The Lord of the Rings: Barad-dûr

"With a BrickScore of 76 and near-universal enthusiasm across reviewers, Barad-dûr is a landmark LEGO Icons set — a dark, imposing masterpiece whose ingenious use of color, exceptional build engineering, and sheer display presence make it one of the most memorable large-scale sets in recent memory."

Reviewers are overwhelmingly enthusiastic about Barad-dûr (10333), praising its imposing presence, clever use of colored bricks to simulate glowing light, and deeply satisfying 5,471-piece build. Many draw comparisons to the Rivendell set, with the consensus being that the two are complementary rather than competitive — Barad-dûr succeeds precisely because it feels dark, foreboding, and unlike anything else in a LEGO collection. The build experience is the standout highlight, with multiple reviewers calling it one of the best they've ever had. The main criticisms are minor: reused Frodo and Sam minifigures that feel out of place contextually, and repeated complaints about missing gift-with-purchase promotions (a fulfillment issue rather than a set flaw).

Where they split: The only meaningful split is in the Rivendell comparison: some reviewers see Rivendell as the more visually appealing set ("prettier"), while others argue Barad-dûr is the more technically impressive and emotionally impactful build. Both camps ultimately recommend both sets.