In my previous article, I shared my top five LEGO sets of 2024—truly standout pieces that brought innovation and joy to LEGO fans. Today, however, we’re shifting focus to a few sets that had great potential but ultimately left room for improvement. Let’s dive into these builds and explore what could’ve made them better.
5. LEGO Family Tree
The LEGO Family Tree from the Ideas theme had a heartfelt concept: a celebration of family memories and personalization. While the black trunk and vibrant canopy of red and orange leaves are visually striking, the overall execution feels cluttered. The base is too busy, with mismatched colors detracting from the set’s elegance. In fact, the tree looks better when removed from the base entirely, which is telling about the design coherence.
The integrated photo holders, though a neat idea, fall flat. They’re too small to display meaningful images, and their placement around the tree means many are obscured on display. Instead of enhancing the design, this feature feels gimmicky. For the average LEGO fan, the Family Tree’s niche appeal and underwhelming execution may not justify its spot in a collection.
4. Magic of Disney
The Magic of Disney set aimed to celebrate Disney’s charm but struggled to deliver a cohesive design. Exclusive minifigures like Belle and Lilo add appeal, but some choices—like Lilo’s awkward brick-built legs—detract from the set’s charm. Simba’s design, though striking, feels more like a collector’s figurine than a LEGO piece.
The micro-scenes are hit or miss. While Pride Rock and the Madrigal house offer decent detail, others, like the Little Mermaid vignette, feel underwhelming. The Sorcerer Mickey centerpiece, intended as the set’s highlight, suffers from inconsistent textures and an unsettling expression. Despite its ambition, the Magic of Disney set comes across as a fragmented collection of ideas rather than a magical, cohesive display.
3. Mona Lisa
The LEGO Mona Lisa promised to be an artistic masterpiece but fell short in key areas. The frame’s elegant pattern and gold elements are a standout feature, as are the vibrant background layers. However, the face design—particularly the mouth—is a major letdown. The blocky, flat expression fails to capture da Vinci’s enigmatic smile, leaving the figure looking unsettling rather than iconic.
While customizable eye pieces are included, LEGO missed an opportunity to offer alternative mouth designs, which could have allowed builders to better recreate the famous expression. Despite its ambitious concept, the Mona Lisa struggles to earn its place as a true display-worthy piece.
2. The Burrow – Collector’s Edition
As a beloved Harry Potter location, The Burrow was highly anticipated but didn’t live up to its potential. The teal window frames feel out of place and clash with the whimsical charm of the original design. The house’s scale is underwhelming, and its interiors are cramped, with disjointed layouts that fail to capture the Weasley home’s warmth.
While the Floo Network feature and Weasley Clock add some fun references, they’re overshadowed by an overuse of stickers. The minifigure lineup includes the full Weasley family, but focusing solely on characters from “The Chamber of Secrets” era limits the set’s appeal. For $260, this set feels incomplete and fails to deliver the grandeur fans hoped for.
1. Barad-dûr
Topping the list is Barad-dûr from The Lord of the Rings. While its towering structure commands attention, the proportions feel off, and the blend of Minas Morgul-style elements muddies its identity. The fiery lava base lacks cohesion, and the transition to the tower’s middle section feels awkward.
The interior choices are particularly puzzling. A dining hall and library—in Sauron’s fortress? These whimsical features clash with the dark, menacing tone the set should evoke. The minifigure lineup, including Sauron and the Mouth of Sauron, is a highlight, but even it has flaws, such as Gollum’s downgraded face print.
While the Eye of Sauron build is impressive, it’s not enough to salvage the set. Barad-dûr ultimately feels like a mix of missed opportunities and questionable design choices, leaving fans disappointed.
Final Thoughts
This year brought us some incredible LEGO sets, but these examples highlight areas where great ideas didn’t fully come to life. From cluttered designs to missed opportunities for innovation, these sets show that even LEGO can have its off days. Which sets disappointed you the most this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to use the affiliate links to support the blog if you’re missing any of these sets in your collection.
As always, happy building!
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