Episode 1
Star Wars
52m8.7 / 10
A small toy company in Cincinnati takes on its biggest licensing project ever, giving birth to the most profitable toy franchise in history.
Where to watch The Toys That Made Us
TV series
The Toys That Made Us
2017TV-143 seasons7.5 / 10
The minds behind history's most iconic toy franchises discuss the rise -- and sometimes fall -- of their billion-dollar creations.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Sep 4, 2026
The Toys That Made Us is available to stream on Netflix in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Stream
Synopsis
The minds behind history's most iconic toy franchises discuss the rise -- and sometimes fall -- of their billion-dollar creations.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
Barbie
45m8.3 / 10
Inspired by a risqué doll from Germany, the co-founder of Mattel toys forever revolutionized the doll industry for young girls.
Where to watch The Toys That Made Us
Episode 3
He-Man
47m9.1 / 10
Creators responsible for reviving a toy company's struggling action figure line discuss the epic rise and fall of their billion-dollar empire.
Where to watch The Toys That Made Us
Episode 4
G.I. Joe
46m9.0 / 10finale
Credited with coining the term "action figure" more than 50 years ago, a group of toy marketers reimagined a new genre of dolls for boys.
Where to watch The Toys That Made UsEpisode information updated Sep 19, 2026
More about The Toys That Made Us
Cast
Donald Ian BlackSelf - Narrator (voice)Josh Odsess-RubinBob Budianski
Credits
- Created by
- Brian Volk-Weiss
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Documentary
- Episodes
- 12
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
Netflix
The Nacelle CompanyUnited States
Themes
based on toyindustrial documentaryinterviewrise and fallsocial & cultural documentarytoy brandtoy factorytoy maker
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