More LEGO Sets

Continuing from the previous article, The Best LEGO Investments , we are covering the best LEGO set investments over the years.

Friends

The LEGO Friends theme was released in 2012 in an effort to grab the attention of more girl fans. These sets were set apart from the standard LEGO sets as they featured new figurines called minidolls. These sets almost have a "dollhouse" aesthetic to them with more pastel colors, and allow for more customization unlike the dollhouses of the past. The best investment from this collection of sets seems to be the 66526 Super Pack 3-in-1.Originally released in 2015 this 1,065 piece set retailed at 59.99, today the set is worth around $290, making it a +383% increase in price.

Atlantis

The short lived Atlantis sets lasting for only a year from 2010 - 2011 were a collection of underwater exploration sets centered around the exploration of the lost city of Atlantis. The most notable set from this theme was 30040 Octopus, a $3.99, 42 piece set from 2010 that is currently valued at $19.99. That is an impressive +400% increase in value.

The Lone Ranger

In 2013 the team behind the hit Pirates of the Caribbean series decided to create the next blockbuster film franchise with the Lone Ranger. Often described as Pirates of the Caribbean with a train, this big budget western unfortunately flopped becoming one of the worst box office bombs in history. Regardless of the film's performance, this series gave us some of the best western sets to date. Including unique minifigures and interesting action set pieces from the movie these sets harkened the classic westerns of the past.

The most notable set from this collection is 79108 Stagecoach Escape. Although there was never a scene in the movie depicting such a scene, this 279 piece set is still iconic to this day. Originally priced at $29.99 this set is currently worth around $150, putting it at a +400% increase.

Jurassic World

In 2015 to accompany the hype of the 4th instalment of the film franchise, Jurassic World. These sets were immediately popular as they featured injection molded dinosaur pieces from one of the most popular film franchises in history. Set 75920 Raptor Escape originally retailing for $39.99 is currently valued at $200 which is a +400% gain.

DC

The popular comic book company and its roster of characters like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, have always been a popular collection of sets among the younger audiences. Most of these sets were meant more for playing with rather than displaying like the bigger Ultimate Collector Series (UCS) Star Wars sets. Like we explained, the bigger and more collectible sets have come out in these few years despite LEGO DC releasing its first sets in 2011.

From the DC Comics Super Heroes theme, the 76096 Superman & Krypto Team-Up set is probably the best investment. Released in 2018, it includes 199 pieces and two minifigures, Superman and Lobo. Originally retailing for $19.99, this now-retired set has risen in value to approximately $110, marking a +450% growth since its release.

Creator 3-in-1

Leaning into LEGO's versatility, the Creator 3-in-1 sets offer builders a single collection of pieces that can be used to create three different creations. This clever design encourages endless creativity builders can construct, take apart, and rebuild in new ways again and again. It's the perfect choice for anyone who loves variety and the joy of building something different every time. The first 3-in-1 set came out in 2004 and they are still produced to this day.

The 550 piece 4955 Big Rig is a standout model from the Creator 3-in-1 theme, released in 2007. With pieces. Originally retailing for $29.99, the set is now valued at around $180 reflecting an +500% growth since its retirement.

Icons

The LEGO Icons sets, previously known as the Creator Expert theme, focus on culturally significant subjects and iconic landmarks or objects that are widely recognized and beloved. This category now includes things like the 10294 Titanic, 10307 Eiffel Tower, 10272 Old Trafford - Manchester United and 10300 Back to the Future Time Machine.

The 2021 set 10282 Adidas Originals Superstar X Footshop is a notable investment as it was the first set of an article of clothing and the first collaboration of Adidas and LEGO. This 974 piece set originally retailed for $99.95. Now retired, it has risen in value to approximately $630, representing a+531% growth since its release. Since these icons sets are relatively new, their expected increase in value is sure to grow.

Speed Champions

Released in 2015, the Speed Champions sets are minifigure scale sports cars. To this day they are one of the most popular collections with a large dedicated fanbase. The highest-gaining set to date is the 75878 Bugatti Chiron originally retailing at 14.99 the 181 piece set currently goes for $100. Making this set have again of +567%.

Minecraft

The popular computer game Minecraft, often described as “virtual LEGO's” has been a popular theme since its introduction in 2013. The cube based graphics of Minecraft and its similar messages of creativity and exploration, made it the perfect candidate to be translated into LEGO. The best performing Minecraft set to date has been 21137 The Mountain Cave. Released in 2017, it contains a massive 2,863 pieces and includes six minifigures. Originally retailing for $249.99, this now retired set has climbed in value to around $1,900, representing +660% growth since its retirement.

Alien Conquest

The Alien conquest theme was introduced in 2011 as a follow up to the classic LEGO Space theme. These sets were primarily focused on alien space ships and featured some of the most unique minifigs to date.

The 7051 Tripod Invader is a standout set from the Alien Conquest theme released in 2011. With 165 pieces and 2 minifigures it originally retailed for $19.99. The set's value has climbed to around $155, reflecting an impressive +675%.

In the next article, The Best LEGO Investments (Pt. 3) we continue going through the list of the best LEGO set investments!