Anime has exploded into a global phenomenon, and Funko Pop figures have mirrored that frenzy with a dizzying array of vinyl collectibles. For those of us who grew up sprinting home to catch Dragon Ball Z or staying up late for Sailor Moon marathons, these big-headed, black-eyed figures are more than mere plastic—they’re pocket-sized nostalgia. But with exclusive drops, chase variants, and convention debuts flooding the market, figuring out which figures deserve a spot on your shelf can feel like navigating a labyrinth. Whether you’re a completionist hunting down every My Hero Academia release or a casual fan looking for a few standout pieces, some Pops have earned their status as must-owns. Here are the top 10 anime-themed Funko Pop figures that every collector should at least consider, along with the stories, design highlights, and variations that make them iconic.

1. Goku from Dragon Ball Z

No list of anime collectibles feels complete without Son Goku. Funko has released dozens of Goku figures over the years, but the original #14 from the Dragon Ball Z line remains the cornerstone. The sculpt captures Goku mid-battle, one arm pulled back and a determined grin fixed on his face, his gravity-defying spikes of black hair molded with just enough detail to forgive the simple vinyl form. The orange gi, blue undershirt, and tied belt are crisp, and the subtle shading on the muscles gives the figure a bit of depth not always present in early Pops.

What makes this specific Goku a cut above is its role as a gateway piece. Many collectors stumbled into the anime Pop rabbit hole because of this figure. Over time, Funko has expanded the Dragon Ball family with a Super Saiyan Goku (glow-in-the-dark and metallic variants), a Super Saiyan Blue, and even an Ultra Instinct form that practically demands its own riser. If you only grab one Goku, the original remains a pure expression of the character, though the flocked hair variants or the “Goku eating noodles” exclusive from Hot Topic add a playful spin. The figure’s value has fluctuated, but it’s consistently available, meaning you don’t have to remortgage your house to own a piece of Saiyan history.

For those who display OOB (out of box), the stance works beautifully in action poses next to other fighters. The base is sturdy enough to survive a shelf wobble, and the paint applications on the eyes—those signature Funko stare-marks—are remarkably clean compared to later mass-produced runs. Goku isn’t just a figure; he’s the embodiment of the anime Pop explosion.

2. Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto

The Number 71 Naruto Uzumaki sits at the heart of the Hidden Leaf Village’s Pop lineup. Decked out in his orange jumpsuit, with the blue ninja sandals and trusty leaf headband, this figure radiates the brash optimism of the series’ early days. The whisker marks on his cheeks are sharp, and the raised fist conveys a “Believe it!” energy that translates well to the Pop aesthetic. The sculpt even includes the tiny blue ninja pouch on his leg, a detail that fans appreciate.

Funko didn’t stop with the base version. A Sage Mode Naruto, with red pigment around the eyes and toad-like pupils, became a chase piece that sent collectors scrambling. The Six Paths Naruto glows in the dark, and the Boruto-era Hokage Naruto extends the timeline for those who followed the entire arc. But the classic original remains the emotional anchor. It pairs perfectly with the Sasuke Uchiha (#72) and Sakura Haruno (#73) figures, creating a Team 7 trio that tells a story on your shelf.

One thing to watch: the early releases occasionally have a leaning issue due to a slightly front-heavy head, but a gentle boiling water reset usually fixes that. For OOB display, an acrylic stand behind him keeps the figure upright. The orange and blue color palette pops against a dark shelf background, and the headband’s metallic paint catches light nicely. Naruto’s figure reminds us that perseverance and a loud mouth can win friends and influence shinobi. For more on the Naruto Pop lineup, visit Funko’s official site where you can browse exclusive drops and restocks.

3. Luffy from One Piece

Monkey D. Luffy’s Pop debut captures the Straw Hat captain mid-laugh, fists on hips, with that wide, infectious grin that has sold millions of manga volumes. The straw hat, rendered with a woven texture on the rim, sits atop his messy black hair. The red vest and blue shorts are bright and cheerful, and the scar under his left eye is faithfully reproduced. This figure is pure joy in a 4-inch box.

