Grayson West
In the 80s, action figures transformed bedrooms into battlegrounds and backyards into storylands. Heroes, monsters, and robots took center stage in endless adventures. This list revisits the figures that sparked creativity, excitement, and a whole lot of fun. Are you ready to meet them again?
Battle Beasts Packed Tiny Power
Who knew a 2-inch figure could spark so much strategy? Released in 1987 by Takara, Battle Beasts had heat-sensitive stickers revealing fire, wood, or water powers. They turned simple skirmishes into tactical battles, making every kid feel like a mastermind.
Wrestling Superstars Brought the Ring Home
Nothing captured 80s wrestling mania better than Wrestling Superstars by LJN (1984). No matter how hard they were thrown, these 8-inch rubber wrestlers remained unbroken. Kids recreated Hulk Hogan’s leg drop or The Iron Sheik’s Camel Clutch. Each figure brought the excitement of the ring to the living room.
Madballs Made Gross Hilarious
Disgusting, squishy, and utterly hilarious, Madballs by AmToy (1985) took gross-out humor mainstream. Characters such as Screamin’ Meemie and Slobulus turned stomach-churning designs into comedy gold. Kids hurled them at walls, friends, and teachers (oops!).
Inhumanoids Towered with Terror
Inhumanoids by Hasbro (1986) delivered terrifying giants into kids’ hands. Figures such as Metlar and Tendril, standing at 14 inches, glowed with eerie eyes and twisted limbs. They weren’t just toys—they were the towering stars of spine-tingling adventures.
Dino-Riders Armed Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs got a futuristic upgrade with Dino-Riders by Tyco (1988). Velociraptors had laser cannons, and T-Rexes had missile launchers, bringing sci-fi battles to prehistoric times. The mini-comic books added depth, which made these figures a blend of history and high-tech fun.
COPS Battled Crime in the Future
“Fighting crime in a future time!” Hasbro’s COPS figures (1988) gave law enforcement a futuristic twist. Bulletproof vests, robotic limbs, and high-tech handcuffs made every mission feel ahead of its time. In short, crime never stood a chance in 80s toy chests.
Cobra Commander Was Villainy Defined
Few villains were as iconic as GI Joe’s Cobra Commander. Since 1982, this snake-emblem-wearing leader changed appearances—from hooded menace to armored schemer—but his flair for evil never wavered. Defeating him was always the highlight of backyard battles.
Rainbow Brite Spread Colorful Cheer
Introduced in 1984 by Mattel, Rainbow Brite figures turned playtime into a burst of color. Sidekicks like Twink and Starlite brightened gloomy days with cheerful faces and vibrant outfits. These toys were rays of joy.
My Pet Monster Was Cuddly Chaos
With breakable chains and mischievous eyes, My Pet Monster (1986) was a plush toy with a rebellious streak. At 24 inches, this blue beast was equal parts cuddly and chaotic. Sleepovers and bedroom adventures took a wild turn with this companion.
Crystar Warriors Sparkled with Fantasy
Shimmering swords, translucent shields, and glowing armor set Crystar figures apart in 1982. These crystal-clear heroes faced molten villains in battles that felt like magic. Every clash of light and dark made playtime a dazzling adventure.
Battle Cat Charged into Action
Battle Cat was no ordinary ally; he carried He-Man’s legacy with every stride. Released in 1982, his green-and-orange stripes and armored saddle made him ready for action. Each ride through Eternia was a wild, unforgettable charge.
Garbage Pail Kids Made Weird Fun
Inspired by the infamous trading cards, Garbage Pail Kids mini-figures turned gross humor into a collectible craze. Adam Bomb and Leaky Lindsay pushed the limits of taste, making weirdness the coolest thing to collect. These weren’t just toys—they were tiny rebellions.
Army Ants Swarmed the Battlefield
Hasbro’s Army Ants (1987) turned rubber insects into miniature soldiers. Equipped with helmets and weapons, these tiny troops came in blue and orange swarms. Generals led the charge, and every battle felt like an invasion you couldn’t stop.
Power Lords Twisted into Heroes
Power Lords (1983) brought a twist—literally. These figures, such as Adam Power, rotated to reveal alien forms. Their sci-fi designs and bizarre transformations added unpredictability to battles. One twist and your hero was suddenly ready to conquer the cosmos.
MASK Vehicles Delivered Hidden Surprises
What’s cooler than a car? A car that turns into a jet! In 1985, MASK Toys by Kenner blended shape-shifting vehicles with action figures. Each set featured a hero with a special mask and a vehicle hiding a surprise. Playtime was all about uncovering the action.
Adventure People Made Everyday Heroic
Before capes ruled the world, Adventure People (1975-1985) by Fisher-Price made heroes out of divers, campers, and astronauts. These sturdy figures encouraged real-world adventures. With these, rescuing, exploring, and discovering became the most exciting missions around.
Bionic Six Powered-Up Families
LJN’s Bionic Six (1986) gave superpowers to an entire family. With gleaming chrome limbs and unique abilities, they tackled villains together. Teamwork made their missions memorable, proving that family time and saving the world could go hand in hand.
Smurfs Were Tiny Collectible Legends
Schleich’s Smurfs figures in the early 80s made blue-skinned villagers a global sensation. Each one, from Brainy to Gargamel, fits perfectly in pockets and backpacks. Having them felt like building a miniature world where fun was always guaranteed.
Robo Force Stuck to Action
These weren’t your typical robots; they clung to walls! Ideal’s Robo Force (1984) featured suction-cup grips and bendable arms. With figures like Maxx Steele, playtime became a tug-of-war, with each opponent and surface held firm in battle.
Rock Lords Turned Stones to Warriors
They looked like plain rocks until they transformed into robotic fighters. Tonka’s Rock Lords (1986) was part of the GoBots universe and brought geology to life. Each twist and reveal turned ordinary pebbles into armored warriors ready for combat.