Nendoroids have been a staple in the figure-collecting community for well over a decade now — started in 2006, the Nendoroid line brought memorable anime characters to life but in chibi form. Sure, the original Nendoroids pale in comparison to the quality of Nendoroids today, but we’ve already kind of covered the Nendoroid glow up here.
The Nendoroid count has now surpassed 2,000 (and is climbing ever higher) and with the massive option of Nendoriods, we’ve definitely been spotting some unusual contenders in the franchise’s lineup.
So we’ve compiled some of the most unusual or unexpected Nendoroids we’ve seen thus far — of course, this isn’t a comprehensive list and is totally based on our opinion so make sure to leave a comment if you think there’s one we should have included.
The ranking will go in order from least unusual to most unusual, so make sure you read till the end. Let’s get to it!
#13
A unique Good Smile creation
Fluffy Land - Oslo - Nendoroid #2226
Fluffy Land is a captivating concept created by Good Smile Shanghai that involves a world of adorable animals with unique personalities and backgrounds. You should definitely check out their Twitter (or X ?_?) to explore other characters within this series, but we’re just going to focus on the most recently announced Fluffy Land castmate.
Oslo is a streamer snow leopard — while according to Fluffy Land lore, Oslo has captivated their audience with their sentient tail, what’s captivated me is their bright, kaleidoscope eyes. One look and I almost forget that this series reminds me of Furries.
#12
A battle royale game skin?
Fortnite - Beef Boss - Nendoroid #1369
Yes, this one’s pretty straightforward. It’s a skin from Fortnite, now forever immortalized as a Nendoroid.
#11
In space, no one can hear your Nendoroid scream
Alien - Chestburster - Face Hugger - Nendoroid #1862
If I’m being honest, this one’s actually pretty cool. The Xenomorph has been recreated so well, with a standout component being the semi-translucent carapace (aka the top of its head). Being able to see an Alien skull is definitely not what I expect when it comes to collecting Nendoroids!
Better yet, the Xenomorph comes accompanied by a Facehugger and Chesburster that can be used with your other Nendos. The added accessories are definitely a huge plus, since it means I can finally create the Alien/anime crossover I didn’t know I needed until now.
Best of all, you can’t deny that being chibi doesn’t take away from the horror of Alien. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m definitely loving it.
#10
Quite the dump...ling
Dorohedoro - Gyoza Man - Nendoroid #1563
Okay, this one is really special. I love gyoza, and Gyoza Man is no exception to that love.
While of course being familiar with Dorohedoro adds to the appreciation of Gyoza Man (Gyoza Fairy, technically), you really don’t need the background info to understand why this little dumpling dude is so adorable. He comes with a toothpick — his weapon of choice when punishing customers with poor manners — a soy sauce dish and spoon, and his shiso (perilla leaf) cape.
In case the accessories are not enough, there’s also an interchangeable body that shows his body slashed, internal fillings spilling out. It’s honestly so 具(gu)-d. (Yes, that’s a Japanese pun and yes, I am disappointed in myself, thank you.)
I ranked this at #10 since it really isn’t that crazy when you think about it: it’s really just following the design/character of an anime, so while certainly unusual, it’s not revolutionary in being part of the Nendoroid lineup. So I’m not surprised. But I'm hungry. Very, very hungry.
#9
Cuphead without the rage quitting
It’s definitely interesting to see how many indie games are starting to get some representation in the world of Nendoroids. We juuuuust might see another indie game represented on this list, but I won’t spoil anything~ (*^ ‿ *)
Cuphead has a really unique Western design, using the iconic rubber hose art style, which is very unusual when it comes to Nendoroid design. It still translates really well in chibi form, but it’s definitely a standout in terms of uniqueness. Also, it has an Evil Cuphead sooooo... <3
#8
A cult classic
Edward Scissorhands - Nendoroid #1873
Okay, this one was definitely one that threw me for a bit of a loop. It’s not that Edward Scissorhands is relatively unknown, but more so that I didn’t think I’d see a Western cult classic film getting that anime figure representation!
Good Smile, as usual, has done a wonderful job transforming this character into chibi form, but the added accessories are insanely cute. This is absolutely a must for any Scissorhands fans~!
