Jay's Brick Blog

A blog about LEGO bricks

  • Home
  • About Me
  • LEGO Reviews
  • News
  • Summer 2022 Sets
  • SW Advent Calendar

LEGO Power Rankings 2021 – my Top 10 Sets of the year

January 2, 2022 By Jay 3 Comments

As we say farewell to 2021, it’s time to update the LEGO Power Rankings one last time with the Final Power Rankings of 2021. This takes the entire year into account, and believe me when I say it was nearly impossible to put this list together, and narrow down what I think are the Top 10 Sets of 2021.

We’ve heard from you, via the Reader Vote and Tournament for Best LEGO Set of 2021, so now here’s my very own list of some of the best LEGO sets we’ve had the privilege of enjoying in 2021.

Do note, this list is completely subjective, and there are sets on it that I haven’t built yet – something I’m determined to change in 2022, to build every set on the Power Rankings list to give this list a bit more legitimac.

If you want to catch up on previous Power Rankings, check out October, July, June, May, April, March, February and January 2021 Power Rankings to get up to speed on highlights from previous months – and see how the Rankings have fluctuated from month to month.

This list also includes a list of Top 10 sets under US$50, for those on a tight budget, recognising that there are plenty of great and affordable sets, and you don’t have to drop hundreds of dollars on a LEGO Titanic to have a good time.

Without further ado… here is my Top 10 LEGO sets of 2021!

My Top 10 LEGO sets of 2021

  1. 21326 Winnie the Pooh [Review] [Rating: 5/5  ★★★★★]
  2. 75313 UCS AT-AT [Review coming soon] [Rating: 5/5  ★★★★★]
  3. 80107 Spring Lantern Festival [Review] [Rating: 5/5  ★★★★★]
  4. 10281 Bonsai Tree
  5. 21325 Medieval Blacksmith
  6. 76391 Harry Potter Hogwarts Icons Collection [Rating: 5/5  ★★★★★]
  7. 40478 Mini Disney Castle [Review] [Rating: 5/5  ★★★★★]
  8. 21327 Typewriter
  9. 71741 Ninjago City Gardens
  10. 40516 Everyone is Awesome [Review] [Rating: 5/5  ★★★★★]

Honourable mentions: Medieval Castle, Titanic, Daily Bugle

Top 10 LEGO below US$50 of 2021

  1. 10281 Bonsai Tree
  2. 40478 Mini Disney Castle [Review] [Rating: 5/5  ★★★★★]
  3. 40516 Everyone is Awesome [Review] [Rating: 5/5  ★★★★★]
  4. 76239 Batmobile Tumbler: Scarecrow Showdown
  5. 10280 Flower Bouquet
  6. 40499 Santa’s Sleigh [Review] [Rating: 3/5  ★★★✰✰]
  7. 31117 Space Shuttle Adventure
  8. 71747 The Keepers’ Village [Review] [Rating: 4/5  ★★★★✰]
  9. 76188 Batman Classic TV Series Batmobile [Review] [Rating: 3/5  ★★★✰✰]
  10. 75312 Boba Fett’s Starship

10. 40516 Everyone Is Awesome – June 2021

Available from LEGO.com / Amazon | Read my review |

Rating: 5/5  ★★★★★

Everyone is Awesome is on the list at Number 10 for being a set that’s more than the sum of its rainbow-coloured parts. As a set championing diversity, inclusion and celebrating Pride Month, it’s one of the most important and boldest LEGO releases ever.

The set also officially introduces monochrome figures (monofigures) to LEGO fans, and even if you don’t quite care for the message, you get a really sweet monochrome minifigure pack at an accessible price.

9. 71741 Ninjago City Gardens – January 2021

Available from LEGO.com

LEGO Ninjago City Gardens is a towering celebration of LEGO Ninjago’s 10th anniversary, joining the legendary 70620 Ninjago City and 70657 Ninjago City Docks as the 3rd mega module of Ninjago City.

Packed with incredible detail, Easter Eggs, and making a striking display model, influenced by neo-Japan, Ninjago City Gardens is the culmination of all that’s great about LEGO Ninjago. I’m yet to build mine, but will one day get to it when my Ninjago City set gets to me (it’s in a different country), and I find the space for it.

8. 21327 Typewriter – June 2021

Available from LEGO.com

LEGO Ideas continues to be one of LEGO’s most consistent themes, and the engineering marvel that is 21327 Typewriter, with working keys and all its mechanical marvels.

