniplex also offers exclusive figures through their Aniplex+ store, like the Makima 1/7 scale from Chainsaw Man, which collectors adore for its eerie realism.

In Japan, Aniplex figures are a status symbol, often selling out during pre-order windows. In North America, their partnership with Crunchyroll has made figures more accessible, boosting their popularity at events like Otakon. Fans on TikTok rave, “Aniplex’s Raiden figure is worth every penny!” The brand’s ability to tie figures to their own anime productions gives them a unique edge in the anime figures market. Plus, their focus on premium quality ensures they remain a top choice for serious collectors in both Japan and the West.

Banpresto: Affordable Anime Figures with Big Appeal

Banpresto, a Bandai Namco subsidiary since 1997, specializes in budget-friendly anime figures through its Q Posket and Ichibansho lines. The Q Posket Marin Kitagawa from My Dress-Up Darling sold 42,000 units in 2025, loved for its big-eyed, chibi style. The Ichibansho line, with figures like Mitsuri Kanroji from Demon Slayer, also performs well, offering larger, detailed sculpts at a lower price point.

In Japan, Banpresto figures are everywhere, from arcade prize machines to retail stores. In the West, they’re a hit at stores like Hot Topic, where affordability meets quality. Fans on Discord share, “Banpresto’s Q Poskets are perfect for my budget!” Their wide range of characters and accessible pricing make them a staple in the anime figures market. Additionally, their focus on fan-favorite series ensures they stay relevant in both Japan and Western markets, appealing to casual and hardcore collectors alike.

Max Factory: Articulation Meets Art in Anime Figure s

Max Factory, founded in 1987 in Japan, is a pioneer in articulated anime figures with its Figma line. The Power Figma from Chainsaw Man, which sold 55,000 units in 2025, is a fan favorite for its posable joints and blood hammer accessory. Max Factory also offers the PLAMAX line, focusing on assemble-it-yourself figures, which appeals to hobbyists who love customization.

In Japan, Max Factory’s figures are a hit among hobbyists, often showcased at events like Wonder Festival. In North America and Europe, they’re popular on platforms like Amazon, where collectors value their versatility. On Reddit, fans post, “Max Factory’s Figma Power is a posing dream!” The brand’s focus on articulation and quality craftsmanship makes it a leader in the anime figures market. Moreover, their collaboration with Good Smile Company ensures they have a strong foothold in both Japan and the West, keeping them competitive in 2025.

MegaHouse: Detailed Anime Figures for Devoted Fans

MegaHouse, another Bandai Namco subsidiary since 1997, focuses on high-detail figures through its G.E.M. and LookUp lines. The G.E.M. Mitsuri Kanroji from Demon Slayer sold 44,000 units in 2025, loved for its heart-shaped base and vibrant colors. The LookUp series, with its upward-gazing chibi figures, also gains traction for its unique style, appealing to collectors who want something different.

In Japan, MegaHouse figures are prized for their premium quality, often sold through Premium Bandai. In the West, they’re available at retailers like Right Stuf Anime, where fans appreciate their detail. On TikTok, collectors share, “MegaHouse’s Mitsuri figure is a showstopper!” Their focus on intricate sculpts and fan-favorite characters makes them a standout in the anime figures market. Additionally, their expansion into Europe shows their growing influence, making them a brand to watch in 2025.

Alter: Precision Craftsmanship in Anime Figure s

Alter, founded in 2005 in Japan, is known for its precision-crafted anime figures, often in 1/7 or 1/8 scales. Their Rem Wedding Ver. from Re:Zero, which sold 47,000 units in 2025, is a fan favorite for its delicate lace gown and floral base. Alter also offers the ALTAiR line, focusing on male characters, which adds diversity to their catalog and appeals to a broader audience.

In Japan, Alter figures are a collector’s dream, often selling out quickly due to limited runs. In North America, they’re popular on eBay, where fans seek their high-quality sculpts. On Instagram, collectors post, “Alter’s Rem figure is pure elegance!” The brand’s dedication to precision and beauty makes it a top player in the anime figures market. Furthermore, their growing presence in Europe, driven by demand for premium figures, ensures they remain a key brand in 2025.

Kaiyodo: Unique Designs in Anime Figures

Kaiyodo, established in 1964 in Japan, is known for its quirky, highly detailed anime figures through its Revoltech line. The Zero Two Revoltech from DARLING in the FRANXX, which sold 49,000 units in 2025, is loved for its posable joints and spear accessory. Kaiyodo also offers the Sci-Fi Revoltech line, which includes unique takes on characters, appealing to fans who want something offbeat.

In Japan, Kaiyodo’s figures are a hit at hobby shops, where their unique designs stand out. In the West, they’re popular at conventions like FanimeCon, where collectors hunt for exclusives. On Discord, fans share, “Kaiyodo’s Zero Two figure is one-of-a-kind!” Their focus on innovative designs and articulation makes them a standout in the anime figures market. Plus, their expansion into Southeast Asia shows their growing global appeal, making them a brand to watch in 2025.

Funko: Pop Culture Meets Anime Figure s

Funko, an American company since 1998, has taken the anime figures world by storm with its Pop! Vinyl line. Their Hatsune Miku Pop! figure sold 52,000 units in 2025, loved for its sakura-themed design. Funko also offers the Pop Up Parade line, which provides affordable, detailed figures like Ochaco Uraraka, making anime figures accessible to a wider audience.

In North America, Funko dominates at retailers like Hot Topic, where their figures are a gateway for new collectors. In Japan, their Pop! figures are gaining traction, often sold at anime conventions. On TikTok, fans post, “Funko’s Miku figure is my shelf’s star!” Their blend of pop culture and anime makes them a unique player in the anime figures market. Additionally, their use of eco-friendly materials aligns with 2025 trends, ensuring they remain a fan favorite in both the West and Japan.

The Relationship Between Anime Figure s and Anime IPs: Copyright Challenges

Anime figures are deeply tied to anime IPs, serving as physical extensions of beloved stories. Brands like Good Smile and Bandai Namco rely on licensing agreements with anime studios to create figures that resonate with fans. For instance, Aniplex’s Raiden Shogun figure from Genshin Impact directly reflects the game’s aesthetic, showing how closely figures mirror their source material. This relationship drives sales, as fans want to own a piece of their favorite worlds, boosting the anime figures market.

However, copyright protection remains a challenge. In Japan, strict laws protect anime IPs, but knockoffs still flood markets like eBay, often using stolen designs. In the West, companies like Crunchyroll work with brands to add authenticity seals, combating fakes. A notable event was in December 2024, when Studio Ghibli issued a statement against unauthorized merchandise, highlighting the sale of high-priced framed images. In Europe, the rise of anime conventions has led to stricter vendor checks to ensure licensed products. These measures aim to protect the anime figures market, but illegal IP use continues to frustrate brands and fans alike. As a result, stronger global regulations are needed to safeguard creators and collectors.

The Rise of LORIBEAR: A New Era in Anime Figures