If you grew up in the ‘80s or ‘90s, horror toys were everywhere. Walk into any toy aisle, and mixed in with the usual superheroes and Saturday morning cartoon figures, you’d find something weird—things with peeling skin, glowing eyes, and limbs that twisted in ways they definitely shouldn’t. Some of them transformed right before your eyes, others oozed slime, and a few looked like they had escaped straight from a horror movie. And the best part? Nobody seemed to care that these were being sold to kids.
From the Real Ghostbusters’ Haunted Humans to Mighty Max playsets packed with nightmare fuel, these toys didn’t just let you play—they let you explore the creepy, the grotesque, and the downright disturbing.
Below is a list of some of the most iconic horror toys that once lined the shelves of toy stores in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
The Real Ghostbusters
When The Real Ghostbusters animated series hit the airwaves in the late ‘80s, it wasn’t long until a toy line based on the popular cartoon soon began hitting the shelves, becoming a must-have for kids everywhere. At the heart of the collection were the Ghostbusters themselves—Peter, Ray, Egon, and Winston—each armed with their signature proton packs, ready to take on any spectral threat. These early figures perfectly captured the spirit (pun intended) of the show, and for many kids, they were their first introduction to the world of ghostbusting.
It wasn’t until the third wave of figures that Kenner leaned into the more comedic aspects of the cartoon with the Fright Features line. These versions of the Ghostbusters contorted into exaggerated expressions of terror at the push of a button, making for some hilariously grotesque transformations. And let’s be honest—finding an Egon figure today that doesn’t have a broken tie is about as rare as catching a real ghost.
But no Ghostbusters lineup would be complete without the ghosts themselves. Kenner knew this and made sure kids had plenty to choose from, including Slimer and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man—two of the most iconic supernatural beings in pop culture. Whether you were sliming your Ghostbusters or having Stay Puft stomp through your toy city, these figures remain some of the most beloved relics of ‘80s childhoods.
Of course, every ghost-hunting team needed a ride, and the Ecto-1 was a must-have. This ghost-chasing, siren-blaring Cadillac could transport the team into battle, complete with a ghost-grabbing claw to snag any runaway spirits. But if you were lucky enough to own the Firehouse Headquarters playset, then you were truly the envy of every kid on the block. Right up there with the Technodrome from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the Firehouse was a holy grail of ‘80s toys, featuring a working ghost containment unit and even a “slime” feature that let kids pour ooze down through the roof.
Yet, perhaps the most coveted Ghostbusters toy wasn’t a figure or a vehicle—it was the Proton Pack. Kenner gave kids the chance to feel like real Ghostbusters with a wearable proton pack, complete with a foam “particle stream” to blast ghosts into oblivion. Later versions even projected ghostly images onto walls, while the accompanying ghost trap toy let kids complete the full ghostbusting experience. For any kid who ever dreamed of taking on the paranormal, these toys were the ultimate wish fulfillment.
Decades later, The Real Ghostbusters toys remain highly sought after by collectors, with some pieces commanding top dollar on the secondary market. Their enduring popularity has even led to modern re-releases, proving that bustin’ still makes us feel good—even all these years later.
My Pet Monster
In the mid-80s, plush toys seemed to either consist of Cabbage Patch Dolls or Teddy Ruxpin, and while both of those toys are still fondly remembered today, one plush doll burst onto the scene in 1986 with only one goal in mind – to wreak havoc.
I’m of course talking about My Pet Monster – the big and scary monster who only wanted to be your friend.
This blue monstrosity was an impressive two-foot-tall ball of fur, equipped with a mouth full of sharp teeth and two bulging eyes. But the best feature of all was the pair of orange break-away cuffs that came with the monster. When the cuffs were on, your monster was just an unassuming stuffed toy, but once the cuffs were off, this monster came to life. You never had anything to fear though, because he was your best friend.
The cuffs were also designed to be worn by children and came with a breakaway link, allowing kids to pretend to be a monster, just like their blue best friend. But good luck finding these cuffs on any remaining monsters out there, and be prepared to pay top dollar for a monster that still has this iconic feature intact.