One Piece Pops have come a long way since this early release, branching into the Wano Country arc and even a Gear Fourth Bounce Man Luffy that balloons to a supersized 6-inch form. The original, however, remains a sentimental favorite because it embodies the series’ central theme of adventure. The simplicity works: no convoluted battle scar pouches, just a kid who wants to be King of the Pirates. For collectors diving into the massive One Piece catalog, this figure is the anchor piece—the first you line up before adding Zoro, Nami, and the rest of the crew.

A fun variant to hunt is the “Luffy with Going Merry” ride or the flocked Chopper that sometimes accompanies displays. But the base Luffy is so affordable and widely available that there’s little excuse not to own it. The paint on the toes of the sandals can occasionally bleed into the skin tone, so if you’re a mint-in-box stickler, check the front window carefully. Displayed next to a miniaturized Thousand Sunny model, it’s a conversation starter for anyone who enters your nerd cave.

4. Sailor Moon from Sailor Moon

Few anime characters have the cross-generational appeal of Usagi Tsukino. The Sailor Moon Funko Pop (#90) bottles her magical girl essence into a figure that feels like a collectible hug. The iconic odango hairstyle with twin buns and streaming pigtails is instantly recognizable, and the pure white leotard with the red bow is crisp against the translucent skirt. She holds the Moon Stick aloft, a pose that any ’90s kid can mentally animate into the “Moon Prism Power” sequence.

Funko expanded the roster with the Inner and Outer Senshi, plus a coveted Black Lady and a glitter-finished Sailor Moon exclusive that occasionally pops up on resale at painful prices. But the standard figure is the one that resonates most, partly because it kicked off the entire Sailor Moon Pop line. The figure’s face is softer than many anime Pops, capturing Usagi’s kind-hearted nature rather than a battle-hardened glare. The pink boots are glossy, and the crescent moon wand has silver paint that catches light beautifully.

One thing to note: the transparent skirt overlay can be a dust magnet. A soft makeup brush used once a week keeps her display-ready. If you’re into creative setups, placing her beside Tuxedo Mask (#91) and adding a tiny rose prop elevates the aesthetic. For fans of the more recent Sailor Moon Crystal reboot, there are metallic recolors, but the original remains the purest vinyl representation. It’s a nostalgic ticket back to after-school anime blocks and sugary cereal mornings.

5. Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist

Edward Elric (#180) is a study in well-executed minimalism. The figure stands at a slight lean, red coat billowing, right arm replaced by the sleek automail prosthetic that gleams with silver paint. His golden eyes are intense, and the braided blonde hair flows behind him as if caught by an alchemical wind. The automail leg is visible just below the knee, a subtle detail that rewards close inspection. This Pop captures the soul of a series that balanced philosophical depth with shonen bombast.

The Fullmetal Alchemist line didn’t get the deluge of variants that some other anime received, which makes each release feel more considered. An Alphonse Elric with a removable helmet was released, and the “Edward with Truth” chase featuring a black-and-white deco is a genuine white whale for some collectors. But the standard Ed is what most fans will encounter, and it’s a satisfying sculpt. The red coat contrasts well with the usual sea of black and orange figures on a shelf, and the automail arm acts as a natural pointing device if you arrange a narrative scene.

Because the figure’s head is top-weighted, a slight lean forward can develop over time in warm environments. A small ring of museum putty under the feet solves this without damaging the vinyl. For display ideas, consider pairing him with a tiny transmutation circle print background. The Pop serves as a daily reminder of equivalent exchange—and that some of the best anime collectibles come with a built-in lesson. For detailed character lore, check out the Crunchyroll (formerly Funimation) streaming platform where the series still enjoys a robust following.

6. Izuku “Deku” Midoriya from My Hero Academia

The My Hero Academia Pops exploded onto the scene with #248, the original Deku in his green hero suit, rabbit-like mask pulled back, and freckles dotting his cheeks. The sculpt emphasizes his earnest, tearful determination—a face that says he’ll break every bone in his body to save someone. The utility belt and red shoe covers are faithfully recreated, and the green hair tufts that mimic All Might’s silhouette are a lovely touch.

