Lego is a world unto itself, so popular and enjoyable that it’s become one of the world’s most enduring and famous toy brands. It’s also been around for ages, and has been putting out amazing, iconic builds and sets for most of that time.
We’ve taken a look back through the archives to remind you of some of the very best Lego sets ever made - perhaps you even had some, back in the day. Some are old, while others are really recent, but all of them are super impressive and great fun to build.
The Millenium Falcon
The Falcon tops out our list for one simple reason - as we remember, it’s been the one Lego set that every kid wants, but only a few can afford, for years now.
Whichever version you get your hands on, you’re building one of the most iconic spaceships in design history, one that would proudly decorate any home and still be great fun to play with.
LEGO 75257 Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Millennium Falcon
1989 Batmobile
Most of the sets we feature on this list aren’t hyper-serious collector’s editions, but we’re making an exception for the 1989 Batmobile.
This beautiful set is a loving recreation of the 1989 film vehicle right down to the hubcaps, and will be a real labour of love for anyone who sets out to build it.
Lego DC Superheroes 1989 Batmobile 76139
King’s Castle
Now we’re really going back to our roots, though. Historic Lego sets are some of the very best, with masses of character squeezed into simple designs and models (just look at those horses' eyes!).
The King’s Castle has iconic pennants and guards, with a drawbridge using twine that was so easy to get tangled it beggared belief.
If you’re talking about castles, though, it’s worth admitting that there’s one that trumps all the others - Hogwarts.
This stunning home to budding wizards and witches is massive and detailed, with countless delightful touches like the included Whomping Willow and a cheeky Hungarian Horntail clinging to its tallest tower.
Scratch-Resistant Phone shell
Star Destroyer
Lego Star Wars is something else, though, and we can’t help but return to it.
This gargantuan Star Destroyer set will dominate your living room while you build it, but end up with a hyper-imposing and impressive set. The Imperial officer minifigs down on the base give you a sense for how large this one is.
LEGO 75252 Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer Collectable Model Construction Set, Ultimate Collector Series
Fort Legoredo
There’s nothing like a fun setting to make a Lego set last long in the memory, and Fort Legoredo’s cowboy styling is brilliant.
The log walls of the fort and its guardsmen armed with guns contend against a gang of pistol-toting outlaws to allow for countless stories and battles.
Lego #6769 Wild West Fort Legoredo
Death Star
Okay, this time we’re willing to promise - this is our last Star Wars set. But we couldn’t leave out the Death Star, a set that’s had kids and adults drooling with envy for ages.
This is most recent and up-to-date version, which is also the biggest yet, and includes a hanger and throne room among other sections.
Black Seas Barracuda
Lego and pirates go together like peanut butter and jelly. It’s a perfect match, as demonstrated by the classic Black Seas Barracuda, a pirate ship we’d be proud to call home.
Those striped sails look innocent, but the Jolly Rodger says otherwise, making this ship more than meets the eye.
Lego Pirates Black Seas Barracuda # 10040
Bugatti Chiron
Lego Technic might be divisive when it comes to whether it’s pure Lego or not, but the Bugatti Chiron makes our list regardless.
It got loads of attention when it was unveiled for just how much it does look like the car it’s imitating, and it remains a great set for anyone looking for a slightly more challenging build.
LEGO 42083 Technic Bugatti Chiron, Super Sports Car Exclusive Collectable Model, Advanced Building Set
We’re going properly old school again, though, with this simple but effective airplane from Lego’s earlier days.
It nicely showcases how Lego used to do such brilliant work with far simpler components, designing the essence of a set without needing bespoke pieces.
