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Over the course of the last decade, LEGO published more than a hundred sets inspired by Marvel movies and comic books. Even though some of the best Marvel LEGO sets ever are no longer in production, this LEGO theme still features fifty sets inspired by different Marvel characters.
Moreover, LEGO continues to add new models to this trendy theme, as the company announced the release of nine new sets at the start of 2022. The vast majority of sets from this theme are designed for young LEGO fans because only six models are aimed at adult audiences.
I’ll walk you through the critical aspects of choosing the best Marvel LEGO sets and introduce you to some of the bestselling models from this theme in this article. Please go through our guide to the best LEGO City sets if you’d like to learn more about the latest models from this theme.
The Overview of the LEGO Marvel theme
LEGO introduced the Marvel theme in March 2012 by releasing four sets inspired by The Avengers and one set based on the X-Men movies. Later that year, the company published the Ultimate Spider-Man set inspired by the TV show.
The following year, LEGO introduced only a handful of new models to this theme, and nearly all sets were based on the Iron Man 3 movie. The company introduced its first Marvel-themed video game at the end of 2013 and released its sequel four years later.
Since then, LEGO has been extending its range of Marvel sets. You can currently choose from fifty models inspired by Spider-Man, Eternals, Avengers, and other blockbusters from Marvel’s cinematic universe.
It’s also worth adding that LEGO released five movies inspired by Marvel characters in the last ten years. Check out our guide to the best LEGO Deadpool sets if you’re interested in sets that feature this superhero.
LEGO Marvel subthemes
Different characters from the Marvel universe served as inspiration for sets released within this LEGO theme. Ant-Man, Wolverine, Captain America, or Iron Man are some superheroes that frequently appear in LEGO Marvel sets.
Subthemes of the Marvel theme are based on movies and comic books like the X-Man, Avengers, Spider-Man, or Black Panther.
Spider-man
LEGO initially launched Spider-Man as an independent theme in 2002 but released just 14 sets within this theme before retiring it in 2004. Almost a decade later, the company reintroduced Spider-Man sets within the Marvel theme. Nearly half of currently active LEGO Marvel sets come from this subtheme.
Avengers
Infinity War, Age of Ultron, or Black Panther are some of the Avengers movies that inspired sets from this subtheme. LEGO offers more than ten active sets within the Avengers subtheme, but that number is likely to increase by the end of the year.
Eternals
Even though the first Eternals movie premiered recently, LEGO already offers a sizeable number of sets based on the scenes and characters from this movie.
It is currently unclear if the company has plans to add more models to this subtheme since none of the announced new releases from the Marvel theme are based on this movie.
Please browse through our guide to the best LEGO Advent calendars to learn more about LEGO’s first Marvel Avengers seasonal set.
Marvel in other LEGO themes
Several LEGO themes contain sets inspired by the Marvel universe, and you can opt for models featured in Duplo, BrickHeadz, and Art themes. Even though some of these sets were retired recently, you can still find them at LEGO-certified stores.
BrickHeadz
The Marvel models from the BrickHeadz theme are discontinued, but they’re still easy to find. You can choose from the following models.
Duplo
Marvel sets you can find in the Duplo theme come with the Spider-Man, Captain America, and Iron Man minifigures. However, LEGO recently retired one of these sets, and at the moment, there’s just one LEGO Marvel set suitable for children under the age of four. Despite this, both models are readily available at different online stores.
LEGO Art
The Marvel Studios Iron Man 31199 is the only set inspired by the Marvel universe in the LEGO Art theme. This set has 3,167 pieces, and it is aimed at adult LEGO fans with advanced set-building skills.
Please go through our guide to the best LEGO display shelves to find a model that will allow you to exhibit the LEGO Marvel sets you build.
Active LEGO Marvel sets
LEGO usually reties sets 18 to 24 months after the release, which means that most models published in 2020 are already discontinued. At the moment, the Marvel theme features fifty active sets, while 22 of those sets come from the Marvel subtheme.
Furthermore, the majority of LEGO Marvel sets are suitable for children above the age of six, while just six models target LEGO fans older than 18.
Sets that let you build display models like the Carnage 76199 or the Infinity Gauntlet 76191 are far less common than sets stacked with minifigures and accessories that offer a broad range of playing possibilities.
Also, you can collect the minifigures from the LEGO Marvel Series 1 if you want to extend the range of characters your kids can play with.