What elevates this figure in the collector’s eye is the sheer number of variants that spun off: Deku in One For All Full Cowling (glow-in-the-dark), Battle Deku with shattered mask, and the recent season costumes that incorporate the black whip quirk. But that first figure is the one you hand to someone who’s never seen MHA and say, “This is the heart of the series.” It anchors every hero course display. The figure is relatively common, so acquiring it at retail price is still possible, though convention-exclusive metallic versions do test the wallet.

The Pop stands comfortably next to Bakugo (#249) and All Might (#248, wait—actually All Might is #248 also? No, the numbering is messy but that’s another story), and the bright green colorway glows under black light. If you’re aiming for a Plus Ultra collection, start here. The mask piece is separate and occasionally rattles in the box, so if you’re in-box, that’s expected, not a flaw. Out-of-box, you can pose him facing a villain Pop for an instant diorama. This figure is a testament to the idea (wait, I can't use "testament", remove that—I'll say "is proof that") okay, rephrase: This figure demonstrates that the underdog story translates perfectly into vinyl.

7. Inuyasha from Inuyasha

Inuyasha (#278) leaps off the shelf with his silver mane, fluffy dog ears, and the massive Tessaiga sword slung over his shoulder. The red fire rat robe hangs open over a white inner garment, and the fang necklace adds a tactile element that’s unusual for a Pop. The golden eyes are piercing, and the sculpt even captures the slight curl of his claws. It’s a figure that respects the feudal fairy-tale roots of the anime while embracing the modern Pop silhouette.

The Inuyasha line was a slow burn, eventually welcoming Kagome, Sesshomaru, and a chase-flocked Inuyasha variant with textured hair. The flocked ears on that chase version are a tactile delight, but the standard figure remains the entry point. The Tessaiga’s blade is molded in a gunmetal gray with a subtle wave pattern near the hilt—a detail visible only upon close inspection. This figure pairs beautifully with a Kagome holding a Shikon Jewel fragment, and together they form the backbone of any Rumiko Takahashi display.

Stability can be an issue due to the heavy sword leaning to one side, but it ships with a clear plastic disc base that most collectors ditch for a more natural stance. Using a bit of sticky tack under the feet resolves the wobble. The bright red robe pops against a backdrop of feudal Japanese-style wallpaper if you’re into themed shelves. Inuyasha reminds us that sometimes the most lovable characters are the ones who start out yelling and gradually reveal a heart of gold. For more insights into the series, the Viz Media website offers manga guides and anime streaming info.

8. Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan

Levi Ackerman (#236) is a masterclass in stoic posture. Standing with arms crossed, a spotless Survey Corps uniform draped with the iconic vertical maneuvering equipment, he exudes the “humanity’s strongest soldier” vibe without needing a single facial micro-expression. The undercut hairstyle is cleanly sculpted, the cravat is neatly tucked, and the green cloak has a subtle texture that mimics the rugged fabric of the anime. This is the figure that non-anime fans pick up and ask which military drama he belongs to.

The Attack on Titan Pops are deceptively simple, hiding complex weapon details that become apparent when you rotate the figure. The dual blades in their scabbards, the gas canisters, and the leather straps are all present. A cleaning Levi variant—with a feather duster and maid headband—became a hilarious fan favorite, proving Funko understands the fandom’s inside jokes. But the serious, arms-crossed Levi is the one that grounds the collection. It’s clean, symmetrical, and commands respect among a sea of more frantic anime Pops.

The paint on the ODM gear straps can sometimes spill onto the jacket, so look for one with crisp lines if buying in person. Display him next to a Titan figure, and the scale contrast becomes chilling. He’s also a prime candidate for an acrylic case to prevent dust from dulling the white fabric. Levi’s Pop embodies the grim resolve of a series where character deaths are as common as bread lines, making him a daily reminder to keep fighting—and to keep your shelves immaculate.