This cuddly creature also spawned a short-lived animated series and, even more strange, a live-action film. I remember watching this movie when it first came out and for the longest time thinking it was a fever dream, but I assure you it does exist – though just like the cuffs, good luck finding a copy of this film.
While you can still find My Pet Monster plush toys around these days, they’re becoming increasingly rare, and prices have skyrocketed. Original 1986 monsters in good condition can fetch hundreds of dollars, and if you’re lucky enough to find one with those iconic orange cuffs still intact, well, let’s just say you might need to break into your monster-sized piggy bank.
Madballs
The 1980s were a gloriously gross time for toys, and nothing embodied this better than Madballs – those disgusting rubber balls that somehow managed to convince parents everywhere that bringing severed heads into their homes was perfectly acceptable.
These weren’t your typical bouncy balls from the grocery store vending machine. These were grotesque, rubber monstrosities that looked like they rolled straight out of a horror movie and into children’s toy boxes across the globe. Each Madball had its own revolting personality, and kids couldn’t get enough of them.
The original lineup included some unforgettable faces. There was Skull Face with his exposed brain matter, and Screamin’ Meemie whose eternal scream probably kept more than a few kids up at night. Dust Brain looked like he’d been unearthed from some ancient tomb, while Oculus Orbus was basically one giant bloodshot eyeball. And who could forget Horn Head? Because apparently, a severed head wasn’t quite scary enough without some horns attached to it.
Like every popular toy from the ’80s, Madballs tried their hand at world domination. There were comics that brought these gross-out characters to life on the page, a cartoon pilot that very few people ever got to see, and even a video game. But nothing beat the simple joy of the original rubber balls of horror.
These days, finding an original Madball is like striking gross-out gold. They’ve had several revivals over the years, with new versions trying to capture that original magic, but nothing quite matches the originals from the ’80s. If you’re lucky enough to find one from that era, especially with its original packaging, be prepared to shell out some serious cash – apparently, disgusting is worth something these days.
Madballs remain a perfect snapshot of a time when toys weren’t afraid to be revolting, when grossing out your friends was a legitimate form of entertainment, and when bouncing a severed head down the sidewalk was just another average day of play.
Toxic Crusaders
From the depths of Troma Entertainment, notorious purveyors of cinematic schlock, came The Toxic Avenger – a gleefully gory, R-rated horror-comedy that was about as far from kid-friendly as you could get. Yet, in a move of sheer 90s absurdity, this ultra-violent flick was transmuted into Toxic Crusaders, a cartoon and toy line aimed squarely at children. Imagine the pitch meeting: “Let’s take a hideously deformed, radioactive mutant from a splatter film and make him an eco-conscious superhero!” And somehow, it worked.
Playmates, fresh off their success with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, brought the world of Tromaville to life with a series of figures that were equal parts heroic and horrifying. The toys were a symphony of toxic sludge and mutant mayhem, featuring characters with radioactive boils, extra limbs, and gloriously grotesque textures.
At the heart of the line was Toxie himself, a janitor-turned-superhero with a lumpy green face, an exposed eyeball, and his trusty mop as a weapon. He was joined by a rogues’ gallery of mutants and monsters that pushed the boundaries of what was considered appropriate for kids’ toys. From the plant-human hybrid Major Disaster to the two-headed Headbanger (one part nerd, one part punk rocker), each figure was a masterclass in creative character design.
The playsets and vehicles were just as outrageous. Kids could wage eco-battles with the Toxic Waste Dump Truck or take to the skies in the Radiation Ranger Hovercraft. Many figures came equipped with oozing slime weapons and biohazard gear, adding an extra layer of icky fun to playtime.
What made the Toxic Crusaders line truly stand out was its unapologetic embrace of the grotesque. These weren’t just action figures; they were miniature horror movies you could hold in your hand. The addition of glow-in-the-dark features on some figures only added to their creep factor, turning bedroom floors into eerie toxic wastelands after dark.
Despite the short-lived nature of the cartoon series, the Toxic Crusaders toys left an indelible mark on ’90s pop culture. They represented a brief moment when the lines between adult horror and children’s entertainment blurred, resulting in one of the strangest and most memorable toy lines of the decade. Today, they’re sought-after collector’s items, with modern companies like Super7 creating high-end versions for nostalgic fans who never quite outgrew their love for Toxie and his mutant crew.
