10 Rare Funko Pops Poised to Skyrocket in Value (2025–2026 Collector Forecast)

If there’s one thing Funko loyalists love more than rarity, it’s attitude — and the glowing Ghost Rider Freddy delivers both. A 2013 SDCC exclusive with roughly twelve pieces rumored, it blazes through every “most expensive Funko Pops” chart. Its cult status hasn’t dimmed in a decade; if anything, its steady growth shows how stable rare Pop figures can be in a volatile market. Between the supernatural edge and the glow effect that collectors obsess over, this limited edition Funko Pop is still revving up in 2025.

1. Willy Wonka & Oompa Loompa (Golden Ticket 2-Pack)

Arguably the most expensive Funko Pop ever made, the Golden Ticket 2-Pack sits in a league of its own. Only ten were ever produced, handed out through real chocolate bar “golden tickets,” making it both a marketing legend and a collector’s dream. One set sold for an astonishing $210,000 in 2023, cementing its place at the top of every rare Funko Pops list. It’s not just a limited edition Funko Pop — it’s pop-culture history encased in vinyl. With renewed interest in Roald Dahl’s universe and nostalgia-driven collecting booming, this piece could continue to appreciate as the crown jewel of expensive Funko Pops.

2. Clockwork Orange (Glow-in-the-Dark Chase)

Every rare Funko Pop collection has its ghost stories, and this one is literally glowing. Most of these figures were destroyed after licensing conflicts, leaving only a handful of survivors. The chase version — a glow-in-the-dark edition — is a masterpiece of pop-culture rebellion. Valued around $60,000, it’s the sort of rarest Funko Pop ever status item that whispers legend more than it shouts hype. As collectors chase authenticity and stories behind the figures, this one keeps its mystique alive — and that’s gold in a market where narrative drives value.

3. Freddy Funko as Tony Stark (Metallic)

Crossovers are catnip for collectors, and this exclusive Funko Pop delivers it in style. Released in a tiny batch at San Diego Comic-Con 2019, the metallic Freddy Funko dressed as Tony Stark became an instant grail. Only a dozen are believed to exist, blending Marvel appeal with Funko’s flagship mascot. It’s a textbook example of how a rare Funko Pop gains value: exclusivity, fandom crossover, and event provenance. As Marvel continues to dominate pop culture and nostalgic collectors chase SDCC legends, this figure sits poised for another price jump.

4. Freddy Funko as Ghost Rider (Glow)

If there’s one thing Funko loyalists love more than rarity, it’s attitude — and the glowing Ghost Rider Freddy delivers both. A 2013 SDCC exclusive with roughly twelve pieces rumored, it blazes through every “most expensive Funko Pops” chart. Its cult status hasn’t dimmed in a decade; if anything, its steady growth shows how stable rare Pop figures can be in a volatile market. Between the supernatural edge and the glow effect that collectors obsess over, this limited edition Funko Pop is still revving up in 2025.

 

 

 

5. Planet Arlia Vegeta (NYCC Exclusive)

Anime collectors know that the rarest Funko Pops don’t stay affordable for long, and Planet Arlia Vegeta is exhibit A. Released as a New York Comic Con exclusive with a short production run, it quickly became one of the most valuable Funko Pops tied to Dragon Ball Z. The orange-and-brown armor variant gives it a distinct look that serious anime fans chase relentlessly. With Dragon Ball continuing to expand and Dragon Ball Daima set to draw new viewers, this rare anime Funko Pop has all the momentum to keep climbing.

6. Eustass Kid #1287 (One Piece)

Among rare anime Funko Pops, Eustass Kid has recently broken into elite territory. Sold for around $595 in 2025, it’s already commanding grail attention thanks to its fiery design and character popularity in One Piece. The franchise’s global renaissance and live-action success have pushed demand for all One Piece figures upward, but this one — fierce expression, limited run, bold sculpt — is the standout. For investors, this Pop shows how modern characters can join the ranks of the most expensive Funko Pops without waiting decades.

7. Franky #329 (One Piece)

The One Piece wave continues with Franky, the shipwright with more mechanical flair than most mechs. His Pop #329 has jumped to the $575 range, riding the same fandom surge as Eustass Kid. Its chunky sculpt, metallic elements, and relative scarcity make it one of the funko pops worth money that still feels underappreciated by mainstream collectors. As more investors look to diversify into anime assets, this rare Funko Pop could see serious appreciation by 2026.