Right now, the Wrath of Loki 76152 is the only set from the Marvel theme with the Retiring Soon designation, but LEGO might discontinue more sets as the year progresses. Please read our guide to the best LEGO Castle sets if you’d like to learn more about the models from this retired theme.
The upcoming LEGO Marvel releases
LEGO added new sets to the LEGO Marvel theme every year since introducing this theme in 2012. So far, the company has released several new sets since the start of 2022, while more sets are scheduled to hit the market in early April.
The Iron Man Figure 76206 and Gargantos Showdown 76205 are the most recent additions to the Marvel theme. Moreover, LEGO has published the following sets since the start of the year.
- Spider-Man Webquarters Hangout 10784
- Spider-Man at Dok Ock’s Lab 10783
- Miles Morales: Spider-Man’s Techno Trike 10781
- Hulk vs. Rhino Truck Showdown 10782
Models like the Thor’s Hammer 76209, Wolverine Mech Armor 76202, Black Panther Mech Armor 76204, and Iron Man Mech Armor 76203 should become available in March and April 2022.
The new Mech Armor sets were initially scheduled for January 2022, but their release was postponed due to stability issues. Please go through our guide to the best LEGO sets to discover some of the most popular models in different LEGO themes.
Piece count of LEGO Marvel sets
With 3,772 pieces, the Daily Bugle 76178 is the biggest set in the LEGO Marvel theme, while the Marvel Studios Iron Man 31199 from the LEGO Art theme is the second-largest LEGO set inspired by the Marvel cinematic universe.
Only two other models from the Marvel theme have more than 1,000 pieces, and it doesn’t seem likely that LEGO plans to release more large sets within this theme by the end of the year. Furthermore, just six active LEGO Marvel sets have between 500 and 999 pieces.
More than thirty sets from Marvel theme have between 100 and 500 pieces. In addition, the majority of these sets are suitable for children aged six or older. Marvel sets from the LEGO Duplo theme are small, and they don’t have more than fifty pieces.
Check out our guide to the best 1,500 piece LEGO sets if you’re searching for an active medium-sized LEGO set.
The most important factors to consider while choosing a LEGO Marvel set
A handful of LEGO themes feature more sets than the LEGO Marvel theme. Hence, you’ll have a wide range of options to choose from if you’d like to get an active LEGO Marvel set.
A multitude of factors can affect your decision to pick one set over another, as specific models might cover a subtheme you don’t like, or they may have a low piece count. I’ve listed some of the crucial factors that can guide you through the selection process, so let’s take a look at them.
The Marvel movie the set is based on
So far, LEGO has published sets inspired by more than thirty Marvel movies, including the Iron Man trilogy and all Avengers movies. In addition, recently released movies like the Black Widow or Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness also served as inspiration for some of the active LEGO Marvel sets.
Being a Marvel fan doesn’t necessarily mean that you like all superheroes from the Marvel universe. This parameter can make the selection process easier by allowing you to shortlist all sets based on your favorite Marvel movie.
Your set-building skills
Even though most sets from the Marvel theme have a low piece count and they’re easy to build, you should still try to find a model that matches your set-building skills.
Daily Bugle or similar large sets can be overwhelming for inexperienced LEGO builders. Even smaller sets like the Carnage 76199 or Venom 76187 can be overwhelming if you have never assembled a LEGO set before.
That’s why you should hone your set-building skills on small LEGO sets before moving on to models with more than 1,000 pieces.
Recommended age group
LEGO manufactures Marvel sets for all age groups and depending on your needs, you can opt for a model aimed at preschoolers or adults. The bulk of sets from this theme is designed for children older than six and kids above nine.
The focus of sets in these two age groups isn’t on the complexity of the assembly process but rather on offering a variety of playing possibilities. LEGO Marvel theme features several display models sets that primarily target adult audiences.
Minifigures and accessories
Checking the set’s list of accessories and minifigures can help you determine the range of playing scenarios it offers. Optionally, you can collect the minifigures from the LEGO Marvel Series 1 to extend the number of characters you can use with different sets from the LEGO Marvel theme.
Weapons, webs, or armors are some of the most common accessories you’ll find in LEGO Marvel sets, but some models also come with unique accessories you can’t find in other sets from this theme.
Set’s availability
The average lifespan of a LEGO set is between 18 and 24 months, which means that most Marvel sets released in 2020 are no longer in production.
