Whether it’s a classic cartoon or a superhero, most of us have a favorite fictional character that brings us joy and inspiration. Maybe you have a TV show you watched as a kid that always makes you feel nostalgic or a superhero movie you never tire of rewatching. Whatever the case, you can bring your favorite characters to life with the power of 3D printing.
While it can be challenging to find free, high-quality models of famous action stars and cartoon characters, there are plenty of options out there on popular repositories. In this article, we’ve compiled some of the most popular film and TV characters you can 3D print at home.
If you find a familiar face but don’t have access to a 3D printer, you can order your favorites from Craftcloud by All3DP. A professional printing service of your choice will prepare and deliver models conveniently to your doorstep.
Now, without further ado, let’s get to our list!
Film Favorites
These models, while once featured on the big screen, can be brought to life in your home using a 3D printer (and maybe some paint)!
Predator
Since it first splashed across the big screen in 1987, the Predator has collected many victims and fans with his horrifying and menacing appearance. Little is known about the history of this alien race, but very few people survive an encounter and live to tell the tale. Those who do survive will never be the same!
This Predator bust is an excellent choice, especially if you have a 4K resin printer that can capture incredible texture details that make all the difference when painting and coloring. The creator has made versions available for both resin and FDM printing, with the latter having separate jaw parts for easier printing. File formats are available in STL and LYS.
- Who designed it? FotisMint
- How popular/printable is it? With 42 makes and over 5,500 downloads, this eye-catching piece has plenty of victims (fans).
- Where to find it? Printables
Alien Xenomorph
With teeth sharper than scalpels and blood so acidic it corrodes everything it touches, this movie monster is one of the most dangerous and terrifying fictional characters. Alien debuted on movie screens in 1979 and has since become one of the most famous characters from science fiction films. In addition to being highly aggressive, this creature easily adapts to any environment, making it even more difficult to kill.
The amount of detail on this model is impressive, especially considering it’s a free model and you can print it either in parts or as a whole. The creator sculpted the first version in 2019 and since then, many makers have become happy owners of their own Xenomorph. You can also find a ready-to-print G-code file of the model available on Printables.
- Who designed it? PrintedObsess
- How popular/printable is it? This deadly model has over 10,000 downloads and 132 makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Terminator T800
This almost indestructible machine was created from artificial intelligence to pass as a human. However, beneath the artificial flesh is a robot created to exterminate the human race without hesitation. Much time has passed since the T-800 appeared, and since then, many other models from The Terminator have emerged. This one is not yet obsolete and will not rest until it fulfills its mission or is completely destroyed.
There are several versions of the bust available, but this one, in addition to being a 1:1 scale, has shoulders and LED eyes, which brings even more realism to the model. The instructions provide several tips on how to print and assemble it. Don’t forget to make holes for the LED wires in the eyes. It’s also a good idea to add additional supports for the head.
- Who designed it? Etkunz83
- How popular/printable is it? This popular model has around 25,000 downloads, 14 makes, and 2 remixes so far.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Heavy Metal Groot
Groot is super friendly, popular, and, like millions of rock ‘n’ roll fans, he enjoys good music! This character existed long before the Guardians of the Galaxy movie. In fact, his first appearance was in Tales to Astonish in November 1960. He was given new life when he reappeared on the big screen in 2014 with a fun and captivating personality. Since he’s still a child, he sometimes just dances while the world around him is ending!
The printing guidelines provide settings for both PETG and PLA, and there are several makes in these materials, including wood filament for a more realistic appearance. Some fun makes have even been printed with metallic or glow-in-the-dark filament.
- Who designed it? Max666
- How popular/printable is it? With over 480 shared makes and 17 remixes across both sites, Groot is one popular character.
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse
Deadpool
This anti-hero is definitely a superstar with his irreverent, funny, and rebellious way of dealing with his superpowers. While he has powerful abilities, he is also horribly scarred and can feel all the pain of the injuries he suffers. Since debuting in the Deadpool film in 2016, he has been trying to be a more righteous anti-hero, but that is not exactly his style.