A beautiful rendition of a real-world object into LEGO form, it’s a triumph of LEGO design and ingenuinity, proving that with just a bit of Technic and LEGO bricks, you can bring almost anything to life.

7. 40478 Mini Disney Castle – October 2021

Available from LEGO.com | Read my review

Rating: 5/5  ★★★★★

Bigger isn’t necessarily better, and 40478 Mini Disney Castle proves it by being an excellent, budget-friendly alternative to the larger and more expensive 71040 Disney Castle.

Despite being a fraction of the size (great for displays!), LEGO manages to capture the Disney Castle’s colours, silhouette and most importantly magic in a tiny footprint.

6. 76391 Hogwarts Icons – September 2021

Available from LEGO.com | Read my review

Rating: 5/5  ★★★★★

Speaking about magic, there’s just something about the Hogwarts Icons set that draws me in each time I look at it. This set just oozes display presence, and at the same time, provides some fun playable life-sized Harry Potter elements such as a magic wand, glasses and potion bottles.

A sublime display piece – this is unlike anything that LEGO have ever done before, and a must-own for any LEGO Harry Potter fan. An exceptional set, and a great way to celebrate 20 years of LEGO Harry Potter.

5. 21325 Medieval Blacksmith – February 2021

Available from LEGO.com

Just as LEGO Castle fans felt neglected by LEGO, the Black Falcons come roaring back into 2021 with the Medieval Blacksmith. It’s no surprise that it overwhelmingly won the Reader Vote for Best LEGO Set of 2021, fending off many from this list.

LEGO embraces its Castle Roots with this highly detailed Blacksmith’s Workshop, that’s among one of the most beautiful medieval creations to come out of Billund in the modern era. It’s one of the chief regrets, not building mine in 2021, and something I hope to rectify in 2022.

4. 10281 Bonsai Tree – January 2021

Available from LEGO.com / Amazon

It seems like a lifetime ago when LEGO releases 10281 Bonsai, a diminutive but supremely important set that heralded The LEGO Group’s ambition of conquering the adult market.

Simple, calming, and utterly delightful to display, you can customise the Bonsai to match the seasons, and who doesn’t love a LEGO set with 100 pink frogs in it. The Bonsai may have been forgotten in the hype of all the big releases of 2021, but it’s impact and influence is undeniable, which is why it’s Number 4 on the list.

3. 80107 Spring Lantern Festival – January 2021

Available from LEGO.com / Amazon | Read my review

Rating: 5/5  ★★★★★

The Spring Lantern Festival quickly cemented itself as one of my favourite sets of 2021 for capturing a beautiful snapshot of the Lunar New Year, and in such stunning fashion.

Packed with plenty of minifigures, the set is a masterclass in landscaping, featuring a gorgeous Chinese garden, beset with lanterns to ring in the New Year. As an added bonus, it also connects to your Modular Buildings!

2. 75313 UCS AT-AT – November 2021

Available from LEGO.com | Review coming soon. But read my size comparison and Unboxing/First Impressions

Rating: 5/5  ★★★★★

Almost netting the top spot is the gargantuan Ultimate Collectors Series AT-AT. Many years in the making, and thought to be almost impossible – LEGO pulled out all the stops with the UCS AT-AT, delivering a supremely impressive display model that’s absolute Star Wars perfection.

I need to find a permanent home for it (it currently occupies a buffet in my living room), and every time my eye catches it, I can’t help but feel amazed as its size, detail and just how badass it looks on display. One of the best LEGO Star Wars UCS sets ever, and my 2nd pick for best set of 2021.

1. 21326 Winnie the Pooh – March 2021

Available from LEGO.com / Amazon | Read my review

Rating: 5/5  ★★★★★

My number one set of 2021 stole my heart the moment I assembled it. 21326 Winnie the Pooh is everything I love about LEGO, featuring a surprisingly complex and interesting build of Winnie’s home in the 100 Acre Wood, and tied together by a colourful cast of his friends.

It’s not everyday that a LEGO set manages to evoke such vivid memories, and sense of wonder, perfectly distilling the heart and soul of Winnie the Pooh’s enduring legacy into LEGO form.

Just a joy to build, play with and to display, and reasonably priced that most LEGO fans, or parents can enjoy without breaking the bank.


Thank you so much for reading, and for following the Power Rankings, which were a bit of an experiment in 2021, but something I’m definitely continuing in 2022.