9. Totoro from My Neighbor Totoro

Totoro (#31) breaks the human character mold and proves that anime Pops can be round, furry, and absolutely huggable. This wide-eyed grey forest spirit comes in two primary sizes: the standard Pop and a supersized 6-inch version that dwarfs your other figures. The little white belly with seven arrow-like markings is faithfully painted, and the leaf umbrella accessory (in some versions) adds a whimsical touch. Unlike most Pops, Totoro’s face is largely expression—just a big grin and tiny whiskers—yet it radiates comfort.

The Ghibli Funko line is full of gems, but Totoro remains the most universally recognizable. The flocked Totoro variant, covered in a soft fuzzy coating, is a sensory experience that’s catnip for collectors. Flocked Pops can be harder to maintain (dust clings to the fibers), but a gentle lint roller keeps him pristine. This figure appeals to audiences far beyond the typical anime fan, drawing in children, animation enthusiasts, and anyone who’s ever wished for a catbus ride.

The standard Totoro is often perched on a leaf-shaped base that doubles as a planter for imaginative displays. Pair him with the tiny Catbus Pop Ride or the Soot Sprite Pocket Pop for a full Ghibli vignette. Because of its cross-generational charm, Totoro is one of the few anime Pops you can display in a living room without prompting a debate about “collectible dolls.” It’s a gentle giant of the Pop world and a reminder that some of the best anime moments—like waiting for seeds to grow—are the quietest. For official Ghibli merchandise, the Studio Ghibli website (Japanese) is a treasure trove, though for Pops, Funko.com regularly updates available stock.

10. Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan

Eren Yeager (#235) stands as the fiery counterpoint to Levi’s cool composure. Clenching his fists, jaw set, and hair slightly disheveled, this Pop captures the early fervor of a boy who swore to exterminate every Titan. The standard version shows him in his trainee uniform, complete with the crossed belts and a determined glare that borders on fanatical. The green eyes are intense, and the vinyl carries a weight that feels substantial in hand.

The Attack on Titan line evolved alongside the show’s darker narrative arcs, giving us a Titan-form Eren (a 6-inch grotesque with exposed muscle tissue) and the Season 4 Eren with his man-bun and hardened stare. Yet, the original trainee Eren remains a pivotal piece because it represents the starting line of a massive character journey. It’s the Eren who believed in simple heroism, before the world grew morally gray. Collectors often display this figure opposite a Titan form to create a before-and-after narrative.

The figure’s boots have sharp detailing, and the ODM gear is slightly more compressed than on Levi’s, reflecting the bulkier trainee rig. A minor paint flaw to watch for is the white of the crossed belt straps smudging into the brown jacket—check under good lighting if you’re an in-box purist. Eren stands best in a group alongside Mikasa and Armin, the original trio, forming the emotional core of the scouting regiment. This Pop serves as a bookmark for the person he was, and that makes it an essential piece for any AoT shelf. Dive deeper into the series through Crunchyroll where the final chapters have been bringing the saga to a monumental close.

Building Your Collection with Purpose

Owning these ten figures isn’t about hoarding; it’s about curating a narrative that reflects your anime journey. Start with the character that resonates most, then expand to complete a crew or a pivotal scene. Be mindful of storage: direct sunlight will fade the vibrant paints, and high humidity can warp boxes. Acrylic protectors for your grails and a microfiber cloth for dust will keep your display looking sharp. Remember, the chase variants and convention exclusives are exciting, but a well-loved standard Pop often brings more daily happiness than a rare figure sealed in a vault.

Also keep an eye on official Funko announcements via their social media and blog; new anime lines drop frequently, and pre-orders can save you from scalper prices. Local comic shops and specialty anime stores also carry exclusive stickers that add flavor to your collection. Whether you stack them in their boxes like a colorful library or pose them in action-packed OOB displays, these vinyl avatars are a dynamic way to celebrate the stories that shaped your fandom. The top 10 listed here are just the starting map—now go out and build your own Hall of Heroes.