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These 25 incredible LEGO sets inspired by franchises and fandoms of every kind are a must-have for every LEGO collector.
LEGO fanatics are always looking for the next great build, the next cool set to add to their collection. Whether you like playing or displaying best, the following 25 LEGO sets will wow you with their size, their details and the sheer fun of putting them together.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
25. Star Wars Death Star – 4,016 pieces
Your living room will be the ultimate power in the universe when you build this mega-sized LEGO Death Star in it. But this set is not just powerful; it is also ridiculously fun. At just over 4000 pieces and a size of 16 inches by 16 inches, the Death Star will keep LEGO and Star Wars fans alike working hours, even days putting it together. The space station design is a combination of the plans of the First Death Star from Star Wars: A New Hope and the Second Death Star from Return of the Jedi. Each of the open spaces depicts a scene from one of those two films. For example, one space depicts the detention block where Luke Skywalker and Han Solo battle stormtroopers to rescue Princess Leia. Another one shows father and son duo Darth Vader and Luke dueling with their lightsabers in the Emperor’s throne room. The open areas also serve a practical function: they allow you to build and play with the interior scenes without having to take off an outer shell.
With 23 different minifigures, it is easy to recreate or make up any Star Wars adventure you desire. The set also comes with minifigure-sized weapons such as the lightsabers, blasters and Chewbacca’s bowcaster, as well as an extra vehicle in Darth Vader’s TIE Advanced.
The creative possibilities with this set are endless! And it’s all available for a small fee of $499.99! Yeah. Hopefully, your wallet is endless, too.
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24. The Disney Castle – 4,080 pieces
There’s the LEGO Cinderella’s castle which contains 646 pieces and is sold in stores for about $100.
And then there’s THE LEGO CINDERELLA’S CASTLE: a set containing over 4000 pieces and towering to a height of 29 inches, with a width of 18.8 inches and a depth of 12 inches (in case you weren’t counting on that last one, that’s one whole foot!). Officially dubbed “The Disney Castle,” this whopper of a set costs $349.99 at the official LEGO online store. But there’s a reason for the price difference between this castle and the one I mentioned first at the outset. This is the real deal, not a stylized (albeit cheaper) castle painted in kidlike colors. The Disney Castle is so-called because its design is inspired by the edifice that is the entrance to Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World in Florida. The details of the set, from the colors of the exterior bricks to the spires to the four stories of magical scenes in the interior, are lifelike and beautiful. In the interest of telling magical Disney-themed stories, the set comes with 5 classic Disney characters as minifigures: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Tinker Bell. To complete the dream, scatter tiny treasures such as books and Mickey’s sorcerer’s cap around the castle.
Not to make a pun, but The Disney Castle is truly a magical set. It is worth every penny.
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23. Yellow Submarine – 553 pieces
There’s a LEGO set for every fandom, it seems, even those that are not as popular in modern times. For fans of The Beatles, a popular all-boy band from the 1960s, there’s LEGO’s Yellow Submarine. This set is inspired by the famous song “The Yellow Submarine” as well the 1968 animated movie of the same title. We can’t all live in it, but it might just be big enough for minifigure-sized John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr to ride on the outside. Presumably, there is even a space for the little brown furry creature from The Yellow Submarine movie and his green apple snack.
This set was made for display, however, as you can see by the minifigure stand that holds all four Beatles band members and their accompanying accessories: a telescope, a “Love” tile, a “half-a-hole” tile and a motor. The tiny plaque with the words “Yellow Submarine” let every onlooker know without a doubt that what they are looking at is a LEGO tribute to one of the more bizarre film/music projects of the biggest pop culture sensation of the 20th century.
And this set is not even that expensive for collectors: At a piece count of 553, it only costs $59.99 regularly on the official LEGO online store. If you buy it today, you can get it at a discounted price of $47.99.
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22. Monster Fighters Vampyre Castle – 949 pieces
It’s time to go vampire hunting in this bizarre retired LEGO set called Vampyre Castle. The name says it all: The 18-inch tall edifice is the ultimate vampire haunt. The walls are a spooky gray with stick-on rot., while the staggered rooftop is crowned with black towers and spindly spires. As if the cold, clammy appearance of the castle itself wasn’t enough, a dead tree and a spiky gate warn mortals to enter the main courtyard at their own peril. But there are two humans who, against all that sanity dictates, want to enter the Vampyre’s court, and their names are Dr. Rodney Rathbone and Jack McHammer. Their mission: to prevent the Vampyre from cloaking the world in darkness so his people can roam free forever and feast on humanity forever!
But Rodney and Jack will find more dangers than just the Vampyre in the castle. The evil bloodsucker has a grinning, scarlet-robed bride and two man-bats for muscle. The trickiest (and most fun) part of the castle, however, is all its traps. There are spinning stairsteps, shooting spiders, and secret entrances as well as all the typical vampiric paraphernalia, including a coffin and an organ.
Will Rodney and Jack make it past all these obstacles to destroy the Vampyre and his dastardly plot once and for all? Only you, the builder, can decide the end of this crazy plot cooked up by LEGO storytellers. Even though LEGO discontinued the set, Amazon still has a few in stock for $170.95 each. If that price is too steep for your collector’s wallet, there are always good deals to be found on eBay.
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21. The Big Bang Theory – 484 pieces
Sometimes LEGO is about both play and display. Their wide array of set selections is convenient for builders and collectors with varied interests; there is something for everyone to enjoy.
For example, are you a fan of CBS’s The Big Bang Theory? Have you ever wanted to come up with your own stories for the show or do you enjoy collecting The Big Bang Theory memorabilia? I am not, haven’t and don’t. But there are many who do, and for that majority there is the LEGO version of the sitcom that allows you to kill all three birds with one stone. All the main characters are here including Leonard, Sheldon, Penny, Howard, Raj, Amy and Bernadette. They are all gathered in the show’s most oft-used set piece: Leonard and Sheldon’s apartment living room, made recognizable through tiny accessories from the show like the telescope, the whiteboard, the DNA model, and flat colored bricks for the main rug. You can come up with all kinds of shenanigans for the crew, or else just recreate your favorite scenes. If you are an uber fan of The Big Bang Theory, you will also appreciate the accompanying booklet, describing the designers of the LEGO set and the show itself.
The Big Bang Theory set is currently sold out on the official LEGO online store. Just like the currently 10-season-long show, however, the LEGO set is likely to be available for many years to come on sites like Amazon and eBay for a reasonable price.
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20. Palace Cinema – 2,194 pieces
Let’s go to the movies! LEGO’s Palace Cinema set is not only fun for cinephiles but also for builders who want a challenge. With over 2000 pieces, it has a lot of options for customization so you can create your own miniature movie premiere experience right in your living room. I love how realistic this set looks, particularly on the exterior with its beige walls and red tiled roof. And who can resist the glitz and glam of the starred walkway, the Palace sign, colorful posters and fancy see-through double doors, all of which your LEGO figures can admire as they drive by in their glossy black limousine. The interior brings just as much wow factor with its little theater-accurate touches including a concession stand, a ticket booth, a big screen with a projector and six theater seats to fit the sets 6 minifigures: a child star, a chauffeur, two guests, a photographer and a cinema worker.
What impresses me the most about the Palace Cinema are the details. From the individual bricks on the exterior façade to the authentic-looking Palace sign and the two-story lookout platform, there is no end to the fun one can have building, displaying and playing with this set. And here’s some good news for anyone looking to purchase it: it’s not retired yet! You can still find it on the official LEGO online store for $149.99. That’s a small price to pay for a lifetime of LEGO-sized movie entertainment.
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19. Carousel – 2,664 pieces
Ready for a jolly holiday at the amusement park? Then the LEGO Carousel set, part of the Creator series, is your ticket to happiness. This gorgeous setup includes an entire carousel that spins on a base and a ticket booth where your minifigures can purchase ticket tiles. The 7 minifigures – a ride operator and ticket man, and a family of six – can choose from four different animals to ride one: an elephant, a tiger, a flamingo or a frog. Not only does the carousel spin, but the animals move up and down as they go around. Even if they didn’t move, however, the colors and details on this set make it the perfect display piece. The LEGO company pulled out all the stops and thought of everything, from the intricate design of the exterior facade to the tiny hot dogs some of the minifigures are holding in the product photo. I especially love the carousel’s gold roof and the blue accents on its top and bottom.
Currently, The Carousel is only available for members of LEGO’s VIP club for $199.99. But it will soon become available to the general public on the official LEGO online store. The price is steep, but I do like the fact that The Carousel is not inspired by any particular franchise. It’s just a normal, but still beautiful set, easy to make up unique stories for or just collect for its own aesthetic appeal.
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18. Lord of the Rings The Battle of Helm’s Deep – 1,368 pieces
Now for wrath, now for ruin, and the red dawn! Except you’ll have to build The Battle of Helm’s Deep LEGO set before you can ruin it. But there’s so much to build with! This set comes with over 1000 pieces with which to create walls, a tower, a bridge, battlements, and much more. Four minifigures, including main characters Aragorn, Gimli, King Theoden and Haldir the Elf are the key defense force of the Keep against 4 of Saruman’s best Uruk-hai. But what’s a good battle without a little challenge? That’s why this set comes with a mechanism that allows you to “blow up” the sewer gate like the Uruk-hai does in The Two Towers. Enemies can also sneak into the Keep using giant siege ladders, just as they did in the movie. If you’re tired of marauding mutant Orcs destroying all your hard work, however, just mount Theoden on his horse and send him charging into battle. Now all you need to find is a Gandalf and Rohirrim set to save the day!
I love The Lord of the Rings, so naturally, I would love putting this set together. I think it was cool of LEGO to design one of the walls to “explode.” The Battle of Helm’s Deep, as ironic as the title sounds in relation to the concept of “fun,” looks like it works best as a toy instead of a display item.
This product is no longer available on the official LEGO online store, but you can still find it on Amazon and eBay.
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Image credit: LEGO
17. Harry Potter Hogwarts Express – 646 pieces
Pack your suitcase and head to the LEGO-sized version of Platform 9 ¾ with Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna and even nasty Draco Malfoy (can’t seem to get rid of him). This 646-piece Hogwarts Express set inspired by the Harry Potter movie franchise is not as big as the real one; but then, the train is only the first stop on your imaginary adventures. You can recreate the train station scenes of any of the Harry Potter stories, including the one in The Chamber of Secrets where Harry and Ron are forced to drive the Weasleys’ magical car when they miss the train. That’s because this set comes with the car, and a host of other fun accessories such as: the sweets trolley; Harry’s suitcase; the young wizards’ pets, including Hedwig the owl; and wands for everyone to practice on their way to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. To give your minifigures a swift journey to Hogwarts, simply pile them all into the travel car at the back of the train. Then roll the train on a hard surface on its rotating wheels.
Like many of these old sets (there hasn’t been a movie with Harry Potter in it since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in 2011), Hogwarts Express is not available in stores. However, don’t give up! Help will always come from Hogwarts to those who deserve it…and those who frequent Amazon and eBay.
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Image credit: LEGO
16. The DeLorean Time Machine – 401 pieces
It’s time to go back to… the past, with the LEGO DeLorean Time Machine set. Inspired by the time-traveling car in the Back to the Future film trilogy starring Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox, the DeLorean is a must-have for every 1980s child who is also a LEGO collector. At 401 pieces, the car is bigger than your average minifigure-sized vehicle and a lot more detailed. Every side and angle of the set is unique, just as if Dr. Emmett Brown cobbled the vehicle together from random LEGO pieces lying around his house. The wheels even fold up to “hover mode” for when you want to play that the car is time-traveling. It’s those movie-accurate touches that make the DeLorean fun to build and just as fun to display. Just looking at it gets me imagining what other vehicles, characters and locations from Back to the Future could inspire future LEGO sets.
The fun doesn’t stop with the car, however: additional pieces include two minifigures of Emmett Brown and Marty McFly; iconic movie props like Marty’s skateboard and the flux capacitor; a time display; and two license plates.
The DeLorean Time Machine is part of LEGO’s IDEAS line, in which every set is designed by fans and then put into production by the official LEGO company. Currently, the DeLorean is discontinued; but just like the DeLorean from the movie, it can still be found in unexpected places, like eBay.
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15. Star Wars Mos Eisley Cantina – 616 pieces
You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy than this one, and it fits in your own living room! This 616-piece LEGO set is inspired by the Mos Eisley Cantina in the original Star Wars movie from 1977. Since A New Hope’s premiere, the Cantina has been known as one of the science fiction franchise’s most iconic locations because of its weird alien life. Lots of epic moments happen in this location, as well, such as the one where Obi-Wan Kenobi cuts off an antagonistic alien’s arm with his lightsaber. It’s also where Han Solo and Chewbacca meet Obi-Wan and Luke Skywalker for the first time, a tete-a-tete which leads to lifelong friendships and fantastic adventures. Finally, the Cantina is where the most controversial shootout in Star Wars history takes place, in two different versions of the film: Did Han or Greedo shoot first? You can decide which scenario wins out as you recreate all of these scenes and more. Extra accessories include Luke’s landspeeder and the stormtroopers’ dewback, the creature they use to traverse the desert sands of Tatooine while they search for C-3PO and R2-D2.
The minifigure cast in this set include the main heroes; Obi-Wan, Luke, and Han Solo; Greedo the Rodian; a sandtrooper; and the Cantina band.
This set is retired from the official LEGO online store, but if you want to purchase it look for it on Amazon or eBay.
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14. Ghostbusters Ecto-1 & 2 – 556 pieces
are you going to call? The all-female cast of the 2016 version of Ghostbusters, of course! LEGO was genius to commemorate this modern reboot of a cult classic film in a set. Before you can start chasing ghosts and other supernatural phenomena, however, you will need to build the Ecto-1 car and the Ecto-2 motorbike. The Ecto-1 is instantly recognizable because of its signature white and red paint scheme pulled from the film, and because of the symbol of the Ghostbusters team on the side door. Next, take up your main minifigure heroines – Abby Yates, Erin Gilbert, Jillian Holtzmann and Patty Tolan – and their trusty male secretary, Kevin (all of whom are dressed in the signature Ghostbuster jumpsuits). Equip them with all the accessories they need to go ‘busting, including proton packs; a sidearm; an ion shield gun; a PKE (psychokinetic energy) meter; 2 traps; and a toolbox.
With your heroes assembled and prepared, you are finally ready to send them off on a merry adventure chasing a demon ghost named Mayhem. To make their journey easier (or to make storing and/or displaying this 556-piece set easier for you), pile the minifigures and all their gear inside the Ecto-1.
This set can be used for either play or display, depending on what kind of a LEGO fan and builder you are. It is even available on the official LEGO store for only $59.99.
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13. Marvel Super Heroes The SHIELD Helicarrier – 2,996 pieces
Every marvelous (wink, wink) superhero needs an equally marvelous ride. The SHIELD Helicarrier inspired by the helicarrier from Marvel’s The Avengers, is truly extraordinary. As a LEGO fan who enjoys the process of putting a set together, I am enamored with the sheer size of this set. At 3000 pieces, it must take hours, perhaps days to put together! That’s because it doesn’t hold back with the details: You can create all kinds of adventures with micro-sized runways, jets and a bridge equipped with places for the set’s 12 microfigures – Nick Fury, Hawkeye, Captain America, Iron Man and 8 SHIELD agents – to stand. In addition to the microfigures, the set comes with 5 minifigures ready for display: Nick Fury, Black Widow, Captain America, Hawkeye and Agent Maria Hill.
If showing off rather than playing with the Helicarrier is, in fact, your intention, then the accompanying display stand is your ticket to ride. And if you want to make the Helicarrier really shine, you should purchase the 88000, 8883 and 8870 LEGO Power Functions sets. These sets will give your Helicarrier lights and spinning rotors. Then it will look like the Helicarrier can pick up and fly right out of your living room, off to save the world from intergalactic dangers and Hydra agents.
Just like all high-end toys, the SHIELD Helicarrier costs a pretty penny: $349.99. But if your wallet and your desire are deep enough, you can still purchase the set on the official LEGO store under the “Hard to Find Items” category.
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12. Batman Classic TV Series – Batcave – 2,526 pieces
Boom! Pow! Biff! Who needs Dark Knights like Ben Affleck, Christian Bale or Michael Keaton when you can recreate Adam West’s 1960s version of this classic DC superhero?
The nostalgia is real with this 2526-piece set inspired by the classic Batman television series. First, place a call to Wayne Manor on the Batphone in the mansion’s study. Then, send your Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson minifigures through the secret passage and down the pole from the study into the tricked-out Batcave. Along the way, switch Bruce and Dick out with their alter egos: Batman and Robin, respectively. Then, pile them into the Batmobile or the Batcopter to chase after one of the show’s classic villains: The Joker, Catwoman, The Riddler or The Penguin. Trusty butler Alfred Pennyworth is here to serve your every need, from delivering a snack to helping operate the many machines in the Batcave’s laboratory. He can also help you organize all your Bat accessories, including weapons for the villains, Batarangs, a grappling hook and handcuffs. For a little foot action, send Batman and Robin climbing up a wall inspired by one of the show’s iconic running gags.
You can set any Bat-time and any Bat-channel for playing and displaying this Batcave, because the fun never ends and it’s all happening right in your living room!
Purchase the Batman Classic Series – Batcave on the official LEGO store today for $269.99.
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11. LEGO Dimensions Goonies Level Pack – 118 pieces
Every 1980s child will recognize the pieces in this LEGO Dimensions set inspired by Steven Spielberg’s classic film, The Goonies. The only disappointment about the set is its small size – only 118 pieces – but its economy is due to its function as a set for the LEGO Dimensions video game. The round stands beneath the Sloth minifigure, One-Eyed Willy’s Pirate Ship and the Skeleton Organ are the pieces’ connections to the Dimensions toy pad, which along with its game disc is compatible with several different consoles (including Playstation and XBOX). By setting The Goonies Level Pack pieces on the toy pad, you can play with these pieces within the video game alongside characters from other entertainment franchises.
If physical play is more your speed, you can rearrange the pieces of One-Eyed Willy’s Pirate Ship into the Fanged Fortune and the Inferno Cannon. Similarly, you can change the design of the Skeleton Organ to look like the Skeleton Jukebox or the Skele-Turkey. Again, this set is not as fun as a regular LEGO set, but its compatibility with LEGO Dimensions game opens up playing possibilities to whole new worlds.
The Goonies Level Pack costs $29.99 on the official LEGO store. A LEGO Dimensions starter pack, which includes the game disc and a toy pad, ranges in price from around $30-$50 depending on which console you are buying it for.
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10. Scooby-Doo The Mystery Machine – 301 pieces
Zoinks! Those meddling kids – the ones in your home and those who come in this Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine LEGO set – are at it again, ready to solve whatever seemingly supernatural mysteries and hijinks come their (or rather your) way. At 301 pieces, the Mystery Machine is small and won’t take long to put together. It also only comes with three minifigures from the show’s original gang: Fred, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo (that might be a good thing, since the inside of the van is only big enough for two minifigures to sit in the front seat). But there is still a lot of fun to be had with this set. For starters, it comes with two bad guys to make things interesting: Zombie/Zeke and a robotic tree.
You can’t fight crime or monsters without accessories, though. Good thing this set comes with all the accessories you will ever need, including a sandwich for Scooby and Shaggy to fight over; a spy glass; a camera; a torch; 2 computer screens; and more! In addition, the van itself is equipped with a removable roof and foldout sides so you can access and store all the gang’s gear with ease.
Currently, The Mystery Machine is listed as a “retired” product on the official LEGO store. To add it to your LEGO collection, search for it on Amazon or eBay.
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9. Volkswagon T-1 Camper Van – 1,334 pieces
My dad is a huge car and van fanatic, and I know he would love putting this set together. This LEGO Volkswagon T-1 Camper Van set, with its 1,334 pieces, is filled to the brim with all sorts of neat little details. The most striking element to the Volkswagon is, of course, the exterior. You won’t mistake this set for anything other than a BMW when you see the logo above the front bumper. Then there are the headlights and the pullout door, and that sharp red, white and black paint scheme.
The real fun in my opinion, however, comes with building up the interior. The windows (11 in total) can be decorated with plaid-printed curtains. There are two benches – one in the front for the driver and the dashboard, and one in the back that transforms into a bed as needed. A kitchenette and a tiny vanity area provide for your minifigures’ cooking and hygienic needs. Have tall passengers? Never fear; the roof pops up! And if you’re having some engine trouble, just pop open the hatch at the back of the van and tinker with its ultra-detailed parts. Forget about displaying this one. I would have fun just monkeying with it all its sweet features.
And here’s some good news: This product is not retired yet! Find it on the official LEGO online store for $119.99.
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8. Ninjago Temple of Airjitsu – 2,028 pieces
It’s time to begin your ninja training in the lush mountain hideaway known as the Temple of Airjitsu, from LEGO’s Ninjago collection. There are all kinds of ways to train and meditate here. Build the training room to practice your best ninja moves; take some quiet time in the study; or stir up some trouble at the Smuggler’s Market. At the end of the day, perform a shadow play using the spinning shadow theater that really lights up. Whatever you do, however, do it with friends. 12 of them, to be exact; this set comes with all the main Ninjago heroes, including Lloyd, Kai, Jay, Zane, Cole, Nya, Wu, Misako, Dareth, Postman, Jesper and Claire.
I’ve never been a Ninjago fan, but I have to say that I absolutely love the design of the Temple of Airjitsu. The architecture, the colors, everything that draws on Oriental culture is so beautiful. I also like the variety of locations within the Temple. Training to be a ninja is not just about physicality, after all, but a healthy mind and spirit, as well. Finally, all the little details such as the weapons and the books bring an extra spark of life to the set.
The Temple of Airjitsu is currently sold out on the official LEGO online store, but you can still find it in physical LEGO stores and wherever Ninjago sets are sold for $199.99.
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Image credit: LEGO
7. Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle – 1,290 pieces
Your invitation to attend Harry Potter’s Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is here in the form of a 1290-piece LEGO version of Hogwarts Castle! Friends, enemies and teachers alike wait for you to create new adventures for them in Dumbledore’s office; the Gryffindor and Slytherin common rooms (sorry, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs); the Astronomy Tower; the restricted section of the library, and more locations from this most magical of schools. (Dumbledore’s office even comes with a set of sliding spiral stairs, just like in the Harry Potter movies!) This set comes with 11 minifigures in total, including Harry Potter; Hermione Granger; Professor McGonagall; Professor Dumbledore; Professor Snape; Professor Flitwick; Argus Filch and his cat; Voldemort; and two dementors.
The real gems of this set, however, are the accessories that come with it. As you explore the castle, you’ll find exciting items from the Harry Potter films and J.K. Rowling’s original book series such as Tom Riddle’s book; the Sorting Hat; the Sword of Gryffindor; a fang from the dreaded Basilisk; and a fireplace tile printed with the face of Potter’s godfather, Sirius Black.
In summation: if you are a fan of the Harry Potter franchise, you need this set. Unfortunately, it is currently retired on the LEGO online store. But help always comes to those who ask for it! In this case, Amazon and eBay are your best bets for accepting that LEGO Hogwarts invitation.
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6. The Simpsons The Kwik-E-Mart – 2,179
As long as I can remember, The Simpsons has always been on television. For those of you LEGO fans who are also diehard Simpson-ites, you can have a little piece of the animated series forever by buying the Kwik-E-Mart set. At just over 2,000 pieces, this set has everything you need to recreate some of your favorite scenes. If you want to keep the store “closed” like it is in the photo above, you can still play with the police car, the dumpster, and the pay phones. For some inside action, simply open up the walls and remove the roof, and you’ll find an entire convenience food market. Here, you can purchase everything you will ever need, from diapers to magazines to foodstuffs. Play arcade games or grab some coffee or a fountain drink. Remember that you have a lot of minifigures to buy for: Homer Simpson, Bart Simpson, Marge Simpson, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, Chief Wiggum and Snake (there is also a frozen Jack in the Mart’s frozen section). If you’d rather just get away from the hustle and bustle of the shop, however, simply slip out the back exit or up to the roof to tend Apu’s garden.
I have never been a fan of The Simpsons, but I am amazed at the amount and variety of pieces in this set (there is even an ATM in it!). At $199.99, the price is hefty on the official LEGO online store. But what’s a couple hundred dollars for excellent play value and television nostalgia?
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5. Tower Bridge – 4,295 pieces
London Bridge will not fall down if you build this LEGO set right! And you had better because it is a beautiful one. Inspired by the Tower Bridge which runs over the River Thames in London, England, this set comes with a whopping 4295 pieces. But there are so many details, it’s a wonder LEGO squeezed them all into the box! First, lay the groundwork with a blue base to represent the river. Next, construct the bridge so that it measures its full length of 40 inches. Finally, build the towers so the entire structure is 17 inches tall. Finally, you can start adding the incredible details, like a drawbridge that opens and closes; over 80 windows; and microvehicles, including a black London taxi, a yellow taxi truck, a green car and a double-decker red tour bus. You can also decorate the exterior walls with a printed shield.
Don’t have 40 inches of space for this set? Not to worry; the description for this product on the official LEGO website says the Tower Bridge comes apart for “easy transport.” But if you do purchase this set, I would recommend it as a project for long-term display. It’s just too beautiful to build and then take apart again in a day. Besides, it’s $239.99 on the official LEGO online store. Anything that costs that much should be shown off to all your posh friends!
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4. Pirates of the Caribbean The Black Pearl – 804 pieces
Every pirate needs a ship. And every LEGO collector who is also a fan of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise needs The Black Pearl. Captain Jack Sparrow finally has control of his vessel once again; but just as fast as you can get all of its 804 pieces put together, Davy Jones and his cronies have swung aboard to take it away again. Your Jack Sparrow minifigure will need the help of his trusty sidekicks, Will Turner and Joshamee Gibbs to fight off the keeper of the Dead Man’s Chest. You will also need weapons aplenty; thankfully, this set has an arsenal at your disposal. First, cast the anchor to get some footing on the seabed. Then, fire the cannons to ward off your enemies’ initial assault. When the battle finally comes down to face-to-face combat, simply take up your cutlasses and have at ye, matey! As soon as the fighting dies down, weigh anchor and turn the helm to set a course for more peaceful waters. Now, Captain Sparrow and his crew can retreat into the cabin to riddle out their next destination from the magical compass that points the user to whatever he or she wants most.
What I love about this set is how black it is. I mean, I know it’s the Black Pearl, but for some reason when I picture the boat from the film in my head, it isn’t quite as dark as this set. What I don’t like is the selection of minifigures. I would have loved to see Barbossa and his monkey, and Elizabeth Swan in addition to Sparrow, Turner and Gibbs. Instead, we get Davy Jones, Turner’s dad Boostrap, and another of Jones’s random pirate lackeys. But, one could argue that the slim minifigure pickings are worth it for the Pearl to sit on display on your shelf. It is retired from the official LEGO online store, however, so you’ll have to go hunting (not pirating!) for it on Amazon and/or eBay.
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3. Minecraft The Mountain Cave – 2,863 pieces
You’ve heard of Minecraft the video game, but have you heard of Minecraft the LEGO set? Now you have. This nearly 3,000-piece set is inspired by the mountain ranges of Minecraft, where players (and now LEGO builders) can create anything their hearts desire. Want trees and rocks on your mountain fortress? Simply set them up. Want to forge labyrinthine tunnels and splashing waterfalls? This set has those, too. There is even a mine where you can bring up new materials in your mining carts. Need to blast? Light up the TNT. Don’t forget to carve out some sanctuaries for yourself, too, such as places to eat, sleep and stay warm. A small light allows you to illuminate several different pieces, like the rotating spider-spawner (yikes!), a jack-o-lantern, a furnace, a cave wall torch, and more.
And because no adventure is complete without a little danger, this set comes with plenty of enemies to disturb your peaceful mountain existence. You’ll need to equip your two minifigures – Steve and Alex – with their armor and swords to fight all the nasty creatures living in and around the fortress, including a cave spider; a wolf; 2 bats; a zombie; a skeleton; and many others (the sheep might be friendly, though).
Minecraft is another one of those franchises I’m not particularly into. But my nephew loves this game as much as he loves LEGOs, so I can’t wait for him to take a gander at this set. The two franchises really are a match made in heaven.
Currently, the Mountain Cave is available for pre-order on the official LEGO online store for $249.99 with a release date of July 1, 2017.
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2. Parisian Restaurant – 2,469 pieces
Bon jour! Who doesn’t love a French café? The colors, the architecture, the atmosphere is just to die for. Well, your wallet might die if you purchase this LEGO Parisian Restaurant set at its list price of $159.99. But just take a look at all of the intricate and adorable details, from the blue-tiled roof to the elegant white trim and the tiny café tables on the ground floor. Pose your five minifigures – a chef, a waiter, a girl, and a couple in love – for any number of charming scenes. First, ride your minifigures up to the restaurant in the sweet red scooter. Then, have them order some delicious items from the menu such as croissants, cupcakes, hotdogs, and cheese wedges. The waiter will take orders and deliver them to the chef in the interior kitchen, which includes several different appliances and utensils. After the day is done, send your minifigures to relax in the second-floor apartment, an area equipped with a kitchenette, a bed, and a fireplace. Are your minifigures feeling a little artistic inspiration? Troop them up to the very top floor of the restaurant to paint out their wildest dreams in an artist’s studio.
There is no end to the kind of stories you can create with this set. It is both a LEGO builder and a LEGO player’s dream come true. Thankfully, it is still available on the online LEGO store, for $159.99.
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1. LEGO Batman Arkham Asylum – 1,628 pieces
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Batman’s greatest enemies – Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, The Joker, The Riddler, Two-Face and Catwoman – are all out to escape from this 1,628-piece set inspired by Arkham Asylum from DC’s Batman comic series. Batman, Robin, Aaron Cash and a couple of guards are your only allies to keep the evil and mayhem of the Asylum at bay. But you have lots of cool rooms and gadgets at your disposal, as well. For example, if you think any of the prisoners carry contraband, simply send them through the x-ray security scanner. Keep an eye on the grounds inside and out using a watchtower and searchlights. Dr. Harleen Quinzel might not be evil just yet, so her office may still be safe to use for research and experiments (but watch out for her syringes!). The ward office is where you want to be to monitor individual prisoners as it comes equipped with security tapes as well as a computer.
When they aren’t sleeping in their cells, the Asylum prisoners can eat in a canteen, work out in a gym or wash their laundry in the laundry facility. But, come on, what fun is a peaceful crazy-house? To shake things up, just break everybody break out! Then Batman can use his Phantom Zone Projector to send all the villains packing to another dimension for good, just like in the LEGO Batman movie (2017).
Arkham Asylum is currently available in the official LEGO online store for $149.99.
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Do you own any of these sets? Which one is your favorite? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
