In the 40+ years since the original Star Wars film captivated audiences, George Lucas‘ epic space opera has captured imaginations worldwide and become firmly entrenched in global pop culture. For passionate fans and collectors, Star Wars merchandising has become its own galaxy to explore, with comic books, video games, apparel, toys, board games, and more allowing devotees to immerse themselves further into their beloved franchise.
Few items demonstrate that intense fandom better than the beloved Funko Pop! vinyl figures. With their large heads, bold colors, and stylized design often highlighting a character’s most iconic look, Funko Pops are the perfect way for Star Wars buffs to represent their favorite heroes, villains, droids, creatures and starships from a galaxy far, far away on their collectible shelves.
So which Star Wars Funko Pops stand out from the rest as the must-have, crown-jewel pieces for collectors? As experts on all-things Funko, we’ve dug deep into archives, scouted convention floors, and consulted fellow pop culture enthusiasts to curate this list of the 15 definitive best Star Wars Funko pops ever released…
#15: Biggs Darklighter (San Diego Comic Con Exclusive)
Kicking off the list is a deep-cut character familiar only to hardcore Star Wars stans: Biggs Darklighter. Featured briefly in A New Hope as Luke Skywalker’s childhood friend-turned-Rebel Alliance pilot, Biggs has developed an unlikely cult following despite minimal screen time in the film series. But Funko recognized that popularity among superfans by immortalizing him with this San Diego Comic Con 2012 exclusive.
Cast in his striking bright orange X-Wing flight suit decorated with badges and macrobinoculars, this jovial, mustachioed rendition of Biggs captures him in a lighter moment before heading into the fateful Battle of Yavin. Only 480 figures were released, immediately making them highly sought-after among collectors. Near-mint versions now trade hands for $1,100 or more.
#14: 501st Clone Trooper (San Diego Comic Con Exclusive)
This elite trooper squadron was so enthralling they leapt from the screen to reality – the real-world Star Wars costuming group Legion 501st is named in their honor. One of the coolest clone trooper variants brought to life, the 501st legion serve as Darth Vader’s personal stormtrooper unit in Star Wars lore. Outfitted in distinctive blue stripes over white armor and leading battalions aboard Star Destroyers, they strike an imposing silhouette.
Funko’s 2012 SDCC release checked all the boxes for 501st fans, flawlessly capturing their armor in its stark contrasted color scheme. It remains one of the most popular clone trooper Funko Pop renditions. Good luck adding one to your ranks though – only 600 were produced for SDCC attendees, so they now auction for $2,000 and up.
#13: Boba Fett (Droids 1985 Cartoon, Emerald City Comic Con Exclusive)
Most Funko Pop renditions showcase characters in their most familiar film or TV depiction, but sometimes Funko gets adventurous by resurrecting seldom-seen retro looks. Case in point: this quirky cartoon-ized version of bounty hunter Boba Fett as he appeared in the 1985 Droids animated series.
Trading in his customary battle armor for a simpler green and yellow uniform more suited to Saturday morning adventures, this bubbly Boba Fett Funko is a pure nostalgia trip for Gen X Star Wars fans. Released in 2018 for Emerald City Comic Con with a 300-count run, it has rapidly climbed in value in mint condition, currently selling for around $3,000.
#12: Darth Maul (Holographic, Star Wars Celebration Exclusive)
"At last we will reveal ourselves to the Jedi…” Those classic words from Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace always portended his striking, silently malicious presence. This 2012 Star Wars Celebration VI exclusive translates his imposing visage into a rare holographic rendering.
Cast in an ethereal blue glow that truly sells the holo-projection effect, Maul appears caught mid-stride in his Sith robes as if confronting Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn, with his unfurled dual-blade lightsaber by his side. Extremely limited with only 480 pieces produced for the convention, near-mint packages now retail for $6,500 – a price worthy of a prominent crime lord‘s collection.
