It's not only a Barbie world — Ken dolls have been an iconic part of popular culture for decades, too, with certain editions becoming exceptionally valuable among collectors. These prized dolls often possess unique features, limited production runs or significant historical significance.
From the original Ken doll to the latest special edition, these valuable dolls offer a glimpse into the evolution of fashion, culture and design over the years. We can't list them all here, but this is what you'll get for some of your favorite childhood toys (depending on their condition, of course).
Most of the Ken dolls below sold between June and July 2023, and their value will no doubt increase due to the popularity of the "Barbie" movie and Ryan Gosling's performance.
20. Horse Lovin' Ken
eBay
Sold for: $55
Year introduced: 1982
In the film, Ken is obsessed with horses, but that fascination began in 1982 with his Horse Lovin' persona.
Of course, Barbie also loves horses — Horse Lovin' Barbie sells for about the same price today.
19. Biker Ken
eBay
Sold for: $57.42
Year introduced: 1999
Ken took to America's highways and byways on a HOG in 1999. Of course, a motorcycle was sold separately (typically valued at about $150 these days).
He even sports a "born to ride" eagle tattoo!
18. Rappin' Rockin' Ken
eBay
Sold for: $57.95
Year introduced: 1991
For a little while in the early 1990s, Ken (and Barbie) were all about hip-hop.
Rappin' Rockin' Ken came with a boombox that produced beats in case he (and you) wanted to rap along.
17. Crystal Ken Doll
eBay
Sold for: $63.86
Year introduced: 1983
The Crystal Barbie line is indicative of early-1980s glamour.
Ken is dressed in an elegant but boxy-cut suit with shoulder pads and a purple corsage and is ready to take Barbie out for a night on the town.
16. Cool Shavin' Ken
eBay
Sold for: $69.99
Year introduced: 1996
Like Totally Hair Ken, Cool Shavin' Ken (looking rather like George Michael) is very concerned with his appearance.
Luckily, he comes with some help in the form of a razor, shaving cream and Old Spice.
15. Totally Hair Ken
eBay
Sold for: $76.44
Year introduced: 1991
Totally Hair Ken looks like he's up for a night of clubbing, and with hair like that, who wouldn't be?
He even comes with a small tube of Dep to keep every hair in place while dancing the night away.
14. Talking Ken
eBay
Sold for: $120
Year introduced: 1969
By the end of the 1960s, Ken could talk by merely pulling a string on his back. (The more intact the string is, the higher the price you can get for this collectible.)
Ken could say things like:
Hi, I’m Ken.
Let’s go to the big game tonight.
What are you doing next weekend?
Why don’t we all go to the movies?
Let’s go listen to Barbie’s records.
Let’s go visit Barbie.
13. Original Ken (Blonde Flocked Hair)
eBay
Sold for: $125
Year introduced: 1961
When the Ken doll was introduced, little girls had a choice — a Ken with blonde or brunette hair. His hair could also be molded or flocked.
In any event, he was already dressed for the beach because, as he says, that is his job.
12. Original Ken (Brunette Flocked Hair)
eBay
Sold for: $170
Year introduced: 1961
Ken Doll No. 750, with his brunette flocked hair, was initially straight-legged (his legs would bend a few years later.)
Original brunette Ken is worth more if he comes with all of his accessories — his box, wrist tag, swim trunks, sandals, beach towel, stand and booklet.
11. Bend Leg Allan Doll
eBay
Sold for: $261.98
Year introduced: 1965
By 1965, the dolls of the Barbie universe had bendable appendages, and Ken's friend, Allan, was no exception. His clothes were also more fashionable.
He seemed to be on his way to a longer run as Ken's best pal, but he was discontinued the same year.
10. Disney Cast Member Ken
eBay
Sold for: $285
Year introduced: 2003
Only 100 of these dolls were ever made. They are from the "World of Barbie" National Convention and were table host gifts.
Since the convention was at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida, Ken was dressed as a Disney cast member.
9. King Ocean Ken Merman Doll
eBay
Sold for: $295
Year introduced: 2021
Merman Ken makes an appearance in the "Barbie" movie via John Cena, and while he's a relatively new doll, that doesn't mean he's any less collectible.
As ruler of the sea, he's adorned with rose-gold colored armor, a shell-encrusted breastplate and regal head adornments.
8. Ken Doll (Mexico)
eBay
Sold for: $306.99
Year introduced: 1964
This 1964 Ken doll coordinates with the Barbie wearing native Mexican clothes from the same year.
Ken comes with a brown felt bolero jacket, pants, a sombrero, a white short-sleeved tee, a green cummerbund, a black ribbon necktie, black boots and a travel pamphlet.
7. Earring Magic Ken
eBay
Sold for: $399
Year introduced: 1993
When Mattel attempted to update Ken's look in the 1990s, the company asked its target demographic — little girls — how it could make the doll look cool. The young consumer testers raised on MTV came up with Ken wearing a mesh lavender shirt, tight pants, an earring and a ring necklace that looked a little too much like a sex accessory.
The dolls were a hot seller — in particular, to gay men. Mattel, however, didn't want the association, and the toy was removed from shelves for good. However, Earring Magic Ken is still a favorite collectible and happens to be the best-selling Ken of all time. (Yes, he does make an appearance in the movie.)
6. Malibu Ken
eBay
Sold for: $450
Year introduced: 1979
As we know, Ken takes his job, "beach," very seriously. So, there's no reason he shouldn't be a representative of the most well-known beach area in the country — Malibu, California.
With Malibu Ken, Mattel debuted the blonde locks and tanned physique that would become forever associated with him.
5. Nicolai Ken Doll
eBay
Sold for: $499.95
Year introduced: 2010
Dolls from the Barbie line that represent other countries are highly valuable among collectors.
Take, for example, this Ken doll dripping in Russian fashion. It is one of four dolls and the only male doll in the Barbie Fashion Model Collection (BFMC).
4. Brunette Ken Doll (Japan)
eBay
Sold for: $558.40
Year introduced: 1961
Kens made in other countries don't differ much from those produced in the U.S. This Ken, however, has a "made in Japan" stamp, which makes him all the more valuable.
Ken is wearing a striped swimsuit, and his hair is molded.
3. Original Allan Doll
eBay
Sold for: $599
Year introduced: 1964
Before Michael Cera took the role as adorable misfit Allan in "Barbie," he wasn't a very well known doll. Introduced in 1964, he was simply Ken's best friend and could fit into his clothes.
He was around for about two years before his original run was discontinued, though he did reappear in the 1990s as a companion for Midge.
Due to the popularity of the movie, the doll's price has since increased.
2. Talking Brad Doll
Etsy
Sold for: $700
Year introduced: 1970
Brad was the first black male doll in the Barbie universe and was Christie’s boyfriend. Unfortunately, he was made for only two years, which makes him quite rare.
His phrases include:
My name’s Brad. What’s yours?
Christie is the greatest.
Baseball is my favorite sport.
Come on, let’s go to the movies.
I dig the mod look.
1. Business Appointment Ken
Etsy
Sold for: $1,300
Year introduced: 1966
This is the Ken of the "Mad Men" era. Dressed for success, he's so rare that he always fetches top dollar.
He comes with a suit, coat, fedora, briefcase, gloves and the "Mattel Daily" newspaper.