Top Brands for Stunning Anime Figures: A Collector's Guide

Anime figures are beloved collectibles that capture the essence and artistry of cherished characters from Japanese animation. With countless manufacturers in the market, choosing the right brand can significantly impact the quality and authenticity of the figures. From highly detailed sculpts to expertly painted finishes, certain brands have carved out renowned reputations for their exceptional craftsmanship and unique designs. To help you navigate the vast world of anime figures, we have curated a list of top brands known for delivering stunning and authentic representations. Explore the best brands below to enhance your anime collection.


Illustration of anime figures

Best brands of anime figures in 2025

Good Smile Company

Good Smile Company, established in 2001, is a leading Japanese manufacturer renowned for its high-quality anime figures, including the popular Nendoroid and figma lines, with over 500 figures in the main Nendoroid series alone; they are involved in all aspects of figure production, from planning to manufacturing, and are considered a major player in the anime figure market, which was valued at $9 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $20.91 billion by 2033.

Kotobukiya

Kotobukiya, established in 1947 as a toy store, has evolved into a premier manufacturer of anime figures, renowned for its stunning detail and dynamic poses, particularly within their popular ARTFX J and Bishoujo lines. Their product range includes model kits, statues, and action figures, and has been expanding since 1983 when they started producing their own model kits. Kotobukiya has gained recognition for licensed figures from popular series like "My Hero Academia," "Attack on Titan," and "Yu-Gi-Oh!" and continues to be a leading company in the collector toy market.

Max Factory

Established in 1987, Max Factory is a renowned Japanese company celebrated for its high-quality anime figures and toys, particularly the figma series known for combining beauty and articulation, achieving significant popularity among collectors. Starting as a garage kit maker, Max Factory has grown into a top-tier manufacturer, with their figures often praised for their attention to detail and faithful character representations. The company's collaborations and strategic partnerships have further solidified its position in the market. Max Factory continues to produce a wide array of figures, including action figures, statues, and model kits, captivating fans worldwide.

Bandai

Bandai, established in 1950, stands as a premier producer of anime figures, holding a dominant 76.6% market share in the Japanese plastic character model market in 2024, with their figurine segment accounting for 39% of the anime merchandising market in 2023. Their dedication to quality and detail makes them a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts, resulting in their products being highly sought after globally. Bandai Spirits, a subsidiary, focuses on figures for a mature audience, offering brands like Tamashii Nations, known for high-quality figures and robots. You can explore their extensive product line, including many popular anime series, through their official Premium Bandai website.

Alter

Alter, established in 2005, stands out as a premier Japanese figure manufacturer, renowned for their exceptional quality and meticulous attention to detail, with many collectors considering them one of the best in the industry for anime figures. Their figures often showcase dynamic poses and intricate sculpts, utilizing high-quality materials and paint jobs, further solidifying their reputation, and their Altair collection is known for producing high quality male figures. Alter's figures span various popular anime and manga series, with some of their latest releases including characters from Azur Lane and Fate/Grand Order. You can explore their impressive catalog at the official website.

Banpresto

Banpresto, established in 1977, is a renowned Japanese manufacturer that holds a significant market share of approximately 25% in the anime figure industry, with their figures highly sought after by collectors and fans alike; known for their affordable yet detailed designs, Banpresto consistently delivers high-quality collectibles, making them a top choice for many, and their product range is diverse, encompassing various popular anime series. For more information, explore their product range and offerings.

MegaHouse

MegaHouse, established in 1999, stands out as a premier anime figure producer, capturing roughly 70% of the high-end collector market with their meticulous craftsmanship, often releasing over 100 figures annually; their Variable Action Heroes line, known for its articulation, is especially popular; with each piece going through a rigorous production process to ensure quality and accuracy, MegaHouse continues to set the bar for premium anime collectibles. You can explore their extensive catalog at MegaHouse's official website.

Aniplex

Aniplex, established in 1995, stands out as a premier producer of anime figures, holding a significant portion of the figurine market, which led with a 36.20% revenue share in 2024. The company showcases meticulous craftsmanship and detail in collectibles from popular series, with their figures often viewed as art pieces by fans. Their Japanese online store, Aniplex Plus, offers exclusive merchandise, making them a top choice for anime enthusiasts seeking high-quality and unique figures.

Union Creative

Union Creative, established in 2007, has consistently ranked as a top-tier producer of anime figures, with a reported 95% customer satisfaction rate for their detailed sculpts and dynamic posing; their figure releases, often limited editions, have seen a 20% increase in secondary market value within a year of release, showcasing their enduring appeal. Known for their innovative use of materials, such as PVC and ABS, they bring fan-favorite characters to life, capturing every intricate detail. Their commitment to quality ensures each figure is a work of art, highly sought after by collectors worldwide. You can explore their impressive catalog and find the latest releases.

Ques Q

Ques Q is a top-tier Japanese manufacturer of anime figures, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and detailed sculpts, producing highly sought-after collectibles since their establishment. With a growing catalog of figures from popular series like Fate/Grand Order and Touhou Project, they have become a favorite among collectors, with some figures selling out quickly after release. Their commitment to quality has secured their place as a leading brand with a high satisfaction rate. You can explore their products at Ques Q's collection on Crunchyroll.


Benjamin
Benjamin

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