#7
Rodent racing
Pui Pui Molcar - Potato - Nendoroid #1677
Again, this one isn’t really revolutionary in that they just recreated the character design as a Nendorid. But I’m ranking it a little higher because this character comes out of a children’s show…AND because Potato transforms into a little car for your other Nendos to drive around in!!!!
Also, if you haven’t watched an episode or two of Pui Pui Molcar, please do. I know you don’t think you need hybrid guinea pig cars that constantly emit squeaks and also waddle with their wheels, but trust me when I say you do.
#6
Siegbräu not included
Dark Souls - Catarina Kishi Siegmeyer - Nendoroid #1964
Dark Souls fans, you're in for a treat. Onion Man, yup, Onion Man, is a Nendoroid.
There’s just something about his armor, recreated in small Nendoroid form, that makes it all the better (aka look at the cinch at the waist 🥹). He’s also equipped with the Pierce Shield and Zweihander which is pretty cool.
But, the best addition by far are the additional parts so you can recreate him sitting down. No, I’m not crying, it’s just the onions 🥹🥹🥹
#5
7 days...
Sadako DX - Yamamura Sadako - Nendoroid #1980
Alright, we have another horror icon on the list although certainly not the last!!!
But it’s fun to see Sadako, a modern horror icon who’s been terrorizing viewers for decades now, shrunk down into a cute little Nendoroid. She comes with the usual expressions you would expect for Sadako, but I really like that they also included a well and a TV for her to crawl out of.
A great little Nendoroid for horror fans, but an even better gag for posing alongside other Nendos.
#4
If nautical nonsense be something you wish
SpongeBob SquarePants - Gary - Nendoroid #1926
Alright, introducing our very first (and only) Nendoroid from the realm of Western cartoons on this list! And who else could it be but the iconic SpongeBob SquarePants? After making waves in the meme world, it was only a matter of time before our beloved anime figures got a dash of Bikini Bottom charm.
The Nendoroid does an incredible job capturing SpongeBob's essence – nothing really changes in his appearance since he’s so cartoonish in appearance already! Having a chibi SpongeBob to hang out with your anime Nendos is just too tempting. Now, we're just crossing our fingers for Patrick (and his jar of mayonnaise) to join the Nendoroid party.
#3
Fear's favorite form
It (2017) - Pennywise - Nendoroid #1225
We’re down to the three most unexpected Nendoroids!
And coming in at #3 is Pennywise! Yes, another horror Nendoroid. But I had to include it on the list because the end result of Chibi Pennywise is um… how do I put it… not It?
There’s just something unusual with his Nendoroid appearance — while the other horror icons got that perfect mix of horror and cuteness, Pennywise just got a whole lot of goofiness? It’s definitely fun for what it is, but I guess I was just surprised with this one.
#2
It's nyan-t what you think
Nyanko Daisensou - Neko - Nendoroid #1999
Alright, #2 is from Nyanko Daisensou (aka Great Cat War aka Battle Cats) which is actually a pretty cute little mobile game. This Nendoroid is for the basic cat you get from the start of the game: Cat.
Why did I decide to give this Nendoroid such a high ranking? Well, it's because Cat is the epitome of simplicity. Sure, it's cute, but its design is as straightforward as it gets, and that simplicity shines through in its Nendoroid form too. It’s a little ball with tiny nub legs.
While I'm all for Nyanko Daisensou getting its own Nendoroid representation, it's just that Cat takes the concept of "basic" to a whole new level. So, discovering that this was the chosen one is definitely a choice.
#1
Sussy baka
Among Us - Crewmate - Nendoroid #1791
Alright, our #1 spot!!
Unsurprisingly, it's none other than the Amogus Nendoroids. The idea of a passing moment in pop culture history being immortalized as an anime figure is honestly quite funny.
The Nendoroid itself doesn't disappoint in the humor department either. It comes complete with a pointing finger and even lets you recreate the scene of your crewmate meeting an untimely end. When news of this Nendoroid dropped, my jaw dropped because I couldn’t believe they were actually making these. Well, they’re here. And they’re real! That’s why this one’s taking #1 spot on the list.
Alright! That wraps up the top unexpected Nendos — what do you think? Do you agree or did we miss something you think should have made the list? Leave a comment and until next time!!
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