Darth Vader is one of the most iconic villains of all time. From the Sith Lord’s iconic appearance to his many powerful displays in comics, film, and TV series alike, there’s a proverbial laundry list of reasons that make Vader one of the most legendary characters in all of fiction.

The former Anakin Skywalker’s unmistakable look and overall place in the pop culture consciousness make Darth Vader collectibles like action figures in high demand. Now, amid a Vader resurgence, demand has only intensified. With the character making memorable appearances in Disney+ series' like Ahsoka and Obi-Wan Kenobi and with Star Wars checkpoints like May the 4th and holiday binge-watching marathons filling out the year, now’s as good a time as any to stock up on the most must-have Darth Vader action figures.

Star Wars The Vintage Collection Obi-Wan Kenobi & Darth Vader Showdown Figures

Star Wars The Vintage Collection Obi-Wan Kenobi & Darth Vader Showdown Figures

A legendary rivalry, immortalized.

This Star Wars action figure two-pack showcases the iconic series rivalry between Darth Vader and his former master, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

The complicated and distraught relationship between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker – aka Darth Vader – is the spine of the Skywalker Saga. Considering the saga spans the prequels, the original trilogy, several animated series and Disney+ series, their legendary and tragic dynamic – and its import to the franchise – cannot be understated.

Star Wars Stretch Darth Vader Action Figure

That’s why this two-figure combo pack featuring both an Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader action figure is a must-buy for Star Wars fans. The figures' posable limbs and lightsaber accessories lend perfectly to action-packed displays, whereas Vader’s removable helmet revealing his scarred visage underneath keeps the emotional throughline of Ben and Anakin’s rivalry at the fore. Its modularity and ability to encapsulate such an integral part of Star Wars canon make this a top pick for anyone hunting for Darth Vader figures.

Star Wars Stretch Darth Vader Action Figure

To call this anything but a must-buy would be a…stretch.

Darth Vader takes on the elastic form of Stretch Armstrong in this special edition figure.

Funko Pop! Train Disney 100 - Darth Vader on Tie Fighter

Prepare to stretch your imagination muscles and take a retro action figure to the outer rim. If you’ve been around since the days of the original trilogy, then you’ll have a hard time denying the combined nostalgic charm of Stretch Armstrong and Darth Vader.

Their combined powers make way for this awesome special edition Star Wars Stretch Armstrong figure. Despite its recent release, this feels straight out of the 70s and 80s when the original trilogy reigned supreme. The details of Vader’s suit that get lost in the Stretch Armstrong style feel like a fair trade for the interactive and throwback fun this figure offers.

lego star wars darth vader mech holding a lightsaber

Funko Pop! Train: Disney 100 - Darth Vader on Tie Fighter

Honor both Disney and Darth Vader’s enduring legacies.

Darth Vader takes flight on a Tie Fighter in this delightful Star Wars Funko Pop!

Star Wars Return of The Jedi 40th Anniversary 6-Inch Darth Vader Collectible Action Figure

Not only does this charming Darth Vader Tie Fighter Funko Pop! celebrate the Star Wars villain and iconic spacecraft, but it also commemorates the 100th anniversary of Disney. Released as part of the Disney 100 series, this Darth Vader Funko Pop! comes preloaded with an extra collectible appeal.

This isn’t just any Funko Pop!, it’s a Funko Pop! train figure, with a base that can hook like a train-car to other figures like it. That may turn off some shoppers, but I’d like to think that it will open the floodgates to a new category to build a collection in – and what better way to kick that off with the galaxy’s most wanted man, Darth Vader.

Tamashii Nations Star Wars Samurai Taisho Darth Vader

Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Mech

A marriage of two sci-fi stalwarts, mech suits and Vader!

Mecha and Star Wars fans, rejoice! This unique Lego set places Darth Vader into a towering black mech suit, making the classic villain even more terrifying than usual.

A Darth Vader Lego minifigure with a lightsaber is cool, but a Star Wars Lego set that gives The Sith Lord his own mech Suit takes it to the next level. The Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Mech marries two quintessential sci-fi elements – Star Wars and mech suits – breathing new, refreshing life into both.

Including a Vader minifigure and a 139-piece mech suit, Star Wars and Lego fans will have brain-teasing fun building the set to be battle-ready. The results are a unique, imposing Darth Vader variant that any resident of a galaxy far, far away would be thrilled to have in their collections.

Star Wars Return of The Jedi 40th Anniversary 6-Inch Darth Vader Collectible Action Figure

Relive Darth Vader’s last chronological hurrah.

This impeccably rendered Darth Vader action figure celebrates the 40th anniversary of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

This elaborate Darth Vader figure was released in celebration of Return of the Jedi’s 40th anniversary. Whereas Return of the Jedi saw Vader’s demise, this remarkable Star Wars Hasbro toy immortalizes the character’s likeness exactly as it appeared in the film.

Luke Skywalker’s infamous father is featured in all his glory, with a removable helmet that reveals the visage of Sebastian Shaw, the actor who played a dying and redeemed Anakin Skywalker in Return of the Jedi. It’s a nice way to pay homage to the unsung actor, who was famously replaced as a force ghost by Hayden Christensen in the fallout of the Star Wars prequels.

Tamashii Nations Star Wars Samurai Taisho Darth Vader

The priciest option of the bunch is worth every penny.

This Tamashii Nations Darth Vader figure puts a Samurai Taisho-themed twist on the legendary Star Wars character.

The Tamashii Nations Darth Vader Samurai Taisho figure is truly a must-have for any Darth Vader fan and collector. This unique figure not only embodies the iconic character of Darth Vader but also infuses a fascinating Samurai twist to it. It’s a fitting and refreshing spin, considering the rich tradition of Samurai films that influenced George Lucas when creating Star Wars.

The figure comes complete with four pairs of interchangeable body parts, allowing for a variety of dynamic poses and displays. There’s also two lightsabers with different effects and an immersive display base, further enhancing the figure’s presentation. All things considered, this is a pretty sweet deal, despite its being the most expensive option included in this guide.

FAQ

Including films where Anakin Skywalker is featured before his tragic transformation, Darth Vader has appeared on camera in nine Star Wars movies. His presence is felt through his voice and other Easter eggs throughout much of the sequel trilogy, though he’s not featured as a main character.

What Are Some Tips For Action Figure Displays?

An easy way to create an eye-catching action figure display is by grouping your figures by theme, series, or character. By implementing rises, stands, and display boxes, collectors can add some variety and aesthetically pleasing levels and poses to their collection displays.