8 Best Darth Vader Action Figures in 2024

There are few fictional villains quite as iconic as Darth Vader. His frightening mask. His long, black cape. His distinctive heavy breathing. Even people who aren't big fans of Star Wars are familiar with this legendary character. Such is the impact he has had on popular culture. So, it should come as no surprise that Darth Vader is one of the most popular characters among collectors of Star Wars toys.

As such, toy manufacturers have produced a lot of different Darth Vader statues, models, and action figures over the years. Some date back to the original trilogy, with designs based around Vader's biggest battles with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker. Others are based on the Hayden Christensen version of Vader in the prequel movies or other key moments from his story arc.

In short, there are lots of toys based around this incredible character. but some are notably better than others. They're detailed, posable, ultra-realistic, and hugely popular with fans. In this guide, we'll highlight eight of the finest Darth Vader action figures you can buy today.

Top 8 Darth Vader Action Figures

There have been dozens of Darth Vader toys over the years, with various brands doing their best to represent this villainous icon in plastic form. Below, we'll highlight eight of the best options you can buy, chosen for their unique qualities, like realistic designs and fun accessories.

1. Black Series Darth Vader (Hasbro)

The best Darth Vader action figure is the Black Series Darth Vader figure from Hasbro. Part of the popular Star Wars Black Series lineup, this 6-inch-scale Darth Vader figure features a realistic design, plenty of detail, and 29 points of articulation. 

Thanks to all those articulation areas, the Darth Vader action figure Black Series is highly posable. You can move the legs and arms around to recreate iconic positions and favorite movie moments. It also comes with a lightsaber accessory for additional playability.

Every detail is just right with the Black Series Vader, from the smooth cloth cape to the shiny helmet sculpt. Plus, at approximately $29.40, this Vader action figure is notably more affordable than many others.

2. S.H. Figuarts Darth Vader (Bandai Tamashii Nations)

If you want to play or pose your Star Wars Darth Vader action figure, this one, from Bandai Tamashii Nations, is one of the best. It comes with a huge range of accessories, including lots of different hands to help you recreate a famous Darth Vader bottle or moment from the movies.

Standing at 6.7 inches tall, you can easily pair this Vader with other similarly-sized toys, like the 6-inch Black Series Obi-Wan Kenobi. Plus, with such high levels of posability, it's a terrific figure to play around with or position in a display case, appealing to old and young buyers alike.

In customer reviews, owners of this toy repeatedly praise its cinematic level of detail and impressive value for money, considering the $73 price tag. A lot of people also appreciate that it comes with a removable helmet, letting you see Darth Vader's unmasked head, if desired.

3. Star Wars Rebels Darth Vader Deluxe 1/7 Scale Bust (Diamond Select Toys)

As well as toys and action figures, there are also many fantastic Star Wars busts out there for fans to collect. This Darth Vader bust from Diamond Select Toys is the perfect addition to any collection, taking its inspiration from the Star Wars Rebels animated series.

It stands at 6 inches in height and portrays Vader with an intense red glare and lightsaber ready for battle. What's more, this is a genuine collector's item, as only 3,000 were ever produced. Each one comes with its own numbered certificate of authenticity, too.

At under $99, this bust could be a decent investment for Star Wars fans. Its rarity may lead to a rise in value in the years to come. In the meantime, you can easily display it on a desk, table, or other surface, thanks to its handy flat base.

4. Darth Vader Deluxe Sixth Scale Figure (Hot Toys)

Hot Toys is known for producing some of the most realistic, intricately detailed toys around. This Darth Vader deluxe action figure is another amazing example of what the brand can do. Standing at just over 13.75 inches, it's one of the tallest Vader figures, as well as one of the most visually impressive.

Inspired by Vader's appearance in "The Return of the Jedi," this toy comes with a lot of accessories and features. That includes an LED light-up base for display purposes, a USB-powered lightsaber, and an interchangeable light-up head.

It's clear that a lot of effort and time has gone into perfecting each and every detail of this toy. Even the chest armor has LED elements built in, and the level of realism is second to none. As such, it's also quite pricey too, with a retail tag of $350.

5. Darth Vader 1/6 Scale Figure (Sideshow Collectibles)

Next up, we have another wonderfully detailed and lifelike Darth Vader, too, this time from Sideshow Collectibles. This is one of the best Vader toys for those who intend to display it in a case or on a stand, thanks to its detailed design and the amount of accessories it comes with.

You'll find no less than two lightsabers included in this set, as well as eight interchangeable hands in various poses, like fists or "Force" gestures. There's also a hexagonal figure stand base included, letting you easily stand your Vader on almost any surface.

Standing at 13.75 inches, this Vader toy also has a fully articulated body, plus light-up chest and belt boxes. Like the Hot Toys model, it's also quite pricey, costing around $245.

6. Darth Vader Mafex Action Figure (Medicom Toy)

At first glance, Medicom Toys' 6-inch Vader looks very similar to many other similar models. However, on closer inspection, fans will find a range of handy features and unique design elements that set this toy apart from the crowd.

