LEGO spans generations, appealing to both kids and the kids at heart. In fact, many adults are rediscovering the joy of building with LEGO bricks and finding it a fun way to unwind and tap into their creative side. Fortunately, grownups don’t need to settle for kids’ toys. LEGO has embraced the older demographic with themed sets for 18 and above.
Some are newer additions, while others are picks from the best LEGO sets of all time. Below, we narrow down the company’s vast catalog to the top six best adult LEGO sets. And if you’re looking for kid-friendly options, we have them, too. Check out our review of the best LEGO sets.
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Best LEGO Sets For Adults Comparison Chart
| Model | Product Image | Age Range | Price |
| LEGO NASA Space Shuttle Discovery |  | 18+ |  |
| LEGO Optimus Prime |  | 18+ | |
| LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System |  | 18+ | |
| LEGO Jazz Quartet |  | 18+ | |
| LEGO Titanic |  | 18+ | |
| LEGO The Mandalorian Helmet |  | 18+ | |
NASA Space Shuttle Discovery
The best adult LEGO set for space enthusiasts
Space is considered the final frontier, one that has piqued the imagination of humanity over thousands of years. LEGO’s NASA Space Shuttle Discovery hopes to capture the same wonder on a much smaller scale. Made up of 2,354 pieces, the LEGO Icons favorite celebrates NASA’s STS-31 mission, which launched the Hubble Space Telescope into low orbit.
LEGO’s recreation includes a functional payload bay, retractable landing gear, and a space arm. In addition, the cockpit opens to reveal flight and mid-decks, plus seating for five crew members. Meanwhile, the payload bay houses the Hubble Space Telescope. Like the spaceship, the telescope features moveable parts like solar panels and a hatch door.
The set includes a coffee-book-style guide that features the shuttle’s inspirational details. Plus, the model comes with multiple display stands, so you can display the shuttle and telescope individually or together. Overall, the LEGO NASA Space Shuttle Discovery is a fantastic collectible set for adults who love to build.
No. of Pieces: 2,354 | Assembled Dimensions: 8.5 x 21 x 13.5 in. | Theme: LEGO Icons
Optimus Prime
The best playable LEGO set for adults
LEGO sets for adults aren’t just for building and displaying. The LEGO Optimus Prime, for instance, converts from a robot to a truck and vice-versa without rebuilding. With 19 points of articulation, Transformers fans will have fun playing with and exploring the robot’s movements.
Of course, the Optimus Prime model also includes authentic accessories. From the Ion Blaster to the Energon axe, the set allows builders to recreate scenes from the Transformers universe. The robot’s chest chamber even stores the Autobot Matrix of Leadership.
The finished model is also sturdy and well-balanced. If you’re looking to display Optimus Prime, LEGO includes a plaque as a tribute to your passion.
No. of Pieces: 1,508 | Assembled Dimensions: 13.5 x 10.5 x 4.5 in. | Theme: LEGO Icons
Nintendo Entertainment System
The best LEGO set for adults who want an interactive model
The LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System set is a fantastic tribute to one of the most iconic gaming consoles of all time. It’s also the perfect gift for Super Mario fans and gamers. With over 2,000 pieces, the set is an immersive and challenging build for adults. To further evoke nostalgia, the console includes a controller and an opening slot for buildable Game Pak cartridges.
LEGO’s NES set also comes with a buildable 80s-style TV. The unit features a hand-operated rolling screen and a flat 8-bit Mario figure that reacts to obstacles. To move the figure, you simply turn the TV handle. If you have the Super Mario action brick, you can add the figure to the TV’s top slot to activate interactive features.
No. of Pieces: 2,646 | Assembled Dimensions: 8 x 9 x 6 in. (TV) | Theme: LEGO Super Mario
Jazz Quartet
The best LEGO set for music lovers
LEGO’s Ideas line includes sets inspired by original concepts submitted by older enthusiasts to the company. Our pick from this collection is the LEGO Jazz Quartet. Most LEGO characters come as minifigures. In this set, however, the musicians feature a more intricate design.
