NECA vs McFarlane: Who Makes the Best Horror Figures?

NECA vs McFarlane: Who Makes the Best Horror Figures?

For horror collectors, few names spark as much debate and devotion as NECA and McFarlane Toys. Both companies have earned legendary status in the world of action figures, particularly within the horror genre, and each brings a unique style and philosophy to the craft. But when it comes down to it—who truly makes the best horror figures?

Let’s dig into the blood-soaked details and settle the score.

A Legacy of Fear: Company Backgrounds

McFarlane Toys, founded in 1994 by comic book artist Todd McFarlane, revolutionized the toy industry by emphasizing detail and sculpting over articulation in an era dominated by kid-friendly playability. The company's "Movie Maniacs" line, launched in 1998, brought adult horror icons like Freddy Krueger, Leatherface, and Jason Voorhees into the collectible spotlight. These were gritty, gritty statuesque figures with killer sculpt work—and they changed everything.

NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association) entered the game in the early 2000s and quickly positioned itself as the go-to brand for licensed horror merchandise. NECA took what McFarlane started and ran with it, offering screen-accurate sculpts, improved articulation, and an ever-expanding roster of horror licenses, from cult classics to modern screamfests.

Sculpt & Detail: Edge to McFarlane (With a Catch)

There’s no denying the raw artistic talent behind McFarlane figures. The early Movie Maniacs lines are still revered for their museum-worthy sculpting and haunting attention to detail. They feel more like small statues than traditional action figures, which made them must-haves for display purposes. Even modern McFarlane figures (especially those in the Spawn or DC Multiverse lines) carry that sharp, gritty aesthetic.

However, where McFarlane sometimes prioritizes visual artistry, NECA balances that with screen accuracy. NECA's horror figures—from The Conjuring’s Annabelle to The Thing’s MacReady—look like they stepped right out of the movie. Facial sculpts, costumes, and paint apps are obsessively faithful. That authenticity makes a big difference to film purists and collectors focused on canon accuracy.

Articulation & Accessories: NECA Wins

This is where NECA clearly pulls ahead. While McFarlane has come a long way from its "statue-like" early days, NECA consistently delivers more points of articulation and better poseability in its Ultimate line. Whether it’s a crouching Xenomorph or a knife-wielding Chucky, NECA designs with versatility in mind.

On top of that, NECA loads their figures with accessories: alternate heads, hands, weapons, diorama pieces—you name it. Their Friday the 13th and Halloween figures come with entire arsenals of movie-accurate weapons and detailed packaging that doubles as a display case. For collectors who love staging or photography, this is a massive bonus.

Licensing & Line Depth: NECA Reigns Supreme

NECA simply holds more horror licenses than any other toy company. They’ve tackled everything from Evil Dead to Gremlins, Pennywise to Predator, and even obscure titles like Pan’s Labyrinth. Their horror catalogue is vast, active, and regularly refreshed with new releases.

McFarlane, while having some iconic legacy releases, has largely shifted focus toward Spawn, DC, and video game franchises. Their horror presence today is relatively limited.

Price & Availability

Both brands operate in the $25–$40 range for standard 6–7 inch figures, depending on complexity and exclusivity. NECA figures can be found in Target, specialty shops, and online, while McFarlane figures are more prominent in big-box retailers. McFarlane may edge out slightly in affordability, but NECA offers better value in terms of depth and extras.

Final Verdict: NECA Takes the Crown—For Now

While McFarlane deserves credit for shaping the modern horror figure landscape, NECA has perfected the formula. With superior articulation, greater licensing reach, and a commitment to detail and accuracy, NECA currently sits atop the throne of horror collectibles.

That said, any horror fan would be lucky to own standout pieces from both companies. If you're collecting for artistry and legacy, dig into McFarlane’s early Movie Maniacs. If you're in it for authenticity, poseability, and completeness—NECA is your go-to.

What do you think? Which line haunts your shelves more? Drop a comment and let the debate rage on!