If you’re a fan of popular culture it’s pretty likely you have a Funko Pop or two, or boxes filled with them, or displayed around your entertainment center, just me? Probably not, but you wouldn’t have clicked on this list if you weren’t at least a little interested in those little vinyl figures that can sport licenses as iconic as Marvel, DC, and Star Wars to more niche licenses such as American Psycho with a Pop that capitalizes on one of that film’s most meme-able scenes.
It’s not a problem but a celebration of fandom. At least that is what I tell myself after swearing I won’t buy anymore and Funko lures me back in. Looking at you, Marvel Zombies Venom Pop! All I’m saying is I think a $9 Thanos Funko POP! and a $376.00 Hot Toys Thanos figure can both take up space on my collectibles shelf. And with that in mind, today I bring you my Top 10 MCU Funko Pops.
This list was a lot harder to come up with than I originally thought it would be. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been going since the release of Iron Man in 2008, and as of this moment there are a total of 23 films, with at least 14 more in various stages of development. This presented me with quite the challenge. How do I rank these Pops fairly?
I paced back and forth in my living room, writing list after list, and then remembered this is my list and I’ll tell you why I chose what I chose and if you have your opinions leave a comment or submit your top ten. That’s the great thing about fandom. Disagreements make for great conversation starters and we can open up a dialogue regarding our favorite things. I look forward to seeing what Pops make our readers’ Top 10 lists.
Fair warning, some of the entries on this list contain multiple Pops. As a collector I think of these characters as a part of a group and having the whole set adds to the “cool” factor.
All images and pricing data came via the Official Funko app via Apple’s App Store as of June 29, 2020.
I would also like to thank fandom.com’s MCU wiki. It helped so much when finding the in-universe names for specific events.
Final word of warning, my list does contain spoilers. So if you haven’t watched all the films that make up the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I suggest doing that first before diving into this article.
10) #73 Avengers Age of Ultron, Hulkbuster 6” Super Sized Pop 2015
I don’t understand why Avengers: Age of Ultron gets the flak it does sometimes. Since the conclusion of what is now referred to as the Infinity Saga, maybe I am just looking back at my time watching it with rose tinted glasses. But a lot of my favorite MCU moments come from this film. Ranking highest amongst those memories is The Duel of Johannesburg. This is the first time fans are treated to Iron Man’s Mark XLIV Hulkbuster Armor in a fight against the Hulk after he is manipulated by Scarlet Witch.
As cool as the scene in The Avengers is when Thor and Hulk fight in the Helicarrier, this confrontation in the sequel meant so much more in a movie where Ultron is the main villain. Created in part by Tony, we see the early signs of Tony becoming what some would consider a villain. Having a weapon ready to fight his friend is just another example of this.
Though there are multiple Hulkbuster Pops, #294 Avengers: Infinity War Hulkbuster, #306 Avengers Infinity: War Hulk (W/Hulkbuster), and #394 Movie Moments Hulkbuster vs. Hulk, this is still my favorite version. It strikes a great balance between what played out on screen and the overall unifying Funko Pop style.
This Pop is trending at $26.00
9) 2 Pack Captain America Civil War, Captain America / Iron Man
Marvel Collector Corps 2016
While I’m on the topic of Tony fighting his friends let’s talk about my #9 pick. I tried to keep my list to Pops available to the general public, but a few exclusives did sneak their way in. As long as the Pops in question were not part of the Movie Moments Collection – or others you will see in my honorable mentions list – they were generally eligible for my Top 10 list. This Pop was available through the Marvel Collector Corps.
This Pop brings to life one of, if not the most memorable parts of Captain America: Civil War. I believe this Pop is recreating the Leipzig-Halle Airport fight, where two factions of heros are about to fight one another, one faction lead by Captain America and the other by Iron Man. But it also reminds me of the final fight between Iron Man, Captain America and Bucky and the fallout of Baron Zemo’s plan. When I think of moments that define the MCU this is definitely one that had long term ramifications that were felt throughout the films that followed.
This Pop is trending at $31.00
8) #308 Avengers Infinity War Thanos 10” Super Sized Pop Target 2018
The big bad of the Infinity Saga deserves a big Pop as well. This is first 10” Pop to grace our list so far but will not be our last. This Super Sized Pop was exclusive to Target stores. In case you can’t find this exact pop, #289 Avengers: Infinity War Thanos will do the trick. This Funko Pop is the perfect encapsulation of the Avengers: Infinity War film. That snap, seeing some of our favorite heroes disappear in front of our eyes, seeing the Avengers fail, it was a moment of absolute triumph for Thanos as his plan finally came to fruition.
