Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall LEGO Set for Sci-Fi Fans is the Star Wars UCS Millennium Falcon.
- LEGO makes sci-fi sets for everyone, from kids to adults, as well as original sets and ones based on popular franchises.
- You will get hours of enjoyment from building a LEGO sci-fi set, and once complete, you can create your own out-of-this-world adventure.
- Before purchasing a LEGO sci-fi set, you need to look at the price, the set’s recommended age range, the set’s theme, and the number of pieces included.
LEGO has a long history with space dating back to the 1970s when the company debuted its classic lineup. Ever since then, fans have been enamored with space and science fiction. But finding the best LEGO sets for sci-fi fans is actually a bit harder than you might think. In addition to the older sets based on original ideas, LEGO also has many sets based on real-life spaceships.
But the biggest change came in the late 1990s when LEGO made a deal to turn Star Wars into LEGO form. Not only did it forever change the LEGO lineup for Star Wars fans, but it also put in motion LEGO licensing content from other companies. We’ve managed to put together five of the best sci-fi sets currently available, including both original LEGO creations and ones based on movies and TV shows. Check out our top picks:
- Best Overall: UCS Millennium Falcon
- Best for Superhero Fans: The Guardians’ Ship
- Best for Classic LEGO Space Enthusiasts: Galaxy Explorer
- Best LEGO Friends Sci-Fi Set: Olivia’s Space Academy
- Best for NASA Fans: Lunar Research Base
#1 Best Overall Set: UCS Millennium Falcon
- 7,541 pieces
- Lego Ultimate Collector Series
- Includes Original Trilogy minifigures of Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, and C-3PO, plus Episode VII/VIII minifigures of an older Han Solo, Rey, and Finn
- Perfect as a Star Wars movie collectible
The best overall LEGO set for sci-fi fans has to be the UCS Millennium Falcon. Every child who has seen a Star Wars movie undoubtedly wanted to pilot the famed ship alongside Han Solo and Chewbacca. Not to mention, it is so popular that LEGO continuously releases new toy versions of the ship. While the toy versions are a better option for kids, adults will definitely want the UCS version.
Unfortunately, the Millennium Falcon is also the most expensive LEGO set ever made, having an MSRP of $849. But this isn’t your typical LEGO toy set, as Lego specifically designed it for ages 16 and up. Additionally, it has an astounding 7,541 pieces, also making it one of the largest sets. However, its size isn’t just limited to the number of pieces because it is an amazing 33 inches long by 23 inches wide and 8 inches tall.
All the space allows LEGO designers to pack in an insane amount of detail. There are so many intricate details found throughout the model, and many of them are barely visible in the movies. The fact that this is such a large model based on a popular movie prop makes crafting it even more challenging. LEGO designers had to scour references meticulously to capture both the inside and outside of the ship.
A benefit of size is that LEGO was able to recreate many interior parts of the ship. The problem is that not all areas are depicted in the movies. While it is cool to look at the Millennium Falcon from the outside, it is even better to take a cover off and explore the inner parts of the ship, like the cockpit. Although this set won’t fit in everyone’s collection, it is easily the best sci-fi Lego set.
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Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One of the most iconic sci-fi ships | Limited appeal to Star Wars fans |
| Goes with the original and sequel trilogy | Most expensive Lego set |
Best for Superhero Fans: The Guardians’ Ship
- 14-inch long model with an opening cockpit
- 5 minifigures including Teen Groot
- Dynamic display stand
- 1,901 pieces
The best LEGO sci-fi set for superhero fans is definitely The Guardians’ Ship. While it isn’t quite as iconic as the Millennium Falcon, the Guardians of the Galaxy quickly ascended into pop culture when the first movie came out back in 2014. After its release, Lego wasted little time before creating new sets based on these sci-fi adventurers.
With the recent release of the third film, the franchise is as popular as ever. Thanks to its continued popularity, LEGO is still making new sets. One of the best ones is The Guardian’s Ship, which faithfully recreates the starcraft that the team uses to traverse the galaxy. While it isn’t the biggest set on the list, it is definitely one of the boldest with its bright orange color scheme.
