• Home
  • Funko Pops
    • Collecting Funko Pops
    • What Are Funko Pops
    • Types of Funko Pop Guide
    • Funko Pop Size Guide
    • Funko Pop Sticker Guide
  • Loungefly
    • Collecting Loungefly
  • Lee Pep's Top Links
  • Shop & Deals
    • Funko Pop Deals UK
    • Funko Pop Discount Codes
    • Funko Europe
    • CM POP
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • More
    • Home
    • Funko Pops
      • Collecting Funko Pops
      • What Are Funko Pops
      • Types of Funko Pop Guide
      • Funko Pop Size Guide
      • Funko Pop Sticker Guide
    • Loungefly
      • Collecting Loungefly
    • Lee Pep's Top Links
    • Shop & Deals
      • Funko Pop Deals UK
      • Funko Pop Discount Codes
      • Funko Europe
      • CM POP
    • Blog
    • About Me

  • Home
  • Funko Pops
    • Collecting Funko Pops
    • What Are Funko Pops
    • Types of Funko Pop Guide
    • Funko Pop Size Guide
    • Funko Pop Sticker Guide
  • Loungefly
    • Collecting Loungefly
  • Lee Pep's Top Links
  • Shop & Deals
    • Funko Pop Deals UK
    • Funko Pop Discount Codes
    • Funko Europe
    • CM POP
  • Blog
  • About Me

The Complete Guide to Funko Pop Types and Formats

Funko Pop products come in a wide range of types, formats, and exclusive lines – from Pop Rides and Comic Covers to retailer exclusives and franchise-based categories.


This guide breaks down every major Funko Pop classification to help collectors understand the full range of products, packaging, and collectibles.


Funko Pops have come a long way from the original 4" vinyl figure. These days, collecting isn’t just about characters - it’s about the type of Pop you’re holding.


From deluxe scenes and comic covers to iconic vehicles and die-cast centrepieces, there’s a whole ecosystem of formats to explore.


This guide breaks down the different types of Funko Pop products, along with franchise-based lines and the exclusive categories that collectors chase.

Looking for size comparisons instead? Head over to the Funko Pop Size Guide for full dimensions and box specs.

Funko Pop Product Types & Formats

Funko has released dozens of product types over the years. Here are the most popular and ongoing formats you’re likely to see on shelves and online. 

Pop Albums

A tribute to classic music. These feature a standard Pop inside a hard display case alongside iconic album artwork. They're typically wall-mountable and perfect for music collectors. 

Pop Rides

Figures paired with their signature vehicles - from Batman in the Batmobile to Harry Potter on the Hogwarts Express. Boxed wider to fit both character and ride.  

Pop Town

A Pop figure bundled with a stylised building or location - think Ghostbusters with the Firehouse, or Scooby-Doo with the Haunted Mansion. Popular with scene builders.  

Pop Covers

These are great for displays, featuring some of the most popular characters in Funko Pop form posed in front of a recognisable artwork backdrop. The whole thing is finished in a clear acrylic case for a high-end appearance. 


There are several main types:


  • Pop Comic Covers: A comic-style backdrop paired with a hero Pop in a protective case. These celebrate classic comic issues and often feature unique poses or metallic finishes. 


  • Pop VHS Covers: A nostalgic throwback - these mimic VHS tape packaging with a Pop in front of the illustrated “cassette sleeve.” Expect lots of retro Disney and 80's movies in this line. 


  • Pop Game Covers: Similar to Comic and Movie Covers, but themed around iconic video games - with box art and a matching Pop figure in a slim case. 

Pop Movie Posters

Similar to the Pop Covers above, these combine a film poster and a stylised version of the main character(s). These tend to be very large and ideal for display-focused collectors.

Pop Die-Cast

High-end, heavy-metal versions of fan favourites like Captain America and Boba Fett. Each comes in a premium clear case, often with a Chase variant. 

Pop Moments

Usually two or more Pops frozen in a memorable scene - from battles to heartfelt moments. Some come on scenic bases, others as standalone dioramas. 

Pop Deluxe

Bigger bases, seated characters, or premium accessories. These aren’t quite “Super” size, but they’re definitely upgraded from the standard Pop box. 

Pop Dioramas / Scenes

Larger, multi-piece scenes with scenic bases, often part of a numbered series such as Star Wars Duel of the Fates or Marvel Assemble lines. 

Pop 2-Pack / 3-Pack / Multi-Pack

Bundles of characters that make sense together - twins, duos, bands, or teams. Great value for collectors wanting themed sets. 

Franchise-Based Pop Lines

Funko Pops aren’t just grouped by product type - they’re also organised into franchise-based lines. Franchise-based Pops are typically grouped into two main categories: 


  • Licensor-Controlled Brands: which follow strict packaging rules set by the original IP owners. 


  • Funko Pop Categories: which are Funko’s own labels used to group Pops by theme or genre.


This distinction is often reflected in the box design - some use custom franchise logos, while others feature Funko’s standard category labels beneath the Pop! logo. 

Licensor-Controlled Brands

These franchises are governed by licensing agreements with major entertainment companies. The IP holders dictate how the boxes look, how the figures are branded, and in some cases even the product design (e.g. bobble-heads).


