When you talk about LEGO, most people think that they are mainly fun blocks for children and young teenagers. However, nothing could be further from the truth in 2024. Many of the LEGO sets today are even specially made for adults.
Many LEGO building sets also have a 16+ or 18+ warning to indicate that they are not for children. These sets are often a lot more challenging to build and the end result is often very impressive. Playing with LEGO when you are in your twenties, thirties, forties or even fifties is completely normal and can sometimes even be cool.
We list 11 LEGO sets that are extremely popular with adults and at the same time a must-have for real fans.
LEGO Technic McLaren Formula 1 Racing Car
The new Formula 1 season is almost coming to an end and since McClaren currently has a winning one, the LEGO version of their F1 car is extremely popular. Just like the real car, this LEGO Technic version has a V6 cylinder engine with moving pistons, working steering, suspension and a differential. A must-have for enthusiasts.
More information/photos and the Lego McLaren F1 racing car can be purchased here
LEGO Friends Central Perk
This LEGO set is also specially intended for adults. More specifically for Friends fans who look back nostalgically at one of the best sitcoms of all time. This building set is an exact replica of the famous Central Perk coffee house from the series. Literally every little element has been incorporated into this unique set, from the seats to the stage and even the coffee maker. This LEGO box also includes Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey, Phoebe and even manager Gunther.
A must-have for die-hard fans and with the death of Matthew Perry last year, it has suddenly become extremely popular and loved again.
More information/photos and LEGO Friends Central Perk can be purchased here – Rare LEGO set
LEGO Darth Vader (and other Star Wars helmets)
LEGO and Star Wars have been going hand in hand for years. The Star Wars LEGO set remains extremely popular with adults. One of the showpieces are the Star Wars helmets of well-known characters from the series.
Nowadays you already have a lot of options such as: one Luke Skywalker version, a beautiful but very expensive Stormtrooper version, R2-D2 in LEGO and then also a Mandolorian helmet. However, it is mainly the Darth Vader helmet that is selling like hot cakes for adults.
More information/photos and a LEGO Darth Vader helmet can be purchased here
LEGO Creator Expert Flower Bouquet
We sincerely wonder why this building set is so popular, but it is consistently in the top 5 of best-selling LEGO sets for adults. This ‘flower bouquet’ consists of a lot of beautiful flowers in many colors and is made entirely of LEGO parts. The stems are adjustable, so you can easily adapt the bouquet to different vases.
Bonus benefit of course: They don’t wilt like real plants. Maybe that’s why they are so loved.
More information/photos and the LEGO Creator Expert Flower Bouquet can be purchased here
LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle (Hogwarts)
You would think that this castle was made for young Harry Potter fans, but nothing could be further from the truth. This Hogwarts castle is actually designed with adults in mind. With no less than 6020 building pieces and 27 microfigures, you will have a lot of time to put this together completely.
This LEGO castle has been selling for more than four years and has received rave reviews from fans. Not only because of the authenticity, but also because it is apparently a lot of fun to put together.
More information/photos and the LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle can be purchased here
LEGO Technic Ferrari 488 GTE AF Corse
This racing car model looks exactly like Ferrari’s real endurance racer and is full of realistic details. The model has front and rear suspension, doors that can be opened, a V8 engine with moving pistons and a steering wheel to allow the car to make turns. The original stickers and authentic colors complete this legendary model.
More information/photos and the LEGO Technic Ferrari 488 can be purchased here
LEGO Titanic – Gigantic but very expensive
More than 9,000 (!) blocks and almost one and a half meters wide. The LEGO version of the Titanic is a wet dream for many LEGO collectors and looks fantastic. You will have to dig deep into your pockets because with a price tag of more than 700 euros, it is one of the most expensive LEGO sets on the market.
More information/photos and the LEGO Titanic can be purchased here
LEGO Technic Yamaha MT-10 SP
Not only LEGO replicas of racing cars are extremely popular, the brand new LEGO Technic Yamaha MT-10 SP version is also extremely popular. Every detail has been thought about to make this model motorcycle resemble the real Yamaha as much as possible. There is a 4-cylinder engine, 3-speed transmission and a chain drive with working front and rear suspension.
More information/photos and the LEGO Technic Yamaha can be purchased here
LEGO Marvel: Captain America’s shield
Huge Marvel fan? Then this might be one to put on your must-have list. Last year a box containing a gigantic LEGO replica of the Captain America shield appeared. You may not be able to knock anyone on the nose with it, but it certainly looks great as a showpiece for the living room.
Marvel fans should definitely go too watch the LEGO Thanos Gauntlet.