I know what you’re thinking. Steven, you talked up Thanos so much how could this not be your #1 Pop? And my answer to you, reader, would come down to personal taste. As much as I love Josh Brolin’s portrayal of the character on screen, I love comic Thanos too much. And Funko Pop has made some amazing Thanos Pops not based off the MCU that I like more. Thanos Pops such as the #556 Marvel Thanos PX Previews Exclusive, a comic accurate Thanos with molded fingers simulating the snap, all while standing upon a pile of skulls.
This Pop is trending at $30.00
7) #130 Captain America Civil War Black Panther 2015
Before starring in his own film, the Black Panther was introduced in Captain America: Civil War. The reason I placed a common Pop so high on this list is in in part thanks to Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of the character. In a movie that is lovingly referred to as Avengers 2.5 thanks to its supporting cast, the addition of Black Panther into this already established conflict feels natural.
Black Panther also goes through the most character development I have seen in a non-origin story in the MCU. T’challa witnesses the death of his father as he and his father are appearing on the world’s stage for the first time, giving viewers their first tease at what is to come from Wakanda. At first T’challa is only motivated by revenge but throughout the film he unravels the plot against our heros and captures Baron Zemo. We also can’t forget about the post-credits scene where we see Black Panther lend a helping hand to Steve and Bucky. I am also fond of the look of this particular costume for the Black Panther. The only other Black Panther Pop that even comes close is the 2 Pack Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite Black Panther vs. Monster Hunter Pop. Thank goodness this is an MCU list.
This Pop is trending at $8.00
6) #13 Ant-Man and Ant-Thony Pop Rides 2015
The number six spot came down to an Ant-Man battle royale. Two other Ant-Man Pop’s vied for the spot before being relegated to the honorable mention list. Instead of focusing on things Ant-Man has done in other films like grow big, grow really big or go subatomic and save the world, I’m focusing on the Pop that gets Ant-Man as a character.
Much like Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of T’challa / Black Panther in my previous entry, Paul Rudd’s performance of Scott Lang / Ant-Man is one of my favorite things in the MCU. So much of that is based on Paul Rudd’s natural charm – if you’re reading Paul, you’re a national treasure. Watching Scott Lang become Ant-Man through trial and error in the film is incredibly fun to watch. And Lang’s training comes to fruition once Ant-Man is able to properly fly his ant pal Ant-Thony. It also makes Ant-Thony’s death all that more crushing.
This Pop is trending at $33.00
5) Black Order
#290 Corvus Glaive, #291 Ebony Maw, #292 Proxima Midnight and #298 Cull Obsidian, Avengers Infinity War 2017
I know this might be cheating but it’s my list and this isn’t the only multi-part Funko Pop entry. The reason the Black Order ranks so high for me is due to their sheer presence. The Marvel films have had a villain problem in the past. But with Avengers: Infinity War we are introduced to four intimidating villains. Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Proxima Midnight and Cull Obsidian make up the MCU’s version of the Black Order. Other than changing Black Dwarf’s name to Cull Obsidian and axing Supergiant this is a really good representation of the characters introduced in 2013’s Infinity event in the comics.
Each one of these characters shines in their individual scenes. Who can forget Ebony Maw giving Dr. Strange a run for his money, Corvus Glaive prying an infinity stone from Vision’s forehead, Proxima Midnight’s battle with Black Widow, or Cull Obsidian’s demise.
Corvus Glaive trending at $5.00
Ebony Maw trending at $7.00
Proxima Midnight trending at $6.00
Cull Obsidian trending at $14.00
Also read: Anthony Mackie Talks The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
4) #310 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 Yondu Spring Convention 2018
“I’m Marry Poppin’s, y’all”. The second Michael Rooker’s character Yondu uttered those words fans forgot about baby Groot’s cuteness for a second and remembered why you don’t mess with Yondu. As cool as the character was in Vol.1, Yondu gets even more time to shine in this sequel. After a mutiny on the Ravager’s ship Yondu, with the help of Rocket and Groot, takes care of the would-be mutineers with his Yaka Arrow in a symphony of destruction, accompanied by the song “Come a Little Bit Closer” by Jay and the Americans. I always thought Yondu had a unique weapon and I’m happy this Pop shows it off.