Retired sets remain available in LEGO-certified stores until they run out of stock, while some online retailers continue to offer discontinued sets years after they’re officially retired. However, discontinued sets are often expensive and hard to find.
Even active Marvel sets are unavailable on LEGO’s website from time to time, and you may not be able to purchase them directly from the manufacturer.
Price range
Compared to sets from other LEGO themes, Marvel sets are inexpensive since just three models cost more than $100. On the other hand, more than half of the sets from this theme cost less than $50, including 19 models priced below $25.
The market value of a retired LEGO Marvel set depends on various factors, and rare promotional minifigures or old sets can cost up to $1,000.
The advantages of LEGO Marvel sets
Versatile selection of sets
Different Marvel films inspire sets in this theme. You can choose from models based on Avengers: End Game, Black Panther, or Spider-Man: No Way Home movies, to mention a few.
Set-building skill development
Children and adults can use sets from the Marvel theme to improve their set-building skills. Most Marvel sets are easy to assemble, making them an excellent option for all novice LEGO builders.
Endless playing possibilities
LEGO Marvel sets are fun because they let you recreate different scenes from your favorite Marvel movies. In addition, you can use the minifigures that come with these sets to create scenarios that diverge from the original movie scripts.
Suitable for all LEGO and Marvel fans
This theme contains models for all age groups, and you can choose from sets aimed at toddlers, kids who just started elementary school, or teenagers. However, the number of available models depends on the age group.
Sensible prices
Sets from this theme are inexpensive since more than half of active models cost less than $50. Hence, you can get multiple LEGO Marvel sets even if you don’t have a high budget.
The disadvantages of LEGO Marvel sets
A limited selection of sets for adults
You won’t have a lot of options at your disposal if you’re looking for a LEGO set an adult Marvel fan would appreciate since there are only six models in the 18+ age group.
Marvel sets don’t have a high learning potential
Unlike the models from LEGO Creator 3-in-1 or Technic themes that help children understand the basic concepts of engineering, sets from the Marvel theme don’t have a high educational potential.
Selection criteria
In my opinion, all sets from the LEGO Marvel sets deserve high praise because they challenge children and adults to become better at building sets while providing them with loads of fun at the same time. That’s why I had to use strict selection criteria while deciding which models to include in this article.
Here are some of the essential parameters I utilized during the selection process.
- Release date – This criterion has allowed me to exclude all retired LEGO Marvel sets from the selection process and narrow down my options considerably. All models you’ll find in this article are still in production.
- Piece count – I utilized this parameter to identify the largest and smallest sets from this theme, and I selected the most representative models with low, medium, and high piece counts.
- Age groups – My goal during the selection process was to represent each of the age groups in the LEGO Marvel theme equally so that you can choose from models that are suitable for preschoolers, teenagers, or adults.
Top 20 LEGO Marvel Sets
1. The Guardians’ Ship 76193
Besides being one of LEGO’s most popular Marvel sets, The Guardians’ Ship 76193 is also one of the largest sets from the Marvel theme. You can choose to use the 23-inch wide and 14-inch long replica of the Bentar spaceship as a toy or as a display model.
The set comes with a rotatable display stand that allows you to change the model’s position and six minifigures you can use to develop a broad range of play scenarios.
2. Daily Bugle 76178
Adult LEGO fans looking for a Marvel set that will test their set-building abilities should consider getting the Daily Bugle 76178.
The model of the Daily Bugle building is 32-inches tall and 10.5 inches wide. The set has 3,772 pieces, and it is currently the biggest set in the Marvel theme. In addition, the Daily Bugle features 25 minifigures and a variety of accessories for each character in the set.
Read our Daily Bugle review for more information about this set.
3. Rise of the Domo 76156
The Rise of the Domo 76156 was released in October 2021, a month before the Eternals movie premiered. Like the movie, this 1,040-piece set is a major success as it is currently one of LEGO’s bestselling models.
You can build a replica of the Eternals’ spaceship and exclusive figures of the Phastos and Druig Deviants from the pieces in this set. The Rise of the Domo features minifigures of Thena, Sersi, Ikaris, and Makkari characters.
4. Avengers Tower Battle 76166
Unlike most LEGO Marvel sets released in 2020, the Avengers Tower Battle 76166 is still in production, although it remains unclear how much longer the set is going to be active.
