If you’ve been paying attention to franchise trends throughout the year, you’ll know that some have stood out a lot more than others. Though new franchises have hit our screens in 2025, in both video game and film form, there’s a handful of fan favourites that have really made a comeback. They’re not something new for fans to get their teeth into, but they’ve proven themselves to be back in the hearts and minds of fans, even appealing to brand new demographics.
Whether it’s through fresh content, expanded universes or a wave of exciting merchandise hitting shelves, beloved franchises are finding new ways to make a statement. For collectors and fandom enthusiasts, this means getting to ride the wave of nostalgia, whilst also discovering new reasons to celebrate the stories, characters and worlds you love.
The Franchises Fans Are Loving in 2025
There are a lot of franchises to love in 2025, and many have made a comeback. However, a handful have showcased themselves as being deserving of a place centre stage.
Stranger Things
The Upside Down of Hawkins is back in 2025 with a new series set to premiere in the coming weeks. Fans old and new are getting stuck back into the supernatural mysteries that made the show a cultural phenomenon, and that’s unlikely to slow down anytime soon. The series has inspired a wave of fresh collectibles, including the Stranger Things VHS Light and the Nancy Wheeler fun figure, making it easier than ever to bring a little Hawkins magic into your own home.
Wicked
The iconic musical Wicked is captivating audiences again with a new film adaptation hitting screens any day now, following the success of the first installment last year. Fans are celebrating the story of Elphaba and Glinda in new ways, including limited edition merchandise and collectibles, such as this Wicked Acrylic Lamp and the Flying Monkey TUBBZ figure.
Wicked: Elphaba Thropp TUBBZ (Mini Edition)
£6.99
Take a wicked dive into your collection with the Wicked: Elphaba Thropp TUBBZ (Mini Edition)! This pint-sized version of the iconic green witch is just as powerful. With her signature black hat, broom, and green skin, she is reimagined in… read more
Fallout
The world of Fallout continues to attract new fans, thanks to its impressive universe and recent merchandise releases. To put it simply, the excitement of Fallout is far from dwindling. From the Maximus Funko POP! to collectible Pip-Boy Lenticular Ingots, the franchise is thriving both in gameplay and with gaming collectors. New merchandise keeps collectors engaged, ensuring the franchise remains accessible to fans old and new.
Silent Hill
Silent Hill’s horror universe has seen a resurgence thanks to new merchandise that captures the franchise’s eerie aesthetic. Figures, statues and collectibles like the Bubble Head Nurse and Heather Mason have sparked renewed interest among horror, gaming and film fans.
Silent Hill 3 Heather Mason Limited Edition Statue
£99.99
Ready for battle, Heather Mason is here to save the day with her epic Official Silent Hill 3 statue! Strutting atop her fabulous carousel-inspired base, this collectable shows off her classic turtleneck and vest combo, plus a flash of a… read more
Harry Potter
We can all agree that the Harry Potter franchise never really goes away. But, with the wizarding world expanding with a new series in the works, it’s firmly back in fans’ minds in 2025. With such an impressive range of merchandise and toys, the franchise makes it easy for fans to personalise their shelves, desks, bedrooms, man caves or hobby corners. Harry Potter collectables span all levels, from affordable items like the Hedwig Perspex Lamp to the attention-grabbing Mermaid Stained Glass Window Plaque. There’s always something new to draw fans back in.
Pin Kings Harry Potter Enamel Pin Badge Set 1.2 - Quidditch & Crookshanks
£1.99
£7.99
Is it a miniature lion? Is it a small tiger? Nope, Crookshanks, the brilliant and chonky cat as a cute, premium enamel pin. Your emblem is a cool collectable if you're a massive Quidditch fan. They're perfect for attaching to… read more
The Last of Us
The critically acclaimed series The Last of Us continues to capture attention in 2025, with collectibles and toys being released following the popularity of the television adaptation and original games. Figures like the Joel and Ellie statues are giving fans new connections to the story.
The Last Of Us: Tess TUBBZ (Boxed Edition)
£14.99
Unsurprisingly, disaster struck The Last of Us, as Tess was stricken with a dreaded virus. Joel is devastated as he can only watch in horror as she has mutated into... a cosplaying duck? She is now an officially licensed Boxed… read more
Comeback Kids: Why Do Some Franchises Continue to Grab Fans?
2025 has proven that nostalgia and fresh experiences can coexist. Collectors can embrace this resurgence by adding limited editions, high-quality figures or unique memorabilia to their shelves and display cabinets.
There are a lot of franchises out there, but some grab the attention of fans more than others. Despite being anything but new releases, the franchises listed above continually impress fans, either with new spin-offs and series or with the regular release of merchandise and toys.
The success of these franchises comes down to one thing: they never really left. They continue to grow with their audiences, expanding their universes, collectibles and stories.
How to Embrace Franchise Resurgences
If you’re a fan who loves collecting or curating your own fandom space, there’s no better time than now to celebrate your favourite franchises. The key is to merge nostalgia with your personal style, creating displays that feel both meaningful and modern.
Start by revisiting what drew you to a franchise in the first place. Was it the unique world and backdrop, the characters and stories, or the bold visuals and graphics? Once you know what resonates most, you can choose pieces that reflect that emotional connection. Your collection will quickly become a reflection of your journey as a fan, from the very beginning to 2025.
FAQs: Franchises Making a Comeback
Are these franchises releasing new merchandise this year? Yes, despite having a few years’ behind them, each of these franchises has new collectibles for you to collect, including limited edition releases.
Can these collectibles work with existing collections? Yes, definitely! Most collectible items are designed to complement existing collections or display spaces, making it easy to integrate them into what you already have.
Are limited editions worth collecting? Yes, limited editions often appreciate in value and add exclusivity to a collection, making many of them worthwhile investments.
