Dozens of new LEGO sets are launching next month, and we've had the chance to review quite a few – these are the best according to the Brick Fanatics team.
We've had the pleasure and honour of reviewing several upcoming LEGO sets recently, several of which are launching next week as part of the huge August 2026 new releases selection. Six of these models performed significantly better than the rest, though.
Here are the six best-reviewed LEGO sets launching in August 2026, saving the highest-rated for last. The LEGO Group provided all of the sets reviewed, but the opinions expressed are entirely our own.
5 – 11513 Dark Flower Arrangement
11513 Dark Flower Arrangement earned an average score of 8.3, rounded down to eight, in our full review. We were impressed with its display potential and flower design, for which it earned a score of nine.
The build was enjoyable and challenging, which we rated at another nine. However, the model's size doesn't quite justify the £54.99 / $59.99 / €59.99 cost, and we scored it a seven in value. 8.3 is still an admirable score, and this is a beautiful Botanicals set.
4 – 72051 Donkey Kong Arcade
LEGO Super Mario's 72051 Donkey Kong Arcade scored an average of 8.5, rounded up to nine in our review. That average is calculated from multiple individual categories, including a score of 10 for the design and nine for the build.
Matt was pleased with the overall construction and assembly of the arcade recreation, but not quite as enthralled with the playability, where it received an eight. The set also scored a seven for its value, which is still more than admirable. The 1,367-piece 72051 Donkey Kong Arcade will launch next week for £149.99 / $199.99 / €169.99.
3 (tied) – 75646 Garp's Marine Battleship and 75645 Battle at Drum Castle
Two of the upcoming LEGO One Piece sets both scored an overall rating of 8.8 in their reviews. 75646 Garp's Marine Battleship is the larger of the two and costs £149.99 / $179.99 / €169.99. LEGO One Piece's first sailing ship was a standout achievement, and this new battleship is different but still at an extremely high level of detail and quality. An assortment of must-have minifigures doesn't hurt, either.
We weren't expecting to like 75645 Battle at Drum Castle as much as we do, but rest assured that this needs to be your next LEGO castle purchase. The fortress creation may be just a facade, but it is so wonderfully whimsical yet grounded in its design. It can be easily reworked for a LEGO Castle display and performed well in the value category.
2 – 75643 Tony Tony Chopper
The LEGO Group's current obsession with buildable figures is coming to One Piece next month with 75643 Tony Tony Chopper, and it's one of the best so far. The LEGO Chopper model scored an average of 8.75, with nines in three of the four categories.
The model may struggle to stand without the base, but it is so accurate to the character and articulated that it easily overcomes this shortcoming. Its anime-esque design is another advantage it has over other recent buildable figures.
1 – 11381 Jaguar E-Type
The first 10 out of 10 score under our recently-updated review system goes to 11381 Jaguar E-Type. Chris was astounded by the LEGO Icons car in his full review, only giving it a nine in playability but 10 across the rest of the board. From the wheels to the engine, everything in this build works seamlessly with one another, and it's hard to picture how the shaping could have been improved.
It can be yours starting from August 1 for £129.99 / $139.99 / €139.99, to create a tribute to the icon of automotive engineering at home.
Click here for a full guide to the brand-new builds coming in August. Don't forget the summer 2026 sets launching late in the US, too.
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