Action Figures Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Action Figures Market is anticipated to expand from USD 10.07 Billion in 2025 to USD 15.99 Billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 8.01%. These articulated models, typically made of plastic and modeled after characters from films, comics, video games, or television, are supported by the steady rollout of major media franchises and a growing base of adult collectors driven by nostalgia. Unlike temporary viral trends, these core drivers maintain reliable demand. According to The Toy Association, the action figures and accessories segment generated $2.0 billion in sales across the United States in 2024.

However, market expansion faces a significant hurdle due to ongoing economic constraints on consumer spending power. High inflation compels shoppers to prioritize essential items, resulting in reduced frequency of purchases for non-essential entertainment goods like collectibles. This price sensitivity creates a dilemma for manufacturers, who must choose between absorbing rising production costs or increasing retail prices, which risks a decline in sales volume.

Market Drivers

The continuous growth of cinematic universes and media franchises acts as a primary catalyst for market expansion, allowing manufacturers to leverage established intellectual property to secure fanbases and minimize risk. By coordinating product releases with the debuts of blockbuster movies, streaming series, and video games, companies establish a unified merchandising strategy that extends consumer engagement well beyond the screen. This strong link between content availability and revenue is reflected in the wider licensing industry; Licensing International’s '2024 Global Licensing Industry Study' reported a 6.9% increase in the Entertainment/Characters segment to $147.6 billion globally, ensuring a steady stream of character figures to sustain interest between major releases.

Simultaneously, the rise of the adult collector and "kidult" demographic is transforming product design, encouraging the creation of high-quality, display-oriented figures that cater to nostalgic sentiments and higher disposable income. Unlike children who value playability, this group demands premium detailing, articulation, and exclusive packaging, prompting brands to develop sophisticated lines for older consumers. Toy World Magazine noted in June 2024 that the toy market for individuals aged 12 and up in the EU5 region reached €4.5 billion in 2023. Additionally, the sector's reliance on branded content strengthens its resilience against economic challenges, with licensed toy sales growing by 6% in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year.

Market Challenges

Persistent economic pressure on discretionary income represents a major obstacle to the growth of the Global Action Figures Market. In an inflationary landscape, consumers are forced to redirect household budgets toward daily necessities, categorizing action figures and collectibles as postponeable luxuries. This financial strain compels even dedicated collectors to be highly selective, leading to a decrease in both purchase frequency and volume. Consequently, manufacturers face the difficult task of managing rising production and logistics costs, as passing these expenses to consumers could result in further unit sales declines.

This reduction in purchasing power directly contracts market expansion by dampening demand for new releases and undermining the viability of premium pricing strategies. The effect of this price sensitivity is evident in recent performance data, which shows a clear downturn in category sales. The Toy Association reported a 7% decline in sales for the action figures and accessories supercategory in 2024 compared to the prior year. This negative trend underscores how fiscal limitations are actively suppressing revenue potential and hindering sustainable industry growth.

Market Trends

The increasing demand for anime and manga collectibles marks a significant shift in the market, with Japanese intellectual properties increasingly challenging the dominance of Western superhero brands. As Asian content gains global traction, devoted fanbases are prioritizing high-quality figures from series like Dragon Ball and One Piece. This cross-border appeal generates substantial revenue outside of traditional Hollywood release cycles, leading retailers to allocate more shelf space to imported merchandise. Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. reported in May 2024 that the Dragon Ball franchise, a key volume driver, achieved sales of 140.6 billion yen for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.

Concurrently, the widespread adoption of blind box and mystery packaging is reshaping consumer behavior by gamifying the purchasing process. This approach creates an exciting unboxing experience that fosters repeat purchases to complete collections, leveraging the psychology of surprise and scarcity to boost volume. This format effectively attracts consumers who might otherwise limit spending on standard figures, establishing a high-frequency sales channel independent of media launches. Pop Mart International Group Limited’s interim report from August 2024 highlighted this success, revealing a 62.0% year-on-year revenue increase to RMB 4.55 billion, driven largely by their mystery box portfolio.

Key Players Profiled in the Action Figures Market

• Hasbro
• Playmates Toys Ltd.
• Mattel
• Bandai Namco Holdings Inc.
• JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
• The LEGO Group
• Diamond Select Toys
• Spin Master
• McFarlane Toys
• Good Smile Company, Inc.

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Action Figures Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Action Figures Market, by Type:

• Superheroes
• Anime Characters
• Movie Characters

Action Figures Market, by Sales Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Online
• Specialty Store
• Others

Action Figures Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Action Figures Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.