More information/photos and Captain America’s LEGO Marvel shield can be purchased here
LEGO Walt Disney camera tribute
LEGO and Disney have often done a lot of cool collaborations, but this is a must-have for big Disney fans. This collector’s set consists of a vintage ‘film camera’ and a beautiful film strip with images from 20 historic Disney films, plus a clapperboard with space for some LEGO Disney minifigures.
This high-quality LEGO Disney set was released in honor of Disney’s 100th anniversary and is actually a very unique collector’s item for fans of Disney and LEGO. The Reviews for this set are lyrical by the way.
More information/photos and a LEGO Disney camera can be purchased here
Ah, LEGO! The delightful, multicolored bricks that have brought joy to children for decades. But wait—2024 has arrived, and it seems the world isn’t just for kids anymore! That’s right; adult LEGO is not just a thing; it’s practically a lifestyle choice now, with sets complete with age ratings that might just make you question your own childhood. It appears there are some surprisingly intricate and – dare I say – sophisticated models designed specifically for those who have left the Lego Lost Boys club a long time ago. It’s like they’ve decided that being an adult means building your F1 car while sipping your mid-afternoon herbal tea.
Now, apparently, you can be twenty, thirty, or even fifty years old and still play with blocks! Imagine that! Some say it’s a return to simplicity; others think we’re just trying to avoid adulting altogether. Either way, we now have the delightfully elaborate “LEGO McLaren Formula 1 Racing Car.” Not only do you get to build it, but it comes with moving pistons! Yes, moving pistons! Because nothing says “I’ve made it” quite like putting together a model that has more mechanics than your actual car! A must-have for enthusiasts, or as I like to call them, the grown-up kids with disposable income for the plushest of plastic toys.
And if you’re more of a “Friends” fan than a “Ferrari” fan, fear not! We have the “LEGO Friends Central Perk” set beckoning you. Customize your nostalgic memories of a coffee shop that was the epicenter of ’90s television. This set includes all your favorite characters—yes, even Gunther. Sorry, no Ross’s “We were on a break!” but it’s as close as you may get. The recent passing of Matthew Perry has surely skyrocketed the value of this set—after all, nothing says “I miss you, Perry” quite like building a plastic coffee shop!
And for those of you who feel the need to channel your inner Jedi, there’s the ever-popular “LEGO Star Wars” series. You get to assemble iconic helmets that look fantastic, or get a bit cheeky with a “Darth Vader Helm” because who doesn’t want to feel like the Sith Lord while sipping cold brew? With all the helmets available, it’s practically become an adult’s parade of nerdy outwear—”Yes, I don’t just binge-watch Star Wars; I build it too!”
Speaking of wonderfully unnecessary things, let’s admire the “LEGO Creator Expert Flower Bouquet.” In a world filled with wilting reminders of poor life choices, these PETALicious little blocks hold their form quite well—like your ex’s wishful thinking. Beautiful flowers without the constant need to water them? That’s adulting 101! Plus, if they ever start to wilt, you can just build something else with them—a metaphor for love, if ever I heard one.
And, of course, who can forget the “LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle”? Because why settle for a cottage in the Harry Potter universe when you could build a grand castle? This isn’t just for kids; it’s the ultimate adult pastime—which is practically saying “I’m not just a nerd; I’m a ‘cultured’ nerd.” And isn’t 6020 pieces just the cherry on top of your midlife crisis cake?
Each set brims with so-called ‘realistic details’ that let you compete with your friends about who can build the best LEGO model without using any instructions (well, we all know how that goes). The “LEGO Titanic,” at over €700, might just cause a few parents to faint in horror, while collectors rejoice in their new obsession! Just beware of the irony—the Titanic doesn’t sink, but your bank balance sure could!
Now we have the “LEGO Technic Yamaha MT-10 SP”, and it’s so realistic you’ll probably find yourself debating whether to treat it like a work of art or your chance to relive college days. And don’t get me started on the Marvel sets, especially Captain America’s iconic shield. Sure, you can’t actually use it to fend off bad guys, but imagine explaining that to your friends: “Don’t worry, guys; it’s just a LEGO model. I’m still as manly as ever!”
Lastly, if you’re a Disney aficionado, there’s a LEGO tribute camera ready to enter the fray. What’s more overwhelming than building a vintage camera with your favourite Disney scenes? It’s practically a make-your-own ‘Disneyland’ experience right in the comfort of your turmoil-filled adult life!
In conclusion, LEGO’s evolution is not just a testament to playful creativity but a bizarre yet beautiful reflection of the adult world we live in. A world where we reminisce about childhood while deliberately stepping into IKEA’s most complex furniture puzzles. So, go on, grab a set that calls out to the child in you; who said growing up was mandatory?
