How Many Original Star Wars Figures Are There? Collector's Guide

Kenner’s original Star Wars figure line, produced from 1977 to 1985, became a cultural phenomenon. During these years, Kenner released a wide range of action figures that captured the imagination of children and collectors alike, from the iconic 12-back figures of the first wave to the rare Power of the Force line. The question is, how many original Star Wars figures are there?

This guide will walk you through the ultimate collection of original Star Wars figures by breaking it down year by year, highlighting key releases and everything you need to know as a dedicated collector. Let’s dive into it!

How Many Star Wars Action Figures Were Released?

Kenner released a total of more than 100 Star Wars action figures between 1977 and 1985. The main list includes 96 figures, but the final card-back promoted 92 figures, as Kenner updated and discontinued certain versions of popular characters. For example, two versions of R2-D2 and one version of C-3PO were discontinued as new versions of these characters were released. 

Additional characters like the taller blue Snaggletooth and members of the Rebo Band (Max Rebo, Sy Snootles, and Droopy McCool) were also produced but were not part of the main blister card releases. Kenner also made creatures like Jabba the Hutt, though these are not typically considered part of the core action figure line.

List of All Original Star Wars Figures From 1977 To 1985

Released by Kenner, these figures spanned the original trilogy, starting with Star Wars and expanding through The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Explore a full list of these iconic figures and see how many you can add to your collection!

1977-1979: The Star Wars Waves - 21 Figures

Back in 1977, Kenner wasn’t quite ready with their Star Wars action figures in time for the holidays, so they came up with a pre-order system. Instead of actual figures, customers could buy the Early Bird package, which came with a certificate. You could mail it in between February 1 and June 1, 1978, to get the first four figures: Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Chewbacca, and R2-D2. 

After that, Kenner’s original lineup, known as the “12-Backs” (because 12 characters were pictured on the packaging), hit shelves from 1977 to 1979, including those original four.

Then, Kenner released the 20-back and 21-back carded figures. These cardbacks were based on the Star Wars: A New Hope movie and add 9 more figures. You can find the name in the summary table of the total 96 Star Wars figures below.

After these releases, Kenner transitioned the branding to The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, leading to the 31-back and beyond packs that included a growing number of figures, new card designs, and a more detailed universe.

1980-1981: The Empire Strikes Back - 47 Figures

From 1980 to 1981, Kenner launched a new batch of action figures to go along with The Empire Strikes Back. These figures came with an updated “31-Back” card design, showing off characters from both the original Star Wars and the new movie.

The big change? The cardbacks now featured more figures—jumping from 12 to 31, and later 47. Plus, the packaging proudly sported the new Empire Strikes Back logo.

1983-1984: Return of the Jedi Expansion - 79 Figures

In 1983, the 65-back cards were the first to feature Return of the Jedi branding. These cardbacks displayed the Return of the Jedi logo and featured a range of newly introduced characters from the movie, including many from Jabba’s Palace and Endor.

Then, the 77-back cards expanded the Return of the Jedi lineup with more characters, particularly those associated with Jabba the Hutt’s entourage and key players in the Rebellion.

In 1984, the 79-back cards were the last wave before the Power of the Force line. These featured mostly Ewok-related figures and additional characters from the Return of the Jedi movie.

1984-1985: The Last 17 and Power of the Force - 96 Figures

Figures released in 1984–1985 as part of The Last 17 and Power of the Force lines were the final wave of Kenner’s Star Wars action figures before the line was discontinued. Initially, these figures were part of the Return of the Jedi line, but they are commonly referred to as The Last 17 because they were the final group of figures released before the original Power of the Force line was introduced. These figures are highly sought after by collectors today.

Now, to help you systematize the above information, here’s a summary table showing 96 Star Wars figures by wave, debut package card, action figure name, product number, and debut year:

To recap, Kenner released a vast line of Star Wars action figures with more than 100 characters (96 in the main list) from 1977 to 1985, beginning with the 12-Back figures (1977), then expanding into the 20-Back and 21-Back series. In 1980, the 31-Back through 47-Back figures debuted with The Empire Strikes Back expansion. By 1983-1984, the 65-Back, 77-Back, and 79-Back focused on Return of the Jedi. Finally, the Last 17 and Power of the Force 92 figures in 1984-1985 closed the line.

FAQs

What are the most valuable figures today?

The most valuable Star Wars figures include the vinyl cape Jawa, the rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype, and Yak Face from The Power of the Force line. A mint-condition, unpunched vinyl cape in Jawa can sell for over $10,000, for example.

What makes certain figures rarer than others?

It's due to limited production or variations in design, such as misprints or unique packaging. As you can see, the rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype (never mass-produced) is rare due to its scarcity.

Are playset characters like Blue Snaggletooth counted as part of the official figure line?

No. They were in specific sets, like the Sears Cantina Playset. Though they were never released on standard cardbacks, many still value them as the overall collection's part because of their uniqueness.

To complete your Star Wars collection, don’t miss out on rare and exclusive Star Wars merchandise! Fendory offers a wide selection of officially licensed Star Wars products, whether you’re looking for vintage-inspired T-shirts or unique accessories. Explore the collection today and find the perfect piece to showcase your galaxy love!

Read more:

• What Is The Most Collectable Star Wars Figure?
• What Is The Most Valuable Item In Star Wars?
• What Is The Rarest Star Wars Skin?