8. Freddy Funko as Jaime Lannister (Bloody)

Back in the Game of Thrones heyday, this Pop looked like just another convention gimmick. Now, with the show’s cult revival and the House of the Dragon prequel reigniting interest, it’s morphing into a dark-horse grail. The bloody variant of Freddy dressed as Jaime Lannister oozes rarity — one of only a few dozen ever released. Its gritty design and crossover branding make it one of those rare Funko Pops that command both curiosity and cash. In the next wave of HBO nostalgia, this figure could quietly become one of the most expensive Funko Pops from that era.

9. Dumbo (Clown Paint, Metallic)

Disney grails have been heating up again, and the clown-paint Dumbo is the rare Funko Pop that older collectors whisper about. Released in minuscule numbers, it captures early-era Funko charm before mass-production began. Recent auctions have pushed this Pop into five-figure territory as nostalgia collides with Disney’s century-celebration buzz. Unlike newer exclusives, this figure has a true vintage feel — softer sculpting, era-specific paintwork, and a wistful charm that no modern Pop replicates. Expect prices to inflate as the pool of mint boxes shrinks year by year.

10. Spider-Man (Black Suit Metallic, 2014 SDCC Exclusive)

Rounding out the list is a sleek rare Marvel Funko Pop that’s climbing quietly but fast. The 2014 SDCC metallic black-suit Spider-Man sits in that sweet spot between nostalgia and modern demand. As Spider-Verse hype and MCU crossovers keep the hero at cultural peak, this exclusive Funko Pop has become a stealth grail. It’s not yet the most expensive Funko Pop in the market, but its trajectory says it could be by 2026. For collectors seeking a rare Pop figure with both liquidity and upside, this web-slinger checks every box.

Final Thoughts

Protect Your Collection, Lightly

If you’re sitting on any of these valuable Funko Pops, it’s worth protecting your investment — literally. UV-shield display boxes and temperature-stable protectors can preserve condition and long-term value. A minor expense compared to the potential upside of a six-figure grail.

Wrapping It Up

The rare Funko Pops market is evolving from a fandom hobby into an asset class — a mix of nostalgia, scarcity, and smart speculation. From anime icons like Eustass Kid to cinematic grails like Willy Wonka, each piece tells a story that collectors and investors crave. Keep tracking auction trends, new exclusives, and fan momentum, and remember: the next most expensive Funko Pop might already be sitting in your collection.

If you’re just getting started, explore our guides on [how to start a Funko collection] and [displaying rare Pop figures like a pro] — build knowledge, build your vault, and enjoy the hunt.

FAQs

How many Funko Pops are there?

As of 2025, there are estimated to be over 25,000 different Funko Pop figures across every imaginable franchise — from anime and Marvel to sports and retro TV. The number keeps climbing with each convention and limited release. Among those tens of thousands, only a fraction qualify as rare Funko Pops or limited edition Funko Pops that ever become truly valuable collectibles.

What is the rarest Funko Pop?

The rarest Funko Pop ever made is widely considered to be the Willy Wonka & Oompa Loompa Golden Ticket 2-Pack — only ten were ever created, making it one of the most expensive Funko Pops in history. Other contenders for “rarest” include the Glow-in-the-Dark Clockwork Orange Chase and Freddy Funko Ghost Rider, both produced in extremely low numbers and valued in the tens of thousands. These rare Funko Pops are prized because they combine scarcity, licensing drama, and collector mythology.

What are Funko Pops?

Funko Pops are vinyl collectible figures known for their oversized heads, minimalist facial features, and endless character variety. First launched in the early 2010s, they’ve become a cultural phenomenon and a cornerstone of modern fandom. Each Pop captures an icon from film, anime, games, or music — and certain exclusive Funko Pops or limited edition Funko Pops become highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.

Why are Funko Pops so popular?

Funko Pops bridge fandom and affordability. They let fans own a piece of their favorite franchise without breaking the bank — unless you’re chasing the rarest Funko Pop ever, of course. Their simple, unified design makes them instantly recognizable and highly displayable. Add in convention exclusives, short production runs, and the thrill of the hunt, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a collectible boom. Today, rare Funko Pops are not just toys — they’re cultural artifacts and, in some cases, serious investment pieces.