Funko Pop 101: How to Start, Grow, and Protect Your Collection

Welcome to the World of Funko Pop!

If you’re drawn to those quirky, big-headed figures, you’re in the right place. Funko Pops aren’t just collectibles — they’re a tribute to our favourite movies, shows, games, and pop culture icons. Every Pop tells a story and adds a fun, personal touch to your space.

But getting started can feel overwhelming. With so many series, sizes, and fakes out there, it’s easy to feel lost. We’ll take you through everything you need to know to get started (or level up) as a collector — from the different Pop! sizes and styles, to how to hunt down limited editions, and even how to avoid common traps like overpriced resellers or fakes. 

Whether you’re brand new to the scene or already have shelves full of prized Pops, this guide is packed with helpful tips and fresh inspiration. Ready to dive in? Let’s start your Funko Pop collecting journey together — it’s going to be a good one!

What Exactly Is a Funko Pop?

Funko Pop! Vinyl figures — or just Funko Pops for short — are a series of stylised vinyl collectibles created by the American pop culture brand Funko. Their signature look? Oversized heads, tiny bodies, and those iconic round black eyes. Instantly recognisable, super cute, and full of personality.

But don’t be fooled — they’re not just toys. Funko Pops have become cultural icons in their own right. These figures celebrate characters from just about every corner of pop culture: superheroes, movie icons, anime legends, gaming favourites, music stars, and even real-life historical figures. With over 8,000+ unique designs already on the market (and counting), there’s pretty much a Pop for everyone.

Each one tells a story. A tribute to a character you love, a film you grew up with, or a game you played for hours on end.

So Why Is Everyone So Into Them?

Funko Pop's appeal lies in its ability to simplify complex characters into a single, cohesive design — while still keeping all the iconic details that make them recognisable. It’s nostalgia and collectability rolled into one.

More than just cute shelf displays, Pops are an emotional connection to the characters we care about. They let you bring a piece of your favourite fandom into your everyday life. What’s more, Funko regularly drops exclusive, limited-run editions that make the hobby even more exciting.

Think:

• Holiday specials
• Glow-in-the-dark versions
• Flocked (fuzzy-textured) figures
• Rare Chase variants
• Event-only and retailer exclusives

Some of these are so rare they’ve become serious collector’s items. And yes, a few even go up in value over time. Whether you’re collecting for fun or looking to invest in some pop culture gold, there’s plenty of treasure-hunting thrill to be had.

What Sizes and Versions Do Funko Pops Come In?

At first glance, they may all look pretty similar — but there’s actually a whole range of sizes and styles out there.

Here are the most common formats:

• Standard (3.75 inch) – The classic and most widely available Pop size
• Jumbo (10 inch) – Bigger, bolder and perfect for display
• Mega (18 inch) – Rare and massive — a real centrepiece item
• Pocket Pop Keychains – Tiny, portable versions of your faves
• Pop Rides – Characters with vehicles (like Batman in the Batmobile or Harry Potter on his broomstick)
• Pop Deluxe / Pop Town – Scenic versions featuring a character plus a setting or landmark

As you'd expect, bigger and rarer usually means pricier. Special editions and oversized Pops often cost more — and some even become highly sought-after among serious collectors.

If you’re just starting out, the best tip is to focus on characters or franchises you genuinely love. From there, you’ll naturally develop your own collection style — it’s all about Marvel, nostalgic TV shows, music icons, or just the weird and wonderful.

How Much Are Funko Pops Actually Worth?

The value of a Funko Pop can vary heaps — from your everyday figures priced around NZ$20–$25, all the way up to thousands of dollars for the rarest ones out there.

Here’s a rough idea of what you’ll typically pay:

• Standard figures: Usually between NZ$20–$25
• Special editions or store exclusives: Around NZ$25–$50
• Deluxe or oversized versions: Typically NZ$40–$80, sometimes more

Basic Pops are super accessible and affordable. But on the flip side, rare pieces like the Glow-in-the-Dark Boo Berry or Clockwork Orange (Chase Edition) can fetch hundreds or even thousands of NZD on the resale market.

So what makes some Pops worth so much more?

• Whether it’s a Chase edition with a rare design
• If it was a convention exclusive, like those from San Diego Comic-Con
• Whether the figure is vaulted, meaning it’s no longer being made

Condition is everything, too — collectors want the figure and box in mint shape. If you're unsure about the value of a particular Pop, apps like the Funko App, Pop Price Guide, or even a quick check on Trade Me or eBay NZ can give you a solid sense of what it's going for.

