Hasta La Ideas

LEGO is universally loved by people of all ages and stages of life. It has become a tool for artistic creativity and expression, rather than a simple building toy. LEGO bricks are being used by LEGO builders all over the world to form lovely figures and intricate structures. In 2024, we saw a diverse range of exciting LEGO builds – ranging from pop-culture inspired structures to fancy little houses. LEGO blocks truly serve as a platform for creativity and imaginative play.

We have curated a collection of the top 10 LEGO designs of 2024. Each build showcases excellent design and meticulous craftsmanship, with amazing attention to detail. They are visually unique and interesting, while also representing the limitless potential of LEGO as a creative tool.

1. LEGO Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

This LEGO rendition of the SR-71 Blackbird masterfully encapsulates the essence and elegance of the iconic aircraft. Crafted with precision, the model mirrors the SR-71’s sleek, elongated silhouette, boasting a sharply defined nose and elegantly sweeping wings that capture its aerodynamic prowess.

Not merely a static display, this model includes functional elements such as working flaps, retractable landing gear, and a meticulously detailed cockpit, each component thoughtfully designed to pay homage to the original aircraft’s remarkable engineering. Accompanying the model is a supportive base, complete with a plaque that provides key specifications of the SR-71, adding an educational dimension to this fantastic piece.

2. LEGO “Bob Ross: Studio & Paintings” Kit

LEGO-builder Bricknificent created the “Bob Ross: Studio and Paintings” kit, immortalizing the painter and art instructor Bob Ross. Bob Ross is known for his meditative paintings and videos that many people loved. The fan-made LEGO set contains Ross as a Minifigure inside his recording studio, and this is connected to an art gallery.

The art gallery can be opened or shut, and it is integrated with Ross’ most iconic artworks. The whole set includes 1234 LEGO bricks, and it showcases a pretty unique and foldable form. You can display the entire set in one go, or as a closed-loop gallery that resembles the shape of a heart. “As a nature lover who likes to draw and paint, Bob Ross is truly an inspiration. I admire his passion, reassuring voice, and limited selection of tools and colors. With this in mind, I created the ultimate Bob Ross experience in LEGO,” said Bricknificent, the creator behind the LEGO Ideas Bob Ross kit.

3. LEGO Downtown Abbey Set

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the beloved historical drama series Downton Abbey, LEGO builder BRO3 has crafted a special LEGO set that captures the essence of the show. The LEGO Ideas Downton Abbey set is a testament to meticulous design, featuring the iconic Highclere Castle in stunning detail. This set brings to life the expansive Crawley family and the dedicated staff who form the heart of the series, including the butlers and castle caretakers.

Every aspect of the build reflects incredible attention to detail, with multiple intricately designed rooms and a collection of at least 15 Minifigures, expanding to 16 when you include the Crawley’s loyal dog, Pharaoh. The set also includes Lady Mary’s cherished bench, adding an extra touch of authenticity and nostalgia for fans of the series.

4. LEGO Rolex Submariner

The worlds of LEGO and luxury timepieces converge in this remarkable creation: the LEGO Rolex Submariner. Designed as a sophisticated art model, this build appeals to those with a taste for elegance and refinement. The Submariner’s renowned “super” case is expertly transformed into LEGO form, resulting in a visually stunning piece that serves as an eye-catching decor item for any home office.

This model is enhanced with a signed brevet crown, capturing the essence of the Submariner’s iconic design and highlighting its rich heritage of luxury. Additionally, it features a functional and fully operational rotating bezel, mirroring the original Submariner watch’s utility and precision. This LEGO creation not only celebrates the craftsmanship of Rolex but also offers a unique and stylish way to appreciate the artistry of watchmaking.

5. LEGO Cataclaws

Named Cataclaws, this new icon by LEGO is here in time for the holidays. It is intended to be a “CAT-alyst” for play, and it was created from the minds of children, to gently remind the young and the old that there is no limit to how creatively we can use and play with LEGO  bricks. The tuxedo wearing cat downs a red and white beanie that will encourage people to play around the holidays.

The LEGO kitty was introduced in a short film. He goes on an adventure around the city, transforming boring scenarios into playful and fun ones. The video includes around 20 products and builds, and there are a couple of mini Cataclaws builds in the video as well if you’re looking to play Spot the Cataclaws!

6. LEGO Full House

The beloved sitcom Full House has finally been immortalized in an adorable LEGO set! Crafted by LEGO builder obiblock, this set is a is a fine specimen meticulous design, though the exact number of pieces remains a mystery. The level of detail is astonishing, from the plants adorning the kitchen window to the intricately designed front and back doors.

he set recreates the living room, complete with its iconic couch, fireplace, and the staircase leading to the bedrooms. A door opens into the kitchen, which features a cozy coffee table, a kitchen island, and the familiar backdoor that Kimmy often uses for her entrances. The set also includes a delightful array of characters, featuring Danny and his three daughters, Uncle Joey, Uncle Jesse, and Aunt Becky.

7. LEGO Godzilla

Crafted by LEGO builder Matthew Esposito, this LEGO rendition of Godzilla marks the first of its kind, despite the release of over ten Godzilla films. This small-scale version captures the essence of the city-destroying reptile, drawing inspiration from the 2019 movie Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

Although just a few inches tall, this LEGO Godzilla boasts a robust body and an impressive long tail. Remarkably, it can even emit blue flames in all directions, bringing to life the formidable power of the legendary creature. “I was really blown away by the new look of the Godzilla in these newer movies. I was fascinated by how this new iteration of Godzilla was designed, and I thought that this new look would translate incredibly well into LEGO,” said LEGO builder Matthew Esposito. “This model would make a great LEGO set because I believe that, with the new movie coming soon into theaters and onto streaming services, I believe that many people would be hyped and excited to watch this new movie, as well as have their own buildable Godzilla at hand to play with.”

8. LEGO Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

LEGO builder Teljesnegyzet has brought the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to life with a captivating LEGO-based action figure set. This LEGO Ideas TMNT kit successfully depicts the four turtles in their iconic superhero attire. Each turtle is showcased with their signature colored bandanas and bands, along with their preferred weapons.

The turtles sport belts with buckles featuring their initials, and they are meticulously color-matched to their original appearances, displaying four distinct shades of green. This set is a perfect tribute to the beloved heroes in a half shell. It is a complex build, and includes around 2522 bricks, so it isn’t for the younger generation.

9. LEGO Vintage Biliards Table

Created by LEGO builder Golden Eye, this tiny yet playable LEGO billiards set captures the brilliance and granduer of a full-scale billiards table in a miniature size. It is made with all the trims and fittings – the pockets, a gutter, and a cue-stand. It is a super cute tabletop build that you can even interact with.

It is a meticulously crafted and built tribute to classic pool tables. It merges both form and function to create something that LEGO lovers and billiards fans will love. It brings the nostalgia and amusement of vintage recreational games to us, while also presenting a fun and innovative challenge for LEGO builders and enthusiasts.

10. LEGO Turing Machine

The Turing Machine is theoretically the predecessor to the computer that helped the Allied powers win World War II. A Turning Machine is basically any machine that can process algorithms, and a LEGO builder recently built the first operational Turing Machine completely from LEGO bricks! How cool is that?

This fascinating LEGO build isn’t just a sculptural or decorative model, it is a real device that can compute algorithms. And it does this deed without electricity! The model is tangible, and based on the idea that a machine can compute any algorithm as long as the right instructions are fed into it. It includes a physical tape, and a moveable “head” that reads, writes, and moves across the tape.

The post Top 10 LEGO Builds of 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.