Best Harry Potter LEGO Sets: Top 7 Builds Most Recommended By Experts -

What do you get when you combine one of the most successful fantasy franchises in the world with one of the most popular toys in history? A whole lot of fun! That’s precisely why, in 2001, LEGO decided to release its first crossover set to coincide with the release of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” What would follow would be numerous LEGO sets released with each film till the brand took a break in 2007. The collaboration was soon revived, however, and with that has come a league of some of the best “Harry Potter” LEGO sets you can buy. From collector edition displays to more interactive sets, LEGO has made sure they have hit every nook and cranny when it comes to the “Harry Potter” demographic.

It’s no wonder these sets are in such high demand, however, with the popularity and nostalgia that the “Harry Potter” franchise holds. There are plenty of iconic movie scenes throughout Hollywood’s history, and “Harry Potter” has its fair share of them, but a new study shows that series may be just as iconic for a different reason. When researchers played clips of movie scores, it was “Harry Potter” alongside “Titanic” and “Inception” that rounded out the top of the list. Of course, “Hedwig’s Theme” and many other jingles from the film series carry nostalgia for most viewers, making it instantly recognizable. Listening to the film’s soundtrack while building one of the following sets could also make for an even more magical experience!

While with time, most people’s nostalgia grows, as is the case for some “Harry Potter” fans, others, in a new survey, state they actually care less than they did at the height of their fandom. When asked to explain the dropoff, 42 percent reconsidered their relationship with the franchise after “learning about its more problematic elements.” Another 35 percent objected to author J.K. Rowling’s recent anti-transgender rhetoric. The controversy in the fandom comes on the tail of “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling’s vocal opposition to a bill that would allow transgender individuals to legally change their gender in Scotland. Many fans who were once dedicated franchise followers are now reevaluating their support. This controversy has not only affected their perception of the author but also shed light on some problematic elements within the “Harry Potter” series. Of course, the fandom’s divide is part of a larger conversation surrounding inclusivity and representation, specifically within the film and TV industry.

Regardless of controversy, one still does feel childhood nostalgia for the “Harry Potter” series. Luckily, we at StudyFinds have researched across multiple expert sources to bring you the top seven best LEGO “Harry Potter” sets available. Don’t agree with our list? We would love to hear from you in the comments below. Now, wands at the ready, swish and flick, and let’s get ranking!

a lego figurine of a man with a beard — *LEGO Dumbledore (Photo by Matt Hudson on Unsplash)*

The List: Best Harry Potter LEGO Sets, According to Fans

1. Hogwarts Castle and Grounds

The first set on our list is the Hogwarts Castle and Grounds LEGO set. Fewer locations in the Wizarding World are as iconic as this one, so it only made sense to rank high on our list. “The castle and grounds are jam-packed with classic movie scenes, including the famous blue Ford Anglia trapped in the branches of the Whomping Willow and the Durmstrang Ship arriving on the Black Lake for the Triwizard Tournament. It also includes a nameplate and a special golden minifigure of the castle’s architect. At 2660 pieces, it’s one for 16-plus builders to treasure,” says GameRant.

“With the Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Ground LEGO set, fans can build the magical school themselves and discover a multitude of hidden rooms and details. From the Chamber of Secrets to the Whomping Willow, LEGO thinks of everything, even including a golden Hogwarts architect mini-figure statue,” writes CBR.

“The most important setting in the entire ‘Harry Potter’ saga is the unmistakable, epic Hogwarts Castle. It’s where the Sorting Hat placed Harry in Gryffindor and the scene of so many epic adventures. The team at LEGO fittingly put forward the most impressive LEGO Harry Potter set in this absolutely monstrous replica of the Hogwarts Castle. If you were looking for the most epic Wizarding World LEGO of them all, this one surely has no competition,” adds Dude Shopping.

2. Hogwarts Express Collectors Edition

Next up is Collectors’ Edition Hogwarts Express. Experience the ride from Kings Cross to Hogsmeade through the years with this fantastic build. “The best LEGO ‘Harry Potter’ set for train collectors has to be the Hogwarts Express Collectors’ Edition. Just like Hogwarts Castle, there have been numerous iterations of the Hogwarts Express over the years. The train that students use to get between London and Hogwarts is not only iconic but also where many memorable scenes take place,” states History Computer.

“The LEGO Hogwarts Express – Collectors’ Edition does not only look great, but the set also features an incredible 20 mini-figures. The amount of detail on the Hogwarts Express and the adjacent train station is incredible and has to be included in any ‘Harry Potter’ fan’s LEGO collection, comments CBR.

“This gigantic set deserved to be in the lead for one good reason: it truly does look fantastic! With more details than you can shake a stick at, the Hogwarts Express consists of the main train plus a coal cart and a passenger carriage. The carriage can open up and accommodate several mini-figures, meaning that while it is an incredible display piece, it still has some play value. There are also multiple accessories and bits and pieces that really up the play value of this spectacle of a LEGO set,” notes Fantasy Topics.

3. Expecto Patronum

Experience the magic of the Patronus charm over and over again (and if you’re like us, cry) with this two-in-one LEGO set. “The Patronus charm is first cast in the ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,’ during a dementor attack at the Great Lake. Throughout the Harry Potter franchise, the Patronus charm becomes quite valuable and continues to protect Hogwarts students from dementors,” explains CBR.

“If you like to get your money’s worth, you’ll love this LEGO Expecto Patronum build and display set, which features two unique builds in one box. Just like the LEGO Creator sets, children can choose from Harry Potter’s Stag Patronus or the wolf patronus of Professor Lupin. A great piece to display in their rooms, they can build one, display for a while, and then mix things up by taking it apart and rebuilding the alternative design,” describes RealMumReview.