You never know — you could be sitting on a rare gem already!

How to Spot a Fake Funko Pop

The Funko Pop market is full of variety, but not all of it is genuine. Knowing how to tell real from fake can save you money and disappointment.

What to look for:

1. Packaging Quality

Always start with the box. Authentic Funko Pops come in high-quality packaging with crisp, vibrant printing and properly formatted text. If the box looks dull, blurry, or has spelling errors, that’s a red flag.

2. Paint and Craftsmanship

Genuine Funko figures are cleanly moulded and evenly painted, with fine attention to detail. Counterfeit versions often have sloppy paintwork, rough edges, or poorly defined features.

3. Look at the Base

Turn the figure over. An original Funko Pop will usually have a clear Funko logo and official copyright information moulded into the base. Fakes may be missing these, or the text might be faint and difficult to read.

4. Smell Test

Real Funkos don’t have much of a smell. If your figure gives off a strong chemical or plastic odour, it's likely a knock-off.

5. Price That’s Too Good to Be True

If the price seems suspiciously low—especially for a rare or exclusive item—it probably is. Do a bit of research beforehand and compare prices across multiple reliable retailers. Bargains are great, but if something seems off, trust your gut.

What Kinds of Funko Pop Figures Are There?

With thousands of unique and specialised Funko Pop figures on the market, there’s truly something for everyone. Each figure falls under a specific category or franchise, and some of the most popular ones include the following:

Disney Funko Pops

If you’re a Disney fan, the Disney collection of Funko Pops is a dream come true. These collectable vinyl figures showcase beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy, along with friends from across the Disney universe. You’ll also find favourites from classic and modern films such as Frozen, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Big Hero 6, The Lion King, Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and many more. 

Know more Disney Funko Pops

Star Wars Funko Pops

For Star Wars fans, Funko offers the ultimate collector’s range. These figures feature iconic characters from a galaxy far, far away—including Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, and Princess Leia—alongside newer favourites like Rey, Kylo Ren, BB-8, The Mandalorian, and more. Funko also occasionally releases limited-edition versions, like their Valentine’s Day range, where each figure comes in pink and red hues. A definite must-have for any true Star Wars collector.

Know More Star Wars Funko Pops

Marvel Funko Pops

Thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel characters have exploded in popularity—and Funko Pop figures are no exception. You’ll find a massive selection of Marvel characters, including Groot, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Loki, Vision, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and even Marvel’s legendary creator, Stan Lee. In this category, you’ll also come across deluxe editions, exclusive variants, and special ‘chase’ figures—so keep an eye out if you’re hunting for something rare.

Know More Marvel Funko Pops

Pop! DC Comics

If you’re more into superheroes than sitcoms, Funko’s Pop! DC Comics range is right up your alley. These collectible figures feature mini versions of iconic characters like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and The Joker—each with their own distinctive look. You’ll also find unique variants, including metallic finishes, glow-in-the-dark editions, and classic comic book designs. Whether you're a lifelong comic fan or just getting started, there’s no better way to celebrate the DC Universe than displaying these legendary heroes and villains on your shelf.

Know More DC Comics Funko Pops

Always Something New

Funko is constantly releasing new characters, series, and limited drops — so there’s always something fresh to look forward to.

To stay in the loop:

• Subscribe to Funko’s newsletter
• Follow their socials
• Stay connected with Ocare to be first in line for pre-orders and restocks

Where to Buy Funko Pops in New Zealand?

As Funko Pop collecting becomes more popular, finding a reliable, diverse, and trustworthy source for your next collectible is more important than ever. That’s where Ocare comes in.
Ocare is one of New Zealand’s leading online retailers for authentic Funko Pop vinyl figures. Whether you're a new fan just discovering the magic of collecting, or a seasoned collector searching for that elusive Chase variant, Ocare offers a comprehensive and ever-expanding range of Funko Pop products.

Every item listed is 100% genuine. With frequent updates, exclusive releases, and a constantly refreshed inventory, Ocare ensures New Zealand collectors never miss out on the latest Pop culture drops.

Browse the Full Collection of Funko Pops at Ocare Now »»»

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re casually picking up a favourite character or diving deep into rare collectables, Funko Pop collecting is a hobby that’s as fun as it is rewarding. Every shelf tells a story. Every figure adds a bit more personality to your space. And with new drops always around the corner, there’s never been a better time to start or grow your collection.

So go on — chase that exclusive, line up your favourites, and don’t forget to enjoy the hunt.