Mighty Max
In the early ‘90s, miniature playsets were all the rage. If you had an older sister, chances are she had Polly Pocket—tiny, pastel-colored worlds filled with charming houses and picnic scenes. But for those of us who preferred monsters over makeovers, Mighty Max was the only choice.
Bluebird Toys took the compact playset concept and twisted it into something truly bizarre. Instead of tea parties, you got haunted castles, mutant-infested labs, and demonic skulls packed with nightmare fuel. Each set looked like a creepy monster head or an ancient skull, but pop it open, and you’d find an entire world of horrors inside. Secret traps, hidden passageways, and grotesque creatures lurked in every corner. These playsets were small enough to fit in your pocket, but they delivered some of the biggest scares in the toy aisle.
The Mighty Max line expanded fast, introducing different tiers of terror. Doom Zones were the medium-sized playsets that came with multiple monsters and elaborate layouts, while Horror Heads shrunk things down to a single villain. Monster Heads were even smaller, acting more like collectible figures than playsets.
But the crown jewel of the line was Mighty Max Trapped in Skull Mountain. This was the set—the one every kid dreamed of owning. A massive, multi-level fortress where Max faced off against his arch-nemesis, Skullmaster, it was loaded with traps, secret chambers, and an impressive lineup of figures. If you had this, you weren’t just playing with Mighty Max—you were living the ultimate horror adventure.
Of course, like most Mighty Max toys, finding one complete today is next to impossible. These sets were filled with tiny figures, and most of them disappeared into couch cushions, backyard dirt piles, or the dreaded vacuum cleaner. If you somehow manage to track down a full set with all the original monsters? Consider yourself lucky—because that’s rarer than escaping Skullmaster’s lair in one piece.
Though Mighty Max faded out by the late ‘90s, its impact never really left. The combination of intricate design, eerie aesthetic, and that perfect blend of horror and adventure made it one of the coolest toy lines of its time. Whether you were battling mutant insects, escaping an ancient curse, or just marveling at the grotesque details hidden in each set, Mighty Max proved that sometimes, the scariest things come in the smallest packages.
Monster in My Pocket
Before Pokémon and other collectible monster franchises took over the world, there was Monster in My Pocket—a toy line that let kids carry a pocket-sized army of legendary creatures. Released by Matchbox in 1990, these tiny rubber figures turned mythology, folklore, and classic horror into a full-blown collecting craze.
The lineup was massive. Hundreds of creatures made their way into the series, from horror icons like Dracula and the Mummy to deep-cut mythology picks like the Wendigo and Jotun Troll. Each figure was cast in a single color—red, green, purple, or yellow—and had a point value printed on it, ranking its power from 5 to 100. This wasn’t just for show—kids actually used these numbers to battle, stacking their strongest monsters against each other to see who ruled the supernatural world.
Some of the most memorable figures included Dracula (25 points), the classic vampire lord; the Mummy (20 points), wrapped and ready to unleash an ancient curse; the Kraken (100 points), one of the most powerful creatures in the series; the Grim Reaper (50 points), scythe in hand; the Werewolf (30 points), mid-transformation and ready to attack; and the Wendigo (50 points), a skeletal nightmare straight from Native American legend.
Later waves introduced glow-in-the-dark figures, adding a spooky nighttime twist, and larger, fully painted versions that gave even more detail to these tiny terrors. The franchise expanded fast, spilling into comic books, trading cards, a board game, a video game, and even a short-lived animated special. But no matter how far it stretched, the original rubber monsters remained the heart of the line.
What made Monster in My Pocket stand out was how genuinely creepy some of these figures were. The Banshee’s screaming face, the Grim Reaper’s hollow eyes, the Wendigo’s gaunt, skeletal frame—these weren’t just cartoonish monster designs. They had an eerie, unsettling quality that made them feel like something pulled straight from a horror movie.
