You might be a big fan of gaming. You might be a movie enthusiast. You might be a bit of both. Whether you’re into Call of Duty, Metal Gear Solid and Fallout, or you prefer to sit back and watch Deadpool, Harry Potter and Star Wars, you won’t find yourself short of merchandise to collect.
But, amongst all of the artwork, clothing, home accessories, board games, mugs, toys and plushies, there’s one area of merchandise that stands out more than most. This is where franchise figures come in.
Video Games and Movie Figures: Let The Battle Commence
Collectors love a good rivalry, but few debates spark more passion than the video game figures versus movie figures debate. Both fandoms come with iconic characters, interesting lore and distinctive designs, which makes choosing a side almost impossible.
You might lean slightly towards video games at the end of a long day, or you might prefer to unwind with a movie at the weekend. But can you really choose between video games and movie figures?
From high-end statues to articulated action figures, from cute characters to those with a commanding presence, both figure categories continue to evolve with every new release. This makes it hard to decide which franchise type has the coolest new figures. The truth is, both bring something different to the table; they just do so in very different ways.
The Appeal of Video Game Figures
Video game collectables hit differently because games offer a level of immersion that movies struggle to replicate. You don’t just watch these characters, you play as them. You explore their worlds, make decisions for them and spend hours interacting with their stories. In many ways, during the time you’re gaming, you become your favourite character.
This connection makes video game figures especially meaningful; they feel like extensions of yourself, allowing you to build a strong connection. They’re more than just display pieces; they’re reminders of personal victories within the game.
Why Fans Love Video Game Figures
You’ve spent dozens, even hundreds, of hours playing as these characters. This means you’ve likely formed a deep attachment to them.
Games often feature bold armour, creatures, props and environments that translate flawlessly into sculpted figures.
Every game update, release and expansion brings new character designs and more figures to collect. This means there’s always something new for you to get your hands on.
Game figures are perfect for themed displays. With so many characters, franchises and worlds, you can build shelves full of characters from various different universes.
As long as games keep growing and reinventing themselves, new figures will keep being released, ensuring there’s always something new for you to collect.
Why Movie Figures Continue to Dominate Displays
Movies bring characters to life through performance, acting and visual effects, all of which create an emotional connection between you and your favourite films. From heroes to villains, movie characters quickly become cultural icons. Franchise figures take this even further, giving you a tangible way to pay tribute to those unforgettable moments. They’re a way to showcase the scenes that made you laugh, cry or hide behind a pillow.
Why Movie Figures Stand Out
Movie figures are a way to showcase cinema history in collectible form. You can own a figure that represents an iconic moment from your favourite film, and enjoy looking at it on a daily basis.
A lot of movie figures are instantly recognisable, and they don’t require any introduction. They’re an ideal talking point, even if someone isn’t a big fan of the franchise.
With new films constantly being released, there’s a constant stream of new figures to collect. Reboots, anniversary editions, new seasons and remasters mean fresh figure designs.
Movie figures can be enjoyed across all ages. Some fans grew up with the films, stories and characters, whereas others are discovering them for the first time.
Video Games vs. Movies: Which Has the Best New Figures?
It’ll come as no surprise that the answer is both. Every year, stunning new figures from both video game and movie franchises are released in the market, from limited edition statues to cute, stylised minis. With fandoms constantly growing, there’s always something new for collectors to get excited about. Whether you’re gaming in a one-of-a-kind universe or rewatching an iconic film, the world of collectable figures is evolving alongside your favourite stories.
FAQs: Franchise Figures
Are video game figures more detailed than movie figures? No, not necessarily. Both video game figures and movie figures are highly detailed toys. Games often inspire more intricate armour or creature designs, and movies tend to focus on faithful recreations of actors, costumes and props.
Which type of figure holds its value better? Limited editions and high-quality statues often hold or increase in value, regardless of whether they’re linked to a film or game.
Do collectors usually stick to just games or just movies? No, not always. Some collectors stick to one or the other, but many mix them both together. It’s common to see gaming figures alongside film merchandise, especially for fans who love multiple fandoms.
