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Top Dragon Ball Figures Every Collector Should Know

Top Dragon Ball Figures Every Collector Should Know

May 28, 2026

The Highlights

The most popular Dragon Ball figures include:

  • S.H Figuarts for poseable, high-quality scale figures
  • Banpresto figures are a more affordable alternative
  • Ichiban Kuji for ultra-rare drops
  • MegaHouse’s Dimension of Dragon Ball for static displays

Dragon Ball has been shaping anime culture since Akira Toriyama first put pen to paper in the 80s, and the collectible scene around it has grown explosively ever since. Figures from this franchise can range from $15 to $2,000 and beyond, with incredible hand-painted resin statues that are increasingly difficult to track down.

Whether you’re just trying to make sense of the market or find that perfect figure for your own display as a Dragon Ball collector, this Plaza Japan guide covers everything you need to know.

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S.H. Figuarts: For Every Serious Collector

Bandai’s Figuarts line has earned its reputation over years of sheer consistency. These highly articulated figures feature:

  • Dozens of movable joints
  • Swappable faces and hands
  • Fun accessories, like energy blasts

Figuarts are built for people who want to pose their figures in anime-accurate stances and recreate their favorite moments from the show. 

Ultra Instinct Goku Dragon Ball figure

Line-Defining Figuarts Releases

The original 2011 Super Saiyan Goku is something of a holy grail for collectors, to borrow TCG terminology. Finding one of these in good condition in its original box is next to impossible unless you’re in Japan.

On the more recent end, you’ve got releases like Ultra Instinct Goku (shown above), the Jiren figure from the Tournament of Power arc. You also can’t go wrong with classics like Vegeta, Piccolo, and Frieza. All three of these have gotten significant revisions, with the latest being the Figuarts 2.0 sculpts, which fixed tons of proportion issues and sharpened the paintwork.

Banpresto Prize Figures

Banpresto figures were originally designed for Dragon Ball collectors as prizes for arcade crane games in Japan. There used to be a popular misconception that prize figures were ‘cheap’, but that hasn’t been true for a while now. Several Banpresto lines deliver top-tier sculpt quality that’s more than worth the price tag.

Banpreso Sub-Lines

Grandista figures are incredibly popular, especially the Manga Dimensions variant of Super Saiyan Blue Goku. These are oversized and highly detailed, rendered entirely in black, white, and grey to mimic manga panels. Right now, this is one of the most visually striking Dragon Ball figures at any price point.

Other popular collectors' favorites include Banpresto’s Resolution of Soldiers. The Vegeta from this line is a common pick for its intense pose. Both of these sub-lines are priced between $20 and $40, making them easy choices if you’re looking for something affordable.

Ichiban Kuji Figures

These figures are one of the most interesting on the market for one simple reason: you can’t just walk into a store to buy them. Ichiban Kuji works entirely on a lottery system. You’ll have to purchase a ticket at a participating store, and your ticket will correspond to a prize tier. Top prizes are marked A and B, since they’re unavailable through any other retail channel.

The holy grail for Dragon Ball collectors here is the ‘Last One’ prize, which is awarded to whoever buys the final ticket in any given lot. Unlike your typical plush toy or keychain, these are unique color variants, and only one of them exists in every retail location.

Static Display Pieces

MegaHouse: Dimension of Dragon Ball

Not every collector will care about articulation. Sometimes, the goal is just to have a figure that looks museum-worthy, sitting on a carefully curated shelf.

That’s exactly where MegaHouse shines. Their Dimension of Dragon Ball series shows off your favorite characters at their best, whether that’s Goku meditating with a smile or Piccolo readying himself for another bout. These pieces feature excellent attention to detail for the price point and come in a variety of sizes.

Goku Dragon Ball Z figure

Collect Your Favorite Fighters Today

There are thousands of incredible, officially licensed figures ready to decorate any fan’s living space. If you’re a DBZ fan, we suggest picking a specific saga and a single character to focus on for your collection, whether that’s a full Tournament of Power roster or just a classic lineup from the Frieza Saga.

Plaza Japan has something for every Dragon Ball collector out there, from fans of the original series to newcomers from DBS. Be the first to unbox the latest S.H. Figuarts releases and popular MegaHouse drops from the comfort of your home. Enjoy authentic, officially-licensed Dragon Ball merch shipped directly from Japan. Lock your order in today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Dragon Ball figures to collect?

S.H. Figuarts leads the pack here with its poseable, articulated anime figures of popular characters, including virtually every Goku variant (UI, Blue, God, and more). For a more static display, you can always rely on MegaHouse.

How can I tell if a Dragon Ball figure is fake?

Dragon Ball collectors should check for the holographic authenticity stickers located on each box. Other common tells could be the figure’s paint and joint quality. Stick to trusted sellers like Plaza Japan if you’re shopping for authentic merch.

Where should I buy Dragon Ball figures?

It’s best to buy from reliable sellers like Plaza Japan that can ship your figures directly from Japan. This also gives you fast access to new releases and Japan-exclusive drops.


Author Bio

PJ Chan

PJ-Chan is the pocket-sized powerhouse of Plaza Japan and the undisputed anime figure aficionado of the team, making sure every shelf is filled with heroes and villains alike. When she’s not immersed in the world of anime, PJ-Chan can often be found with a slice (or two) of delicious cake. She has been part of the Plaza Japan family since 2009 and at the tender age of 99, she assures us retirement is not in her vocabulary.