LEGO® Ideas 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: Spielberg's masterpiece comes to life in bricks

Some films manage to transcend time, becoming part of global pop culture. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1982, undoubtedly belongs to this category. The story of the friendship between Elliott and the little extraterrestrial moved millions of people, turning E.T. into one of the most recognizable characters in cinema history.

With the new LEGO® Ideas 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the LEGO Group pays tribute to this classic through a set designed for adult builders and all cinema enthusiasts. It is not merely a model to build, but a collectible that combines nostalgia, design and modern building techniques.

In this guide, we will examine the set from every perspective: from the film's history to the model's official features, along with the most interesting facts and advice for those who want to display and preserve it in the best possible way with a LEGO® display case.

A film that changed the history of cinema

When E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial arrived in cinemas in June 1982, audiences encountered something completely different from the classic science-fiction films of the era.

Steven Spielberg decided to tell a story that was first and foremost about friendship, growing up and family, using science fiction merely as a narrative tool.

The result was extraordinary.

The film achieved worldwide success, becoming for many years the highest-grossing film in cinema history and winning four Academy Awards, including those for special effects, sound and the score composed by John Williams, still considered one of the finest ever created.

The protagonist's design also contributed to the success of the film.

E.T.'s appearance was created by Italian master Carlo Rambaldi, a three-time Academy Award winner who succeeded in creating a character capable of conveying authentic emotions through facial expressions, movements and small details that remain incredibly convincing even today.

It is precisely this strong emotional component that turned E.T. into a timeless icon.

Why LEGO® chose E.T.

In recent years, the LEGO Group has devoted increasing attention to adult collectors, developing models inspired by the great classics of cinema, television and pop culture.

The LEGO® Ideas line perfectly embodies this philosophy.

Each project originates from the international fan community and, after reaching 10,000 supporters, is reviewed by the LEGO team together with the license owners.

Only a small percentage of submissions are approved and turned into official sets.

The decision to dedicate a model to E.T. perfectly reflects the spirit of the Ideas line: celebrating works that have left their mark on history and continue to be loved by millions of people today.

In the case of LEGO® Ideas 21370, the result is a model that does not focus solely on aesthetic accuracy but above all seeks to convey the emotions of the original film.

 

 

Official set features

According to the official information published by LEGO®, the LEGO® Ideas 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial set belongs to the 18+ range and consists of 1,226 pieces.

The model measures approximately 24 cm high, 21 cm wide, and 15 cm deep.

The main features include:

• adjustable head;
• opening mouth;
• articulated fingers;
• Integrated Light Brick to illuminate E.T.’s famous heart;
• sunflower vase inspired by the film.

Its relatively compact dimensions make it perfect for display on a bookshelf, in a study, or as part of a collection dedicated to the great classics of cinema.

A project designed to inspire emotion

One of the most interesting aspects of the LEGO® Ideas 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is how LEGO® designers managed to transform an extremely complex character into a model built entirely from bricks.

Unlike many film characters, E.T. has soft shapes, irregular proportions, and highly distinctive expressions. Reproducing these characteristics without losing the character’s recognizability represented a major design challenge.

The final result immediately conveys E.T.’s personality, striking a balance between faithfulness to the original work and LEGO® style.

Looking closely at the model, you can appreciate the extensive work that went into recreating the face, eyes, elongated neck, and hands—the features that made the character created by Carlo Rambaldi famous.

The Light Brick: a detail that makes all the difference

Among the set’s official elements, a Light Brick stands out, used to illuminate E.T.’s famous heart.

This is one of the character’s most iconic details and one of the most immediately recognizable references to the film.

This solution adds depth to the model without being intrusive and helps make it even more spectacular on display.

This detail demonstrates that the project was designed not only to be built, but also to be observed and appreciated over time.

 

A set for collectors

The LEGO® Ideas 21370 is not a model designed primarily for play.

The LEGO® Ideas line was created with the aim of offering building experiences for an adult audience, primarily interested in the product's collectible value.

Those who purchase this set generally want to:

• to relive the emotions of the film;
• to add an iconic piece to their collection;
• to display a model that differs from classic LEGO® buildings or vehicles;
• to celebrate one of the most important characters in film history.

It is precisely this strong emotional component that makes E.T. different from many other sets in the Ideas line.

 

Why protect it with a display case for LEGO®

Once construction is complete, the next step is deciding how to display the model.

Leaving a collectible set completely exposed inevitably means dealing with several issues:

• dust accumulation;
• frequent cleaning;
• risk of accidental impacts;
• prolonged exposure to light.

For this reason, more and more collectors are choosing a display case for LEGO® designed specifically for the model.

A plexiglass display case for LEGO® protects the set while maintaining full visibility without altering its aesthetics.

