The recently revealed LEGO Ideas E.T. set perfectly encapsulates what makes the LEGO light brick so effective, but several other sets have put the piece to equally impressive use over the years.
Although the LEGO Group has incorporated electronic lighting features into its sets since 1958, the modern 2x3 light brick debuted in 2006 as part of the LEGO BIONICLE and LEGO Creator theme's Mythical Creatures sets.
Since then, the element has appeared in dozens of models, often creating memorable play features or display moments. Like 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, each of these sets uses the light brick in a unique way. Here are seven of the best examples.
76467 Luna Lovegood's House
Price: £89.99 / $89.99 / €99.99 Pieces: 764 Release date: January 1, 2026 Available: Now
Rather than simply illuminating a room, 76467 Luna Lovegood's House uses its light brick to tell a story.
Activated behind a trans-clear element, it creates an effect reminiscent of an old-fashioned shadow puppet show, allowing builders to recreate the tale of the Deathly Hallows inside the set.
60204 City Hospital
Price: £69.99 / $99.99 / €79.99 Pieces: 861 Release date: June 1, 2018 Available: Retired
Arguably one of the best examples of a light brick enhancing play, 60204 City Hospital places the element behind a translucent panel in the radiology department.
Pressing the button illuminates a skeletal graphic, brilliantly mimicking the effect of a real X-ray machine.
10273 Haunted House
Price: £209.99 / $249.99 / €229.99 Pieces: 3,231 Release date: May 20, 2020 Available: Retired
The light brick in 10273 Haunted House is pure magic. While the set itself isn't perfect, its use of the electronic element is inspired.
Hidden behind a portrait, the light shines through a concealed printed layer to reveal a sinister glowing image that appears as if by magic.
21335 Motorised Lighthouse
Price: £259.99 / $299.99 / €299.99 Pieces: 2,065 Release date: September 1, 2022 Available: Retired
Rather than simply illuminating the lantern room, the LEGO Group paired the light brick with a custom-moulded Fresnel lens – the same type of lens used in real lighthouses.
Combined with the model's rotating mechanism, the result faithfully recreates the sweeping beam of a working lighthouse.
10333 The Lord of the Rings: Barad-dûr
Price: £399.99 / $459.99 / €459.99 Pieces: 5,471 Release date: June 1, 2024 Available: Now
Perched atop the towering 83cm model, the Eye of Sauron is illuminated by a light brick beneath trans-orange elements.
Pressing the mechanism floods the Eye with a fiery glow, perfectly capturing the molten intensity of Mordor and giving the display model its unmistakably menacing presence.
10275 Elf Club House
Price: £84.99 / $99.99 / €94.99 Pieces: 1,197 Release date: September 23, 2021 Available: Retired
Not every great light brick feature has to be dramatic.
10275 Elf Club House uses the element to create a warm, festive atmosphere, with the glowing fireplace casting a cosy orange light throughout the interior and making the Christmas display feel all the more inviting.
21330 Home Alone
Price: £229.99 / $249.99 / €249.99 Pieces: 3,955 Release date: November 1, 2021 Available: Now
One of the most memorable images from the original Home Alone is Kevin McCallister's terrifying basement furnace.
21330 Home Alone recreates the scene by hiding a light brick inside the boiler, which glows ominously when the furnace door is opened, bringing Kevin's childhood imagination to life.
Time will tell whether 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial earns a place among the greatest uses of the LEGO light brick, but when we reviewed the set, it certainly felt like the perfect addition. The glowing finger is such an iconic part of the film that it would have been difficult to imagine the model without it.
21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial launches on August 1 and is available to pre-order now for £119.99 in the UK, $139.99 in the US and €129.99 in Europe.
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