Funko Pop figures are everywhere: on desks, in bedrooms and lined up on shelves across the UK. With big heads, small bodies and thousands of characters, they are one of the easiest collectibles to start. This guide covers everything a new collector needs to know, from reading the box to keeping figures in top condition.
What is a Funko Pop?
A Funko Pop is a vinyl figure made by the American company Funko. A standard Pop! is about 3.75 inches (9.5cm) tall and comes in a window box. The range covers films, TV, anime, games, music and sport, so there is a figure for almost any fan.
Browse our Funko range to see how wide the choice is.
Pick a theme before you buy
The biggest mistake new collectors make is buying everything. Shelves fill up fast. Choose a focus instead:
- One franchise: for example Star Wars, Harry Potter or Pokemon.
- One genre: horror, anime or classic cartoons.
- One character: every version of Jack Skellington or Spider-Man.
- Favourite films: a figure from each film you love, from the Movies collection.
A clear theme makes your display look planned and keeps your budget under control.
Understand the different sizes
| Type | Size | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Pop! | About 3.75 in (9.5cm) | Building a collection |
| Pop! Super Sized | About 6 in | Main characters on a shelf |
| Pop! Jumbo | About 10 in | A centrepiece |
| Pop! Town, Rides, Moments | Varies | Scenes with a vehicle or building |
| Pocket Pop! keychain | About 1.5 in | Bags, keys and stocking fillers |
How to read a Funko Pop box
Each box tells you a lot about the figure inside:
- Box number: the number in the top-right corner. It is unique within each line (Movies, Animation, Games and so on), not across all Pops.
- Line name: shows which series the figure belongs to, such as Pop! Animation or Pop! Movies.
- Stickers: a sticker on the window marks special editions, such as convention or retailer exclusives, glow-in-the-dark or metallic finishes.
Exclusives, chase variants and vaulted Pops
These three words come up all the time in collector groups.
Exclusives are sold only by one retailer or at one event, such as a comic convention. They are made in smaller numbers, so they often sell out quickly.
Chase variants are rare versions of a common figure, packed randomly into cases. The odds are often quoted as around 1 in 6, but it varies by release. A chase usually has a different colour, pose or finish and a "Chase" sticker.
Vaulted means Funko has stopped making that figure. Vaulted Pops can rise in value because no new stock is made.
If you want a figure the day it lands, keep an eye on pre-orders and new stock in our Pop! vinyl range.
In the box or out of the box?
There is no wrong answer.
- Keep them boxed if you care about resale value. A mint box is worth more than a loose figure.
- Take them out if you just want to enjoy them. Loose figures take up less space and look great in groups.
Many collectors do both: a boxed shelf for rare figures and a loose display for everything else.
Protect and display your collection
- Keep figures out of direct sunlight, which fades both the vinyl and the box.
- Use clear plastic Pop! protectors to stop corners getting crushed.
- Dust shelves regularly; a soft make-up brush works well for loose figures.
- Use shelves at least 12cm deep so boxes don't hang over the edge.
- Add LED strip lights for a display that looks like a shop window.
Where to start: five easy first Pops
Not sure which figure to buy first? Try one from a franchise you already love. Popular starter picks include a Pokemon starter (Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle), Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas, a Star Wars figure from The Mandalorian, a Harry Potter character, or an anime hero. If anime is your thing, our anime merch guide lists more figures and plush worth a look.
Buying a Pop as a gift?
Funko Pops make great presents because they are affordable and there is one for every fan. Ask what they collect, or check their shelf to avoid duplicates. For more ideas, see our Christmas gift guide.
FAQs
How much does a Funko Pop cost in the UK? Most standard Pop! figures cost between about £10 and £15. Exclusives, Jumbo figures and vaulted Pops cost more.
What does "chase" mean on a Funko Pop? A chase is a rare variant of a common figure, randomly packed into cases. It carries a "Chase" sticker.
Are Funko Pops worth collecting? Most Pops are bought for fun rather than profit. A few exclusives and vaulted figures gain value, so keep the box if resale matters to you.
Start your collection today
The best collection is the one you enjoy. Pick a theme, start with one figure and build from there. Shop Funko Pops at PopCultureUK and find your first figure today.