You get four musicians in this band — a pianist, bassist, trumpeter, and drummer. Each of the characters can be portrayed in a variety of poses. The instruments also feature rich details and, together with the musicians, can be placed on stage any way you like.
LEGO includes separate instructions for the musicians and the instruments. The jazz memorabilia set also comes with illustrated booklets with an exclusive cover artwork.
No. of Pieces: 1,606 | Assembled Dimensions: 7.5 x 17 x 6 in. | Theme: LEGO Ideas
Titanic
The best collectible adult LEGO set for history buffs
No ocean liner has captured the imagination as much as the Titanic. Throughout the years, books, documentaries, and blockbuster films have brought the iconic ship to life. LEGO also pays tribute to the vessel with its authentic scale model (1:200), the LEGO Titanic set.
Just like the original ship was named after its size, the LEGO Titanic is a colossal building project. It comes with over 9,000 pieces and measures 53 inches long. While it’s a challenge to build, the results are satisfying. LEGO has faithfully recreated the ship’s details, including its lifeboats, smoke stacks, and iconic bridge.
In addition, the ship splits into three sections, which gives a view of the detailed interior. Some of the intricate features include the grand staircase, cabins, and smoking lounge. Meanwhile, the ship’s propellers offer a glimpse into a working vessel. Turning the propellers also trigger the piston engines to turn.
The LEGO Titanic is arguably the most eye-catching collectible display piece to get. The set also includes stands to support all three sections of the model and a plaque to commemorate its assembly.
No. of Pieces: 9,090 | Assembled Dimensions: 53 x 17.5 x 6 in. | Theme: LEGO Icons
The Mandalorian Helmet
The best adult LEGO set for Stars Wars fans this 2023
If you’re looking for a smaller centerpiece for your home, then the LEGO Star Wars The Mandalorian Helmet is a solid choice. Inspired by the popular TV series, the brick replica of the titular character is a satisfying build made up of only 584 pieces. This makes it an ideal gift for both casual and advanced builders.
The Mandalorian Helmet isn’t the most colorful set out there. Instead, the set’s pieces are mostly gray and black. However, the gray bricks come in different shades, allowing builders to replicate the contours of the original. Plus, it lends a sheen to the beskar armor. Once finished, you can display the helmet on a brick stand with a nameplate.
Designed for adults and hobbyists, the Mandalorian Helmet is part of LEGO’s Star Wars build-to-display collectible helmets. And like all LEGO sets, it comes with step-by-step instructions in the box.
No. of Pieces: 584 | Assembled Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 4.5 in. | Theme: LEGO Star Wars
Verdict
Ultimately, the best set for an adult will depend on their individual interests and building experience, but these options provide a great starting point.
The best LEGO sets for adults offer a challenging and engaging building experience while providing a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction once completed. These sets often come with more complex instructions, intricate designs, and a larger number of pieces. Some popular options for adult LEGO fans include the Icon series, Star Wars sets, and LEGO Ideas models.
For beginners, we recommend the LEGO Star Wars The Mandalorian Helmet. The set has fewer pieces and makes for a small centerpiece you can display at home or in the office. Moreover, it’s part of a collectible lineup you may want to explore later.
If you want something more challenging, then opt for the LEGO NASA Space Shuttle Discovery. While its final dimensions pale in comparison with the LEGO Titanic, it requires enough of a learning curve to be a challenging build. And like the iconic ocean vessel, the spaceship boasts intricate exterior and interior details to keep builders fascinated.
FAQs
LEGO Star Wars is a popular theme of LEGO building sets based on characters and scenes from the Star Wars franchise. The collection features a wide range of sets, from smaller models with a handful of pieces to large, detailed sets with thousands of pieces.
The LEGO Icons collection is a series of LEGO sets featuring iconic landmarks, modular buildings, timeless vehicles, and beloved pop culture icons.
The LEGO Titanic is worth 4420 points.
LEGO shares that its standard shipping is anywhere between 3 to 5 days.