A great anime figure does more than fill a shelf. It brings back the first time Goku went Super Saiyan, the chaos of the Straw Hat crew, or that one Evangelion scene you still think about years later. The best anime display figures make a collection feel personal, whether you are building a full franchise line-up or choosing one standout character for your desk.
For UK collectors, the right choice is rarely just about picking the biggest box or the most expensive statue. Scale, poseability, paintwork, available space and how the figure fits beside your Funko Pop! collection all matter. Here are 12 figure styles and lines worth considering when you want a display with real collector appeal.
Best Anime Display Figures by Collection Style
1. Figma figures for poseable favourites
Figma figures are a strong choice when you want expression as well as detail. Their articulated joints, alternate faces, hands and accessories let you recreate signature poses instead of leaving every character standing straight ahead.
They work particularly well for action-heavy series such as Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia. The trade-off is that joints remain visible, and small accessories can be easy to misplace. Keep spare hands and effect parts in labelled bags so a future rearrange does not turn into a treasure hunt.
2. S.H.Figuarts for high-energy action poses
S.H.Figuarts figures are built for collectors who want movement. Dragon Ball characters are the obvious highlight, with dynamic articulation for flying kicks, Kamehameha effects and dramatic mid-battle stances. Many releases also offer sharp face sculpts that make even a compact display feel alive.
These are ideal if you enjoy changing poses regularly. They need a little patience, though. A rushed pose can make a figure look unbalanced, while loose joints may need a subtle support stand to keep an aerial display secure.
3. Nendoroids for character and charm
Nendoroids turn even the most serious anime heroes into compact, expressive display pieces. Their oversized heads, swappable faces and tiny props are instantly recognisable, and they are brilliant for smaller shelves, workspaces and collectors who have run out of room for large-scale statues.
Their chibi style will not suit every collection. A Nendoroid beside a realistic 1/7 scale figure can look deliberately playful rather than cohesive. Group them together by series, colour or shelf level for a cleaner result.
4. Pop Up Parade for display value
Pop Up Parade has become a favourite entry point for collectors who want licensed anime figures with pleasing paintwork and a manageable price point. Most releases are simple fixed-pose figures, which makes them easy to display straight from the box without dealing with extra parts or complicated bases.
They are especially useful when you want several characters from the same series rather than spending the whole budget on one premium release. Check heights before buying, as character proportions and scales can vary between releases.
5. Banpresto prize figures for bigger line-ups
Banpresto prize figures are made for fans who want a lively, character-packed shelf. You can often find different outfits, arcs and poses from franchises including One Piece, Dragon Ball and Naruto, making it easier to build a full crew or team display.
They may not have the intricate finish of a high-end scale statue, but the best releases offer excellent shelf presence for the price. This is the smart route for collectors who would rather own five favourite characters than one expensive centrepiece.
6. Ichibansho figures for prize-figure upgrades
Ichibansho releases often sit in the sweet spot between standard prize figures and premium statues. They tend to feature more dramatic sculpting, stronger paint detail and poses designed to command attention without demanding a large display cabinet.
These make excellent centrepieces for a franchise shelf. If you collect Dragon Ball, look for releases that capture transformations or key battle moments. A single powerful pose can anchor a whole display of smaller figures.
7. Scale figures for a true centrepiece
A 1/7 or 1/8 scale anime figure is where sculpt, colour and costume detail can really shine. Flowing hair, layered clothing, translucent effects and detailed bases give these figures the presence that turns a collection into a Collector's Dream.
The price is higher, and so is the commitment. Measure the height, width and depth of the figure, including hair, weapons and base, before ordering. A figure that fits the shelf on paper can still feel crowded if its effects extend outwards.
8. ARTFX J figures for polished character portraits
Kotobukiya's ARTFX J line is a strong option for collectors who favour elegant, carefully composed statues. These figures often focus on a definitive character look rather than an overcomplicated action scene, making them easy to pair with manga, art books or themed background prints.
They are well suited to fans who prefer a refined display over a shelf full of accessories. The downside is that a static pose cannot be changed later, so choose a character and costume you will still love after the excitement of release day has passed.
9. Megahouse figures for premium detail
Megahouse is known for collector-focused lines with confident sculpts and strong character likenesses. Their One Piece Portrait.Of.Pirates range is a classic example of figures made for fans who know the difference between a favourite character and a must-have version of that character.
Premium detail comes with premium pricing, so be selective. Rather than buying every release, choose figures connected to a favourite arc, crew or transformation. A focused display nearly always looks more impressive than a costly but random line-up.
10. Evangelion figures for striking silhouettes
Evangelion figures earn their display power through design alone. Eva units, pilots and angular weaponry bring bold colour, dramatic height and a sense of scale to a collection, even when the shelf itself is fairly simple.
They work best with breathing room around them. Avoid packing multiple large Eva units shoulder to shoulder, especially if they carry long spears, armour pieces or wide bases. Give each silhouette space to be seen.
11. One Piece figures for crew displays
One Piece has figures for every kind of collector: articulated fighters, prize figures, premium statues and compact designs. That variety makes it tempting to mix everything together, but the best results usually come from a clear theme such as the Straw Hat crew, Wano outfits or a favourite saga.
A crew display does not have to be completed in one go. Start with Luffy and the characters you genuinely connect with, then add pieces as they become available. It feels more rewarding than buying duplicates simply because they are discounted.
12. Blokees and model figures for hands-on collectors
Blokees-style model figures add a different kind of enjoyment. Building a character, selecting a pose and arranging the finished piece gives the display more of your own input. They are particularly good for collectors who enjoy model kits but do not want a long, paint-heavy project.
These are not always the best fit if you only want a museum-style statue, but they bring variety to a shelf filled with boxed vinyl or fixed-pose figures. A small built figure beside a matching Funko Pop! can create a fun character-led pairing.
How to Choose the Best Anime Display Figures
Start with the story you want your shelf to tell. A Dragon Ball display might centre on transformations and battle poses, while a Pokémon collection may look better arranged by type, region or colour. Choosing a theme first stops every new release from becoming an impulse purchase.
Next, decide whether you want poseability or a finished statue. Articulated figures reward collectors who like to experiment, but they need more care and can look awkward if poorly posed. Static figures offer a polished result immediately, although the pose is permanent.
Scale matters more than many new collectors expect. A 1/7 scale statue can tower over standard prize figures, while Nendoroids and Funko Pop! figures create a deliberately stylised look. Neither approach is wrong. Matching scales creates a clean gallery effect; mixing them creates a more playful fandom shelf.
Protecting Your Anime Figure Display
Sunlight is the enemy of bright paint, clear plastic and box condition. Display figures away from direct light where possible, and avoid placing them beside a radiator. Dust is less dramatic but just as persistent, especially around detailed hair, capes and textured bases.
A soft brush or clean make-up brush is useful for regular dusting. Do not use harsh cleaning sprays, and avoid forcing parts into place if a figure has been stored in the cold. Let it reach room temperature first, then fit accessories gently.
If box condition matters to you, keep packaging flat, dry and away from damp loft spaces. Many collectors display their figures unboxed but retain the original packaging for storage, resale potential or a future move. It is a practical compromise that keeps options open.
The best display is not necessarily the most expensive one. Choose figures that make you stop, look again and remember exactly why you love that series. Build it character by character, leave room for the next release, and let your collection grow with your fandom.