Top 10 Cringeworthy Movie-Inspired Toys

Since the 1930s, when the Shirley Temple doll was launched to leverage the young star's popularity, toy manufacturers have aggressively marketed movie-related merchandise to boost profits. Studies show that consumers are willing to pay up to 50% more for toys tied to entertainment franchises like movies or TV shows compared to generic toys [source: Zimmerman]. With such lucrative potential, both toy companies and film studios strive to capitalize on blockbuster hits, even if it means releasing a few flops. Explore some of the most baffling failures in the billion-dollar movie merchandise industry.

10: Jar Jar Binks-Themed Candy

Jar Jar Binks faced harsh criticism, with some claiming he didn't fit the 'Star Wars' universe and others labeling him as a problematic racial stereotype. Unsurprisingly, merchandise tied to Jar Jar struggled to sell after the 1999 release of 'The Phantom Menace' [source: Marche]. While most Jar Jar toys gathered dust on shelves, the Jar Jar Binks lollipop stood out as one of the most controversial items in the franchise's history [source: Silverman]. The lollipop featured a textured candy tongue placed between Jar Jar's teeth, attached to a black plastic handle. To eat it, users had to place their mouth between his teeth and suck on the tongue. Critics argued the design was not only unappetizing but also inappropriate for children due to its suggestive appearance.

9: Alien-Themed Micro Machines

The 1979 release of 'Alien' was undeniably R-rated, featuring graphic violence and intense scenes. Despite its adult themes, the franchise launched a series of toys, including a 15-inch alien action figure that terrified both kids and adults. Due to widespread complaints about its frightening design, Kenner canceled the planned toy line. Decades later, in 2009, these figures were reintroduced, targeting adult collectors [source: Mattise].

The 'Alien' franchise also ventured into Micro Machines, with Galoob Toys releasing sets in 1986. These miniature cars, marketed to children as young as 4, came in packaging adorned with disturbing imagery, such as a mutilated man and a bloodthirsty alien chasing its prey [source: RobotvsBadger.com].

8: Shaving Kit Inspired by Transformers

The Transformers Play Shave Set, launched alongside the 2007 'Transformers' movie, stands out as one of the most perplexing movie tie-in toys. While most merchandise has some connection to the film, this product struggled to justify its existence, as shaving has little to do with robots or the movie's plot [source: Gamble]. It seemed more like an attempt to capitalize on the franchise's popularity rather than offering a meaningful product.

While some might argue that kids could enjoy the toy purely for its fun factor, it's worth noting that young boys are rarely enthusiastic about personal grooming, even if the shaving gel can features Optimus Prime.

7: Vibrating Nimbus 2000 Broomstick

In J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, the Nimbus 2000 broomstick is a prized possession that elevates Harry's Quidditch game. Given its significance in the books and movies, it was inevitable that toy versions would hit the market. In 2001, Mattel released a plastic replica of the Nimbus 2000, complete with a vibrating feature powered by AA batteries, mimicking the brooms in the films. However, the vibrating mechanism sparked controversy among parents and led to humorous online reviews [source: Time]. By 2002, Mattel discontinued the vibrating version and replaced it with a static model.

6: Hulkey Pokey Hulk Toy

The Incredible Hulk is typically envisioned as a massive, green, rage-fueled beast determined to destroy everything in sight. Despite the 2008 movie 'The Incredible Hulk' being rated PG-13, toy manufacturers targeted younger audiences. Hasbro introduced a plush, animated Hulk figure that sang and danced to a playful rendition of the Hokey Pokey, reminiscent of Tickle Me Elmo but with a superhero twist. If the real Hulk ever saw this version of himself, he'd probably smash it out of sheer embarrassment [source: Robinson].

5: Star Wars IOU Voucher

Picture yourself as a young 'Star Wars' enthusiast on Christmas morning in 1977, eagerly unwrapping presents. Due to delays in producing toys for 'A New Hope,' many kids found empty cardboard boxes instead of Luke or Leia action figures. To address this, Kenner came up with a clever solution: an IOU-style box containing a mail-away certificate. This promised children they would receive Luke, Leia, R2-D2, and Chewbacca figures by June 1978 [source: West].

Although the 'Star Wars' holiday IOU might appear disheartening by today's standards, Kenner successfully sold 300,000 units during the 1977 holiday season [source: Sweetwater and Neumann]. While it was undeniably awkward, those who kept the boxes sealed or never redeemed the certificates might now find themselves in a fortunate position, as the 1977 empty box has become a highly valuable collector's item.

4: Absurd Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Figures

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles phenomenon in the late '80s and early '90s led to the creation of some iconic toys, with over 250 million turtle figures sold. While many characters resonated with fans, the sheer volume of over 400 action figures meant some designs were bound to miss the mark as manufacturers scrambled for fresh ideas [source: Lammie].

For instance, the Bodacious Birthday collection featured bizarre designs like Crazy Clown Mike and Raph the Magnificent, a magician-themed turtle. Other oddities included farmer turtles, sumo wrestlers, dino-turtle hybrids, and a Wild West series with characters like Bandito-Bashin Mike. Perhaps the strangest were the pizza-tossing turtles, which launched plastic pizza discs from their chests and sported wild expressions.

3: The Meat-Themed Action Figure

The 'Rocky' franchise introduced several peculiar action figures, such as a wheelchair-bound Rocky and a caveman version. However, the most bizarre was The Meat action figure in 1976, featuring a slab of beef and a bloodied apron. While it might have made sense paired with Rocky, who famously punched meat in a training scene, it was sold alone, lacking any figure. This made it seem more like a gimmick than a meaningful toy. Despite being action-figure-sized, it offered little play value, earning its place as one of the strangest movie tie-ins ever.

2: Clone Wars Happy Meal Collectibles

In 2008, McDonald's debuted its first 'Star Wars' toy line to coincide with the animated 'Clone Wars' release. The 18-piece collection came in special meal boxes, but the excitement faded when the toys were revealed. Instead of classic designs, McDonald's opted for bobblehead-style figures with oversized heads on tiny vehicles [source: David]. Darth Vader lost his menace as a giant head on a TIE fighter, Han Solo looked awkward on the Millennium Falcon, and Chewbacca was crammed into an ATV. Despite the franchise's rich history of merchandise, this line failed to impress.

1: Human Torch Riding an ATV

The 2005 'Fantastic Four' movie brought a wave of merchandise, including action figures. While characters like Dr. Doom and the Invisible Woman were well-represented, the Human Torch figure baffled fans. Known for his ability to fly in both the film and comics, the Human Torch was inexplicably placed on an ATV in his action figure form. Not only was this unnecessary, but it also sent a questionable message, as riding a gas-powered vehicle while on fire is hardly practical.

Adding to the absurdity, the toy featured functional light-up headlights, a feature that seemed redundant given the Human Torch's inherent ability to glow brightly due to being engulfed in flames [source: Taylor].