All great toy lines deserve to be imitated and Dino-Riders is no exception. Unlike a lot of other toy imitations, most of these knock-offs look remarkably similar to the real versions, even mirroring the general paint schemes for some dinosaurs. However, many show poor craftsmanship that separates them from the real ones (e.g., visible screws and easily broken limbs). The knock-offs do not come with any accessories or figures but many have battery operated features like the real ones. Most of the knock-offs walk and roar and their eyes light up red. Interestingly enough, some were also featured alongside the real Dino-Riders/Smithsonian toys in a famous scene from the movie “Mrs. Doubtfire”. There are several different varieties, each under a different “brand” name. Below is my attempt to document them.

“Blow-Mold” Knock-Offs

These knock-offs originate from Mexico and are made of very cheap, lightweight plastic. Although the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Torosaurus look very similar to the real toys (and in fact appear to use the same molds), they are hollow and of very low quality overall. The knock-off of the Diplodocus only vaguely resembles the real version. There is also an interesting variation of the Tyrannosaurus Rex that has a different, somewhat goofy looking head, as well as an even more interesting variation of the Torosaurus that has a Styracosaurus head. Click each to see more.

“Tek Toys” Knocks-Offs

The knock-offs made by “Tek Toys” are not as detailed and don’t look as close to the real toys as the other knock-offs shown above. These pieces look a little more childish/simplistic overall and not really up to the “scientifically accurate” standard set by the original Dino-Riders toys. Unlike the other knock-offs, these toys only use one AA battery. They do not give off a roaring sound but they do walk and their eyes blink. Their mouths also move while they walk. Click each to see more.

Motorized “Dinosaur Epoch” Knock-Offs

There are a lot of motorized dinosaur toys in the “Epoch” toy series. Many of these toys are knock-offs of Jurassic Park or other dinosaur movies, including Disney’s “Dinosaur” movie. A case can be made that some of them imitate Dino-Riders. This is especially the case with Epoch’s Brachiosaurus, which has a very similar look to the Dino-Riders Diplodocus. Most of the dinosaurs in the Epoch series walk and roar and their eyes light up just like the other knock-offs. Most of the toys are cheaply made and therefore don’t really look accurate enough to fit in with the real Dino-Riders, except for maybe the Parasaurolophus. Click each to see more.

Unnamed “Dinosaur” Line of Knocks-Offs

These knock-offs don’t look as close to the real toys as the other knock-offs shown above. The Stegosaurus is slightly less bulky but maintains an overall look that is similar to the real Dino-Riders Stegosaurus. The Brontosaurus closely resembles the knock-offs shown above but has a different head sculpt that doesn’t particularly resemble the real Dino-Riders Brontosaurus. And lastly, the Torosaurus/Triceratops from this line doesn’t really resemble its real counterparts at all. Click each to see more.

“Land of the Dinosaurs” Knock-Offs

These knock-offs also fall within the cheaper, not as close to the real thing category. These knock-offs bear only a slight resemblance to the real Dino-Riders toys and are not as detailed as the ones shown above. Click each to see more.

The “Core Group” of Knocks-Offs

These knock-offs were produced under various different company/brand names but share common characteristics and most closely mirror their real Dino Riders counterparts. Click each to see more.