It’s been a blast doing this list, and a lot harder than expected. If I could add one more set in, it would be 31120 Medieval Castle, which made it to the honourable mentions list, along with the Daily Bugle and Titanic.

It’s clear – 2021 has been one of THE best years to be a LEGO fan, with so many different sets and experiences catering to a wide variety of interests, from minifigure-heavy sets, to display juggernauts – there was simply something for everyone. Unless you’re a Bionicle fan.

I’d love to know, what would you Top 10 or Top 5 sets of 2021 look like? Let me know in the comments!

To get the latest LEGO news and LEGO Reviews straight in your inbox, subscribe via email, or you can also follow on Google News, or socials on Facebook, Instagram (@jayong28), Twitter or subscribe to the Jay’s Brick Blog Youtube channel.

Subscribe to receive updates on new posts & reviews!

Filed Under: LEGO Power Rankings, News Tagged With: 2021, bonsai tree, everyone is awesome, hogwarts icons, lego, lego reviews, lego star wars, medieval blacksmith, mini disney castle, news, ninjago city gardens, power rankings, spring lantern festival, top 10, top 10 lego sets, typewriter, UCS at-at, winnie the pooh, wrapup

« Did LEGO accidentally show off the upcoming LEGO Creator Vespa Scooter?
1 January 2022 release day was bad, and not a great start to the year. »

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. alex says

    January 4, 2022 at 5:32 PM

    that lgbt set is just ridiculous, no offence but i would not even get it for free, boring dull and just rainbow colours…a waste of a set and i suspect people only mention it to be politicly correct.

    Reply
    • Jay says

      January 4, 2022 at 5:53 PM

      You’re welcome to your opinions, but to many people and fans, it’s an amazing set with great parts and recolours.

      Also, diversity and equality aren’t political opinions at all!

      Reply
  2. Joe B. says

    January 3, 2022 at 1:14 AM

    My rankings of my favorite new sets I actually built in 2021:

    1. Medieval Blacksmith
    2. Home Alone
    3. Sesame Street
    4. Fawkes
    5. Santa’s Visit
    6. Flower Bouquet
    7. Bonsai Tree

    Honorable mention: PIrates of Barracuda Bay. I actually first built it in 2020 but I rebuilt it in 2021 and it’s my absolute favorite of the past 2 years.

    Still want to get (but currently out of stock):
    Hogsmeade Visit
    Pickup Truck
    Fish Tank
    Ferris Wheel

    Reply

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to Jay's Brick Blog. In here, you'll find independent LEGO set reviews, commentary on LEGO trends & news, bargain hunting tips and an inside look into the life of an average LEGO fan. Find out more about me here

Subscribe for updates

Enter your email address here to receive updates about new posts from Jay's Brick Blog - straight to your inbox!

Join 3,350 other subscribers

Site Search

Like my page on Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget

Buy LEGO

Buy LEGO

jayong28

Jay Ong | Jay's Brick Blog
Check out all 12 new characters from @lego Minifig Check out all 12 new characters from @lego Minifigures Series 23! Swipe ➡️

Series 23 features a splendid holiday and costume-themed selection, and is one of the strongest line-up yet!

Hit the link in bio for my full review and feel guide! 

From Christmas-themed minifigs that will excite LEGO Winter Village fans, to Classic homages like the Knight of the Yellow Castle, there are hardly any duds in this series! 

Which characters from Series 23 are your favourite?

#lego #lego2022 #minifigures #legominifigures #series23 #LEGOWintervillage #legoleaks #LEGOnews #legoreview #legos #afol
Some of my favourite @lego sets of all time, and w Some of my favourite @lego sets of all time, and why these sets mean so much to me!

How many of these sets did you own or play with as a child?

I wanted to include some Aquazone in this but I ran out of space!

#lego #lego90years #legocollection #legocollector #vintagelego
Happy 90th Anniversary @lego, here's to the next 9 Happy 90th Anniversary @lego, here's to the next 90 years of play! 🚀 

These are a few of my favourite themes and sets of all time! 

#lego #lego90years #afol #legocollection #legocollection #vintagelego #LEGOCastle #legopirates #classicspace #legospace #legoleaks #legos #jaysbrickblog
Happy 90th birthday, @lego! To celebrate #LEGO90Y Happy 90th birthday, @lego!