#11: The Child with Pram (New York Comic Con Exclusive)
No modern Star Wars creation has captured the world’s imagination quite like “Baby Yoda” aka The Child, thanks to his pinchably adorable introduction in The Mandalorian series. It was inevitable that Funko would translate the Disney+ sensation into Pop form, but they went above and beyond the call of cuteness with this NYCC 2020 exclusive that sees The Child tucked into a cool hovering pram accessory.
As if that didn’t already melt enough hearts, the pram pieces connect together in a snap-model style bringing some hands-on interactivity. Even the most vicious bounty hunter would have trouble resisting this heartwarming set limited to only 560 units – expect to pay north of $400 to add it to your Mando memorabilia.
#10: Emperor Palpatine with Throne (Star Wars Celebration Exclusive)
The ominous hooded visage of Emperor Palpatine surveying his Empire while perched on an elegant throne encapsulates everything sinister yet compelling about the Sith Lord. For fans, this 2019 Star Wars Celebration Chicago convention exclusive perfectly immortalizes that sinister regality in Funko form.
From the meticulous detailing on Palpatine’s sunken face to the Imperial insignia carved into the stonework of the chair, no detail was overlooked translating this iconic tableau to life. Capped at a 480 unit run for the convention, near-mint Palpatine throne sets now trade hands on the secondary market for $2,500 and climbing.
#9: Darth Vader (Holographic, Dallas Comic Con Exclusive)
As arguably Star Wars’ most iconic and influential character, the Sith Lord herself is likely Funko’s most prolific and varied character in Pop form. But no rendition carries more weight for high-end collectors that this incredible 2014 Dallas Comic Con exclusive deliver to only 96 attendees.
Realizing Vader as a shimmering hologram straight out of the Death Star briefing scene, this Funko radiates an otherworldly aura with its translucent blues. Flanked by two Imperial officers similarly glowing, this set forms a mini diorama…if holograms can be described as “mini”. Valued at $1,900 or more, this Funko practically qualifies as a high-end collectible statue rather than a vinyl figure.
#8: Darth Vader (Bespin Exclusive)
While Darth Vader Funko Pops are hardly rare, this clean-lined Target exclusive stands out by beautifully realizing his iconic “Bespin Fatigues” appearance from Empire Strikes Back. Clad in the sleek all-white armor and cape ensemble he sported while dueling Luke Skywalker, this 2015 release has become highly coveted as more casual collectors have come to appreciate its distinguished design.
Trading the chunky black helmet and flowing cape for a slimmed white version truly makes this battle-ready look pop, with subtle blue shading applied on the armor for added contrast. Despite no production limits, this exclusive’s dynamic style has made it popular enough among completists for mint packages to hit $400.
#7: Luke Skywalker with X-Wing Helmet (Star Wars Celebration Exclusive)
What defines Luke Skywalker’s coming-of-age hero journey in the original Star Wars trilogy? The moment he charges into the Attack on Death Star trench run as a brave X-Wing pilot. This Marvel Comics #1 themed 2015 SDCC exclusive freezes that exhilarating battle scene into one dynamic Funko Pop!
Caught cocking his head with steely confidence beneath a slick orange flight helmet decorated with the famous Rebel starbird insignia, this collectible captures Luke at the height of his youthful daring. With only 480 units attendants could acquire, this key "Jedi Knight Luke" moment now fetches $700 to own.
#6: Ben Kenobi (Jedi Spirit Exclusive)
When Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi lets Darth Vader cut him down in their fateful New Hope duel, fans were devastated…until Ben mysteriously dissipates, leaving only empty robes behind to hint he has "become more powerful than Vader could possibly imagine" as a spiritual Jedi guardian.
Released for 2019’s Triple Force Friday merchandise event celebrating Star Wars’ history, this Target exclusive translates Ben into “Jedi Spirit” form to memorialize that transcendent film moment. Cast in ghostly light blue transparent vinyl with a glow-in-the-dark lightsaber, this $25 collectible has skyrocketed to $400 values in just a few years thanks to avid franchise fans and Obi-Wan devotees.
