Best Lego Star Wars sets 2024: These kits aren't a hunk of junk

It's hard to believe that Lego Star Wars sets have been in action for only 25 years; despite having started in 1999 with The Phantom Menace, they're now a fixture. That means you're spoilt for choice, and decades-worth of kits can make knowing where to start overwhelming.

That's why our master builders have gotten their heads together for this guide detailing the very best Lego Star Wars sets out now. If you're a fan of a galaxy far, far away, these recommendations are where we'd recommend starting.

Because these options run the gamut of price, difficulty, and size, there should be something here to suit everyone. Plus, they share a degree of quality you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else; they're arguably some of the best Lego sets ever made.

Wondering how we settled on these options? Our team's been hands-on with each and every one, so we're never going to recommend something we wouldn't want to buy ourselves.

Quick list

Best Lego Star Wars set overall

At a glance: Of all the ships in Star Wars, it doesn't get much more iconic than the Millennium Falcon. And even though there have been many brick-based versions of the Corellian YT freighter, I'd argue that this is the best one for the majority of people. Besides having a reasonable price that won't bankrupt you, it's relatively easy to build and still looks fantastic despite having a smaller footprint overall. Even then, the smaller size actually works in this kit's favor; it doesn't require nearly so much space to display. All told, that makes it one of the best Lego Star Wars sets so far as I'm concerned.

What it's like to build: Whereas previous sets could take multiple hours and result in models several thousand bricks strong, this version of the Millennium Falcon can be finished in roughly two to three hours. At 921 pieces, you won't feel as if you're drowning in plastic either. That makes it a great choice regardless of your experience with Lego - even if you're a total newcomer, you'll find this to be a straightforward build. There are a couple of fiddly bits, but it's an overwhelmingly positive experience for the most part.

That simplicity doesn't mean it isn't satisfying, either. Snapping the ship's curved panels into place is a lot of fun, and it's a joy to see this model coming together one portion at a time. There are even some hidden Easter eggs inside...

Design: Despite being the smallest of the available Millennium Falcons, it doesn't feel as if the details have been compromised on here. This kit makes the most of those 900-odd pieces for an evocative end-result that sells the feel of the ship even if it doesn't capture every single nut and bolt. While there are a couple of compromises because of this reduced size (there's an odd gap in the neck between the cockpit and main hull, for instance), it's impressive how much Lego has been able to cram in here.

It being on a stand makes it much easier to show off at its best, too. Even though that means it can't be used as a tradition a playset for kids (it has a big hole in the bottom for the stand), it'll look fantastic on your shelf or desk.

• Read more: Lego Millennium Falcon (75375) review

Best cheap Lego Star Wars set

At a glance: If you're on the lookout for cheap Lego Star Wars sets, want easy Star Wars gifts, or are in the market for a last-minute stocking-stuffer, this BrickHeadz kit is the perfect option. At 295 pieces and coming in just below $20 / £20, it strikes a great balance between complexity and cost. The instructions could be clearer, but even younger builders can get by with a little help.

What it's like to build: Anyone intimidated by bigger kits will be much more comfortable with this Mando set. Because they fall ever so slightly short of 300 pieces, you can complete both figures from start to finish in an hour or two. And for the most part, that process is a painless one. Although the instructions aren't always as clear as they could be, it's not hard to stay on target when putting together the Mandalorian or Grogu. Plus, there's a booklet for each character - perfect if you're splitting the project between two people.

Design: Much like Funko Pops, these figures are cute little desk-buddies with a lot of personality. They're also sturdier than other Lego characters; with the exception of Mando's blasters, all those pieces will stay put thanks to a blocky design that doesn't have any flimsy bits. When combined with clever recycling of old pieces to create the Mandalorian's unique armor, this becomes an essential purchase. 

Best premium Star Wars Lego set

At a glance: This version of the most iconic ship from a galaxy far, far away is many things. It's one of the biggest Lego Star Wars sets ever made. It's wince-inducingly expensive. But crucially, it's unparalleled. Few kits can beat it in terms of ambition or detail, and it's the sort of kit that'll drop your jaw when you see it for the first time.

What it's like to build: Even though it's a magnificent model, be warned - this isn't a project for the faint of heart. Thanks to being made up of 40+ bags, this is the definition of a long haul. Indeed, the project will take you at least 30 hours and demands a lot of space. However, it's a gratifying process despite being so overwhelming. There's a real sense of achievement at the end of it all, and the clever engineering behind it helps the UCS Millennium Falcon shine from start to finish.