To celebrate #LEGO90Years, here's some shots of 11021 90 Years of Play, one of the many commemorative LEGO 90th Anniversary sets this year!

Build 15 mini models spanning some of LEGO's most iconic themes and sets, AND freestyle and let your creativity run free when you're done!

Swipe to see some of my favourites, and hit the link in bio for the full review!

#lego #lego2022 #90yearsofplay #afol #legoclassicspace #vintagelego #legos #legoleaks #legoreview #legonews
One of the rarest LEGO Architecture sets - 21021 M One of the rarest LEGO Architecture sets - 21021 Marina Bay Sands! 🇸🇬 

Singapore celebrates their National Day on 9 August, and to mark the occasion, I've dug into my vault to showcase the Marina Bay Sands, one of Singapore's contemporary architectural landmarks! 

Released in 2014, it's notorious for being one of the most sought-after Architecture sets, because only 10,000 copies were made.

To make matters worse, they sold exclusively in Asia in countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, and the Marina Bay Sands gift shop!

Thankfully, LEGO released a newer 21057 Singapore Skyline earlier this year which also includes the Marina Bay Sands, but this is a relic from an era where LEGO had regional exclusives in their portfolio.

Happy National Day, Singapore!

#singapore #ndp2022 #LEGO #legoarchitecture #marinabaysands #architecture #afol #legocollection
What a difference 44 years makes ✨ 10305 Lion K What a difference 44 years makes ✨

10305 Lion Knights' Castle alongside 375 "Yellow" Castle

#lego #LEGOCastle #lego2022 #vintagelego #castlelego #afol #legoleaks #lego90years #90yearsofplay #legos #legocollection
Evolution of LEGO Castles! 1978-2022 Some of my L Evolution of LEGO Castles! 1978-2022

Some of my LEGO Castles to demonstrate just how far Castles have come.

Hit the link in bio to see more! 

375 Castle (1978)
6080 King's Castle (1984)
31120 Medieval Castle (2021)
10305 Lion Knights' Castle (2022)

#lego #LEGOCastle #lego2022 #vintagelego #castlelego #afol #legoleaks #lego90years #90yearsofplay #legos #legocollection
Ye olde LEGO Knights 🏰 #lego #lego2022 #vintag Ye olde LEGO Knights 🏰

#lego #lego2022 #vintagelego #castlelego #afol #lego90years #legocollection #minifigures #minifigs
Raising the next generation of @lego Castle fans 🏰

Nothing makes me happier than seeing @little.ongs play with 10305 Lion Knights' Castle, which I've conveniently left in an easy to access spot in the house. 

While yes, this set is big and meant for adults, the playability and story-telling is so native to kids that it's a great set to share with your kids if you have any.

👑 Having THE definitive LEGO Castle being ruled by Queen Lionne also sends a great message to little girls and a fantastic celebration of #lego90years 

10305 Lion Knights' Castle launches today for VIPs and if you're lucky enough to be in the position to pick one up, I hope you enjoy and savour every moment of the build of what is quite possibly my favourite set of 2022.

#lego #90yearsofplay #rebuildtheworld #LEGOCastle #legos #afol #legoaustralia #legoicons #legoleaks
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Review: LEGO Minifigures Series 23
  • LEGO Mario Character Packs Series 5 is a disappointing preview of the future of LEGO Collectible Minifigures
  • Review: LEGO 11021 Classic 90 Years of Play
  • LEGO 76405 Hogwarts Express Collectors’ Edition officially revealed!
  • LEGO accidentally sends out 76405 Hogwarts Express set to customers in New Zealand. Woops!
  • Review: LEGO Architecture 21057 Singapore (Guest Review)
  • Comparing 10305 Lion Knights’ Castle to other historic LEGO Castles

LEGO Reviews

Review: LEGO Simpsons Minifigures Series 2

Review: 40236 Romantic Valentine Picnic

Review: LEGO Minifigures Series 22

Review: LEGO 40416 Ice Skating Rink (Christmas 2020 Promo Set)

Review: LEGO 76040 Brainiac Attack

Review: LEGO Juniors 10665 Spider-Man: Spider-Car Pursuit

Review: LEGO 75908 – Ferrari 458 Italia GT2

Categories

Archives

Jay

Jay is passionate about LEGO and the endless creative adventures made possible by this complex interlocking brick system.
Learn more →

Popular Posts

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · WordPress · Log in We may earn a commission when you use one of our offers/links to make a purchase.