As a fellow fan of Pokémon and vinyl toys, I wanted to share the ultimate list of the 5 top Pokémon Funko pops that no collector should miss. After researching dozens of figures, consulting collector communities, and examining resale values, I compiled the definitive selections guaranteed to delight any fan.
But before we dive into the list, let me give you some background on why Pokémon makes such a perfect match for Funko‘s signature Pop! toy line.
Why Pokémon Translates so Well into Adorable Funko Form
Since debuting in 1995, the Pokémon franchise has thrived on merchandising its cast of over 900 fictional species. Over 325 million video games sold. An anime television series spanning 23 seasons. Even detective film adaptations grossing over $300 million globally.
With such a rich lineage of memorable monster characters, translating Pokémon into Funko‘s collectible Pop! toy line proved an obvious slam dunk.
Expert Insight: According to Stuart Solomon, owner of noisycricket.games and longtime Pokémon collector, "The cute appearance of most Pokémon makes them a perfect fit for Funko‘s chibi style. It‘s no surprise collectors snatched them up."
Beyond the simpatico aesthetics, Funko Pokémon figures also appeal to fans for additional reasons:
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| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Basic Pokémon Pop! figures retail around $11 – cheaper than many high-end collectibles |
| Display-friendly | The compact 3-4 inch size allows displaying multiples easy |
| Variety | Funko steadily releases new Pokémon from across multiple generations |
| Chase variants | Special edition alternate color/flocked figures drive up demand and value |
Now let‘s jump into the list of must-own figures, starting off with…
#5 – Growlithe Flocked (NYCC Exclusive)
I‘m kicking things off with an adorable good boy – Growlithe! Who could resist this precious puppy Pokémon?
While Growlithe has yet to appear within the Pokémon animated series, the loyal fire-type pooch remains beloved by fans for its cute dog design. According to Pokédex lore, Growlithes will bravely protect and never betray a trainer they respect.
For this vinyl figure, Funko smartly chose to cover Growlithe with a soft flocked coating, accurately recreating its fluffy, pettable texture.
Expert Insight: Veteran collectors on Reddit‘s r/funkopop community consistently praise the tactile, strokable appeal of flocked finishes. User pokemama69 states, "I love petting all my flocked Pokémon! Growlithe feels like a real puppy."
Originally released for 2020‘s NYCC (New York Comic Con), this limited event exclusive commanded higher aftermarket prices around $120. But values have settled nicely into the $70-$80 range – now quite affordable for collectors.
Overall if you adore dogs, cute monsters, or textured finishes, Growlithe Flocked checks all the boxes as an absolute must-own figure.
Check prices for Growlithe Flocked at Amazon.
#4 – Flocked Mewtwo (SDCC Exclusive)
Next up – what Pokémon power list could ignore Mewtwo? As one of the franchise‘s strongest psychics and most popular figures, Mewtwo makes perfect sense receiving the Funko treatment.
Genetically engineered as a superpowered clone, Mewtwo stands over 6 feet tall and ranks among the deadliest Pokémon in pure combat potential. Yet despite its menacing backstory, I find Funko‘s take absolutely precious!
Capturing Mewtwo‘s muscular frame within deformed Pop! proportions warms even this beast‘s cool heart. And covering its smooth lavender skin in fuzzy flocked fabric – genius! The texture adds amazing huggable marshmallowy softness, perfectly befitting Mewtwo‘s complex personality.
Initially released bundled with a keychain for 2020‘s San Diego Comic-Con, Mewtwo Flocked came limited to only 5000 pieces. As an incredibly scarce con exclusive variant, its $100+ value persists as one of Funko‘s pricier Pokémon. But for hardcore fans, capturing this amazing Mewtwo marks a major trophy achievement.
Collector Tip: Mint-in-box and low serial number editions (aka lower editions near #1/5000) further increase value for mint-grade box collectors.
Check prices for Mewtwo Flocked at Amazon.
#3 – Vaporeon (ECCC Exclusive)
What Pokémon list could ignore Eevee or one of its adorable evolved forms? For our next entry, behold the water-type mermaid creature Vaporeon!
Eevee‘s whole charm and popularity hinge on its ability to adapt into 8 different evolutionary variants. Vaporeon wins over fans with an aquatic fish-cross-feline design graceful as flowing water. True to its bubble jet moniker, this water Pokémon morphs into liquid and controls moisture particles.
For this 2021 Emerald City Comic Con exclusive variant, Funko coated Vaporeon in a stunning translucent pearly sheen. The radiant multi-colored finish dazzles from every angle, perfectly capturing Vaporeon‘s aqueous, bubble jet essence. Truly one of their most beautiful decorative applications on any Pokémon figure.
Rarity & Value: But appealing paint jobs come at a cost – as a rare event exclusive, Vaporeon glitter demands premium pricing around $200. Yet fans happily pay for the privilege of adding this magical beauty to complete their Eeveelution sets.
Check prices for Vaporeon Diamond at Amazon.
#2 – Metallic Charizard (#843)
Speaking of stunning paint finishes, for my next pick I have the much-hyped Metallic Charizard. No list covers essential Pokémon grails without some version of everyone‘s favorite fiery dragon mascot.
Debuting as a Convention Exlusive shared between Funko Fair 2022 and WonderCon 2022 events, this glittering figure reflects Charizard‘s signature flames at their scorching peak. Cast in metallic crimson red, Charizard appears mid-attack, skin blazing during the heat of battle.
Beyond its fierce metallic styling, insatiable popularity for iconic dragon Charizard feeds massive demand that escalated resale prices into wallet-melting four digits. Listings currently sit between $800 to $1000 – sharing airspace with the likes of Banksy art prints!
Expert Insight: Longtime Pop collector Chase from Pop Force One explains, "Being big spenders on collectibles, Pokémon fans constantly battle over premium items associated with popular creatures like Charizard or Pikachu."
For the well-funded mega collectors among us, acquiring the Metallic Grail Charizard promises ultimate bragging rights. Just be sure to have ample fire extinguishing funds before chasing this scorching Chase rarity!
Check prices for Metallic Charizard at eBay auctions.
#1 – Jumbo Sized Pikachu
Finally, what Better Pick for my #1 Pokémon Funko pop than the main electric mascot himself… Jumbo Size Pikachu!
No animated franchise ever enjoyed breaking quite as big as Pokémon‘s empire over the past 20+ years. And Pikachu speedily sprinted to global stardom as the famed flagship. Appearing in every Pokémon film, episode, and trailer, Pikachu won over millions with electrical wit and lovable cuddliness.
Naturally, diehard fans craved the largest possible Funko editions to celebrate their lightning icon. Hence this supersized 18-inch edition entered the scene!
Towering nearly 2 feet high and over 12 pounds heavy, Jumbo Pop Pikachu dominates any room. While pricier than standard versions, its $120-$150 tag reasonably sizes up as cheaper than comparable jumbo figures on shelves. Where else can collectors obtain such negotiating power from their purchasing poke dollars?
Cast in iconic battle pose, I consider this absolute must-own edition the ultimate Pokémon conversation showpiece deserving the final thunderbolt shocking entry on my essential list.
For reference, its vital stat ratings rank:
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Height | 18 inches tall |
| Weight | 12.3 pounds thick |
| Affordability | 4 out of 5 poke dollars value |
| Wow-Factor | 5 out of 5 electrifying discussion power |
Check for lightning deal prices on Jumbo Pikachu over at Amazon.
Well my friend, that caps off my curated list of the top 5 must-own Pokémon Funko pops for novice Trainers and collectors alike. Let me know which awesome figures you end up adding to your Pokédex roster!
