E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Detailed ratings

In-depth review analysis

LEGO Ideas 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial offers a brick-built representation of the character from Steven Spielberg’s film. The model contains 1,226 pieces, and reviewers give its retail price as €129.99. It is aimed particularly at fans of the character and his world, but the reviews show that looking like E.T. does not guarantee universal appeal.

Several reviewers highlight the difficulty of translating the character’s organic shapes into bricks. New Elementary considers the head well designed despite the challenging subject. Brick Fanatics also praises the faithful silhouette and the work done to smooth the shapes. Hothbricks notes the care taken with the belly texture and the placement of its wrinkles, while pointing out that the creature’s appearance itself may put some people off. The outlet also dislikes the use of a barrel for the neck. BrickReport praises the realistic result and printed eyes, with no stickers.

The build appears approachable without being devoid of interest. Bouwsteentjes.info describes the techniques as not too difficult but enjoyable, and singles out the shoulders and head. The Rambling Brick calls the build relatively simple, progressing from the feet and body to the arms and head. BrickReport appreciates the staged progression and the internal structure, which is more colourful than the exterior suggests. These observations point to a generally enjoyable experience, although the latter outlet says the later steps require more care.

The shoulder design helps the figure take different poses. The Rambling Brick explains that the joints provide resistance intended to stabilise the model, while Brick Fanatics appreciates the stability of the shoulders when positioning the arms. BrickReport qualifies the usefulness of this articulation, however: it finds the arms less mobile than their design suggests. These remarks concern stability and handling observed during the reviews, not demonstrated resistance after a long period of use.

The telescoping neck from the fan project was not retained. The Rambling Brick reports that making it secure and functional at this scale proved difficult. BrickReport counts its absence among the product’s limitations, whereas Brick Fanatics does not find it particularly noticeable once the model is assembled. Both outlets also note the absence of an E.T. minifigure.

A light brick produces a red glow in the chest. Bouwsteentjes.info considers the feature a successful way to reproduce an essential element of the film, and BrickReport finds it fun. Hothbricks is considerably less convinced: it regrets the lack of a switch to keep the light on and believes the element contributes to the price. Brick Fanatics also points out that the character’s finger does not light up.

Comments on the documentation are more limited. Bouwsteentjes.info and The Rambling Brick say that the booklet introduces the fan designer; the latter adds that it also contains information about the character and the model. BrickReport considers the instructions fine rather than great because some later steps are fiddly. These observations are not enough to establish a very detailed overall assessment of the manual.

Finally, opinions on price differ sharply. Brick Fanatics believes the appearance, functions and extras justify the €129.99 cost. Hothbricks, by contrast, would not buy it at that price and particularly criticises the light brick. New Elementary notes a price per piece that it imagines is somewhat higher because of licensing, without presenting that as a definitive conclusion. The choice therefore depends heavily on attachment to E.T. and on the importance placed on its likeness and features.

Strengths

• Faithful shapes and texture, with a particularly successful head.
• Approachable, enjoyable build with interesting techniques.
• Light-up heart and posing options appreciated by several reviewers.
• Shoulders designed to provide good stability when posing.
• Printed eyes and no stickers.

Weaknesses

• The character’s appearance may divide opinion; the neck barrel is criticised.
• Arms are less mobile than expected according to BrickReport.
• The original project’s telescoping neck was dropped, and no minifigure is included.
• The light brick has no permanent switch, and the finger does not light up.
• Some later steps are fiddly, and the price divides opinion.

Where reviewers disagree

Bouwsteentjes.info considers the light-up heart an essential addition, whereas hothbricks criticises the lack of a permanent switch and its effect on the price. — hothbricks · Bouwsteentjes.info

Brick Fanatics considers the price justified, whereas hothbricks would not buy the model at that price. — hothbricks · Brick Fanatics

BrickReport regrets the absence of the telescoping neck, whereas Brick Fanatics does not find it particularly noticeable on the assembled model. — brickreport.io · Brick Fanatics

Publications consulted

hothbricks · 2026-07-04

Bouwsteentjes.info · Date not provided

newelementary.com · Date not provided

The Rambling Brick · 2026-07-04

brickreport.io · 2026-08-14

Brick Fanatics · 2026-07-04