If you like detailed models, you’ll be a fan of the high resolution on this print. In the comments on Printables, it’s possible to find makes in multi-material and resin. Regardless of the material, the model looks very beautiful even without painting. In any case, this is a must-have piece for your collection.
- Who designed it? Eastman
- How popular/printable is it? It’s almost impossible not to notice this anti-hero, with a whopping 955 shared makes across all of the sites.
- Where to find it? Cults, Printables, Thingiverse
The Hulk
Bruce Banner tries to stay calm to avoid the worst, but it’s when he gets angry that the fun begins. This large green monster is capable of destroying tanks like they’re toys. His inspiring strength is perfect for your collection and the detailed full body model is great to make on any 3D printer.
The author of this amazing model created it by joining 3D scanned parts he found and editing them in VisCAM and Meshmixer software to hide the seams. Although the creator provided a version with supports, it’s preferable to try adding them yourself, as some makes reported issues with the standard version.
- Who designed it? 3DWP
- How popular/printable is it? This green monster has an impressive 223 makes across both sites.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Cults
Davy Jones
As the captain of the Flying Dutchman, a ghostly ship from the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise, Davy Jones is tasked with ferrying the souls of deceased sailors to the afterlife. Jones was cursed to serve as the captain of the ship for all eternity, and his physical appearance is pretty terrifying. Although he’s a villain, Davy Jones once had a heart. He locked it away in a chest to avoid being hurt again by the pain of love.
Many sailors fear this powerful sea creature. You can make our own Davy Jones with this impressive high-resolution model. Although quite detailed, the printing instructions indicate that a large amount of supports are not necessary. In the comments, it’s possible to check out beautiful makes made in resin.
- Who designed it? FotisMint
- How popular/printable is it? With 86 posted makes in a variety of different colors and materials, Davy Jones will be a nice addition to your collection.
- Where to find it? Printables
Harry Potter
Harry Potter is a beloved book series and film franchise about the story of an orphan who discovers he is a wizard and begins attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry’s two best friends are Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and together, the three face dangerous challenges while trying to protect the wizard and Muggle worlds from the forces of evil.
Today’s world needs magic, at least for us to believe that it can be better one day, and perhaps that is why this franchise has resonated with so many fans across the globe. You can make your own mini Harry Potter character by either printing the pieces separately or painting the character as a whole, as there are separate file options available.
- Who designed it? Wekster
- How popular/printable is it? This magical mini has 18 shared makes in a variety of fun colors and over 650 downloads.
- Where to find it? Printables
TV Stars
Whether it be out of nostalgia or a recent binge obsession, these past and current characters from TV shows are for true fans.
The Mandalorian
After the purge of Mandalore, its inhabitants were forced to hide and fight as mercenaries. In the expansion of the Empire, the Jedi were practically extinct. Now that the Empire is in decline and hiding in the Outer Rim, a Mandalorian accidentally stumbles upon a dangerous mission that leads him to someone that changes his entire journey, the little Baby Yoda.
To honor the principles of his civilization, the Mandalorian takes on the duty of caring for the child until he can find his family, but he becomes so attached that he ends up adopting him as his own son and passes on his teachings.
This detailed model is an excellent option for fans of the Star Wars series. You can find the recommended settings for PLA in the main instructions, as well as an incredible time-lapse video of the model being made in color.
- Who designed it? iczfirz
- How popular/printable is it? There are over 56,000 downloads and 336 amazing makes across both sites.
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse
Bugs Bunny
Bugs Bunny from Looney Tunes enchanted generations with his jokes and pranks in cartoons. Elmer Fudd tries everything to make a good rabbit stew, but this bouncing and shrewd bunny always manages to escape and enjoy the taste of his delicious carrots.
This model is printed in parts without supports that can be printed in the corresponding color and then glued together. Once assembled, the model is 134 mm tall.
