Top 11 Rarest Funko Pops: A Collector’s Guide

Since hitting the scene back in 2010, Funko Pop! figures have taken the toy world by storm. Proving popular with adults and kids alike, these vinyl figurines are known for their cute, chibi-style designs and immensely collectible nature. There are simply so many Funko figures out there, covering a variety of characters from the worlds of video games, movies, anime, sports, TV, and more.

But not all Funkos are created equal. Indeed, some are notably rarer and more valuable than others, with limited edition runs, special event exclusive designs and unique color variants making them particularly appealing to avid collectors. If you're interested in adding to your collection or seeking out the most highly-prized Funko Pop! figures, this guide is here to help.

Below, we'll look at 11 of the rarest Funko Pop! vinyl figures. We'll explore the stories behind them and uncover some of the staggering price tags they can reach in the collectibles market.

The Rarest Funko Pops

Freddy Funko as Count Chocula (Glow in the Dark)

Freddy Funko is the iconic mascot of the Funko franchise. He's had several special edition crossovers over the years, many of which are now classed among the most valuable Funko Pops. The glow-in-the-dark Count Chocula version of Freddy Funko, for example, was a 2011 San Diego Comic-Con exclusive.

It crossed Freddy with the Dracula-inspired cereal mascot, with only 12 of the glowing units produced. Appealing to both Funko fans and lovers of vintage cereal memorabilia, it's one of the most unique releases in Funko Pop! history.

Planet Arlia Vegeta

Anime Funkos like "Naruto" Funko toys have always proven popular with collectors, with the ultra-rare Planet Arlia Vegeta being one of the most sought-after Funko "Dragon Ball Z" variants. It was only sold at the 2014 New York Comic Con, giving it much greater value than any other Vegeta Funko on the market.

In addition to being rare, this figure has a really attractive, brightly-colored design that appeals to anime fans and general collectors alike.

Freddy Funko as Jaime Lannister (Bloody)

The most popular media franchises always get lots of Funko figures. That's why there are so many Funko Star Wars toys, for example. Given that "Game of Thrones" was also an immensely popular show in its time, its cast also received the Funko treatment, with toys for the likes of Arya Stark and Tyrion Lannister.

However, the most valuable GoT Funko is the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con exclusive Jaime Lannister and Freddy Funko crossover. It features Freddy dressed up as Jaime, with a splatter of blood across his face.

Boo Berry (Glow in the Dark)

Here's another cereal-themed exclusive figure that has proven popular with Funko collectors. It's a special glow-in-the-dark variant of General Mills' Boo Berry, released for 2011's San Diego Comic-Con.

Only 24 of these figures came out, making them extremely rare and particularly appealing for those who fondly remember chowing down on monster cereals in their youth.

Hopper (Gold) (Stranger Things)

The Netflix series "Stranger Things" has gained a loyal following of fans across the globe. Many of those fans were thrilled to see Funko release its own line of "Stranger Things" characters, and even more excited when this metallic gold version of Hopper came out for the 2018 Comic-Con.

Only 40 of these figures were ever made, and the striking golden design makes them particularly impressive to display in a cabinet or add to your collection.

Freddy Funko as Iron Man (Metallic)

There are dozens of Funko Marvel figures out there. But some are particularly valuable, selling for thousands of dollars, like this Iron Man and Freddy Funko crossover.

Like most of the other items on this list, this was an event exclusive. Specifically, it was released during the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con, with just 96 units made. It's a fantastic figure for Marvel lovers, featuring one of the comic book world's greatest heroes combined with Funko's mascot.

Batman (Blue Metallic)

Of course, Marvel isn't the only big comic company out there. DC, too, has given the world some iconic characters, and there are lots of great Funko DC toys to collect. 

The blue metallic version of Batman is one of the rarest DC editions. It's also one of the oldest Funko figures to exist, having been released way back in 2010 as a San Diego Comic-Con exclusive.

Stan Lee Superhero (Red Metallic)

Funko figures aren't only for fictional characters. We've also seen many Funko Pops based on real people, like Funko sports legends and Funko music stars. Well, at the 2017 Comikaze Expo, Funko also released a rare red metallic variant of comic book superstar Stan Lee, the creator of iconic heroes like Spider-Man.

Lee sadly passed away a year after this toy came out, making it even more valuable in the eyes of collectors. Plus, there were only 12 units released, and Lee even signed the boxes himself, making them extra special in the hearts of collectors.

Dumbo (Clown Paint)

Disney is another major franchise with a whole lot of Funko Pop! figures. In fact, if you look at how many Funko Pops exist today, a large number are linked with Disney in some way, including this super-rare variant of Dumbo the Elephant.

There are several versions of Dumbo out there, including some that don't cost much money at all. But this Dumbo Funko Pop!, featuring clown paint on the face, was a 2013 Comic-Con exclusive. Only 48 of these figures were made, making them very valuable, especially for fans of the classic film.

Clockwork Orange (Glow in the Dark)

Arguably the rarest Funko Pop! ever is the 2012 glow-in-the-dark Chase variant of Alex DeLarge from the movie "A Clockwork Orange." This was originally supposed to be part of an extended line of "A Clockwork Orange" figures.

However, the company that owned the rights to the movie wasn't happy and ordered the toys to be destroyed. Funko obliged, mostly. They destroyed all but 24 of the toys — 12 Chase variants and 12 standard ones.

