If you build it...
Lego has allowed generations of youngsters the chance to create something out of nothing. Those small colourful blocks interconnect in a variety of ways and bring to life cool dioramas constructed entirely out of plastic. In short: they're absolutely brilliant.
As Lego unites with movie studios and TV networks, tie-ins from the likes of Batman and The Avengers put you in control: you now call the shots and simultaneously have a lot of fun in the process. If you're after a piece of cool movie merchandise or want to load up your pint-sized young 'uns with endless possibilities, then look no further. I've got you covered.
15. Batman: The Batcave
The set: A prized asset to Legos Super Heroes DC Universe collection, The Batcave set is a beast! At 6860 pieces, youre getting hours of construction fun thrown in on top of the eventual battle between Batman and Bane, as Mr. Wayne must keep Poison Ivy safe from the clutches of his nemesis. In addition to the colorful wealth of bricks are Banes drill tank and the Batcycle (both equipped with dual-flick missiles), Batmans computer station, a rocket launcher and five figurines.
Coolest detail: Take the elevator down and transform Bruce Wayne into Batman!
Where can I buy it? A 'retired product' on the Lego production line, this one's unavailable from its official site, but Amazon US and Amazon UK have a few copies left.
14. Back To The Future: The Delorean Time Machine
The set: Who DIDNT want to build their own time machine after watching Back To The Future? This customised set allows you to construct a bespoke Delorean, featuring fold-up wheels, those iconic doors, and of course, the obligatory flux capacitor.
Coolest detail: Attach Martys skateboard to the back and ride on time... ride on time, wont you ride on time! Alright, thats enough.
Available for purchase? Head on over to Amazon US or Amazon UK and scoop one up.
13. Jurassic World: T-rex Tracker
The set: The prehistoric prize attraction is yours for the taking! This is one of the more substantial of Lego's licensed Jurassic World sets that's surprisingly quick to assemble. It's based around a mobile containment unit designed to house the park's veteran dino, the T-Rex. A Vic Hoskins figurine - Vincent D'Onofrio's character - is included along with a vet and an ACU officer raring to lure the beast along on his motorcycle... while waving a molotov cocktail at the creature. Plus, there's some intricate devices prepped for you to ensnare the dino, a tranquiliser dart gun, a stun rod and a harpoon-inspired shooter attached to the vehicle.
Coolest detail: Hands down the T-Rex; a well-crafted piece of kit that's easily transferable to other LEGO scenarios. And real-life ones.
Where can I buy it? It's still listed on the Lego shop: it's just temporarily unavailable due to large demand. Head over to Amazon to scope out their selection, or over to Target's eBay where there's a limited selection available for the standard RRP. UK enthusiasts can grab a set over on Amazon for 60.
12. The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier
The set: This expansive piece of Avengers kit wipes the floor with the previous Lego vehicles manned by Earth's Mightiest Heroes. An ambitious build of this magnitude requires some hefty construction; this is S.H.I.E.L.D.'s airborne base of operations after all. It boasts 3,000 bricks in total, making this a project that'll have you occupied for hours.
Coolest detail: The interactive parts allow you to hand crank the engines - just like a S.H.I.E.L.D operative! The micro-sized Quinjets manned by one of the four Avengers figurines are also pretty nifty throw-ins.
Where can I buy it? Amazon's got this mega-kit available at the RRP of $349.99 or 309 for UK fans.
11. Man of Steel: Battle of Smallville
The set: A recreation of the films most action-packed sequences, this set kicks brick as youve got two options for play. You can join Supes and Colonel Hardy in his tan jeep and off-road for battle, OR go to the dark side and hop aboard Colonel Zods giant Black Zero dropship.
Coolest detail: Zods dropship has a "rotating underside cannon". Sounds pervy. Probably isnt.
Where can I buy it? Considering its tie-in movie Man of Steel opened over two years ago, this popular set is still available at its original price. Amazon UK has it listed at 28 and over on Amazon US it's going for $38.99.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy: Knowhere Escape Mission
The set: Modelled after one of the movie's most action-packed sequences when the Guardians venture to Knowhere and wind up catapulting across the planet's atmosphere. While this specific set-up isn't in the movie - except the yellow pools of goo - the mining shaft's intricate trap door system, and the mining pods make for a cool construction.
Coolest detail: The tiny escape pods that the Guardians' commandeer to flee are downright awesome to construct. Plus: the detailed Rocket Raccoon and Groot figurines are a hoot.
9. Indiana Jones And The Temple of Doom: Mine Carts
The set: It may not boast as many pieces as other gargantuan sets to have already graced this list, but really, whore we kidding - this is by far one of the coolest sets. Not for the amateur enthusiast, this retired item comes with a higher price tag than most newer sets, but it's worth every penny. Once assembled, chuck Indy and co into the carts and send em on their way!
Coolest detail: Its a tie; either the functional temple trapdoor or the diminutive Short Round figurine.
