Welcome to the grand finale of our four-part journey through the vibrant history of LEGO. In this final instalment, we delve into the years 2010 to 2019, uncovering a treasure trove of imaginative sets and creative collaborations that have captivated LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. These years witnessed the resurgence of iconic partnerships, the emergence of new themes, and the expansion of beloved classics. From intergalactic adventures to fantasy realms, from superheroes’ battles to the magic of animation, LEGO’s evolution during this period is nothing short of remarkable.
From 2010, LEGO enthusiasts witnessed a whirlwind of creativity and innovation. The iconic collaboration between Disney and LEGO was reignited, leading to the introduction of LEGO Toy Story and LEGO Prince of Persia sets. The younger enthusiasts weren’t left out with LEGO DUPLO Cars sets.
Themes like LEGO Atlantis and LEGO Kingdoms continued to immerse fans in underwater and castle adventures. The inception of collectible LEGO Minifigures introduced a new element of tradable characters, with the first series featuring 16 unique figures.
The excitement didn’t stop there, as LEGO World Racers embarked on exhilarating cross-continent races, and the LEGO Hero Factory introduced “constraction” sets featuring snap-together robot heroes. Cartoon Network’s Ben 10 Alien Force joined forces with LEGO, and LEGO took us on a journey through space with intergalactic adventures.
In 2011, LEGO Alien Conquest brought space-themed sets to Earth, and LEGO NINJAGO took centre stage, capturing the hearts of fans. Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew set sail on high-seas adventures with LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean sets. A collaboration between LEGO City and NASA resulted in space shuttle and spaceport sets, and LEGO Master Builder Academy taught official LEGO building techniques through sets and handbooks.
2012 saw the introduction of LEGO Marvel Super Heroes and LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes sets, bringing iconic superhero universes to life. Movie-inspired sets like LEGO The Lord of the Rings and LEGO The Hobbit made their debut. LEGO Friends introduced the creative mini-dolls of Heartlake City, while the LEGO Dino theme pitted dinosaurs and dino hunters in epic battles. LEGO Monster Fighters confronted classic monsters, and the first LEGO MINECRAFT set emerged following a vote on the LEGO CUUSOO website. LEGO Disney Princess sets expanded to include mini-dolls and classic brick construction in 2014.
In 2013, LEGO Legends of Chima unveiled a world of powered animal tribes, and a new LEGO Castle theme sparked a rivalry between Lion Knights and Dragon Knights. Galaxy Squad engaged in epic battles against alien insects in outer space, and LEGO Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sets arrived, based on the Nickelodeon computer-animated TV series. LEGO CUUSOO rebranded as LEGO Ideas, introducing a fan-created DeLorean Time Machine set inspired by Back to the Future. Western themes made a comeback with licensed LEGO Disney The Lone Ranger movie sets, and LEGO took steps towards environmental sustainability by reducing set box sizes. Sets released from this year onward featured 5-digit identification numbers, departing from the classic 4-digit ones.
The blockbuster release of THE LEGO MOVIE in 2014 was accompanied by a line of movie-inspired sets. The playful LEGO Mixels offered a delightful blend of building fun. Super-spy adventures continued with the LEGO Ultra Agents, and special-edition LEGO The Simpsons Family House set marked the 25th anniversary of The Simpsons. In the United States, LEGO Fusion sets enabled LEGO models to interact with smart devices through an app, and LEGO Ideas debuted with a fan-designed Ghostbusters Ecto-1 set and other creative releases.
In 2015, the LEGO Pirates set sailed again for treasure and excitement. LEGO BIONICLE returned, sparking nostalgia among fans. A character named Emily uncovered the hidden realm of LEGO Elves. LEGO Scooby-Doo sets featured the entire Mystery Incorporated crew and a slew of “ghouls” and “ghosts” to foil their mysteries. The expanded minifigure-scale LEGO MINECRAFT line became an instant sensation.
In 2016, LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS combined futuristic technology with medieval knights in a captivating theme. LEGO City celebrated its 10th anniversary with a range of sets, including the deep-sea exploration series. The LEGO Architecture series took a journey to iconic cityscapes, including Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. LEGO Dimensions merged the digital and physical worlds in an action-packed video game with interactive LEGO figures and sets. LEGO Elves continued to enchant with mystical adventures and magical creatures, while LEGO Ghostbusters celebrated the 30th anniversary of the classic film with a Firehouse Headquarters set. LEGO Ideas introduced fan-designed sets, including the Old Fishing Store and Caterham Seven 620R.
In 2017, the LEGO BOOST creative toolbox introduced coding and robotics to young builders. LEGO Star Wars celebrated its 40th anniversary with special edition sets and new characters. LEGO Ninjago Movie sets accompanied the release of the animated film, offering ninja action and epic battles. LEGO Architecture paid tribute to iconic structures like the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Sydney Opera House. LEGO Creator Expert added the striking Assembly Square set to its collection of modular buildings. LEGO Ideas released the Women of NASA set, honouring female pioneers in space exploration. LEGO Boost won the Toy of the Year award, recognizing its innovation in educational play.
2018 brought new levels of interactivity to LEGO sets with the introduction of the Powered Up platform. The LEGO Harry Potter Wizarding World theme returned, delighting fans with magical adventures. LEGO Ideas released the Ship in a Bottle set, showcasing impressive brick-built details. LEGO Technic’s Bugatti Chiron set allowed builders to construct a detailed replica of the iconic sports car. The LEGO Creator Expert Roller Coaster offered a thrilling building experience, and LEGO City introduced the Arctic Exploration theme, featuring polar expeditions and icy adventures.
In 2019, LEGO Hidden Side combined augmented reality with physical play, letting builders hunt and capture ghosts. The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part inspired a wave of sets, including Apocalypseburg and Queen Watevra’s Not-So-Evil Space Palace. LEGO Ideas released the Tree House set, highlighting eco-friendly building practices. LEGO City Space took explorers on intergalactic missions with a range of space-themed sets, and LEGO Star Wars marked its 20th anniversary.
Final thoughts:
As we conclude this captivating voyage through the decades of LEGO’s history, we’ve witnessed a remarkable era of creativity, innovation, and enduring charm. This period showcased LEGO’s unwavering commitment to sparking imagination, fostering learning, and uniting generations through the magic of building with bricks.
As we celebrate the end of this journey, let us remember that LEGO is more than just a toy; it’s a timeless form of artistic expression, a source of endless adventures, and a testament to the enduring power of creativity and play. The legacy of LEGO lives on, ever-evolving and inspiring new generations to build their dreams one brick at a time.
Brick Guy Andy 