The Funko CEO then signed and numbered each of the toys. The company wasn’t allowed to sell them, so it gave them away to fans, employees, and collectors. They're extremely rare, but do come on the market now and then, usually reaching astronomical resale prices.

Alex DeLarge Clockwork Orange (Non-Chase Variant)

As well as the aforementioned glow-in-the-dark version of Alex DeLarge, the non-chase regular version is also a prized commodity among collectors. It's just as rare as the Chase variant, and it's exceptionally difficult to find, given that it was never officially sold to the public.

How Funko Pops Gain Their Rarity

Not all Funko Pop! figures are as rare as those listed above. In fact, many of them are very common and don't cost too much money to add to your collection. So, you might be wondering what separates the rarest Pops from the rest.

Well, it all comes down to how Funko produces its toys, dividing them into standard Funkos and "Chase" variants. The Chase Pops have been around since 2010 when the brand began, and if you see the word "Chase" attached to a Funko, it basically means "Limited Edition." These figures also come with unique designs, such as metallic bodies or exclusive accessories.

Given that the Chase Pops aren't produced in the same amounts as standard Pops, they naturally gain value and desirability among collectors. Additionally, Funko often releases bonus rare Funko figures that are exclusively available at certain events, like Comic-Con. At the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con, for instance, Funko made a special metallic Mickey Mouse, with just 480 units available.

There are several other ways in which a figure can end up on the rare Funko Pop! list. For example, certain figure lines have been discontinued or "vaulted," making them particularly scarce, and therefore more valuable. Funko has also sometimes released exclusive rare Funko Pops only in certain regions, making collectors in other parts of the world willing to pay more to own them.

The Community Aspect

Ultimately, any collectible is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. That's where the community comes into play, with fans effectively deciding for themselves what Funko Pops are rare and which ones are the most desirable. For instance, some Chase variants, like glow-in-the-dark and metallic Funkos, aren't worth all that much when compared to others, despite being rare and limited edition.

This is generally because the design of certain Funkos, or the characters that inspired them, don't have as much appeal to collectors. Meanwhile, other toys that are particularly attractive, exciting, or based on popular characters, tend to gain more traction with the collector market. That's why a lot of the rarest Pop figures featured in our list are based on beloved characters, like Jaime Lannister, Hopper, and Stan Lee.

Getting involved with your fellow collectors is a terrific way to learn more about the most coveted collectibles in the Funko world. There are lots of ways to do this, such as signing up for Funko forums and social media groups. Many seasoned collectors also attend big events, like conventions, sharing information and even trading with others. 

Protecting Your Investment

When investing in valuable collectibles, it's vital to keep them in good condition to maintain their value. If the box gets damaged or the colors of the toy fade and degrade, its sale price can massively decline. So, the first thing to do is ensure that your Funko is kept inside its original box for maximum value. The toy should also be stored in a safe, dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, or extreme temperatures.

If you have children in the house and don't want them to impact the value of your collectible figures, you'll also need to keep them out of reach. However, you might also want to admire your rarest and most precious collectible figurines. In that case, a special display stand or locked cabinet could be the best option, as long as the figures aren't exposed to excessive light or heat.

Some collectors even go as far as seeking out insurance policies for their collections. This may be an option for you if you've put a lot of money into Funkos. However, you may have to shop around, as some providers aren't able to classify Funko Pop! figures as collectibles or calculate their approximate value.

Where to Find Rare Funko Pops

If you're interested in becoming a Funko collector and seeking out rare Pop figures, you might be wondering where to start. Well, many rare Funkos regularly go up for sale on online platforms or auction sites, such as eBay. Certain specialty toy stores may also have limited quantities of rare Funkos for sale, and you can also buy directly from other owners through collector's forums.

However, be warned: there are a lot of scams out there involving fake Funko Pops. There are several ways to spot fakes or scammers. For example, the price may seem far too good to be true, or there’s something about the design that doesn't seem quite right, like the color or accessories. You should always look for official Funko packaging and match the serial number on the toy with the one on the box.

Join the Hunt: Start Your Funko Pop Collection Today

As you can see, the rarest Funko Pop! figures are highly-prized collectibles, fetching thousands of dollars. They can, therefore, be excellent investments, for those who can afford them. But even the simpler and less expensive Funkos are also lots of fun to buy, own, and admire.

Whether you're fresh to the Funko world or a seasoned collector in search of the latest limited editions, it's always best to buy from trusted providers. Check out the complete Funko Pop! range at ToyShnip to find and order your favorite Funkos today.

FAQs

What is the rarest Funko Pop in the world?

The extremely limited-edition Alex DeLarge Funko Pop! figures are classed among the rarest, alongside other toys like the glow-in-the-dark Count Chocula Freddy Funko. In regard to the cost of the rarest Funko Pop, toys like these can easily exceed $10,000 in value.

What is the hardest Funko Pop to find?

There are many rare Funkos that are exceptionally tricky to find, especially those that only exist in very limited batches, like the red metallic Stan Lee or the Alex DeLarge Funkos.

Who is #1 Funko Pop?

The first Funko Pops ever made were a set of four DC Universe figures based on Batman, Batgirl, and Green Lantern. They were sold as a 2010 San Diego Comic-Con exclusive set.

What Funko Pops are worth money?

Limited edition of "Chase" Funko Pops tend to be worth the most. They're more valuable due to their rarity and unique designs.