- Who designed it? reddadsteve
- How popular/printable is it? This bunny has almost 90 shared makes across all of the sites.
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse, Cults
Kermit the Frog
Kermit the Frog is a character created by Jim Henson in the 1970s for The Muppet Show, a variety show featuring Kermit and the rest of the gang performing skits, musical numbers, and comedy routines. The show was a huge success and ran for five seasons. Throughout his career, Kermit was known for his quick wit, optimistic outlook on life, and ability to make people of all ages laugh.
This character is traditional and charming, and plenty of viewers are sure to have fond memories of him. It’s a model that you can easily make in color without painting or with a multi-material 3D printer. According to the instructions, parts don’t require supports and there is an illustrated template on Thingiverse to make the process easier.
- Who designed it? reddadsteve
- How popular/printable is it? This star has an awesome 182 makes across the different sites. In the comments on Printables, you’ll see makes in PETG, PLA, and even glow-in-the-dark filament.
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse, Cults
Goku
Goku from the Dragon Ball franchise has a mission to protect the Earth and its inhabitants from various villains who threaten their safety. In the series, he’s sent to Earth as a baby to escape the destruction of his home planet. Upon arriving, he’s found and raised by an old man named Grandpa Gohan, who teaches him martial arts. As he grows up, he discovers that he’s not human, he’s actually a Saiyajin, an alien race known for their fighting abilities.
This is a remix of another version of Goku, designed to be printed without supports. It promises to be an easy print as long as everything is properly tuned and you follow the PLA printing instructions left by the author. Of course, you can also try other materials, as other prints made in PETG have also shown good results.
- Who designed it? robin3dverse (remixed from 3DDesigner)
- How popular/printable is it? This model has more than 830 downloads and 22 shared makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Rick Sanchez
Without a doubt, the Council of Ricks must be keeping an eye on 3D printer owners! Ever since a Rick rebelled and attempted to assassinate all other Ricks to become the only Rick in the multiverse, security has become a top priority. If all this sounds confusing to you, it’s because you haven’t yet met the hilarious and controversial character from the animated show Rick and Morty, Rick Sanchez.
This mad scientist is easy to 3D print and paint. Although some prints are multi-material, this model is a single piece. You can give it a nice finish with filler primer, acrylic paint, and a final transparent layer. There’s also a great video from the creator that takes you through the full design, printing, and post-processing stages.
- Who designed it? ChaosCoreTech
- How popular/printable is it? This Rick has more than 126,000 downloads and an amazing 241 posted makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Printables, Cults
Homer Simpson
Despite its controversial themes and humor, The Simpsons has been on the air since 1989 and has become one of the most successful and influential television series in history. As the main character, Homer Simpson is known for his love of beer and donuts, as well as his incompetence. Despite his flaws, he’s a devoted husband to his wife Marge, and a loving father to his three children Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.
There are no clear printing instructions for this model, but it’s relatively simple to make and already includes supports in the model. With a good finish and paint job like the one in the photo above, it will be a beautiful addition to your collection.
- Who designed it? facacabemer
- How popular/printable is it? There are 22 posted makes of Homer in heaven with a beer and a donut.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Cults
Bender
Bender is a controversial and funny character from the TV series Futurama. As a helper of the Planet Express team, he often gets into trouble during missions due to his loud-mouthed personality.
If you print this model in the standard size, you will have a fully-articulated, 57-cm tall action figure. Be sure to fill the feet with plaster to prevent it from falling easily, and adjust the clearances between the parts if you scale the model. The author invites you to ask any questions you may have, and there are beautiful makes in various sizes and colors in the comments.
- Who designed it? JHB
- How popular/printable is it? This print has 33 makes and 3 remixes. One maker notes that the articulated parts are a little bit fragile, so you may want to adjust the infill.
- Where to find it? Printables
License: The text of "The Top 15 3D Printed Characters from TV & Movies" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.