With 196 submissions as I write this, the 90s LEGO Ideas Challenge has been a treat to explore. Here’s a rundown of my thoughts on some designs that stood out to me.
Now, there were two entries for Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers that were pretty similar, and as a Bristol-born lover of everything Wallace and Gromit and Aardman, I had to include both. I really want to love them, and they’ve done a fantastic job with Gromit and the notorious Feathers McGraw, but Wallace… well, he’s just not quite right. I get it. Capturing that awkward, human-ish (plasticine) vibe in LEGO must be a nightmare. But it does stop me from being “all in” on them. That said, I absolutely love what they’re going for.
The Wrong Trousers by BertieBrick
Gromit on the train is perfect in BertieBrick’s rendition.
Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers by pierselliott
And I really dig the mobility of pierselliott’s build.
When it came to the Jumanji entries, again, I just couldn’t choose between two of them.
Jumanji House by TangTaizong
This set is an absolute monster, clocking in at nearly 5,000 pieces! But just look at the sheer scale and intricate design. Every single one of those pieces is doing important work. There’s a wild beauty in this build that perfectly channels the energy of the 1995 Jumanji classic. It feels like a heartfelt homage to both the movie and the irreplaceable Robin Williams.
There’s a library with Van Pelt lurking, a kitchen full of mischievous monkeys, vines taking over the staircase, and even the attic scene where Alan tries to avoid the lion. The minifigures are just as iconic, featuring two versions of Alan Parrish, Sarah Whittle, Judy and Peter Shepherd, Officer Carl, and the menacing Van Pelt. Oh, and let’s not forget Officer Carl’s police car. It’s all here.
The fan designer’s passion is evident in every corner of this set. From top to bottom, inside and out, there’s something new to uncover wherever you look. The split-open house design is especially clever, letting you marvel at the interior’s details while still appreciating the charm of the exterior. It’s rare to find a set this unique in terms of both displayability and playability. This deserves a spot in the voting stage.
Jumanji Board Game Set by BRICK PROJECT
This second entry takes a totally different approach, recreating the infamous Jumanji board game itself as a buildable set. While smaller in scale compared to the house, it’s packed with charm and a super impressive level of detail. It can “open” like the game in the film, and you can store a small version of the house inside. I mean, come on. How cool is that?
Imagine putting this on display or actually using it as a prop for themed game nights. It’s a clever concept that brings the magic of the movie into a tangible, playable form.
Both of these sets represent the essence of Jumanji in completely different ways, and I’d love to see either one make it through.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Library by vjw1978
This tribute to Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a must-see for fans of the iconic ’90s show. Designed as a faithful recreation of the Sunnydale High School Library, it’s packed with nostalgic references to some of the series’ unforgettable episodes. From the “Bad Eggs” eggs to the pom-poms from “Witch” and even the floppy disk from “Becoming Part 1,” it feels like a love letter to everything that made Buffy so special.
The build features Minifigs of Buffy (complete with a stake made from the LEGO ‘wand’ piece!), Giles, Willow, Xander, and Angel, complete with a reversible vampire head for when things get grr-y. It’s those thoughtful little details that really bring this to life.
That said, the build itself feels a bit safe. While the design is undeniably detailed and true to the show, the muted colour palette and lack of action might not grab every LEGO fan’s attention. Yeah. It’s a bit dull. Adding a dramatic twist, like a surprise vampire attack or an ongoing battle scene, could have given it more energy. Still, for collectors, it’s a solid library set that works even beyond the Buffy theme.
Do I think it’ll make the cut? Probably not. But as a household full of Buffy superfans, there was no way I could leave this off the list.
Dragon Ball Z – Shenron’s Ascent by Jagamax
Dragon Ball Z defined the ’90s for a lot of us, so including this set feels like a no-brainer. With over 3,000 pieces and standing at a jaw-dropping 48 x 28 x 43 cm, this build is nothing short of epic. It’s technically ambitious, and the centrepiece is Shenron, the legendary dragon, gliding above the clouds and surrounded by the iconic Dragon Balls.
The minifig lineup includes Goku, Bulma, Vegeta, Master Roshi, Piccolo, Frieza, and Cell, all of whom get their own display stand.
This set is brimming with personality and nostalgia. And honestly, how could I not include Shenron on this list? It’s a power level over 9,000 in LEGO form!
Muppets Christmas Carol by Farmfarm
When it comes to Christmas movies, The Muppet Christmas Carol has got to be one of the best. It’s a classic, so this LEGO tribute feels like pure holiday joy. Inspired by the film’s original poster, the set is a Victorian street scene bursting with magic.