“At 754 pieces, this stunning set is a two-in-one build that gives fans a choice of fantastic centerpieces as well as magical shielding from Dementors. Creators can construct either Harry’s stag Patronus, the most famous protective emblem in the franchise, or the wolf defense of Professor Remus Lupin,” adds GameRant.

4. Diagon Alley

The fourth spot on our list is dedicated to LEGO’s Diagon Alley. Build all your favorite stores from the mythical village with unique mini-figures to complete the set. “This set recreates the famous wizarding shopping street from the Harry Potter books, complete with several shops and mini-figures of some of the most memorable characters from the series,” reports Blockwarts.

“The ‘Harry Potter’ Diagon Alley LEGO set can also be admired from both sides, offering buyers the possibility to display their LEGO set the way they want to. The highlights are the exclusive mini-figures of Gilderoy Lockhart, Florean Fortescue, Lucius Malfoy, and the Daily Prophet photographer, which are only obtainable when buying this specific Diagon Alley LEGO set,” says CBR.

“LEGO’s modular building line is one of its most popular, and these Diagon Alley magical buildings, which compose the Wizarding World’s shopping center, fit right in. LEGO Diagon Alley includes Ollivander’s Wand Shop, Scribbulus Writing Implements, Quality Quidditch Supplies, Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor, Flourish & Blotts, Weasleys Wizard Wheezes, and the Daily Prophet. The building facades and interiors match those from the movie and come loaded with obscure references. Especially impressive is Ollivander’s, which has a suitably dusty, disheveled appearance,” explains IGN.

5. Hogwarts Icons – Collectors’ Edition

It doesn’t get any more iconic than the Collectors’ Edition Hogwarts Icons set. I mean, it’s already in the name! “If you are a lover of all things ‘Harry Potter’ then you need to have the Hogwarts Icons Collectors’ Edition. This large build includes some of the most recognizable symbols from the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise. Rather than just a building or single scene, this set pulls inspiration from across the ‘Harry Potter’ universe to bring the most important items to life,” writes History Computer.

“‘Harry Potter’ LEGO fans that want a set that includes all key elements of the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise are in for a treat when choosing to buy the ‘Hogwarts Icons Collectors’ Edition set. Not only is this LEGO set an excellent representation of what ‘Harry Potter’ is about, but the attention to detail is also unique. It might even rank in the Top 10 best LEGO sets ever made,” raves CBR.

“This recreation of Hedwig is so accurate that it could qualify as an Owl build by itself—no creative license required. But the other life-sized, Potter-explicit artifacts make this set a must-have, and include Harry’s glasses, a Golden Snitch, a chocolate frog, and a customizable letter from Hogwarts,” adds IGN.

6. Hogwarts Chamber of Secrets

Feel the fear of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” again and again as you build the ultimate chamber of horror, complete with a Basilisk. “The two-story LEGO ‘Harry Potter’ Hogwarts Castle toy is easy to build and has an accessible tower and attic. Its iconic circular entrance and large statue with an opening mouth in The Chamber of Secrets reveal a corridor for the Basilisk to enter. The poseable Harry Potter Basilisk snake features an opening jaw, a head section with two rotatable joints, and a tail comprising three reconfigurable parts,” explains MomJunction.

“Speak Parseltongue and face the Heir of Slytherin and his fearsome monster in the Chamber of Secrets! This 591-piece set pits Harry against a 16-year-old Tom Riddle and a petrifying, at best, Basilisk. Never fear, though, as Fawkes, the phoenix, is primed to bring you the Sorting Hat and Godric’s sword. Hurry, though, as dear Ginny Weasley rests at the altar, slowly fading into a mere memory. With Ron and Professor Lockhart trapped behind Harry, it’s up to the second year to save the day,” states Dude Shopping.

“This is one of the big LEGO sets on our list. On top of that, you get a playable set with many surprises hidden in the tunnels under Hogwarts Castle. The giant Basilisk is terrifying the village (which is really a village of minifigures here!), and the door to the Chamber of Secrets is waiting for you to speak Parseltongue to it (the general rule of thumb being – if Ron can do it, you can do it),” jokes TC.

7. Quidditch Trunk

Last but certainly not least is the LEGO Quidditch Trunk. You didn’t think we’d leave without mentioning this magical sport, did you? “When I think about Quidditch, I still find it relatively mind-blowing that JK Rowling created a whole new sport in an imaginary world that actually has a role book and scoring method. I wish I could be that creative. Now, thanks to this new Quidditch Trunk, children can carry along the fun with them in this portable ‘Harry Potter’ LEGO set,” explains RealMumReview.

“Famous characters in the set include Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, decked out with sticks and capes. A host of extra heads and hairstyles lets builders create new Quidditch heroes for each house. The addition of quaffle, bludgers, and elusive Golden Snitch, means fans can take their new characters through a full match of the famous magical sport,” adds GameRant.

“‘Harry Potter’ continuously shows Quidditch as a key part of the Wizarding Worlds’ culture; the lack of LEGO Quidditch sets is, therefore, quite sad. Fortunately, LEGO values quality over quantity, and the Quidditch Trunk is both a great decorative and interactive piece at the same time. The Quidditch trunk can be transformed from a game into an actual trunk, which exemplifies LEGO’s great innovative skills. This LEGO set also gives fans the possibility to challenge their friends to a fun game of Quidditch,” concludes CBR.

Sources

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.

Tags: Lego, toys