History's Best Selling Toys of 1987

Make way for the hits of 1987! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the tubular 80s arcade boom and the march of first-rate toys. Crowd-pleasers such as Skip-It shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Abalone and Bionic Six. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Tiger Electronics and Gigamic, these trailblazing products sparked mega-hit frenzies and Saturday morning excitement and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Skip-It

   Released in 1987 by Tiger Electronics

   On June 1, 1987, Tiger Electronics quietly released a toy that would soon become synonymous with playground activity and 90s nostalgia. The Skip-It arrived not with a bang, but as a simple, mechanical concept entering a market dominated by cartoons and video games. This debut, timed for the start of summer, planted the seeds for a future phenomenon. Few could have predicted that this ankle-encircling, cord-swinging device would, within a few years, become a must-have item for children across North America, driven by one of the catchiest commercial jingles of the era. Its initial release marks the origin point of a toy that successfully encouraged physical activity through addictive, competitive fun.

2. Abalone

   Released in 1987 by Gigamic, Michel Lalet, Laurent Lévi

   The year 1987 marked the introduction of 'Abalone', a distinctive abstract strategy board game that quickly captivated players with its elegant design and deceptively simple rules. Far from being just another board game, Abalone rapidly gained traction as a sophisticated challenge, blending strategic foresight with intuitive mechanics. Its rise to popularity was fueled by word-of-mouth among enthusiasts and its immediate appeal to those seeking a mentally stimulating yet accessible game experience. It wasn't just a commercial success; it carved out a niche as a modern classic in abstract gaming, celebrated for its unique concept and competitive spirit right from its debut.

3. Bionic Six

   Released in 1987 by LJN Toys

   The Bionic Six toy line burst onto the scene in 1987, accompanying the popular animated television series of the same name. Capitalizing on the decade's enduring fascination with robotics, superheroes, and family-centric adventures, these action figures offered children a tangible connection to the futuristic world of the Bennett family. While perhaps not reaching the colossal sales figures of giants like G.I. Joe or Transformers, the Bionic Six figures carved out a significant niche, becoming a cherished part of many 80s toy collections. Their release tapped into a cultural zeitgeist that celebrated technological enhancement and heroic deeds, making them an immediate draw for young fans eager to recreate their favorite animated battles.

4. Boglin

   Released in 1987 by Seven Towns, Tim Clarke, Maureen Trotto

   Boglins burst onto the toy scene in 1987, quickly capturing the imagination of children with their distinctly grotesque yet charming monster aesthetic. Launching amidst a booming era for 'gross-out' toys, these unique hand puppets stood out due to their intricate design and surprising expressiveness. Unlike static action figures, Boglins offered an interactive play experience, allowing kids to manipulate their eyes and mouths, bringing these bizarre creatures to life. This innovative blend of puppetry and monster appeal made them an instant hit, becoming a memorable staple of late 80s toy culture and a testament to the era's fascination with the strange and wonderful, fostering creativity and imaginative play.

5. Dangaioh

   Released in 1987 by Various Japanese Manufacturers, Shoji Kawamori

   The year 1987 introduced the world to 'Hyper Combat Unit Dangaioh' (Haja Taisei Dangaioh), an original video animation (OVA) series that quickly captured the imaginations of mecha enthusiasts. While not a conventional mass-market toy release like those tied to long-running TV shows, Dangaioh immediately sparked interest for its dynamic robot design and intense psychic battles. Its popularity among a dedicated fan base ensured that merchandise, particularly model kits and later, highly detailed collector figures, would emerge. The OVA format, still relatively new, allowed for more mature themes and complex animation, giving Dangaioh a distinct edge and a cult following that eagerly sought out any tangible representations of its iconic titular robot.

6. Hot Looks

   Released in 1987 by Galoob

   Launched in 1987, Hot Looks burst onto the toy scene as a unique and captivating alternative in the ever-popular fashion doll market. Unlike its contemporaries, Hot Looks offered a magical twist: the ability to change a doll's makeup simply by applying water. This innovative feature instantly grabbed the attention of children, promising endless opportunities for creative expression and dramatic transformations. It became a must-have item, rapidly gaining popularity and securing its place as a memorable toy of the late 1980s, celebrated for its interactive play pattern and surprising visual effects.

7. Spiral Zone

   Released in 1987 by Tonka

   Launched in 1987 by Tonka, 'Spiral Zone' introduced a stark, post-apocalyptic vision to the competitive 1980s action figure market. Arriving amidst titans like G.I. Joe and Transformers, this ambitious toy line attempted to carve out its niche with a grittier aesthetic and a more mature storyline. It aimed to capture the imaginations of boys through a compelling narrative of human resistance against a global contagion, the 'Spiral Zone,' which transforms humans into mind-controlled 'Zone Zombies.' While not achieving the widespread commercial dominance of its contemporaries, 'Spiral Zone' was notable for its detailed figures and innovative vehicles, establishing itself as a memorable, if short-lived, entry into toy history.