Today, the original figures are highly collectible, with rare monsters commanding serious prices online. Matchbox tried to reboot the line in the late ‘90s, but it never had the same magic. For those who grew up with them, Monster in My Pocket wasn’t just another toy—it was an entire world of horror that fit in the palm of your hand.
Boglins
By the late ‘80s, action figures dominated toy aisles, but Boglins were something different. They weren’t heroes, they weren’t villains—they were creatures, rubbery little monsters that felt like they had crawled out of a swamp and into your hands. Designed by Tim Clarke, Maureen Trotto, and Larry Mass, these weren’t just toys; they were puppets, giving kids full control over their grotesque expressions and creepy movements.
What made Boglins stand out was how alive they felt. Their mouths snapped open and shut, their eyes rolled around, and their flexible rubber skin made them look unsettlingly real. Whether you had Dwork, Vlobb, or Drool, each one had a distinct personality—some looked mischievous, others looked like they hadn’t slept in a decade.
Even the packaging played into the illusion. Each Boglin came in a plastic-barred crate with “They Escaped!” printed across the front. Opening one felt less like unboxing a toy and more like unleashing something that probably shouldn’t have been set free. It was simple, brilliant marketing that made these things even more irresistible.
The line expanded fast. There were Halloween Boglins, Swamp Boglins, and even glow-in-the-dark versions that made them extra creepy at night. Some had eerie, luminous eyes that seemed to follow you in the dark, making them feel even more like living creatures. Unlike most horror toys, Boglins didn’t need weapons or action features—their entire appeal came from how convincingly weird and lifelike they were.
Despite their popularity, Boglins eventually disappeared from shelves, but they never really went away. Today, the originals are collector’s items, and multiple re-releases have brought them back for a new generation. But for those who had them the first time around, nothing beats the feeling of cracking open that crate and watching your parents wonder why you willingly brought something so ugly into the house.
Creepy Crawlers
If you were a kid in the ‘90s, Creepy Crawlers was the closest thing to being a mad scientist in your own bedroom. It wasn’t just a toy—it was a machine that let you cook up your own slimy, rubbery monstrosities. Half Easy-Bake Oven, half horror lab, it took the fun of gross-out toys and made it interactive.
At the heart of it all was the oven—a metal box that got way hotter than it probably should have. You’d squeeze Plasti-Goop into a metal mold, stick it in the oven, and wait while the smell of burning rubber filled the room. A few minutes later, you’d pull out a freshly baked spider, centipede, or mutant creature, still warm to the touch. If you were lucky, you had glow-in-the-dark Plasti-Goop, which made your creations even cooler at night.
The molds were where the real fun was. At first, they were mostly creepy-crawlies—spiders, scorpions, worms—but as the line expanded, so did the possibilities. Skeleton parts, monster limbs, even action figure accessories became part of the mix. If you had enough molds and enough Plasti-Goop, you could make an entire army of disgusting, wiggly horrors.
What made Creepy Crawlers different from every other horror-themed toy was that you weren’t just collecting monsters—you were making them. Every kid had their own technique. Some mixed colors to create bizarre hybrids. Others overfilled the molds so their bugs ended up extra thick and slimy. And there was always that one kid who burned the Plasti-Goop and nearly set the house on fire.
The toy’s popularity even led to a full-blown animated series in the mid-‘90s, turning the concept into a superhero storyline where a kid used a souped-up Creepy Crawlers machine to fight mutant monsters. Naturally, this led to its own line of action figures, because in the ‘90s, everything had action figures.
Beetlejuice
If you were a kid in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s, Beetlejuice was everywhere. The movie was wild, the cartoon was on TV, and if you were lucky enough, you had the toys—some of the weirdest, creepiest figures to ever hit the toy aisle. These weren’t just standard action figures. They had scare features, over-the-top designs, and a level of grotesque detail that made them feel like they came straight out of the Neitherworld.
Of course, the main focus was Beetlejuice himself, and there wasn’t just one version—there were a bunch, each more bizarre than the last. Spinhead Beetlejuice let you twist his head completely around, just like in the movie. Shish Kebab Beetlejuice was impaled with swords and spikes for absolutely no reason, and Exploding Beetlejuice—well, his entire torso blew apart to reveal a skeleton inside. No explanation, no logic, just pure ‘90s toy madness.