You won’t see a category name under the word “Pop!” - instead, the box will feature the official franchise logo and unique styling:


  • Marvel: Includes everything from Comic Covers to Die-Cast Pops. All Marvel Pops must be bobble-heads due to licensing. Box styling follows official Marvel branding across MCU and comic-based releases.
     
  • Star Wars: A long-running line with its own numbering system and packaging rules. All figures are bobble-heads, and many appear in diorama-style formats.
     
  • Disney: Encompasses classics, Pixar, and live-action films. These may cross into other categories like Animation or Movies, but the Disney branding takes priority.
     
  • Pokémon: Released under the Nintendo license with highly consistent branding. Features characters like Pikachu, Charmander, and Eevee with strict styling controls.
     
  • Harry Potter / Wizarding World: Branded with official fonts and design themes from the wider Wizarding World. Consistent across all character and scene releases.

Funko Pop Categories

These are Funko’s own classification labels used to group Pops by genre, theme, or format. Boxes in these categories typically show the category name directly under the word “Pop!” (e.g. Pop! Animation, Pop! Rocks):


  • Heroes: DC Comics characters from Superman and Batman to newer releases like The Flash or Blue Beetle.
     
  • Animation: Anime and cartoons like Naruto, Avatar, The Simpsons, and classic Saturday morning shows.
     
  • Movies: Characters from cinema history, including cult classics, horror favourites, and blockbusters not tied to licensor-specific branding.
     
  • Television: From sitcoms to streaming shows, including everything from Friends and Stranger Things to The Witcher.
     
  • Games: Video game characters from Sonic and Halo to Fortnite and Minecraft.
     
  • Rocks: Music icons across all genres, including solo artists, bands, and album tributes.
     
  • Ad Icons: Brand mascots like Ronald McDonald, Tony the Tiger, and the Coca-Cola Bear. This is both a category and a collector subculture of its own.
     
  • Retro Toys: Toy lines and game pieces like Mr. Potato Head, Polly Pocket, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers and Operation.
     
  • Sports: Featuring athletes from the WWE, UFC, NBA, NFL, MLB, Football or "Soccer" and more.
     
  • Horror: Celebrating iconic villains and monsters from slashers, thrillers, and horror classics.

Exclusive Categories

Some Pops aren’t just defined by what they are - but where they’re sold or how they’re branded. These are some of the most sought-after and tightly controlled categories. 

Store Exclusives

Available only at specific retailers, each with their own branded sticker. Common examples include Target (USA), Walmart, Hot Topic, BoxLunch, Smyths (UK), and Amazon.

These often come with unique poses, finishes, or packaging. Some remain store-exclusive long-term, while others show up in restocks elsewhere.

Convention Exclusives

Tied to major events such as San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), New York Comic-Con (NYCC), Funko Fair / Festival of Fun, and Star Wars Celebration.


These Pops usually come with event-specific stickers and are released in limited numbers. Some include shared exclusives, which are distributed via retailers post-convention. 

Ad Icons

A standalone product line celebrating brand mascots and commercial characters. Examples include Tony the Tiger, Kool-Aid Man, and McDonald’s characters.


Ad Icons tend to hold strong collector interest and are often exclusives. 

Loungefly Tie-Ins

While not Pops themselves, Loungefly bags often coordinate with Pop releases - sometimes even sharing sticker branding during big events.


Tip: For a breakdown of what those stickers mean, head to our Funko Pop Sticker Guide.

Variant Finishes (Quick Look)

Some Pops come with alternate finishes or effects - like fuzzy textures or glow paint. These aren't new types, but stylistic changes applied to standard products. Here are a few you’ll see often:


  • Chase Variants
  • Flocked
  • Glow-in-the-Dark
  • Diamond Glitter
  • Black Light
  • Scented


Coming soon: my full breakdown of Funko Pop variant finishes - including Chase, Flocked, GITD, and more. 

Where to Go Next


Now that you’ve got a clear picture of how Funko Pops are classified, it’s time to dive deeper based on your collecting goals.


Here’s where to head next:


  • What Are Funko Pops?
  • Funko Pop Size Guide
  • Funko Pop Sticker Guide
  • Funko Pop Deals UK
  • Blog Posts


Bookmark this guide for future reference, or share it with a fellow collector who’s just starting out. 


And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for regular updates, spotlights, and new releases
@LeePepCollects

FAQ – Funko Pop Types & Formats Explained

Want to know more from a personal perspective? DM me at @LeePepCollects - I’m happy to talk more!  

Funko Pops come in many formats including standard figures, Pop Rides, Pop Albums, Comic Covers, Movie Posters, and Pop Moments. Each type has a unique packaging style and design concept.


Pop Rides feature a character in a vehicle, while Pop Moments recreate a specific scene with two or more characters and a scenic base. 


Not quite - franchise lines are categories that help group characters, but the actual type refers to the product format. That said, some franchises do get exclusive formats. 


Ad Icons are Pops based on brand mascots and commercial characters like Tony the Tiger or the Kool-Aid Man. They're often released as exclusives and are highly collectible. 


Those are variant finishes, not different product types. You can find a full breakdown in our Funko Pop Variants & Finishes Guide. 


NEXT - Funko Pop Size GuidePrevious - What Are Funko Pops?

Some links on this page are affiliate links. They help support our site at no extra cost to you!

Copyright © 2025 Lee Pep Collects - All Rights Reserved.

  • Funko Pop Discount Codes
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept