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Best Lego sets for adults in 2024

Our top 30 list of the best Lego for adults, from Zelda's Great Deku Tree, to the Millennium Falcon, to Lord of the Rings' Rivendell.

Best Lego sets for adults guide - Wargamer image including photos of the Lego Bowser, Great Deku Tree, and Great Pyramid of Giza sets

What are the best Lego sets for adults in 2024? Let’s be real: all Lego is for adults now. Just like board games, Warhammer, and DnD, Lego started off aimed at kids, but today it’s for everyone – and your Wargamer team (average age 30) are in love with the stuff. We regularly test and review the biggest new releases – so this guide pulls together our absolute favorite Lego for adults to recommend sets to buy, build, and love in 2024.

If you’re after something more specific, do read our lists of the biggest Lego sets and the most expensive Lego sets available, too – there’s more amazing Lego out there than ever, so it’s an exciting time to get into it!

Why you can trust us ✔ We spend hours testing games, toys, and services. Our advice is honest and unbiased to help you buy the best. Find out how we test.

Zelda: Great Deku Tree

The first ever Legend of Zelda Lego set.

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Zelda: Great Deku Tree specifications:
Model number 77092
Build time 6-8 hours
Number of pieces 2500
Number of minifigures 4
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Build it in Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild mode!
  • Packed with nostalgic details for gamers
  • Fantastic Zelda minifigures
Reasons to avoid
  • Pretty expensive
  • Build process is fiddly at times
  • Switching between variants is a headache

If you (like us) count your adventures in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and the N64 classic Ocarina of Time among your most beloved gaming memories – then the brand new Lego Zelda Great Deku Tree should jump right to the top of your gift list.

This 2-in-1 Lego set lets you recreate the Zelda series’ beloved, anthropomorphized old man-tree in two different configurations: the wizened old prophet we meet in OOT, and the taller, blossoming, moustachioed chap seen in BOTW, surrounded by a blooming grove.

Both are stuffed with joyful details from the games, from skulltulas, to ocarinas, to hylian shrooms – and you get four minifigs, too: Young Link and Adult link from the older game, and Link and Zelda from Breath of the Wild. Heck, even OOT’s infamously annoying fairy companion Navi is included, with swappable color options! It might not be our favorite build process ever, but the oceans of personality and playability here make the Deku tree an essential set for gamer-builders like us.

Read our Lego Zelda Great Deku Tree review.

Mini Disney Castle

The best Disney Lego set.

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Mini Disney Castle specifications:
Model number 40478
Build time Roughly 1 hour
Number of pieces 567
Number of minifigures 1
Recommended age 12+
Reasons to buy
  • Excellently priced
  • Cute Mickey minifigure
Reasons to avoid
  • There’s a larger castle

The Mini Disney Castle set commemorates the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World and is a must-have for all Disney fans. It comes with a full-size vintage Mickey Mouse minifigure whereas the castle itself is made of mini bricks.

This set measures 21 cm high and 14 cm wide. For its size, it is very detailed and makes a great display item. It has a pearlescent golden tower and opalescent blue rooftop cones. It is compact, tidy, and looks very close to the real castle.

This set takes roughly an hour to put together and is not particularly challenging. So why not put on your favorite Disney movie, sit down, relax, and immerse yourself in nostalgia?

Read our Lego Mini Disney Castle review.

The Millennium Falcon

The best Star Wars Lego set.

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The Millennium Falcon specifications:
Model number 75257
Build time Roughly 4 hours
Number of pieces 1353
Number of minifigures Seven
Recommended age 8+
Reasons to buy
  • Beautifully designed
  • Best Millennium Falcon set yet
  • Wonderful interior
Reasons to avoid
  • It is expensive
  • May be discontinued soon

The Millennium Falcon is easily one of the most iconic spaceships in the history of fiction – indeed, it is quite possibly the most iconic. There have been various Lego versions of it over the years, but this is the best we’ve seen yet, with a highly detailed interior, and a decent selection of minifigures to accompany it.

There are now multiple generations of adults who will have grown up with Star Wars, and although the Millennium Falcon itself only appears in the Original and Sequel trilogies, it is very widely adored among the fans. This is easily one of the best Star Wars Lego sets and something that will be of interest to even casual fans of the series.

It’s a bit of a repetitive build (and sadly, uses stickers rather than specially printed pieces), but once you’ve finished building it, you’re left with a truly fantastic piece of work that makes for an excellent display piece.

Read our full Lego Millennium Falcon review.

The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell

The best Lord of the Rings Lego set.

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The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell specifications:
Model number 10316
Build time 14+ hours
Number of pieces 6,167
Number of minifigures 15
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Beautifully thought out
  • Loads of minifigures
Reasons to avoid
  • Really long build
  • Big price tag

Just look at this beauty – The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell effuses majesty like few Lego sets truly can, and, recommended for 18+ builders, it’s definitely a project for adults.

One of the biggest sets currently on sale, Rivendell is made up of three sections: the council ring; the tower; the bridge; and the river and gazebo. Each segment can be displayed separately, but when combined, this beautiful elven refuge is chunky: nearly three feet long, over a foot and a half wide, and over a foot tall.

Rivendell comes with 15 minifigures including Elrond, lord of Rivendell, Bilbo (who gets his own bedroom) and the entire fellowship – allowing you to recreate the crucial Council scene in full, complete with interruptions from Sam, Merry, and Pippin.

At a whopping 6,167 pieces, we estimate it’ll take you between 10 and 14 hours to finish – so we recommend you put the extended edition movies on (total runtime just over 12 hours) and watch the full trilogy while you build, for the full experience. Elrond Half-Elven would be proud.

The Lord of the Rings: Barad-Dûr

The most visually impressive Lego set of recent years.

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The Lord of the Rings: Barad-Dûr specifications:
Model number 10333
Build time 10-14 hours
Number of pieces 5,471
Number of minifigures 10
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Even more visually striking than Rivendell
  • A cleverly designed vertical build
Reasons to avoid
  • Might not suit non-Mordor decor

We’ve named Rivendell the best Lord of the Rings Lego set overall, and we stand by that – but we can’t omit Lego’s gob-smacking follow-up: the mighty Barad-Dûr, fortress headquarters of the Dark Lord Sauron.

Released in June 2024, this monstrous 5,471-piece set towers above your tabletop at nearly three feet high, and – while it can’t offer quite the same flexible playability as Rivendell, it does offer some interactive bits that seem laser focused on enticing nerds like us, who grew up with the Peter Jackson movies.

Built in detachable vertical storeys from base to pinnacle, each segment of the infamous Dark Tower of Mordor hides neat details – from the grim dungeons at the bottom (Gollum very much included), to Sauron’s throne room with added Palantir, up to the fully posable, light-up Eye of Sauron mounted at the top.

If that wasn’t enough, you get 10 minifigures too, including Sauron himself; the underrated and very scary Mouth of Sauron; Frodo and Sam (with orc helmets); Gollum, and a bevy of Mordor orcs.

Jabba’s Sail Barge

The most exciting newly released set of 2024.

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Jabba’s Sail Barge specifications:
Model number 75397
Build time 7-10 hours
Number of pieces 3,943
Number of minifigures 11
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Equally great for display and play
  • Fantastic minifigures including Salacious Crumb
Reasons to avoid
  • Worse value for money than other huge sets

Move over Venator, there’s a new Star Wars hotness in town! Released in October 2024, Jabba’s Sail Barge is the very newest UCS (Ultimate Collector Series) set, and boy, is there a lot going on here to excite grown-ups looking for a big Lego project.

Measuring nearly three feet long and just under a foot high, this glorious recreation of Jabba the Hutt’s iconic floating party boat from Return of the Jedi is a big’un, with a lot of room for details. On the outside, the top deck features those rotating gun turrets you remember Leia shooting in the movie, as well as custom pieces for the big orange ‘sails’ (though they’re really just sun shades).

Inside the barge is where the magic happens, though – an entire side of the hull folds out to reveal four full rooms within: a cockpit; a jail cell with Gamorrean guard; a kitchen and bar; and Jabba’s lounge, complete with the original gangster slug himself, plus adjoining DJ booth for Max Rebo (the good kind of blue elephant).

At 3,943 pieces, the barge is coming in mid-table for overall size, making it seem a tad overpriced in our eyes (Barad-Dûr is $40 cheaper and has over 1,500 more bits). But it’s newer, it’s Star Wars (which tends to command a bit of a premium) and, most importantly, the 11 minifigures here include the one, the only Salacious Crumb. If that doesn’t sell you on it, nothing will.

Super Mario: The Mighty Bowser

The best Lego Super Mario set.

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Super Mario: The Mighty Bowser specifications:
Model number 71411
Build time 6 hours
Number of pieces 2,807
Number of minifigures 0
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • It looks just like him
  • Loads of playability
  • Advanced building techniques
Reasons to avoid
  • Lego Mario sold separately
  • Big and expensive

This is one of the most gorgeous recreations we’ve ever seen of a videogame character. The fact that such a faithful Bowser model can be created using just Lego blocks is really quite a testament to their versatility – although to be fair there is quite a variety of pieces used in Bowser, including a few Technic pieces for poseability.

It’s quite a challenging build overall, which is why it carries an 18+ recommended age. Mario’s primary audience may be children, but the series has been capturing hearts for decades and this set is one for the older Mario fan. Once it’s done, you’re in possession of a magnificent display piece – or indeed a toy that can be played with in many ways (including fire-breathing functionality and interactive Lego Super Mario compatibility). Maybe you could use it when playing with your kids?

Due to its size, some people will be understandably put off – it’s an expensive set and you’ll need a lot of room to display it. However, if you’ve got the money and the space, there’s no other set out there that gives a better opportunity for you to fly your Mario fan flag with pride.

Read our full Lego Super Mario: The Mighty Bowser review.

The Simpsons House

The best Lego set for play

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The Simpsons House specifications:
Model number 71006
Build time Roughly 9 hours
Number of pieces 2,523
Number of minifigures 6
Recommended age 12+
Reasons to buy
  • Substantial build hours
  • Massive set with six figures
Reasons to avoid
  • Rare and expensive
  • Needs display room

The Lego Simpsons House has a captivating exterior and treats you to a well-designed interior that closely mirrors the animated series. Each room includes iconic details like the TV with Itchy and Scratchy and the famous boat painting in the living room.

You get six fantastic characters; Ned, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, all of which have detailed outfits and expressive features. Ned’s ‘Hail to the Chef’ apron is a charming touch.

When it comes to value, this set delivers, especially considering its age and the fact it’s no longer in production. Building this set is a satisfying challenge. With 2,523 pieces, it offers a substantial project. Size-wise, it measures 23 cm in height, 42 cm in width, and 24 cm in depth. For any true Simpsons fan (which to be honest, is a lot of people) this set is a must-have!

Read our Lego Simpsons House review.

Millennium Falcon Holiday Diorama

The most festive Lego set.

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Millennium Falcon Holiday Diorama specifications:
Model number 40658
Build time Roughly 30 minutes
Number of pieces 282
Number of minifigures 5 (including BB8 and a Porg)
Recommended age 8+
Reasons to buy
  • Charming festive minifigures
  • Limited availability
Reasons to avoid
  • A bit simple
  • Expensive for what it is

How does Wookiee pie taste? A little Chewie! Gosh, that is a good one! And very apt considering this set is all about the festive season. We love the Wookie holiday Life Day. If you’re a devotee of both holidays and Star Wars, the Millennium Falcon Holiday Diorama set is made for you. It offers a very different look at the iconic ship than that seen in the 75257 set listed above.

Overflowing with holiday spirit, this compact set features details like a seating area, bed, doorway, and of course lightsabers. The highlight is the inclusion of five figures: Rey and Finn in festive Christmas jumpers, along with Chewie, BB8, and a Porg. Adorned with festive decorations such as a tree, fairy lights, and holly, the gang also enjoys a delightful dinner.

The Millennium Falcon Holiday Diorama was available at the Lego store from October 1st to December 31st, 2023. While it is no longer available to be purchased new, you can still find it at various spots around the internet quite easily – though its price is sure to increase as time goes by.

Read our Lego Millennium Falcon Holiday Diorama review.

Friends Central Perk

The best Lego set for 90s nostalgia.

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Friends Central Perk specifications:
Model number 21319
Build time Roughly 3 hours
Number of pieces 1,070
Number of minifigures 7
Recommended age 16+
Reasons to buy
  • Gets rarer by the day
  • Has the whole Friends gang
Reasons to avoid
  • Rarity drives up price

The Central Perk Lego set is a treasure trove of references to one of the most iconic 90s sitcoms, Friends. Join Joey, Ross, Chandler, Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe in Minifigure form. Oh, and Gunther too! Each character even has their unique accessories. For instance, Phoebe has her guitar, Ross a newspaper, and Joey a pizza! “Joey doesn’t share food!”

Not only does this set have a fabulous minifigure lineup, but the set itself effectively mirrors its onscreen counterpart. Central Perk has the iconic orange sofa and plenty of coffee cups, and considering it is a mini version, the layout is impeccable. You can even remove the area where the gang usually sits and a table at the back offering display options. This set is a must-have for all Friends fans for sure.

Read our Lego Friends Central Perk review.

Doctor Who

The best Lego set for nerdy TV fans.

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Doctor Who specifications:
Model number 21304
Build time Roughly two hours
Number of pieces 625
Number of minifigures 4 (and two Daleks)
Recommended age 11+
Reasons to buy
  • Lots of minifigures
Reasons to avoid
  • Out of print set

Embark on an epic Lego voyage through time and space with the Doctor and his iconic TARDIS. Crafted by dedicated fans for fellow enthusiasts, this set masterfully encapsulates the Doctor Who universe. The design of this Lego Doctor Who set nothing short of spectacular, seamlessly merging the police box with the TARDIS bridge, granting you the choice to exhibit them united or individually. This set contains two Doctors, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi, along with Clara, a Weeping Angel, and two buildable Daleks.

While priced around $300 on Amazon, it proves a valuable addition for devoted Doctor Who devotees, even though it’s no longer in production. Surprisingly, despite its modest piece count of 625, it presents an engaging building challenge due to the intricacy of many components. Lego’s Doctor Who TARDIS set is an outstanding homage to the time-traveling spaceship, an essential collectible for fans who cherish the Doctor’s adventures.

Read our Lego Doctor Who review.

Big Bang Theory

The best Lego set for minifigures.

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Big Bang Theory specifications:
Model number 21302
Build time Roughly 2 hours
Number of pieces 484
Number of minifigures 7
Recommended age 12+
Reasons to buy
  • Includes the whole BBT gang
  • Accurate to the show
Reasons to avoid
  • Another rare set
  • Ugly from behind

The Lego Big Bang Theory set pays delightful homage to the show. It features Sheldon and Leonard’s iconic living room, a favorite gathering spot for the gang. In terms of pricing, this set has appreciated since its retirement, making it a worthwhile investment due to its scarcity. Assembling it is a straightforward process and so it’s an ideal choice for building while enjoying the show.

The design exudes a charming simplicity, effectively capturing the essence of the TV series. It cleverly employs various elements to recreate the room’s gadgets and gizmos, perhaps setting a creative precedent for future Lego sets. You’ll discover all the iconic elements of the living room, from the telescope and DNA model to Sheldon’s cherished spot on the sofa.

The standout feature of this set is its minifigure lineup, featuring seven intricately detailed characters dressed to perfectly resemble their TV counterparts. Whether it’s Sheldon’s unmistakable Flash shirt or Raj’s purple jacket, the attention to detail is truly uncanny. And yes, even Lego Cinnamonan makes an appearance.

Read our Lego Big Big Theory review.

Sonic the Hedgehog

The best Lego set for retro gamers.

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Sonic the Hedgehog specifications:
Model number 21331
Build time Roughly 3 hours
Number of pieces 1,125
Number of minifigures 1
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Captures retro Sonic games
  • Satisfying to build
Reasons to avoid
  • There are cheaper Sonic sets

Lego Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone set is a heartfelt tribute created by fans for fans. This set features iconic Sonic the Hedgehog in minifigure form, along with delightful buildable figures like Moto Bug, Crabmeat, and Robotnik. The design ingeniously replicates the game’s iconic elements, from suspended rings to the loop-de-loop. Its modular construction provides creative freedom, allowing you to choose various display arrangements.

You can change out TV designs and keep tabs on Sonic’s lives with the tile in the bottom right-hand corner. Priced reasonably at $79.99 (£69.99) on Lego’s website, it’s a must-have for Sonic enthusiasts. With 1,125 pieces, it presents both a challenge and a rewarding building journey, complete with a comprehensive instruction manual.

In summary, it’s a splendid homage to one of gaming’s most cherished franchises. It masterfully captures the essence of Sonic’s high-speed adventures.

Read our Sonic the Hedgehog Lego set review.

Harry Potter: Flying Ford Anglia

The best Lego Harry Potter set.

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Harry Potter: Flying Ford Anglia specifications:
Model number 76424
Build time Roughly half an hour
Number of pieces 165
Number of minifigures 2
Recommended age 7+
Reasons to buy
  • Lots of fun, despite its size
  • Best flying Ford Anglia yet
  • Similar scale to Speed Champions
Reasons to avoid
  • Nothing new if you have an older one
  • Not as impressive as bigger sets

While it is true that there are larger Lego Harry Potter sets out there that are more impressive in a lot of ways, we wanted to include the Flying Ford Anglia anyway. Why? Well, it’s iconic, it’s fun, and it’s highly affordable. A set doesn’t need to cost a fortune for it to be worth buying.

Capturing the opening of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, this set is the first time Lego has given fans the chance to buy the car on its own. It’s got lots of nice details too, from the mini versions of Hedwig and Scabbers, through to the fact that you put the characters in their seats and even open the boot. Though if you already got the car through another set, you’re not going to have much inclination to get this solo release.

There’s a lot of fun that can be had playing with this little Lego car, but it also looks great as a desk or shelf ornament. The reversible faces of Harry and Ron let you switch between shocked and relaxed expressions, making it easy for you to create a variety of different dynamic poses with them. In adult life, bills, rent, and other expenses make it difficult to justify large Lego purchases, so cheap and cheerful sets like this are just what we need more of.

Read our full Lego Harry Potter: Flying Ford Anglia review.

Brickheadz Sonic the Hedgehog

The best Lego Brickheadz set.

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Brickheadz Sonic the Hedgehog specifications:
Model number 40627
Build time Roughly 20 minutes
Number of pieces 139
Number of minifigures 0
Recommended age 10+
Reasons to buy
  • Affordable Sonic set
  • Great colors
  • Good likeness
Reasons to avoid
  • Not everyone likes Brickheadz
  • For display, not play

Hey, look, it’s Sonic the Hedgehog again! If the Lego Ideas set is a little too expensive for you, this is a great way to get a cool videogame tie-in at a fraction of the cost. The Brickheadz line includes lots of figures from pop culture (kind of like the Lego answer to Funko Pops) and we reckon that this is one of the best of the bunch.

The colors really pop and this little Sonic looks absolutely fantastic (especially the spines on his back). Admittedly, this has been designed as a display piece, so if you’re shopping for a younger fan, it might be best to go for one of the more interactive sets on the list. Still, Brickheadz Sonic is a fabulous collector’s item.

Read our full Lego Brickheadz Sonic the Hedgehog review.

Wildflower Bouquet

The best Lego set to give as a gift for adults.

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Wildflower Bouquet specifications:
Model number 10313
Build time Roughly 3 hours
Number of pieces 939
Number of minifigures 0
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Beautiful display piece
  • Lovely gift
Reasons to avoid
  • Cannot stand on their own (need a jar)

I cannot be leaf how amazing the Lego Wildflowers Bouquet is. It’s simply iris-istible! This set is a part of the Lego Botanicals range for adults and Lego has certainly rose to the occasion.  Okay okay, that is enough of the flower puns. This set is perfect for adults who want to add both color and a touch of sustainability to their home.

Not only does this Lego set last forever– unlike flowers which sadly decay—but elements of this set are made from plant-based plastic made using sustainably sourced sugarcane. The instruction booklet is also digital which means we can save some trees.

This set is well worth the money. It contains 939 pieces and features eight different species of wildflowers inspired by cornflowers, lavender, Welsh poppies, cow parsley, leatherleaf ferns, gerbera daisies, larkspur, and lupins. In total the set comprises 16 individual stems which can be adjusted to different heights.

Although the stems vary in length, the ‘larkspur’ with a straight stem measures over 18 inches. If you want a bigger bouquet you can even purchase two of the same set or combine it with the Flower Bouquet set. So, enjoy some flower arranging! There is even a great article on the website which teaches you how to arrange your Lego flowers.

This set is not overly complex to build. It has been created with intricate Lego pieces, but overall the build is fun and relaxing. It’s such a fun idea and makes a great gift. Why not get a vase and fill it with small blue tiles to complete the look? We are over the bloom with this set!

Read our Lego Wildflower Bouquet review.

The Office

The best Lego Ideas set.

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The Office specifications:
Model number 21336
Build time Roughly 1.5 hours
Number of pieces 1,164
Number of minifigures 15
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Has 15 minifigures
Reasons to avoid
  • Easy to build

Following on from the Lego Friends kit, the officially licensed Lego The Office set provides the central locale of a popular TV show, and crams it with detail that make playful nods to the fictional world of its source material. There’s something about this set that takes us way back to the early, primitive Lego houses – and yet it’s a very contemporary build and a delight to get familiar with.

It’s based on The Office US; something worth bearing in mind for devotees to the UK version. But if you have any love for the American show, this could be the one for you. Just like its inspiration, it thrives in making the mundane reality of an office something wonderful.

Great Pyramid of Giza

The best historical Lego set.

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Great Pyramid of Giza specifications:
Model number 21058
Build time Roughly 5 hours
Number of pieces 1,476
Number of minifigures 0
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • A charming display piece
  • Wonderful small details
Reasons to avoid
  • Smaller than you expect

Lego’s Architecture theme has long targeted adult builders, bringing a hugely rewarding combination of creative building techniques, eye-catching minimalist design, and conversation-starting display pieces. The recent Lego Great Pyramid of Giza set offers one of the most ambitious, detailed Lego Architecture sets ever available.

Looked at alone, it certainly prevents a brilliant, stylish interpretation of perhaps the most famous pyramid there is. But lift off the outer shell, and you’ll find a detailed interior, with miniature versions of the building systems believed to be used to construct the looming structure.

The real pyramid’s core appeal, perhaps, comes down to two mysteries; what it contains, and how it was built. This Lego set excels in leaning into both those enchanting notions.

Optimus Prime

The most transformable Lego set.

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Optimus Prime specifications:
Model number 10302
Build time Roughly 5 hours
Number of pieces 1,508
Number of minifigures 0
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Epic, clever construction
  • Transforms design
Reasons to avoid
  • Tough to build
  • Flimsy at first

Let’s get straight to it with this one. The Lego Optimus Prime set – based on the most iconic of Transformers – actually transforms. So you get to build a Lego set and end up with a robot that can change into a truck. We can’t quite work out if that means this is one toy or three, but it’s certainly a remarkable set.

Because this is a Lego kit that excels in both form and function. It transforms well, it looks great as a truck, and it’s a striking take on Optimus Prime himself, managing to feel imposing and present.

Mid-switch over, it can feel a little flimsy – and you’ll need to add or remove a small number of bricks as well as twist and pivot parts – but it all locks together well. In robot mode, Optimus has a good deal of articulation, and the detail throughout it is sublime.

Succulents

The best Lego flowers set.

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Succulents specifications:
Model number 10309
Build time Roughly 3 hours
Number of pieces 771
Number of minifigures 0
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Perfect gift set
  • Flowers that never die
Reasons to avoid
  • Fiddly to build

Lego Succulents is our favorite of all the horticultural Lego sets released in recent years – which between them stand as some of the most distinct the Danish firm has ever put out. We’ve seen bouquets and wreaths and bonsai trees that all do a remarkable job of capturing organic forms from rigid plastic bricks. Almost every such set seems to proudly assert: ‘Yes – this is what is possible with Lego’.

Those sets can also be rather pricey – as are a number of other options on this list. But Lego’s recent Succulents set brings something a little more affordable.

It includes nine plants such as cacti and can be built in different arrangements for different display cases. It even has something of a ‘multiplayer’ mode, with three sets of instructions letting you simultaneously work on different parts of the build with friends and family.

Atari 2600

The best Lego gaming replica set.

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Atari 2600 specifications:
Model number 10306
Build time Roughly 6 hours
Number of pieces 2532
Number of minifigures 1
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • So much Atari nostalgia
Reasons to avoid
  • Very expensive

Following on from Lego’s Nintendo Entertainment System set, with the Lego Atari 2600 the company’s designers have revisited one of the most important, influential pieces of gaming hardware yet ever released. The Lego Atari 2600 doesn’t deserve all the credit, but like so much from the Pong company, it left a profound legacy, while doing a hell of a lot of work to bring gaming into the mainstream.

And wow – the Lego version packs a lot in. There’s the console, with an opening section that pops out a tiny diorama of a gaming den from the era. Then you get three classic game carts, the machine’s beloved joystick controller, a cartridge rack, and a further trio of mini dioramas that represent the gameplay of each cartridge.

The Lego Atari 2600 sure doesn’t come at a pocket money price, but it absolutely brings value if you’re into classic consoles.

Ferrari Daytona

The best Lego car for adults.

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Ferrari Daytona specifications:
Model number 42143
Build time Roughly 12 hours
Number of pieces 3,778
Number of minifigures 0
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Faithful to the real thing
  • Amazing once finished
Reasons to avoid
  • Just shy of $500

There are more mechanically elaborate Technic sets out there, but the Lego Technic Ferrari Daytona does an amazing job of combining looks normally best achieved through the Lego System, with the function and complexity Technic serves up. It would almost be a spoiler to detail the build process too much because Technic offers a voyage of discovery as you push parts together. But, if you like the sound of constructing a V12 engine with moving pistons, it might be time to get technical.

A very quick primer on ‘the other Lego system’ – Technic: some of you mature adults reading may remember the older generation of Technic, which made heavy use of studded Lego bricks with holes along their sides. You still see a few of those bricks in modern sets, but around 2000, Technic went ‘studless’, introducing a whole new family of elements and building opportunities.

It distanced Technic a little further from what is strictly called the ‘Lego System’, which all the other sets here use – but also allowed Lego designers and custom builders to create much more complex models with working gearboxes, authentic suspension geometry, and even Bluetooth motors to allow remote control.

James Bond Aston Martin DB5

The best James Bond Lego set.

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James Bond Aston Martin DB5 specifications:
Model number 10262
Build time Roughly 4 hours
Number of pieces 1,295
Number of minifigures 0
Recommended age 16+
Reasons to buy
  • Authentic recreation
  • Elegant display piece
Reasons to avoid
  • Hard to find

The Lego James Bond Aston Martin DB5 – a brick-made version of the most iconic, charming, and gadget-packed car in film history – is arguably the greatest toy vehicle to be released. The car is just as you remember it from Goldfinger: revolving number plate, front-wing machine guns, ejector seat, and a six-cylinder engine under the hood.

It’s an authentic recreation of Bond’s Aston Martin and an elegant model in its own right. A must for James Bond fans? Probably.

Typewriter

The most realistic Lego set for adults.

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Typewriter specifications:
Model number 21327
Build time Roughly 5 hours
Number of pieces 2,079
Number of minifigures 0
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Really realistic
  • Amazing for display
Reasons to avoid
  • Hard to build
  • A pricier set

Such is the realism and style of the achingly vintage Lego Typewriter, that it can appear like the real thing. Typewriters might seem like an ancient relic to so many people today, but back in the early 1990s some of us were still using them occasionally to submit school work (you’re welcome to tell us we still look young at this point!). And coming from the era they did, they bring bags of style spoken in curved lines and glinting mechanisms.

Sure, the Lego Typewriter doesn’t actually work, but it comes bristling with smart mechanisms, and is perhaps a Technic set on the inside, and a Lego System set on the outside. It takes a piece of paper, hitting the keys makes the parts chatter away and the carriage slides across… and then you get to whack the carriage back to where it started, just like the real thing. It was based on the Lego founder’s machine, and comes with a typed letter from the current CEO, for you to display with this most handsome set.

Infinity Gauntlet

The best Lego Marvel set for adults.

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Infinity Gauntlet specifications:
Model number 76191
Build time Roughly 2 hours
Number of pieces 590
Number of minifigures 0
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • A classy Marvel set
  • Posable fingers
Reasons to avoid
  • Short build time

If Lego isn’t just for kids, Marvel definitely isn’t, so it should be no surprise that our list contains the Lego Infinity Gauntlet – perhaps those movies’ most iconic objects, recreated in brick form. Coveted by Thanos, and used to murder half the universe, you can now build this weapon of mass destruction yourself, and hang it around your home for all to see.

The detail is brilliant, but the gauntlet’s posable digits make it shine. Standing over a foot tall, the included stand makes it look like a trophy; fitting for the most powerful glove in the universe.

Vicent Van Gogh The Starry Night

The best artistic Lego set for adults

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Vicent Van Gogh The Starry Night specifications:
Model number 21333
Build time Roughly 7 hours
Number of pieces 2,316
Number of minifigures 1
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Creative and evocative
  • Bigger than you think
Reasons to avoid
  • Very tough build

Want some eye-catching Lego you can hang on your wall? The Lego Starry Night kit features great colors and unique block shapes. It beautifully captures the essence of Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpiece in Lego brick form. This 2,315-piece set will take you a while to construct, but once it’s complete you’ll be able to proudly display it for all to see.

The fact that this is a 3D reconstruction of a 2D painting is really clever, as elements like the trees and the stars literally pop out of the frame. It even comes complete with a little van Gogh minifigure painting the scene – a cute touch. Famous artwork seems like a rich, and previously untapped vein of Lego for adults that’s bound to see a lot of new builds in upcoming years, so stay tuned in case your favorite piece gets put in plastic.

Eiffel Tower

The best landmark Lego set.

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Eiffel Tower specifications:
Model number 10307
Build time Roughly 30 hours
Number of pieces 10,001
Number of minifigures 0
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Highly accurate
  • Absolutely huge
Reasons to avoid
  • One of the most expensive

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks and so it’s no surprise that Lego has created a set in its honor. Gustave Eiffel engineered the Eiffel Tower. Initially meant to be an attraction for the World’s Fair, it took 22 months to complete and is made up of 2,500,000 rivets, 7,300 tonnes of iron, and 60 tonnes of paint.

The Lego Eiffel Tower set is beautifully detailed with many intricacies. It’s a harder set to build so definitely offers a challenge as it has 10,001 pieces and measures 149 cm high, 57 cm wide, and 57 cm in depth. That’s nearly five feet tall! This set might seem pricey, but it’s massive and is the flagship model in the Lego Travel and History series.

The idea behind this set is to build it in a similar way to the real Eiffel Tower. This set is assembled in four sections. (Because it’s made up of four different sections, you can disassemble the set should you ever need to move it).

Just like the real tower it has three observation platforms, lifts with cabling, a broadcast tower, and Gustave Eiffel’s private office at the top. And again, just like the real thing, this set is made of a sound structure. This set will certainly transport you to the streets of Paris.

Star Wars Emperor’s Throne Room

The best Lego diorama set.

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Star Wars Emperor’s Throne Room specifications:
Model number 75352
Build time Roughly 3 hours
Number of pieces 807
Number of minifigures 3
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Classy display piece
  • Flashy plaque
Reasons to avoid
  • Could be larger

In a galaxy far far away, Luke Skywalker has returned in the form of Lego… When completed, this ultimate Lego set will offer a fantastic conversation starter for all Star Wars fanatics here in the galaxy. This set offers a marvelous project to unwind and is perfect for adults who are a fan of the franchise.

The Lego Emperor’s Throne Room diorama set offers the perfect piece of classic Star Wars memorabilia. For $99.99 (£89.99) it captures an exciting scene from The Return of The Jedi (1983) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its release.

This set depicts the final climax between Luke and two of the most notorious baddies in the series; Palpatine and Darth Vader. It pays attention to detail. Emperor Palpatine’s throne rotates. The Death Star window element is specially designed for this set and the two control panels are very exact to their onscreen counterparts.

It contains 807 pieces so is relatively compact and its finished product is fantastic. Perfect for a mantelpiece or display cabinet. It comes with three Lego Minifigures; Palpatine with two Sith lightning bolts and Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader with lightsabers. It also comes with a plaque featuring Luke’s iconic line “I am a Jedi, like my father before me.”

Bugatti Chiron

The best Lego Technic set for adults.

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Bugatti Chiron specifications:
Model number 42083
Build time Roughly 12 hours
Number of pieces 3,599
Number of minifigures 0
Recommended age 16+
Reasons to buy
  • Another fantastic car
  • Best of Lego Technic
Reasons to avoid
  • Harder to find

The Bugatti Chiron sports car combines suave design, ground-breaking technology, and speed. Like the real deal, the Lego Bugatti Chiron does all the above and is perfect for car-loving Lego fans looking for a challenge. This model is a 1:8 scale replica model.

Similar to the Ferrari above, this Lego set is a part of the more challenging Technic range. These sets usually contain complex mechanisms and this set is no different.

Spec-wise, this set has; an active rear wing, brake discs, a W16 engine with moving pistons, an 8-speed gearbox with a movable paddle gearstick, and spoked rims with low-profile tires. Its hood even opens up to reveal its very own unique serial number. You can even switch the active rear wing from handling to the top speed position using the top speed key.

This set is 3,599 pieces and measures 14 cm high, 56 cm long, and 32 cm wide. Unfortunately, this set is now retired but is still available on sites like Amazon. With all its detail and brilliance, you’ll want to hunt one down while you still can. It’s not just a car; it is a work of art as well.

The Dark Knight Tumbler

The best Lego Batman set for adults.

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The Dark Knight Tumbler specifications:
Model number 76240
Build time Roughly 8 hours
Number of pieces 2,049
Number of minifigures 2
Recommended age 18+
Reasons to buy
  • Big and challenging
Reasons to avoid
  • Some fans will prefer older Batmobiles

Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight (2008) brought the macabre side of Batman to the big screen and boy was it a hit! As a result, Lego decided to release a Lego Dark Knight Tumbler.

This set is perfect for adults who love Batman. Because it is a larger set containing 2,049 pieces, it also offers a challenge for the more experienced builder.

This set includes two minifigures; Batman and Heath Ledger’s The Joker. There are two different Tumbler Lego sets on the market. One has been retired but can still be found on websites like Amazon, whereas the re-release can be found on the Lego website.

The main difference? Well, the initial set had some flaws, and the new set irons these out. The new set comes with a stand and the placard is much neater, and the outfit that the Joker is wearing. Both sets are reasonably priced for what you get, though.

Aesthetically, it looks very similar to its on-screen portrayal. It has removable roof panels to reveal a very detailed cockpit. Its wheels move. And it is designed in a way that the outside looks great without compromising the building experience.

Read the Batman Lego Tumbler review on our sister site.

How we chose the best Lego sets for adults

There are hundreds of Lego sets on the market. Some take a few hours to build, while others will keep you busy for a few days or more. When picking a new Lego set, are you looking for yourself or a friend? Do you (or they) want an easy build to display, or is the challenge and complexity of creating the finished set more important?

We’ve included a variety of sets in this guide, covering some of the biggest TV shows and movies around. We’ve also listed the approximate time each one takes to build, and recommend using that as a starting point. There are some expensive sets in this list (just under $500/£500), but we feel they justify being included because of their craftsmanship or sheer beauty (looking at you, Lord of The Rings Rivendell set).

FAQs

If you’re new to Lego (or just returning as a grown-up after a long break), here are a few helpful tips and explainers to help you ease into the hobby!

How long do Lego sets take to build?

Based on our testing, an experienced adult builder can assemble around 300-400 pieces per hour – meaning a 1,000 piece set should take roughly two to four hours to complete.

The build time estimates for the sets above are based on that rule of thumb (with some adjustments for certain sets).

However, this is only a broad estimate, and in practise every Lego set is different – your total build time will vary based on your method, the complexity of the set, and many other factors.

Unless you’re training to be a competitive builder, we recommend taking your time to enjoy the build experience, rather than watching the clock – it’s part of what you’re paying for, after all!

How many new Lego sets are released each year?

Lego releases an average of 850 new Lego sets annually, according to data from Lego set database Brickset.

But that number has been steadily increasing in recent years, with the running estimate for 2024 over 900 (more may still be released before the year is out).

How do I get replacement pieces for Lego sets?

Lego’s customer service is famously excellent – if you’re missing a brick from a brand new set (or it comes broken), you can just visit the Missing Bricks section of its site, select your set, flip through the digital instructions to find the piece you’re lacking, give them a shipping address, and they’ll send it out to you free of charge.

Be warned, though – if your set is discontinued or the part is no longer available, you might have to go searching on Ebay or other marketplaces to dig out the bit you need.

That’s it for our top Lego sets for adults! If you love Lego, check out our lists of the best Lego board games and the rarest Lego minifigures for more. If the sets in this list are beyond your price range, there are also the best cheap Lego sets for budget options.