But the best part? Every figure came with a tiny, grotesque ghost companion. These weren’t just throw-in accessories—they looked like mini monsters straight out of a haunted house ride. Shish Kebab Beetlejuice came with a shrunken head, a direct nod to one of the weirdest scenes in the movie. Others had little ghosts, ghouls, or creepy crawlies that added to the overall weirdness.
Then there was the Vanishing Vault, the ultimate playset. It was a haunted coffin with a trick mirror that made Beetlejuice disappear. If you had this, you weren’t just playing—you were putting on an actual ghost show.
Today, Beetlejuice figures are highly collectible, but for those who had them as kids, they’re more than just rare pieces of plastic. They’re a reminder of a time when toy companies weren’t afraid to make things a little creepy, a little gross, and a whole lot of fun.
Food Fighters
By the late ‘80s, toy aisles were once again flooded with military-themed action figures. But I’m not just talking about G.I. Joe. Toy companies started rolling out bizarre takes on the concept, from Army Ants to the ever-obscure Barnyard Commandos. But none were weirder—or more ridiculous—than Food Fighters.
This line took the idea of battle-hardened soldiers and applied it to something no one asked for: fast food. These weren’t just anthropomorphic snacks with attitude—they were locked in an all-out war, armed to the teeth and ready to destroy their sworn enemies by any means necessary.
The figures were split into two factions. On one side, you had the heroic Kitchen Commandos, led by Burgerdier General, a cheeseburger whose mouth was literally his beef patty. Backing him up was Major Munch, a chocolate doughnut who looked as if he was letting out a guttural charge, Lieutenant Legg, a battle-ready chicken drumstick, Private Pizza, and Sergeant Scoop, an innocent-looking ice cream cone.
Their enemies? The Refrigerator Rejects, led by Mean Weener, a hotdog dripping with ketchup and mustard. His squad included Chip the Ripper, a snarling chocolate chip cookie, Short Stack, a deranged stack of pancakes, Taco Terror, the most evil-looking taco imaginable, and Fat Frenchy, a box of fries with an attitude.
The vehicles were just as absurd. There was the Combat Carton, an all-terrain vehicle shaped like an egg carton, the Fry Chopper, a helicopter with spatula blades and hotdogs for landing gear, and the BBQ Bomber, a mobile grill armed with a spatula catapult. Because why not?
Despite their bizarre charm, Food Fighters didn’t last long. More figures and playsets were planned, but poor sales sent the line into early retirement. Rumors still pop up now and then about unreleased characters, but for now, the original figures are easy to find online—and compared to most vintage toy lines, they won’t break the bank.
Gargoyles
When Disney decided to mix gothic horror with a kids’ cartoon, it sounded like a disaster waiting to happen. But Gargoyles proved otherwise. Packed with Shakespearean tragedy, supernatural horror, and mythological lore, the show became an instant hit. And since the ‘90s had a habit of turning anything remotely popular into plastic, a toy line was inevitable.
Kenner’s Gargoyles figures weren’t just cheap cartoon cash-ins—they looked like something pulled straight off an ancient cathedral. The sculpts were detailed, the expressions were fierce, and the figures were massive. Goliath, the show’s lead, towered over most action figures of the time, with huge wings and a muscular frame that made him impossible to ignore. But what really made him stand out was his “stone armor” feature—removable rock-like plates that cracked away, mimicking his transformation from statue to warrior. It was a simple but brilliant touch.
The rest of the clan got the same treatment. Demona, with her wild red hair and permanent scowl, looked like she was ready to tear someone apart. Thailog, Goliath’s evil clone, had a darker, more menacing color scheme. Broadway, Brooklyn, and Lexington all kept their distinct looks, while Bronx, the clan’s dog-like beast, had a perfectly sculpted, snarling face that made him one of the best figures in the line. Even the human characters got their due—Xanatos came in both his standard billionaire attire and his steel combat suit, while Macbeth looked just as battle-ready as he did on screen.