This Pop is trending at $55.00
3) #241 Thor Ragnarok Hulk 10” Super Sized Pop Target 2017
The 10” Super Sized Pop of the Hulk from Thor: Ragnarok has been one of my favorite Pops for a while. Much like the 10” Super Sized Pop of Thanos in the #8 spot, I believe it makes sense for the Hulk to have one of the largest Funko Pops as well. This is a great Funko Pop in terms of design, it’s a great moment from the film. The first time the Hulk enters the arena is great. And even though that scene played a lot in the trailers in the lead up to the film, it is still a great character moment between Thor and the Hulk. This is a great conversation piece for collectors and should be a must own for any fans of the Planet Hulk comics or the Thor: Ragnarok film.
This Pop is trending at $32.00
2) Avengers
#584 Avengers Assemble Iron Man, #585 Avengers Assemble Hulk, #586 Avengers Assemble Hawkeye and #587 Avengers Assemble Thor, Avengers 2019 / 2020
I told you the Black Order was not my only multi Pop entry on this list, but after seeing what I picked for the #2 spot can you blame me? Think about the first time you watched The Avengers. Remember seeing Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye fighting together against a Chitauri invasion force lead by Loki and how cool that was. These Pops combine together at their bases and recreate that moment from the film.
These are Amazon Exclusives so if you want to add these Pops to your collection, I would act fast.
Available through Amazon.com $19.99 each
It is crazy to look back at the original Avengers film now knowing how all of it will end. There are no feelings of anticipation waiting for the conclusion anymore, not like with this list. But before I announce my #1 pick for the MCU Funko Top 10 let’s look at some Honorable Mentions.
Honorable Mentions*
*These entries are in no particular order.
Stan Lee Cameo Pops
Any of the Stan Lee Cameo Pops are a great addition to your Marvel Funko Pop collections. It was always a fun time trying to find where Stan Lee would pop up in the MCU. So keep that spirit alive and scatter a few different Stan Lee Pops throughout your collection.
Misc. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Pops
I love Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and against my better judgement half of the list isn’t Groot variations. Groot is super cute in this movie and you’re lying to yourself if you think otherwise. In all seriousness though I love some of the comedic bits in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Rocket’s torment of Taser Face and the heartfelt moments like when Kraglin tries to learn how to use Yondu’s fin after his passing. Luckily for me both of these moments are captured by their Funko Pops.
Ant-Man Civil War 6”/ Ant-Man and the Wasp 10”
The other contenders in the Ant-Man battle royale I mentioned earlier were based on Ant-Man going big in Civil War as it was one of the highlights of Captain America: Civil War as well as when Ant-Man goes big again in Ant-Man and the Wasp. Both moments were captured in Funko Pop form in 6” and 10” Super Sized Pops. But as I stated earlier in my #6 pick, I think going small is what makes a great Ant-Man Funk Pop.
Funko Pop Movie Moments Marvel Studios
The Movie Moments Funko Pop series is one of the best series of Pops. The Pops in this series are designed as little dioramas that convey important moments in the MCU. I didn’t pick any of these for the top 10 list as I think most of the entries would have been made up from this series if allowed.
Funko Pop Marvel: Marvel Studios 10 Gold Chrome Series
When you have 10 years of great comic book movies under your belt I think you get to gloat a little. And I feel that is exactly what this series of Funko Pops represents. It’s Marvel saying we are the gold standard when it comes to super hero movies and here are some of characters dipped in gold to show that.
Avengers Endgame Captain America with Broken Shield and Mjolnir
Much like my #1 choice seeing Captain America wield Mjolnir was an amazing moment from Avengers: Endgame. But the Pop at #1 on my list deserves the spot just a little more.
1) #580 Avengers Endgame Iron Man (I am Iron Man) PX Previews Exclusive 2020
What can I possibly say about this Pop that Robert Downey Jr. didn’t as Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame. He is Iron Man. No matter what you think about the MCU there is a very good chance that without Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man it would be very different. I love this Pop, it hits all my criteria when deciding what makes a good Pop. It reminds me of a critical moment in the MCU, it is well sculpted, and I would be more than happy to display it on my collectibles shelf. The only Pop that even came close to this spot was #573 Avengers Endgame Captain America with Broken Shield and Mjolnir. Ultimately Iron Man’s sacrifice sealed his spot at #1 in my top 10 MCU Funko Pop list. Plus, you know, it glows in the dark and it has a metallic finish.
This pop is trending at $30.00
I hope you enjoyed what I considered my Top 10 MCU Funko Pops. And I look forward to our FandomWire fans sounding off in the comments section below with their lists.