For a model like E.T., rich in detail and intended to remain on display for years, protection is an investment in preserving the collection.

How to enhance the model

A good display depends not only on the set's position.

The surrounding environment also helps enhance the model.

Many collectors choose to complete the display with:

• a dedicated background;
  
• an elegant base;
• a custom-made LEGO® display case.

These elements transform the set into a true decorative piece, capable of immediately attracting attention without compromising the model's safety.

For the most discerning collectors, a custom LEGO® display case is often the ideal solution for achieving a professional result and keeping the set in the best possible condition.

 

Who is the LEGO® Ideas 21370 recommended for?

This set is particularly suitable for:

• Steven Spielberg enthusiasts;
• fans of the film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial;
• collectors of the LEGO® Ideas line;
• fans of 1980s cinema;
• those looking for an original and meaningful display model.

Although it is not the largest LEGO® set in the Ideas line, it stands out thanks to its strong emotional impact and the familiarity of the subject depicted.

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A valuable addition to any collection

In recent years, the LEGO® catalog dedicated to adults has grown enormously.

From modular buildings, vehicles, and works of art to movie models, the LEGO® Ideas line continues to offer a wide variety of subjects.

E.T. holds a special position because it represents a character rather than a building or a means of transport.

This feature makes it immediately recognizable even to those who are not LEGO® enthusiasts, enhancing its visual impact within the collection.

Fun facts that make this set special

One of the aspects that contributes to the appeal of the LEGO® Ideas 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is its strong connection to the original film. The model does not merely depict the protagonist, but evokes some of the movie's most iconic moments through carefully selected details.

The famous glowing heart, recreated with the integrated Light Brick, is one of the character's most iconic features. The sunflower vase is also a direct reference to a memorable scene from the film, a detail fans will recognize immediately.

These details show how the project was developed with consideration not only for the model's aesthetics, but also for the emotional value E.T. continues to hold for millions of people.

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The value of the LEGO® Ideas line

The LEGO® Ideas line has become one of the most popular among collectors over the years, because it offers subjects that would rarely find a place in LEGO®'s traditional lines.

Each set tells a different story and stems from the passion of the international community.

For this reason, LEGO® Ideas models are often seen as more than simple builds: they are true tributes to works that have left their mark on pop culture.

E.T. fits perfectly into this philosophy, alongside other sets inspired by films, TV series, and great entertainment classics.

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How to keep the set in perfect condition

Anyone who builds a model like this dedicates time, attention, and care to every stage of assembly. Once it is finished, it is natural to want to preserve it in the best possible way.

A few precautions can make all the difference:

• avoid direct and prolonged exposure to sunlight;
• reduce contact with the model during cleaning;
• choose a stable location away from high-traffic areas;
• use a display case for LEGO® to limit dust buildup and protect the set from accidental impacts.

A plexiglass display case for LEGO® also keeps the model fully visible without sacrificing protection.

For those who collect valuable LEGO® sets, it represents a practical and discreet solution that helps preserve the work completed during construction.

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Is LEGO® Ideas 21370 E.T. worth buying?

For those who loved the film, the answer is simple: this set is a faithful tribute to one of cinema's most iconic characters.

The project combines nostalgia, design, and modern building techniques, offering a rewarding experience both during construction and once the display is complete.

Even for those who collect exclusively from the LEGO® Ideas line, E.T. is an original addition that stands out from other models thanks to its strong emotional impact.

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Conclusions

The LEGO® Ideas 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial celebrates one of the most beloved films in cinema history through a model designed for adult enthusiasts and collectors.

The attention to detail, references to the film, and quality of the design make it a set capable of winning over both E.T. fans and enthusiasts of the LEGO® Ideas line.

Once construction is complete, the best way to showcase it is to place it in a dedicated display. A LEGO® display case protects it from dust, accidental impacts, and wear over time, keeping the model at the center of your collection.

For those who want to display LEGO® sets elegantly and protect them over time, a custom LEGO® display case is the natural finishing touch to a project built with passion.

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FAQ

Is LEGO® Ideas 21370 a set for children?

No. It is a set from the 18+ line, designed primarily for adult builders and collectors.

Is the model articulated?

Yes. E.T. features a swiveling head, an opening mouth, and articulated fingers, as well as the Light Brick that illuminates the heart.

Why use a display case for LEGO®?

A display case for LEGO® protects the model from dust, UV rays, and accidental impacts, helping keep it in optimal condition while enhancing its presentation.

Where should you display the set?

Thanks to its dimensions, the model fits easily in bookcases, display cabinets, and spaces dedicated to collecting. Using a plexiglass display case for LEGO® allows you to display it safely without sacrificing visibility.