This is a toy set, but it does have a pretty high age recommendation of 14 and up. That is largely due to the fact that the set has 1,901 pieces. The set’s MSRP is on the high end for a toy set at $159, but it is a good value considering the number of pieces included. In addition, you also get six mini figures, which include Groot, Rocket, Star-Lord, Mantis, Thor, and Chitauri.
What really makes the set stand out for sci-fi fans is just how cool it looks. Even if you aren’t a major fan of Guardians of the Galaxy, this spaceship is still one of the best LEGO ever created. It even has a base, so the wings stay extended while on display. Then on the inside, there are some really interesting choices, like a coffee pot.
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Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stand makes it easy to display | Toy set that is recommended for 14 and up |
| Great price point | Limited appeal |
Best for Classic Lego Space Enthusiasts: Galaxy Explorer
- 1,254 pieces includes four astronauts and robot helper
- Retractable ramp
- Astronaut living quarters features two beds
- Sliding door separates space between cargo area and living quarters
The best classic LEGO Space set currently available is the Galaxy Explorer. Unlike the sets covered so far, the Galaxy Explorer isn’t based on a movie or TV show. Instead, it’s a unique build from the creative designers at LEGO. Therefore, it isn’t constrained by an existing object that consumers are already familiar with.
However, it is based on the classic LEGO Space series, which started back in the 1970s. At the time, it was one of LEGO’s most popular themes. The Galaxy Explorer is actually a 90th-anniversary edition set, which was designed to celebrate the company’s history. If you’ve seen some of the classic LEGO Space sets, then you will quickly pick up some of the nods in the Galaxy Explorer.
The set uses the classic blue and gray color scheme along with the yellow tinted windows. Logos throughout the ship also use the classic image of a plate with a ship going past. A unique choice was LEGO going with four original mini figures, two red and two white. What is interesting is that they chose not to include the later-released yellow, blue, or black mini figures.
Nonetheless, this is one of the absolute best sci-fi LEGO sets, especially for longtime fans. Because it is an Icons set, they recommend it for ages 18 and up. The Galaxy Explorer comes with 1,254 pieces at an MSRP of $99. Besides the main build, LEGO also has instructions available online for a number of other alternate builds to really create your own adventure.
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Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Throwback to classic Lego Space | Not based on a movie or TV show |
| Great price per piece ratio | Four included mini figures, but are only two colors |
Best Lego Friends Sci-Fi Set: Olivia’s Space Academy
- Features NASA shuttle
- Includes several friends minifigures as astronauts
- Includes a training machine used for becoming an astronaut
- Features detailed support building
If you collect LEGO Friends sets and you are a sci-fi fan, then Olivia’s Space Academy is a great option. Over the years, LEGO got a stigma of being a toy for boys rather than for all kids. Sets based on movies like Star Wars only made that image problem worse. The solution came in 2012 as the LEGO Friends theme.
Olivia’s Space Academy fits into the first generation of Friends, which includes Olivia, along with three other girls. Much like other original Lego themes such as City and Ninjago, Friends has its own stories, which are covered in its TV show. However, the original group is currently being phased out as a new group of Friends takes over the franchise.
LEGO Friends uses many different types of Lego pieces, including classic bricks and Technic pieces. The biggest difference is that they don’t come with traditional mini figures and instead use specially molded figures. The first thing you will notice about Olivia’s Space Academy is that it has a lot of bright colors like pink, blue, and purple.
You actually get a couple of different builds, including a space shuttle, launch tower, telescope, and testing simulator. They even detailed the inside of the ship with room for the screw. This is a great option for younger kids as it is only 757 pieces and has a recommended age range of 8 and up. The MSRP is $69, making it the cheapest set on the list.
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Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Original idea with some unique pieces | Friends figures aren’t the same as mini figures |
| Includes a themed NASA space shuttle | Color scheme may not suit everyone |
Best for NASA Fans: Lunar Research Base
- Inspired by NASA to create a Moon base set packed with intricate details
- Features a lunar research base, VIPER rover, and a moon buggy
- Total of 6 LEGO astronaut minifigs
- Also includes domed accommodation quarters
Finally, the best sci-fi set for fans of NASA’s space exploration is the Lunar Research Base. LEGO has a long history with space, and in recent years they have made numerous sets themed to actual space vehicles. One of the most notable is the Space Shuttle, but they also have the Apollo 11 Lunar Lander and will soon release the Mars Rover Perseverance.
