Why Pop Mart Went Viral: 5 Key Reasons Why Molly, Crybaby, and Labubu Became the Strongest IPs in the Collector’s Circle

Honestly, I wasn’t interested in blind boxes before, until a friend gave me a Molly figure as a birthday gift. From that day on, I finally understood: “Wow, how can something be this healing?”

Later, I kept collecting more and more. Now whenever I walk past a Pop Mart counter in a department store, I can’t help but stop by to check out the new releases.

If you’ve also been attracted to these little figures in stores or on Instagram, let’s talk together: Why have Molly, Crybaby, and Labubu become so popular, turning into dream collectibles that everyone in the collector’s circle wants?

1. Stunning Appearance with Designs That Hit Your Heart

I must say, Pop Mart’s success starts from the first glance.​

Molly: The Classic Cool-Toned Representative

Those upturned eyes, that always slightly arrogant yet mysterious expression – truly charming. The first time I saw Molly was the space suit version, and that “silent but full of presence” feeling was super captivating. Whether it’s sporty style, fairy-tale style, or art style, every version makes you think “one more wouldn’t hurt”.​

👉 Recommended for: Friends who like exquisite styling, calm temperament, with a bit of rebellious flavor

👉 Why recommend: Looks super impressive on desks or shelves. I often bring mine out for photos recently, like a personal accessory!

Crybaby: Seemingly Fragile, Yet the Most Story-Rich Character

The first time I saw Crybaby, I was actually a bit shocked – how could that crying face be so endearing? But the more I looked, the more I loved it, especially the “Forest Messenger” series. Each figure seems to have endless little stories. That atmosphere between fairy tale and reality is truly mesmerizing.​

👉 Recommended for: People with sensitive and delicate hearts who love healing vibes and storytelling

👉 Why recommend: Sometimes when I’m too tired to talk after work, looking at Crybaby quietly crying somehow brings a sense of companionship.

Labubu: Adorably Ugly, Growing More Charming the More You Look

To be honest, at first I didn’t quite get Labubu (laughs).

But after carefully examining the three classic series (Adventure Forest, Monster Encounters, Animal Planet), I found myself drawn to that “a bit mischievous, a bit ugly-cute” charm. It’s like a rebellious childhood memory that makes you want to collect the whole set.​

👉 Recommended for: Those who like being different, don’t follow the cute route, and prefer “the weirder, the cooler” style

👉 Why recommend: It becomes a visual focal point at home! I even set up a display cabinet in my living room for my favorite Labubu figures. Every time I pass by, I can’t help but smile.​

2. Captivating Backstories That Make You Fall Deeper

Beyond appearance, Pop Mart IPs all have complete world-building behind them.​

Molly’s Creative Origin

Created by Hong Kong designer Kenny Wong, Molly started as just a small illustration character. But her neutral face that neither smiles nor cries allows people to project various emotions onto her. Kenny insists on keeping Molly “not smiling,” letting viewers interpret her state themselves – that’s why she’s so enduringly appealing.​

Crybaby’s Healing Character Design

Many don’t know that Crybaby is a character created by designer Ayan Deng to “heal the world with tears.” Each tear has a reason behind it, and she no longer hides her emotions, teaching us to accept our vulnerable selves.​

Labubu’s Forest Adventure Story

Labubu comes from The Monsters series, created by Studio HK designer Kasing Lung. Set as a mischievous creature living in a magical forest, though looking a bit troublesome, the character is actually super gentle inside. This contrast is what makes it so fascinating.​

3. Diverse Series Designs Satisfy All Types of Collectors

Pop Mart really knows how to create series. Each character doesn’t stop at a single look but plays with new variations through themed packaging.​

I personally collect the most from Molly’s “Elf Fantasy Series” – every figure has transparent materials and gold glitter details, super dreamy!

I also highly recommend Crybaby’s “Healing Forest Series” – the color scheme is incredibly soft and super therapeutic when displayed.

Not to mention Labubu – the “Monster Universe” series makes each figure look like a Pokémon variant. I want to catch them all!

Series Recommendation Overview:

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4. Super Strong Community Power – Toys Are No Longer Just Collections

Think you just buy and display them? Wrong!

Now people create scene photography with their figures and even match them with outfits for #OOTD photos!​

I follow several blind box photography accounts on Instagram where photos are beautifully shot, and they even create character interactions and dialogues – super interesting.

I once put my Crybaby on a café table, and the lady at the next table asked me which one it was and where to buy it XD

This isn’t just collecting – it’s a new lifestyle aesthetic.​

5. Blind Box Thrill + Limited Marketing = The Harder to Get, The More You Want!

The blind box mechanism is one of the keys to Pop Mart’s popularity.​

Just like opening lucky bags, you anticipate which one you’ll get each time, and there are even “hidden editions” that multiply your winning feeling.

I once bought three Labubu boxes at a department store and got a super rare one – that moment felt like winning the lottery!​

Plus, Pop Mart knows how to play the limited game. Every limited or collaboration edition makes collectors go crazy. This scarcity is exactly what makes people unconsciously buy more and more.

My Collection Tips & Beginner’s Guide

If you’re just starting with Pop Mart, I’d suggest this approach:​

• Start with the character you resonate with most: Don’t worry about market trends – your own preference matters most!
• Try 1-2 figures per series to test the waters: This won’t burn too much money and lets you know if you like that series style
• Join second-hand exchange groups: Many people trade duplicates, letting you complete sets more affordably
• Set a budget, don’t impulsively dive in: I now limit myself to opening three boxes per month max to avoid overspending (laughs)
• Display properly to truly enjoy collecting happiness!: After purchase, I recommend buying a small display cabinet – it makes your home more stylish too~

Conclusion: Pop Mart Isn’t Just Toys – It’s an Adult Fairy Tale Collection

From initial simple cuteness to now having each character contain the designer’s emotions and world-building, Pop Mart long ago stopped just selling toys – it’s a “lifestyle attitude”.​

Molly, Crybaby, and Labubu each have different styles and souls, attracting people of various personalities to resonate with them.

If you’ve ever been touched by a figure’s gaze, you’re ready to dive in (laughs).​

Collecting figures is actually collecting emotions and a version of yourself at that moment.

Sometimes when I look at the figures in my cabinet, I remember who I was at that time. This feeling is truly hard to measure with money.​

If you enjoyed this article, feel free to share it with friends who are still observing~

Who knows – you might give them one Crybaby and they’ll be on the collection path forever (laughs)!Store List