12 Best Anime Funko Figures for UK Collectors

A great anime Pop! does more than put a favourite character on the shelf. It captures a transformation, a finishing move, a ridiculous expression or the quiet confidence that made you start the series in the first place. The best anime Funko figures give collectors that instant recognition from across the room, whether you are building a focused display or choosing a gift for someone who knows every episode by heart.

Anime collecting can become very specific, very quickly. One collector wants every Straw Hat, another is holding out for a glow-in-the-dark exclusive edition, and someone else only wants characters in their most powerful forms. That is part of the fun. The right Pop! is not always the rarest one - it is the one that earns a permanent place in your collection.

What makes the best anime Funko figures?

The strongest figures usually balance three things: character importance, visual impact and how well the design translates into the classic Funko Pop! style. A main character is an easy starting point, but supporting characters, villains and alternate forms often make a display feel far more personal.

For a first anime Pop!, pick a character from a series you genuinely revisit or talk about with friends. A figure of Naruto, Goku or Luffy works because the silhouette is instantly recognisable. For an established collection, look for a moment that adds contrast: a masked version, a powered-up pose, a convention exclusive or a fan-favourite character who rounds out the group.

Box condition matters too, particularly if you keep your Pops boxed or may trade them later. The figure should be the star, but clean corners, crisp artwork and careful packing make the collecting experience better from the moment your order arrives.

12 anime Funko Pop! picks worth collecting

1. Goku in Super Saiyan form

Dragon Ball is built for collectibles. A Super Saiyan Goku Pop! brings the spiked hair, determined expression and unmistakable energy of the series into a compact display piece. It is a natural centrepiece for Dragon Ball fans and pairs brilliantly with Vegeta, Piccolo and Frieza.

Different versions can vary dramatically, from battle-worn looks to glow effects and metallic finishes. If you are choosing between them, go for the version that best reflects the era or transformation you love, rather than buying purely on scarcity.

2. Vegeta

Vegeta is the perfect example of why a collection should not stop with the lead character. His armour, hair and stance give him a sharp silhouette, while his many forms offer plenty of scope for collectors who enjoy comparing designs across sagas.

A standard Vegeta is a sensible foundation. A more detailed exclusive edition can be the right next step once you know which Dragon Ball shelf you want to build.

3. Monkey D. Luffy

One Piece figures bring colour and personality to a collection, and Luffy is where many fans begin. His straw hat and red outfit make him recognisable even in a crowded cabinet, while later versions can capture the bigger, stranger energy of the series.

There is no single definitive Luffy for every collector. Early-adventure styling suits a classic Straw Hat display; a powered-up or action-led design makes more sense if you want the shelf to feel like a key battle scene.

4. Roronoa Zoro

Zoro makes an excellent companion figure for Luffy but easily stands on his own. Sword-based poses tend to have more movement than a standard standing Pop!, and his green colour palette gives a One Piece line-up welcome visual variety.

Collectors who prefer character-driven displays often choose Zoro before chasing every version of the captain. That is a good reminder that the best shelf is built around your favourites, not a checklist someone else made.

5. Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto remains one of the most satisfying anime collections to start because there are so many recognisable characters and forms to build towards. A classic Naruto figure has instant nostalgic appeal, especially when displayed beside Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi.

Look closely at the headband, outfit and pose when comparing releases. Small details can place a Pop! in a particular point of the story, which matters to fans who have a favourite arc or era.

6. Kakashi Hatake

Kakashi is a collector favourite for good reason. The mask, silver hair and visible Sharingan create a design that works exceptionally well in Funko form, even before you factor in his place in the series.

He also brings balance to a Naruto display. Main characters often provide colour and action, while Kakashi adds the cool, composed presence that makes the line-up feel complete.

7. Tanjiro Kamado

Demon Slayer has produced some of the most striking modern anime Pop! designs. Tanjiro's chequered haori gives him a distinctive look that stands out without needing an oversized base or special finish.

He is an especially safe gift choice for newer anime fans. The character is central, the design is clear, and there are obvious additions to make later if the recipient decides to expand the collection.

8. Nezuko Kamado

Nezuko is one of those figures that works for both dedicated collectors and people who simply love the character design. Her bamboo muzzle, pink tones and patterned clothing make her instantly identifiable, and she brings a different mood to a Demon Slayer shelf.

Pairing Tanjiro and Nezuko creates a compact two-figure display with real emotional connection. It is often more satisfying than buying two unrelated releases from different franchises.

9. Satoru Gojo

Jujutsu Kaisen collectors have plenty of reasons to put Gojo near the top of the list. Whether shown blindfolded, unmasked or using a technique, his clean styling and unmistakable white hair translate brilliantly to a Pop! figure.

Gojo variants can attract considerable attention, so decide whether you want a character representation or a specific finish before you shop. A chase variant is exciting, but a standard release can be the better choice when you want certainty rather than the thrill of the hunt.

10. Yuji Itadori

Yuji is a strong anchor for a Jujutsu Kaisen collection. His design is less flashy than some supernatural characters, but that makes him an effective contrast beside Gojo, Megumi, Nobara or Sukuna.

For collectors building by story rather than rarity, starting with Yuji and adding the characters most connected to him gives the display a clear point of view.

11. Izuku Midoriya, also known as Deku

My Hero Academia is ideal for collectors who enjoy costumes, hero poses and multiple character teams. Deku has become a modern anime staple, with versions that reflect different stages of his journey and the high-energy visual style of the show.

A battle-ready Deku can bring movement to your shelf, while a more classic costume version may suit a line-up of U.A. High students. Neither is automatically better - it depends on whether your display is character-led or scene-led.

12. All Might

Every hero collection needs presence, and All Might has it. His exaggerated proportions and bold costume were practically made for the Funko Pop! format. He works as a standalone statement piece, but he is even better when positioned behind Deku as a mentor figure.

If you are buying for a My Hero Academia fan, All Might is often a smart alternative to the obvious protagonist pick. It shows you know the difference between a popular character and a genuinely memorable one.

How to choose anime Pops for your shelf

Start with one franchise and give it room to grow. A focused collection of six to ten characters from one series often looks more intentional than a shelf packed with unrelated releases. Once you have your core cast, add a special edition, deluxe figure or chase variant where it feels meaningful.

Scale is worth considering. Standard Pop! figures are easy to arrange, while larger releases, rides and deluxe pieces can become focal points. They also need more shelf depth, so measure the space before committing to a big display plan.

Authenticity should never be an afterthought. Collectors should buy from authorised retailers, check product photography and descriptions carefully, and be cautious with deals that look too good to be true. For boxed collectors, trusted packing standards and tracked shipping are part of the purchase, not an optional extra. At TJ Toys, that collector-first approach means your new addition is treated like it belongs in a collection from the start.

Should you collect exclusives and chase variants?

Exclusive editions and chase variants can add real excitement, especially when a special finish suits the character. Glow, metallic, flocked and other treatments can make a familiar design feel fresh. They can also be harder to find and more expensive, so they are best treated as highlights rather than requirements.

A chase is not automatically the best version of a character. Sometimes the common release has the stronger pose, cleaner colours or the exact look you remember from the show. Collect the one you would still be pleased to own if its market value never changed.

The most rewarding anime collection tells a story that is yours: the series you watched first, the villain you secretly rate, the transformation that made you rewind the episode. Leave a little space on the shelf. The next fan-favourite character is always waiting.