But the problem with those sets is that they are based on real-life vehicles and really aren’t the best choice for fans of science fiction. However, the Lunar Research Base is a departure from both classic Lego Space and real-life replicas. Instead, it is part of the City theme, but they set it on the surface of the moon where astronauts recently created a research base.
With the set, you get a unique spaceship, along with a number of smaller rover vehicles, to explore the moon’s surface. But the largest part is the actual research station, which includes several capsules. Situated at the top of the station is a clear dome that actually houses a greenhouse where LEGO astronauts are checking on plants.
The pods on the sides offer different rooms, like a storage area for space suits and even a laboratory. But the really neat part is that you can pair it with other City Lunar sets like the Lunar Roving Vehicle, which actually connects to the pods. Altogether, the set is great for kids with 786 pieces and a recommended age of 7 and up. However, the price is very high as the MSRP is $129.
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Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inspired by NASA’s lunar base concept | Price is very high for a City set |
| Connects to other Lego City Lunar sets | Doesn’t really fit in with the rest of Lego City |
How to Pick the Best LEGO Sci-Fi Set: Step-by-Step
When buying a Lego sci-fi set, there are four primary considerations for most buyers.
- Theme
- Number of pieces
- Price
- Age range
Let’s review each of these criteria in more detail.
Theme
The first thing you should always look at in a LEGO set is the theme to see if it interests you. In this case, we are looking at sci-fi sets, which all center around space, but there are several themes within the genre. For instance, we covered Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy, City, and Friends above. But there are also other themes like Ninjago, Icons, Ideas, Marvel, and Harry Potter, to name a few.
Number of Pieces
Next, consider the number of pieces. Some sets are really small and simply may not be worth it. In contrast, some sets are very large, consisting of thousands of pieces. The number of pieces gives you an idea of how long the set will take to build and who LEGO intended the set for. It can also give you a rough idea of how much detail the set has.
Price
Of course, the first thing that will probably catch your eye is the price of a set. This is always one of the most important factors for any purchase, but especially LEGO, since it is a luxury item. You can also use the price and number of pieces to get an idea of whether the set is a good value. In the case of LEGO Star Wars sets, they are significantly more expensive than original ideas like the Galaxy Explorer.
Age Range
Finally, you need to think about who you are buying the set for. With LEGO releasing more adult sets than ever, it is easy to get confused. Fortunately, LEGO places a recommended age range on the front of their boxes. This will give you an idea of whether or not the set is appropriate for children. But you should also consider their capabilities, previous Lego experience, and whether an adult is available to help them.
What to Know Before Buying a LEGO Sci-Fi Set
LEGO sci-fi sets are a great choice because people of all ages enjoy them. There is something intriguing about space that everyone gets enamored with. The unknowns of outer space provide plenty of leeway for your imagination. As you’ve seen, some LEGO sci-fi sets do take advantage of IP from existing movies like Star Wars, but others are completely original.
If you’ve looked through the sci-fi sets currently available and can’t find anything exciting, then you may want to wait. LEGO sci-fi sets are always popular, so new ones are regularly coming out. They even have a Space Roller Coaster coming out in August. Also, if you are more interested in realistic space sets, then be sure to check out the NASA-themed sets.
Using a LEGO Sci-Fi Set: What It’s Like
LEGO sci-fi sets are some of the most creative and imaginative builds. Sets based on movies and TV shows do a great job of recreating scenes. LEGO does a phenomenal job of taking an existing property and translating it into LEGO form. However, the original themes are also very unique and do a good job of letting you create your own story.
That is where the essence of LEGO lies. When you buy a set, there are essentially two elements of play. The first is the enjoyment of building the model. The other is playing with the model or modifying it to fit your own adventure. Just keep in mind that you should have a build area so you can avoid losing any of the small pieces.
Summary Table
| Rank | Lego Set |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | UCS Millennium Falcon |
| Best for Superhero Fans | The Guardiansâ Ship |
| Best for Classic Lego Space Enthusiasts | Galaxy Explorer |
| Best Lego Friends Sci-Fi Set | Oliviaâs Space Academy |
| Best for NASA Fans | Lunar Research Base |
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