The Minifigure lineup features lots we’ve seen before, but it’s a good selection. We get two versions of Scrooge (daytime and nighttime), Statler and Waldorf as the Marley brothers, Kermit as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Fozziwig, Rowlf, Animal, the three Christmas spirits, and Gonzo as Charles Dickens himself.
This set is a delightful mix of whimsy and holiday cheer. Who wouldn’t want a little more bah humbug in brick form?
Edward Scissorhands – The Inventor’s House by Martin_Studio
As a massive Edward Scissorhands fan, I couldn’t resist this build. Martin_Studio has beautifully created the Inventor’s house.
The exterior is excellent, with its Gothic architecture and lush, colourful gardens. The Minifigure lineup includes all the key players: Edward, Kim, Peg, Kevin, Joyce, Jim, Officer Allen, and the Inventor, making it a lovely tribute to Tim Burton’s masterpiece.
That said, I do wish this set had gone bigger. A full house rather than a facade would have allowed for more of the castle’s personality to shine through. Perhaps adding more ice sculptures or the Bogg’s Christmas house could have provided some contrast. I’m not sure, but it just feels like something is missing.
Overall, this isn’t my favourite Edward Scissorhands build, but it’s a great attempt. With a few tweaks, it could become truly extraordinary.
The Mummy: Imhotep’s Tomb by Brickitecture
The Mummy is another cinematic treasure and a childhood favourite of mine. This build attempts to bring all the action, inviting you to explore the cursed ruins of Imhotep’s Tomb. From the mirror that lights the way to the scarab beetles ready to wreak havoc, the set is packed with fun references.
The Minifigure lineup is stellar, featuring Rick, Evie, Jonathan, Ardeth, Imhotep, and a classic bandaged mummy. The removable lid and sections add a ton of playability, letting you recreate scenes or imagine new ones.
However, as much as I adore The Mummy (and I really, really do), I’m not completely sold on the cohesiveness of this build. It feels like it’s teetering between a diorama and a playset without fully committing to either. The decorative sarcophagus box is stunning but somewhat disconnected from the interior, and while there are great individual details, the overall layout doesn’t feel as tight as it could be.
That said, the potential here is undeniable. With a little more cohesion, maybe integrating more dynamic storytelling elements like collapsing walls or a scarab swarm feature, this set could go from a fun homage to an absolute must-have. For now, it’s a love letter to one of the greatest adventure films of the ’90s, and as a fan of both the IP and Egyptology, it’s hard not to appreciate the effort.
The Addams Family by BRICK PROJECT
Yup, it’s another unreal creation from BRICK PROJECT. If you’re an Addams Family fan like me, this set will make your spooky little heart do a happy dance. Inspired by the house from the 1991 film, this entry is an architectural and nostalgic triumph, capturing both the eerie charm and dark humour of everyone’s favourite macabre family.
This isn’t just a static display piece. The back of the house opens to reveal a treasure trove of interior details that bring the film to life. The left side houses Pugsley’s bedroom (complete with stop signs, naturally), the miniature train and house from Gomez’s explosive hobby, and the main living room where the family gathers. In the centre, you’ll find the grand entrance hall with its twin staircases, Fester’s dusty room, Gomez’s office and sword room, and even the upper hallway for those atmospheric shots. The right side hides the pathway to the family treasure, complete with a secret library door, a chain-filled passage, a water slide leading to the submerged boat room, and the treasure chamber itself.
Outside, the gothic grandeur continues with a rose-filled veranda, a graveyard (because, of course), the gazebo and couch from those iconic scenes, and even the Addams Family car for some creepy road trips. The six minifigures—Gomez, Morticia, Fester, Wednesday, Pugsley, and Grandma—are awesome, and the inclusion of so many rooms and details makes this a dream set for fans.
This build is hands-down one of my top picks. Wow, did they nail it. It’s cohesive, brilliantly designed, and packed with playability, Easter eggs, and Addams Family charm. It’s a celebration of the weird, wonderful, and slightly deranged world of the Addamses. What’s not to love? I’d buy it. Immediately.
NeverLand by ChildsMindInAnOldBody
If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a magical forest where imagination rules, this NeverLand build is sure to spark your inner child. Inspired by Steven Spielberg’s Hook, a timeless favourite for anyone who grew up wishing they could soar off to Neverland. This set brings the magic of Peter Pan’s world to life in a way only LEGO can.
As a lover of anything forest-related, it ticks so many boxes for me. It would sit nicely alongside the Tree House and A-Frame Cabin sets in our collection. The way it balances natural elements with the fantasy of Hook feels just right, creating a space that’s as magical as the movie itself. While it would be incredible to see even more of the lush forest world explored, this build leaves room for our imaginations to fill in the rest exactly the way it should.