The five-story 17-inches tall model of the Avengers Tower has five easily accessible rooms and two balconies that allow for endless play scenarios. Each of the minifigures in the set is equipped with weapons and accessories, while the Iron Man minifigure comes with two armors.
5. Venom 76187
Even though it has just 565 pieces, the Venom 76187 set can be overwhelming for novice LEGO builders. The display model of one of the most iconic Spider-Man antagonists is relatively small, as it is just 7-inches tall, 3-inches wide, and 7-inches long.
You can pair the Venom and Carnage 76199 sets if you’d like to create a small collection of Spider-Man’s archenemies. The Venom set features the display plaque that doesn’t contain other information besides the character’s name.
6. Infinity Gauntlet 76191
The Infinity Gauntlet 76191 set lets you create a replica of the most potent weapon in the Marvel universe. The realistic replica of the Thanos’ weapon features all six infinity stones. The model’s fingers are adjustable, enabling you to switch between different display poses.
The set also contains a display stand and plaque, allowing you to choose where or how to exhibit the model. Our guide to the best LEGO display cases might help you find a suitable display case for this set.
7. Avengers: Endgame Final Battle 76192
An action-packed set like the Avengers: Endgame Final Battle 76192 can be an excellent gift for all kids aged eight or older who love to imagine different playing scenarios. The model of the Avengers compound features the prison cell, leisure area, and Iron Man’s lab sections.
Aside from the Thanos figure, the set also features two Chitauri minifigures and an Ant-Man microfigure. Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and Black Panther minifigures are also included in the set.
8. Attack on the Spider Lair 76175
The wide range of playing options offered by the Attack on the Spider Lair 76175 makes it one of the best LEGO Marvel sets for young Spider-Man fans. An extensive monitoring system occupies the central segment of the Spider-Man’s headquarters model, and it features the character’s famous photo camera.
The model also has leisure, jail, and skateboard ramp segments stacked with accessories and fun details. The set comes with three Spider-Man minifigures in different suites, Peter Parker, Venom, and Green Goblin minifigures.
9. Iron Man Hulkbuster versus AIM Agent 76164
You can decide if you want to combine the Iron Man Hulkbuster versus AIM Agent 76145 with other sets from the Marvel theme or use it independently. The 456-piece set lets you build the Hulkbuster figure with adjustable arms and legs.
The model’s cockpit opens, and it is large enough to hold the Iron Man or Rescue minifigures, while kids can also use the shooter turret if they want to use both minifigures with the Hulkbuster simultaneously.
10. Battle at the Ancient Village 76177
Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings is one of the latest Marvel blockbuster hits, so if you’re a fan of this movie, you’re going to love building the Battle at the Ancient Village 76177 set. The model of the Great Protector dragon is 8-inches tall, 11-inches long, and 4-inches wide.
The set features a water base that enables you to display the dragon model, but you can detach the figure from the base for an active role-play experience.
11. Captain Carter & The Hydra Stomper 76201
Captain Carter & The Hydra Stomper set is inspired by Disney’s TV series ‘What If…’ that reimagines the key events in the Marvel universe. Besides Captain Carter, Steve Rogers, and Red Scull minifigures, the set also features the pieces you need to build a Mech.
The Mech figure has an opening cockpit that is large enough to fit any of the minifigures included in the set, while one of its arms has a built-in stud shooter.
12. Bro Thor’s New Asgard 76200
Despite having just 265 pieces, the Bro Thor’s New Asgard 76200 set is incredibly versatile. The set lets you create a replica of Thor’s apartment based on the Avengers: Endgame movie stacked with fantastic details.
In addition to Thor, Korg, and Miek minifigures, this set has a gaming console, Welcome to Asgard sign, pizza boxes, and various other accessories. Building this set is easy, and children aged seven or older can assemble it in less than an hour.
13. Spider-Man at the Sanctum Workshop 76185
Spider-Man: No Way Home served as an inspiration for the Spider-Man at the Sanctum Workshop 761885 set that lets fans recreate Dr. Strange’s HQ The Master of the Arts basement. Aside from the basement model, you can also build a bug monster figure from the pieces in this set.
Dr. Strange, Spider-Man, MJ, and Wong figures are accompanied by a variety of accessories that range from candelabra to bicycles.
