What Are Action Figures? Toys, Sizes & How to Collect

Action figures are posable toy figures, usually of characters from movies, TV, comics or video games, with movable joints and often accessories like weapons or alternate hands. So yes, action figures are toys. They are also one of the biggest collectibles in the hobby, and many are now made mainly for adult collectors to display.

What makes a figure an "action figure"?

The key is articulation, also called "points of articulation." An action figure has joints at the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees (and on premium figures, wrists, ankles and torso) so you can pose it. Most come with accessories and are officially licensed characters, from Darth Vader to Michael Myers.

Are action figures toys or collectibles?

Both. Lines like Star Wars Mission Fleet are built for kids to play with. Lines like Hasbro's The Black Series, Mezco One:12 Collective and NECA Ultimates are designed for collectors, with detailed paint, fabric costumes and window-box packaging meant to be displayed. Many collectors keep figures sealed in the box; others open them to pose on a shelf.

Common action figure sizes and scales

• 3.75-inch: the classic Kenner Star Wars size. Today it's used by The Vintage Collection and Super7 ReAction figures.
• 5-inch: Mezco 5 Points and many cartoon lines, like The Simpsons figures from Jakks Pacific.
• 6-inch (1:12 scale): Star Wars The Black Series, Marvel Legends and Mezco One:12 Collective.
• 7-inch: NECA Ultimates, Super7 ULTIMATES! and McFarlane Toys.
• 8-inch clothed: retro-style figures with cloth outfits, like NECA's clothed horror figures and Trick or Treat Studios' retro monsters.
• 12-inch (1:6 scale): large, premium figures with fabric costumes.

Action figures vs. statues and vinyl figures

Statues and busts are sculpted in one fixed pose and don't move. Vinyl figures like Funko Pop! have a stylized look and little or no articulation. If it bends and poses, it's an action figure.

Where the term came from

Hasbro coined "action figure" in 1964 to sell G.I. Joe. In 1978, Kenner's 3.75-inch Star Wars figures set the standard size and turned action figures into a collecting hobby that's still growing.

How to start collecting

Pick a character, franchise or line you love, choose one scale so your shelf looks consistent, and decide whether you'll keep figures boxed or display them loose. Our guide on how to start collecting action figures goes deeper, and you can compare two of the top premium lines in Mezco One:12 vs. NECA.

Ready to start? Shop collectible action figures, Star Wars toys and action figures or horror action figures at Not Just Toyz, all in stock and ready to ship.