Princess Mononoké – The Forest of Spirits by Briquette81186
Studio Ghibli films have a unique ability to transport us into breathtaking realms, and this build inspired by Princess Mononoke is no exception. This set, crafted with around 2,550 pieces, masterfully illustrates the ethereal beauty of the forest of spirits; it feels like stepping into one of Miyazaki’s frames, a true work of art that honours the 1997 masterpiece.
While the faceless characters may not resonate with everyone (I’m personally still not entirely sold on them), I understand the choice.
There’s no denying the craftsmanship and heart that went into this build. It’s a superb tribute to Miyazaki’s work and a must-have for fans of the series.
Twister by alexwaltervideo
This build brings to life one of the most thrilling disaster movies of the ’90s. With Twister immortalised in LEGO, this set brings us right into the film’s adrenaline-pumping finale, where Jo and Bill face down the monstrous F5 tornado.
The builder has poured creativity into this tribute, which features 13 minifigures of the tornado-chasing crew, from Jo and Bill to Dusty, Aunt Meg, and the rest of the gang. The inclusion of iconic vehicles—Bill’s red pickup truck, Dusty’s Barn Burner van, and even a Benthic Petroleum tanker—is so fun to see.
While I think the twister itself could benefit from being much larger to truly capture the scale and terror of an F5, I really appreciate the effort with this build. With some tweaks, the tornado could be as imposing as it is in the film, elevating this already impressive set to iconic heights.
I had to include this in my list, not just for the build’s merits, but because Twister holds a special place in my heart through my girlfriend and fellow Unruly Folk partner. It’s their all-time favourite disaster movie, and seeing it reimagined in LEGO would be an absolute dream for us, something we’d love to build together and display proudly on our shelves one day.
75th Anniversary Sooty & Sweep by Turbogrit44
If you’re a fan of Sooty & Sweep, then this LEGO set will feel like a warm hug from your childhood. Celebrating 75 years of magic, mischief, and nostalgic joy, this set brings Sooty, the yellow bear magician, and his sausage-loving sidekick Sweep into the world of LEGO in a way that’s both adorable and clever. The details on both characters are spot on, capturing that playful energy that made them such a big part of so many childhoods.
This LEGO set is a lovely idea, and we are so happy to see it. If you grew up watching Sooty & Sweep, it’s impossible not to appreciate the fun and magic this set brings.
The X-Files: The Truth Is Out There by BrentWaller
OK, let me just say this right off the bat: This LEGO set is absolutely phenomenal. Whether you’re a fan of The X-Files or just a lover of intricately designed dioramas, this creation is pure perfection. I’m in awe of it.
The forest UFO scene hovering above Mulder’s iconic basement office is an absolutely stunning touch, perfectly recreating that bizarre, enigmatic vibe the show was known for. The “I Want to Believe” poster? Yes, please! It’s those little details that make it feel like a true tribute to one of the most iconic 90s TV shows.
What I really love is the careful balance between the supernatural and the grounded reality of Mulder and Scully’s work. You’ve got the mystical presence of the UFO above, but then right below, you’ve got Mulder’s messy, cluttered office that every fan will instantly recognise. It’s like the perfect marriage of the X-Files’ strange world and the human side of the show.
The minifigures? So much yes. Mulder, Scully, a “Grey” alien, The Jersey Devil, and the classic villains, Assistant Director Skinner, the Syndicate Leader, and Eugene Tooms, are all included, and each one perfectly captures the quirks of their characters. The attention to detail is exceptional, and it’s impossible not to feel like you’re holding a piece of X-Files history in your hands.
I cannot stress this enough: this set is the ultimate homage to The X-Files. It’s everything I could want in a LEGO set. An amazing diorama packed with references and Easter eggs, capturing all the atmosphere and intrigue of the show. It’s a dream come true for fans of the series, and honestly, it’s hard not to imagine this beautiful display piece gracing my shelf (right now, please).
This set is, without a doubt, my favourite of the bunch. The craftsmanship, the nostalgia, the attention to detail, everything about it is perfect. Truly, the truth is out there, and it’s in this stunning LEGO creation.
Final Thoughts
Now, yes, it’s true. Some of these incredible submissions face an uphill battle when it comes to becoming official LEGO sets. IP licensing, size, price, and broad audience appeal all play a role in approval. But when it comes to celebrating 90s nostalgia, the things we love, and the mindboggling creativity and talent of these designers, there was no way I could leave them out of this list. Whether or not they make the final cut, these builds have already earned a special place in our hearts. A massive congratulations and thank you to all who entered. You are unruly in the best way, and we can’t wait to see the ridiculously impressive things you come up with next. Seriously, how are you that talented? Keep building, friends.