Design: Having more than 7,500 bricks under its belt afford this kit an absurd level of detail (it's actually a contender for biggest overall Lego set), and that puts it head and shoulders above every other model in the range. Along with a realistic exterior that captures the ship's cobbled-together feel, it opens up to reveal a main hold with seating and a replica of the Dejarik holographic game, the gunner's station, and that iconic cockpit which can fit four minifigs. Speaking of minifigs, you're getting a grand total of 11 here. Along with original trilogy heroes like Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, and C-3PO, sequel-era characters such as Rey, Finn, and an older Han are also included. When combined with a swappable radar dish, that means this kit can represent either time-period.

• Read more: Lego UCS Millennium Falcon review

Best Star Wars Lego set for display

At a glance: There are plenty of helmets within Lego's new display range, but few can compare to Darth Vader's imposing noggin'. It's a cool nod to the franchise that's surprisingly classy thanks to a neat little stand, and it doesn't take up loads of space on the shelf either. That means you don't need to worry about it overpowering the rest of your decor.

What it's like to build: It's one of the larger Lego helmets, but this kit doesn't take ages to build. At 834 pieces, you can comfortably complete it over the course of a few evenings. Even younglings will probably get on OK with it. (Though we should note this one's definitely designed as a Lego Star Wars set for adults.) Just go careful when selecting pieces - the outer layers look very similar thanks to mostly being black, so it's easy to go wrong.

Design: This kit recreates the Dark Lord of the Sith's helm with impressive accuracy and economy - despite being smaller than you think, it still manages to show off Vader at his best. Somehow, it even pulls off the helmet's curves despite being made of, you know, literal bricks. That makes it ideal as a Star Wars Lego set for grown-ups to use as a display item.

Best Lego Star Wars scene

At a glance: This most wretched hive of scum and villainy is hard to get hold of, but the effort is worthwhile. With an impressive 3,187 pieces and 21 mini-figs that are ready for a drink at this seedy Tatooine bar, the Mos Eisley Cantina numbers amongst the best Lego Star Wars sets for original trilogy fans.

What it's like to build: Despite being a hefty set, this won't take you too long to construct - you can be finished in around 8 - 10 hours. Happily, each section is separated out so that you're able to tackle it piecemeal… and feel a burst of accomplishment after completing them.

Design: While it isn't Lego's only premium Star Wars kit, it's something of a standout nonetheless thanks to the wealth of references that are crammed into every available inch of space. Besides the booth where Han shot Greedo, you're getting a Cantina band to set the mood, alien extras pulled straight from A New Hope, the first Lego V-35 speeder, and even a Dewback mount for your Stormtroopers to ride around on. It can be kept closed for exterior scenes or opened up to reveal individual rooms, too. As such, this is a clever design without a wasted brick, so it comes highly recommended if you want the ultimate Star Wars Lego set.

• Read more: Lego Mos Eisley Cantina review

Best Lego Star Wars character set

At a glance: There are countless Baby Yoda toys out there after the tiny goblin-frog stole our hearts, but this might be the best of the bunch. That's because it captures everything we love about the character in brick form, right down to the little gearshift toy he likes to play with. Besides radiating the kind of chaotic mischief Grogu is known for, it's heckin' adorable too. Actually? It's one of the best Lego Star Wars sets based on cute-factor alone.

What it's like to build: For anyone used to larger projects, this kit will be a welcome relief - it only takes a few hours to construct, and you can have it finished in a single afternoon if you don't dawdle. Decent instructions make that process easy, and it never feels like you're repeating the same steps either; it's been cleverly engineered to keep builders engaged.

Design: Standing at 7.5 inches tall, this sweet little gremlin has posable parts that allow you to move its ears, mouth, and head for distinct and characterful poses. In addition, it's small enough not to dominate your living room, shelf, or desk like some other Star Wars Lego sets listed here. Don't forget about that extra stowaway in the box, either - this kit also includes a Baby Yoda minifig that sits on its own commemorative plaque.

• Read more: Lego The Child review

Best Star Wars Lego sets: FAQ

As a bonus, it also features minifigures from both the original trilogy and the sequel movies. That means this version of the Millennium Falcon can serve as a stand-in for those that grew up with the classic films or folks who love The Force Awakens. It's weird that Lando isn't included, but otherwise, this set is spot-on. 

Looking for some gift ideas? Check out these gifts for gamers. As for other brick-based shenanigans, be sure to drop in on our guide to the best Lego Super Mario sets. And if you want to catch up on Star Wars as a whole, they can be found via the Disney Plus streaming service.