Most people identify with the notable movies of their childhood. Movies often reflect people’s struggles as well as whom they’d like to be. For children, the fascination doesn’t stop with the movie itself. Instead, many movies have successful merchandising campaigns that bring them to life in living rooms and backyards around the world. Some of the most beloved toys, in fact, begin with a movie. Children around the world have role played the action scenes and the heroics that they first watched on the big screen ever since movies hit mainstream culture.
You need look no further than superhero movies to see the huge popularity of movie toys. From Superman to Marvel’s Avengers, movie-inspired action figures are big sellers. Star Wars, one of the most iconic movie series of all time, quickly spawned a host of toys that haven’t left toy stores since the 1970s. The series of Star Wars action figures were so popular after they were first released that they couldn’t produce them fast enough to keep them in stores. Transformers, another popular children’s movie launched action figures of the Autobots and Decepticons that children adored. All of these movies also led to trading cards, Halloween costumes, books, and themed bedding, surrounding many a child in the world of their favorite movie. Check out this infographic to see whether your favorite movie toys made the list of the most iconic toys in the world.
I don’t have a favorite movie toy, but from the toys in the infographic my fave would have to be the Rubik’s Cube or Barbie, I had both of these toys as a child.
Ahhhh I am kind of surprised my favorite childhood toy wasnt there- the Etch a Sketch. I remember playing for hours and hours with that thing and I took it everywhere with me. All my friends had one. I loved that thing, and I believe it or not have it somewhere in a box my Mom saved it!
I remember playing with most of these toys. We still use a frisbee in the park from time to time.
Mr. Potato Head is my favorite! I remember from a LONG time ago, it was just the parts – hat, ears, etc. No plastic potato body; you were supposed to supply your own REAL potato and stick the pieces into that. Well, I guess enough mothers complained (mine included!), so they started making it with a plastic body. I remember one day I was shocked to see my real Potato Head sprouting!!
I’ve played with all of these over the course of 60+ years. I think the frisbee is my favorite.
This was a really fun post to read. I have to say that Star Wars was a favorite of mine reminds me of when I was a kid and life was so much easier.