Kenner didn’t stop at just figures. The Gargoyle Cycle was a bizarre but oddly fitting addition—a motorcycle built for creatures with wings. The Rippin’ Rider Cycle was another vehicle that made little sense but still looked cool, while the Nightstriker Jet gave the gargoyles some airborne firepower. Playsets like Castle Playtop and Castle Wyvern let kids recreate battles on gothic rooftops, complete with crumbling stone details.
What made this toy line special was that it didn’t water anything down. These figures weren’t cute, they weren’t softened for younger audiences—they were snarling, battle-scarred monsters that actually looked intimidating. They had weight, presence, and enough eerie detail to stand out in any collection.
Today, Gargoyles figures are highly collectible, with NECA’s recent revival proving the franchise still has a following. But nothing quite captures the raw, oversized, ‘90s action figure energy like Kenner’s original line. For those who grew up during its run, Gargoyles wasn’t just another cartoon—it was a full-blown obsession.
Inhumanoids
In 1986, Inhumanoids hit toy shelves, and it was immediately clear that this wasn’t just another action figure line. Hasbro wasn’t just pushing the limits of kids’ toys—they were daring parents to buy these things. The figures were huge, ugly, and straight-up nightmare fuel, looking more like something from a horror movie than the toy aisle.
The Inhumanoids themselves were massive, towering over most action figures of the time. But their size wasn’t even the most shocking part—it was the design. These things were disgusting in the best way possible. Rotted skin, exposed bones, glowing eyes—every detail made them look like they had crawled out of some underground horror show. Even in the anything-goes ‘80s, these figures felt like they were pushing it.
Each monster had its own brand of creepy. Metlar was a molten rock demon with a permanent scowl. Tendril looked like a walking pile of tentacles, with long, rubbery arms that made him feel more alive than he should have. And then there was D’Compose—the one that really messed with kids. He was a giant, decaying corpse with a ribcage that opened up to trap smaller figures inside. In the cartoon, he could turn people into zombies just by touching them. This was sold as a kids’ toy.
And if the figures weren’t creepy enough, the cartoon made sure you never slept again. Instead of watering things down, the show leaned into the horror, with storylines about ancient evils, grotesque transformations, and underground monsters literally trying to destroy the world. It made most other ‘80s cartoons look tame by comparison, which only made the toys cooler.
Looking back, Inhumanoids feels like one of the biggest “How did this get made?” moments in toy history. It was dark, disturbing, and completely unlike anything else at the time. While it didn’t last long, it left an impression. Today, the figures are highly sought after, not just for their rarity, but because they represent a time when toy companies were willing to take risks—even if it meant terrifying the kids they were selling to.
Swamp Thing
In the early ‘90s, Swamp Thing got his own animated series, and like we established with any cartoon back then, that meant toys were inevitable. But instead of playing it safe, this line leaned into the weird, producing a range of startlingly macabre figures designed for children. For a show that was supposed to make the character more kid-friendly, the toy line seemed more suited to a midnight fright fest than a children’s playroom.
Swamp Thing himself didn’t just get one figure—he got several, each with a different mutation. Bio-Glow Swamp Thing glowed in the dark, making him look even more supernatural. Snare-Arm Swamp Thing had a long, vine-like arm that could grab enemies. Camouflage Swamp Thing changed color, and Capture Swamp Thing could actually break apart and snap back together, showing off his regenerative powers. These weren’t just minor gimmicks—they made him feel alive, like he was constantly shifting and mutating.
But the real stars of the line were the Un-Men. These weren’t just villains—they were full-on body horror figures. Skinman had a soft rubber “skin” you could peel off, revealing the nightmare underneath. Dr. Anton Arcane had a transforming face that turned him into some kind of mutated monstrosity. Even Weed Killer looked more like something that had crawled out of a swamp than a standard bad guy. These figures weren’t just creepy—they were gross, and that’s exactly what made them so fun.
The vehicles and playsets only added to the horror. The Bayou Blaster gave Swamp Thing a tricked-out ride with water-firing weapons, while the villains had the Bog Rover, an insect-like machine that looked like something you’d rather not run into in a dark swamp. The Swamp Trap playset had a pit of “quicksand” made from soft rubber, which meant your figures could slowly sink into the depths. For a toy line aimed at kids, it really didn’t hold back.
