History's Best Selling Toys of 1964

Revisiting 1964 presents a grand parade of toys history, marked by Space Age wonder and counter-culture flair and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including G.I. Joe, Johnny Seven O.M.A., and Rock'em Sock'em Robots took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Hasbro and Deluxe Reading led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that spurred a pop-culture revolution across the nation. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. G.I. Joe

   Released in 1964 by Hasbro

   On February 10, 1964, the landscape of the toy industry was permanently altered. At the American International Toy Fair in New York City, Hasbro unveiled a revolutionary concept: a toy soldier that was, for all intents and purposes, a doll for boys. In an era where dolls were strictly for girls, this was a monumental risk. To circumvent this cultural taboo, Hasbro executive Don Levine and his team cleverly branded their creation not as a 'doll,' but as an 'action figure'—a term they coined specifically for this launch. This specific date marks the public debut of G.I. Joe, the world's first action figure, a move that shattered industry conventions and created an entirely new and enduring category of toys.

2. Johnny Seven O.M.A.

   Released in 1964 by Deluxe Reading

   June 1, 1964, marks the commercial debut of the Johnny Seven O.M.A., a toy that would conquer the 1964 Christmas season. Launched by Deluxe Reading, a company renowned for selling toys directly through supermarkets, this 'One Man Army' arsenal was strategically released in early summer to build powerful anticipation among young boys. Its arrival capitalized on the Cold War era's fascination with military technology and espionage, offering an unprecedented level of firepower and versatility in a single package. The Johnny Seven O.M.A.'s introduction didn't just put a new toy on the shelves; it established a new benchmark for what a boys' action toy could be, setting the stage for its legendary sales performance.

3. Rock'em Sock'em Robots

   Released in 1964 by Marx

   Released on October 1, 1964, Rock'em Sock'em Robots was perfectly timed by the Marx toy company to capture the attention of families gearing up for the Christmas season. In an era when boxing was one of the world's most popular sports, with superstars like Muhammad Ali dominating headlines, this toy cleverly brought the excitement of the boxing ring into the living room. It translated the drama of a heavyweight bout into a safe, accessible, and wildly entertaining format for children. This release date marked the beginning of a toy dynasty, as the game's immediate success made it a must-have gift and cemented its place as a classic 1960s toy.

4. Acquire

   Released in 1964 by Hasbro, Sid Sackson

   First launched in 1964 by 3M Company as part of their 'Bookshelf Games' series, Acquire quickly cemented its place in the nascent world of sophisticated board gaming. Designed by the legendary Sid Sackson, Acquire offered a unique blend of strategic real estate investment and cutthroat stock market maneuvering, distinguishing itself from the simpler games of its era. It wasn't just a game; it was an intellectual challenge that captured the imagination of players seeking deeper strategic engagement. Its initial popularity stemmed from its innovative mechanics and the intellectual satisfaction derived from outsmarting opponents in a high-stakes corporate takeover battle, establishing it as an instant classic and a commercial success.

5. Creepy Crawlers

   Released in 1964 by Mattel

   On July 1, 1964, Mattel unleashed a new kind of creative play into American homes, perfectly capturing the 1960s monster craze. The Thingmaker, debuting with its inaugural Creepy Crawlers mold set, transformed children into miniature monster manufacturers. This wasn't just a toy; it was a home factory. It allowed kids to take a viscous liquid called 'Plasti-Goop', pour it into metal molds of insects and arachnids, and bake them into rubbery, lifelike creatures. The release was a landmark moment, introducing a hands-on, process-oriented toy that combined the thrill of a science experiment with the satisfaction of an art project, forever changing the landscape of activity-based toys.

6. Show'N Tell

   Released in 1964 by General Electric

   Launched by General Electric in 1964, the Show'N Tell was a remarkable innovation that captivated children and parents alike. This ingenious device wasn't just a toy; it was a compact, interactive educational tool that combined the magic of storytelling with visual aids. At a time when home entertainment and educational technology were rapidly evolving, the Show'N Tell stood out as a commercial success and a cultural phenomenon, bringing a unique blend of audio and visual learning into countless American homes, sparking imaginations and fostering a love for stories and knowledge.