14. Captain America Mech Armor 76168
Building the Captain America Mech Amor 76168 set doesn’t require much effort since the set has just 121 pieces. The mech figure is relatively small as it is just 4 inches tall, but its cockpit is still spacious enough to hold the Captain America minifigure.
The set comes with two shields. The larger one can be mounted on either of the Mech’s arms, while the smaller one attaches to the figure’s adjustable legs.
15. Black Panther Dragon Flyer 76186
Six months after its release, the Black Panther Dragon Flyer 76186 is one of LEGO’s most popular Marvel sets. The model of the Dragon Flyer toy has an opening cockpit so that you can insert the Black Panther or Shuri minifigures and use them to steer the spaceship.
Spaceship toy features a pair of stud shooters kids can use to defeat the Chitauri warrior. However, this set doesn’t offer a lot of playing possibilities because it features just three minifigures and a handful of accessories.
16. Eternals’ Aerial Assault 76145
If you’re searching for a LEGO Marvel, set that costs less than $10, then the Eternals’ Aerial Assault 76145 might be the right choice for you. Even though it is inexpensive, this set still has 133 pieces, and it features the Ikaris and Sprite minifigures.
The figure of the evil Deviant has movable wings, legs, and arms, while the minifigures are armed with power blasters and swords. Getting The Eternals’ Aerial Assault set can be a great way to introduce children to the Marvel universe.
17. Deviant Ambush 76154
You can combine the Deviant Ambush 76164 with other LEGO Marvel sets inspired by the Eternals movie to extend its range of playing possibilities. The set features the unique minifigure of Gilgamesh and Thena and Makkari minifigures.
The buildable model of the Deviant features six moveable legs, and its mouth opens, which extends its range of attack options. The first weapon, a dagger, and a shooter are some of the accessories that come with this set.
18. Spider-Man Webquarters Hangout 10784
The Spider-Man Webquarters Hangout 10784 is one of the most recent additions to the Marvel theme. This 155-piece set is aimed at kids aged four or older, and it might be uninteresting to children that already have set-building experience.
Kids can play basketball, skateboard, dance, or catch the evil Green Goblin in the web using the minifigures and accessories included in the set.
19. Falcon & Black Widow Team-Up 40418
Even though it doesn’t offer a lot of playing options, the Falcon & Black Window Team-Up 40418 is one of the best budget-friendly Marvel sets you can get. It features a buildable six-stud shooter weapon and the ammunition you will need to defeat the two AIM agents.
The Winged Falcon minifigure has movable wings, but kids must use their hands to move each wing while playing. The Black Widow minifigure doesn’t have any special features.
20. Miles Morales: Spider-Man’s Techno Trike 10781
Just a month after its release, the Miles Morales: Spider-Man’s Techno Trike 10781 is already getting a lot of attention from the youngest LEGO fans. The set features Miles Morales and Green Goblin minifigures, but it has just a few accessories. The trike and glider models are easy to build and kids won’t need assistance from their parents to assemble them.
Frequently Asked Questions about LEGO Marvel sets
Question: Is LEGO planning to release the Marvel Minifigures Series 2?
Answer: The second LEGO Marvel collectible minifigures series isn’t confirmed yet, but the rumor is that it should hit the market by the end of 2022.
Question: Can I preorder new LEGO Marvel sets?
Answer: Yes, you can, but keep in mind that some of the latest models aren’t yet available for preorder.
Question: Where can I find retired LEGO Marvel sets?
Answer: Large online LEGO marketplaces like Amazon or Walmart are some of the places you should check if you’re searching for a discontinued Marvel set.
Question: What to do if some of the pieces are missing from my LEGO Marvel set?
Answer: Contact the manufacturer as soon as you realize that some pieces are missing from your Marvel set, and LEGO will provide you with replacements.
Final thoughts
Ten years after LEGO introduced the Marvel theme, sets inspired by Marvel superheroes are some of the brand’s most popular products. Most playsets from this theme are designed for the youngest Spider-Man, Avengers, or Eternals fans.
Sets like the Avengers Tower Battle 76166, Attack on the Spider Lair 76175, or Falcon & Black Window Team-Up 40418 are the best options for novice LEGO builders, while the Daily Bugle 76178 is the best LEGO Marvel set for adults.
Which set from the LEGO Marvel theme are you going to choose? Let me know in the comments, or continue reading our guide to the best LEGO gifts if you’re looking for a perfect present for a LEGO fan.
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