#5: Darth Maul (Rebels, Star Wars Celebration Exclusive)
Despite one of cinema’s most premature big bad deaths in The Phantom Menace, fan fever for Darth Maul was so raging that the scheming Sith apprentice was revived in the Rebels animated series to wreak more havoc. His weathered Makeb twin sun look was so iconic, Funko had to translate it into this 2018 SWCO convention exclusive.
The bright red skin and black tattoos that distinguished Maul’s striking Nightbrother visage are perfectly captured here, with his grizzled face framed by crown horns grown long with age. Exquisitely detailed right down to his metal leg substitute, only 3,000 units were produced making them highly coveted among collectors at $375 values.
#4: Darth Vader (Star Wars Celebrations Exclusive)
We come to the #1 Sith Lord himself yet again with this imposing 2015 Star Wars Celebration Anaheim exclusive that formed a centerpiece Funko set along with Luke, Leia, Han Solo, and Chewbacca. Cast in a unique maroon robe palette instead of his traditional black, this alternate color scheme helps this Anakin Skywalker relic stand apart.
The deep red robes trimmed in gold regally befitting Vader‘s status as the Emperor’s enforcing right-hand definitely make this a mandatory artifact for any Empire loyalists‘ collection. Initially rare for its convention exclusivity with a 500-unit allotment, near-mint boxes now fetch $450 to acquire.
#3: Darth Vader (Star Wars Celebration Exclusive)
We come to the #1 Sith Lord himself yet again with this imposing 2015 Star Wars Celebration Anaheim exclusive that formed a centerpiece Funko set along with Luke, Leia, Han Solo, and Chewbacca. Cast in a unique maroon robe palette instead of his traditional black, this alternate color scheme helps this Anakin Skywalker relic stand apart.
The deep red robes trimmed in gold regally befitting Vader‘s status as the Emperor’s enforcing right-hand definitely make this a mandatory artifact for any Empire loyalists‘ collection. Initially rare for its convention exclusivity with a 500-unit allotment, near-mint boxes now fetch $450 to acquire.
#2: Luke Skywalker (Jedi Master, Star Wars Celebration Exclusive)
The climax of Luke Skywalker’s mythic journey from lonely farm boy to last Jedi Master hope occurs at the end of The Last Jedi as he faces down the entire First Order to covertly aid the Resistance escape. That near-messianic moment is crystallized in this captivating 2019 convention exclusive Luke.
Looking every bit the grizzled sage in brown cloak and glove-clad cybernetic hand, world-weary Mark Hamill‘s elder face translates flawlessly to Funko form. Floating mysteriously above a cloudy base emitting green Force lightning, he feels both present and eternal. Extremely limited edition from Celebration Chicago at only 480 units, its spiritual embodiment of Luke‘s essence rockets aftermarket values over $650.
#1: Darth Vader (Holiday, Star Wars Celebration Exclusive)
What better Funko Pop captures that quintessential combination of Star Wars iconography fused with playful charm than Holiday Darth Vader? Originally released for Star Wars Celebration in 2015 with a highly limited run of 480 units, this festive Sith has become the franchise grail piece for collectors.
Adorned in a Santa cap and robe-turned-bag slung over his shoulder, Vader has apparently gotten into the Christmas spirit…as much as an imposing tyrannical villain can! It strikes just the right balance of humor and novelty with signature stylistic flair that epitomizes peak Pop. With demand ever rising among both Star Wars and Funko fans annually, mint boxes crack $7,000 in value.
And there you have it, our selections for the definitive 15 best Star Wars Funko pops released so far! We aimed to strike balance spotlighting rare grails side-by-side with more common pieces equally impressive in design. Hopefully our guide makes checklisting the icons of your burgeoning collection easier while discovering what limited edition gems still await you on the hunt!
Did we miss one of your personal favorite Star Wars Funko pops? Let us know in the comments which vinyl renditions of that famous galaxy youdisplay most proudly on your own shelves!