For example, it's one of the few Vader toys that lets you remove the helmet and see the villain's real face. It also gives you the option to attach the lightsaber onto the belt, along with a wide range of interchangeable hands for placing your Vader in various poses and recreating movie scenes, all for just over $100.

7. Darth Vader Vintage Collection Figure (Hasbro)

When many people picture Star Wars toys, their minds immediately turn to the classic Star Wars Retro Collection series of 3.75-inch figures. This Star Wars Vintage Collection Darth Vader is a great example of why those classic, small Star Wars figures are so beloved.

Priced at just $7.69, it's one of the cheapest toys you can buy. As such, it doesn't have the same intense levels of detail as others, but it's still plenty of fun to play with, especially for children. It comes with original Kenner-style packaging, designed to look old and weathered. It also includes Vader's red lightsaber, which you can easily slot into his hand.

8. Darth Vader Real Action Hero Figure (Medicom Toy)

With a retail price of around $360, the Medicom Toy Real Action Hero Vader is one of the priciest. But it more than justifies that remarkable levels of accuracy and realism. It truly looks like Vader himself has stepped out of the screen and into your action figure collection.

Buyers will find a two-stage removable helmet and lightsaber included in this figure. Plus, it can speak. It delivers multiple lines from the movies, like "You don't know the power of the dark side," as well as recreating Vader's classic heavy breathing sounds.

What to Look For in a Darth Vader Action Figure

Since there are so many different Star Wars statues, models, figures, and toys, it can be tricky to choose between them. Here are some helpful factors to focus on that should aid you in identifying the finest Darth Vader toys.

Detail and Authenticity

For fans, detail and authenticity are among the most important factors when buying Vader toys and models. People want to see a toy that captures Vader's unique character and essence. The best toys tend to have detailed, exquisite features, like a perfectly accurate helmet replica and a realistic chest panel. This makes each Darth Vader figure more enjoyable to admire and more engaging to pose or play with.

Articulation and Posability

Some Darth Vader statues and models are completely rigid and cannot be posed. However, a lot of fans appreciate posability and premium articulation in their toys, especially if they intend to play with them. A lot of the top Vader toys have plenty of points of articulation, letting you move the arms and legs around into various poses. This can be fun for recreating a famous scene from the film, for instance.

Accessories and Interchangeable Parts

Accessories add to an action figure's value in many ways. They give you additional ways to dress up, decorate, or play with the toy. Many Vader figures come with a host of accessories, like additional hands or a legacy lightsaber. These bonus items are also useful if you want to display your Vader toys. You can attach different heads, hands, or items and then place your Vader in a dramatic or movie-inspired pose.

Scale and Compatibility

It's also important to consider the size and scale of any Darth Vader doll you buy. They come in a wide range of sizes, like 1/6 scale, which is around 13.75 inches, or 1/12 scale, which is much smaller. Consider other Star Wars toys in your collection to help you make the right choice. For example, if you have a 6-inch Obi-Wan Kenobi, a 12-inch Darth Vader may look a little silly standing next to it. But a 6-inch-scale Black Series figure would be just right.

Collector's Value

If you're serious about toy collecting, you'll also want to take long-term value and potential price increases into account. Rare, exclusive, and limited edition toys often rise in value over time, especially for such popular characters as Darth Vader. So, seek out the rarest toys and keep up-to-date with action figure news so you're aware of new releases and limited runs.

Where to Buy Darth Vader Action Figures

There are lots of great places to find and buy new Vader figures for your collection. This includes online toy stores, specialty shops, and even conventions. Some fans even buy or trade toys among themselves through online forums and communities. However, there are fakes and scams out there. Therefore, it's generally best to buy from trusted, reliable stores that offer returns, refunds, and authenticity guarantees.

Start Your Darth Vader Collection Today

Perhaps you're a seasoned Star Wars collector looking for the next awesome Darth Vader figurine to add to your display case. Or maybe you're a newbie to the world of Star Ways toys collecting, seeking your first Darth Vader toy purchase.

Either way, these are some of the top options to choose from, ranking highly with fans of the franchise for their realism, detail, possibility, and accessories. If you're eager to own one of your own, check out the full range of Vader toys at ToyShnip, your trusted online toy store, and place your order today.

FAQs

What is the best brand for Star Wars figures?

It depends on which features matter to you the most. Many people rank Hasbro as the best brand for general quality and value for money, but others love the extra detail in Hot Toys and Bandai Tamashii Nations toys.

What is the nicest thing Darth Vader did?

Arguably the nicest thing that Darth Vader did in the movies came at the end of his life. After turning on the Emperor to save Luke Skywalker, Vader removes his helmet. He knows that this will make him die more quickly, but he still wants to see his son with his own eyes.

What are the best Darth Vader star cards?

In the video game Star Wars Battlefront 2, the best Star Cards to use with Vader include Focused Rage, Dark Lord, and Furious Resilience.

What is the best Darth Vader comic run?

There are many highly-rated and popular Vader comic arcs, including "Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison," "Imperial Machine," and "Dark Heart of the Sith."