Even though the cartoon didn’t last long, the Swamp Thing toys made an impact. They weren’t just another superhero line—they felt different, tapping into the eerie, unsettling side of the character. Today, they’re cult classics among horror toy collectors, a perfect example of when toy companies weren’t afraid to get a little weird.
Super Naturals
By the late ‘80s, toy companies had figured out one thing—if you slapped a hologram on it, kids had to have it. That was the entire hook behind Super Naturals, a short-lived but unforgettable toy line from Tonka that turned warriors and monsters into glowing, shape-shifting ghosts.
Instead of painted faces, these figures had holograms—and not just any holograms. Their torsos and heads flickered between two forms, shifting from human to spectral beast, from warrior to walking nightmare. The effect was simple, but back then, it felt like magic. You’d spend half your playtime just tilting them back and forth under the light, watching them transform.
The lineup was split into two factions: the heroic Ghost Warriors and the evil Skull Lords. Lionheart was a knight whose hologram revealed a ghostly lion. Burnheart was already creepy enough, but his hologram made him look like he was on fire. Even the weapons and shields had holograms, because if you’re going to commit to a gimmick, commit to it.
Then there were the Ghostlings—smaller, hunched-over creatures with eerie, glowing faces. They didn’t shift like the bigger figures, but they still looked cool enough to collect. And if you were lucky enough to own the Tomb of Doom playset, you had the ultimate haunted battleground, complete with secret compartments and a giant holographic face staring out from the front.
Despite how cool they were, Super Naturals didn’t last. One wave came and went, and then they were gone, lost in the sea of late ‘80s action figure overload. But for the kids who had them, they were unforgettable. They weren’t just action figures—they were little pieces of holographic horror, flickering between worlds right in the palm of your hand.
McFarlane Movie Maniacs
By the late ‘90s, horror fans were used to getting the short end of the stick when it came to action figures. If you wanted a Freddy or Jason figure, chances were it was either a cheap, barely-detailed lump of plastic or a kid-friendly version that completely missed the point. Then Movie Maniacs came along and changed everything.
Todd McFarlane didn’t just make horror figures—he made horror collectibles. These weren’t toys with scary themes; they were full-on miniature horror movie props. Every slash, every blood splatter, every torn piece of clothing was sculpted with brutal, almost obsessive detail. Even the packaging leaned into the cinematic feel, with each figure coming with a miniature movie poster display.
The lineup had all the heavy hitters. Freddy Krueger had the burned flesh, the sinister grin, and the clawed glove posed like he was ready to strike. Jason Voorhees was a hulking brute, his hockey mask scuffed and his clothes looking like they had been through hell. Leatherface looked just as disgusting as he should, his chainsaw covered in just enough blood to make you wonder how this was being sold at retail. Michael Myers was expressionless as ever, his blank stare somehow making him the most unsettling of them all. And Chucky—even at a smaller scale—looked like he was about to leap off the shelf and start causing trouble.
These figures weren’t mass-produced junk you’d find buried in the toy aisle—they were collector’s pieces. They looked like something you’d see behind glass at a horror convention, and for fans, that was unheard of at the time. Movie Maniacs didn’t just sell well—it proved that there was a market for horror figures that actually looked like horror figures. It opened the floodgates for companies like NECA and Mezco to take things even further, turning horror collecting into a serious business.
Horror Toys: Gone, Yet Never Forgotten
Even though most of these toy lines faded away, they never really left. Some got re-released, others became collector’s items, and a few still lurk in old toy bins, waiting to give someone a jump scare. But no matter how many new versions come out, nothing will ever match the feeling of cracking open a Creepy Crawlers mold for the first time, pulling a Boglin from its box, or realizing your Movie Maniacs figures probably weren’t meant for kids.
These weren’t just toys—they were little pieces of horror history, sitting right there on the toy aisle, daring you to take them home. And for the kids who did, they had no idea they were starting a lifelong love of all things creepy.
Which of these horror toys haunted your childhood? Let us know in the comments!