Where can I buy it? They'll set you back a bit, with Amazon US's listing sat at $308 and Amazon UK at 160.
8. The Lego Movie: Lord Business Evil Lair
The set: Based on the brick-inspired flick, The Lego Movie, the lair of Lord Business is given the royal treatment in one of the biggest sets licensed to coincide with the films release. Comes with a whopping six minifigures who we can only assume are major characters connected to the story; Ma Cop, Pa Cop, Emmet, Vitruvius, Lord Business, and Biznis the cat. Once built you can parade them through a TV studio, an office, and a think tank.
Coolest detail: The tube of Krazy Glue fitted into the guns, a neat self-referential twist on the very thing all Lego enthusiasts fear - permanence.
7. Iron Man: Malibu Mansion attack
The set: Nabbing one of the films showiest set pieces, this official Lego kit lets you assemble Tony Starks clifftop abode - before it comes under attack from The Mandarin. This nifty collection of bricks includes five figures, the only Marvel one so far with a Pepper Potts.
Coolest detail: Explode the entire row of floor-to-ceiling windows of Starks manor with a handy switch. Brilliant.
Where can I buy it? The Lego store over on Amazon US or Amazon UK.
6. The Dark Knight Rises: Tumbler Chase
The set: This official set features at its core Batmans most recent onscreen choice of transport: the Tumbler. Take to the streets of Gotham and knock down a load of barricades. Airborne attacks come courtesy of The Bat, also included along with a handful of mini-figures.
Coolest detail: The Bats cockpit can accommodate two figures - so why not amp up the fanfic and pop Bane in alongside Batman as they chase down Commissioner Gordon.
Where can I buy it? Amazon UK or Amazon US.
5. Ant-Man: Final Battle
The set: This mid-range set takes its cues from the climatic end battle of this year's comic book sleeper Ant-Man. Offering you the choice of super-powered Ant-Man or Hank Pym minifigs to take down Yellow Jacket is nice and all, but when the villainous chap's got his stud shooters to hand, why not go to the Dark Side?
Coolest detail: The outsized Lego brick catapult: fly, Ant-Man, fly!
Where can I buy it? Grab a set over at Amazon UK for 21.99, or over on Amazon US for $20. Perfect stocking stuffer prices.
4. The Lord Of The Rings: Mines Of Moria
The set: The Fellowships trek across Middle-Earth has arrived at the dreaded Mines Of Moria. Luckily the makers of this contraption have thrown in swords, chains, bows, axes and shields for Legolas, Boromir, Pippin and Gimli to fend off two Moria orcs and a mahoosive Cave Troll. Win the battle for a chance to reveal a hidden room stuffed with treasure.
Coolest detail: Sure, the giant Cave Troll is impressive. The expression immortalised on the face of the Pippin figurine however, is genius. Wetting his pants or baring down? You decide.
3. Harry Potter: Hogwart's Castle
The set: This staggering 1290-piece set is four levels high and includes a host of rooms snatched straight from the movies; the Gryffindor tower, Dumbledores office (including the secret sliding stairs) and even the Great Hall decked out in Slytherin and Gryffindors house colors. The stained glass windows add that authentic touch to the world of Potter.
Coolest detail: Two figurine Dementors thrown in for good measure.
Where can I buy it? As an older limited edition set it's not cheap. It goes for 339.99 on Amazon UK and $595.00 on Amazon US.
2. Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters
The set: Who you gonna call... to ask about getting you this for your birthday? This massive homage to the Ghostbusters' iconic HQ is an extensively-detailed construction containing a whopping 4600 pieces. The two-storey building is kitted out with plenty of recognisable locales from the movie all of which you can explore with the nine minifigs included. Plus, tons of extra accessories dress up the firehouse; you can slide down the pole and blast Louis Tully to see if he's been attacked by Zuul's hell hounds yet. Sets like this don't come along often.
Coolest detail: Switch around the librarian's hairpiece and transform her from a bookslinger to ghastly ghoul.
Where can I buy it? The set is available from January 1, 2016, so keep your eyes peeled on the official Lego site for pre-order information. If you can't wait that long for your ghostly fix, grab the highly-praised limited edition ECTO-1 set in the meantime, available in both the US and UK.
1. Star Wars: Death Star
The set: The idea of slapping bricks together to forge a spherical Lego structure didnt deter the masters behind this feat. The Death Star battleships aesthetic snags the top spot as the definitive geek mirrorball. The attention to detail means youve got a lot to contend with - multiple decks, rotating laser turrets, a firing laser cannon, the Imperial conference chamber - each are prepped for a full re-enactment of the films major scenes with the collection of character figurines included. Yes: the Vader and Luke battle is possible. It is over 10,000 pieces!
Coolest detail: The trash compactor. Thats all were saying.
Where can I buy it? It's still available in brand new condition for 333 in the UK and $399.95 in the US. Scoop these up now before the mad Christmas rush. And hey, they're bound to become collector's items in case you need any extra incentive...
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