LEGO Ideas 21363 The Goonies review

Goonies never say die – and as LEGO Ideas 21363 The Goonies proves, neither does great LEGO design.

To say The Goonies is a classic '80s film would be selling it short. Released in 1985 and directed by Richard Donner (with story by Steven Spielberg), it’s one of the most iconic adventure films of its decade. It follows a ragtag group of kids, the titular Goonies, as they set out to save their homes from foreclosure, only to discover an ancient treasure map leading them deep underground to the lost pirate ship of One-Eyed Willy.

It’s a movie bursting with nostalgia, friendship, danger, and that elusive sense of childhood wonder that Hollywood’s been trying to recapture ever since. It inspired countless imitators (Stranger Things, we’re looking at you), launched the careers of stars like Josh Brolin and Sean Astin, and cemented 'Goonies never say die' as one of cinema’s most beloved rallying cries. And now, 40 years later, LEGO Ideas finally gives Goonies fans the brick-built adventure they’ve been dreaming of.

21363 The Goonies

Release: Nov 1, 2025

Retiring: Dec 31, 2027

Price: £269.99 / $329.99 / €299.99

Pieces: 2,912

Minifigures: 12

If you grew up in the '80s, you probably wanted to be a Goonie, and if you didn’t, you’re probably lying to yourself. Either way, unboxing 21363 The Goonies immediately transports you back to that bygone era. The box art does a fantastic job of capturing the magic of the movie, the cave systems dripping with atmosphere, the pirate ship 'The Inferno' looming in the background, and the full gang of 12 exclusive minifigures taking centre stage.

Yes, 12: a staggering number for an Ideas set that isn't also a vending machine. Each one is packed with unique detailing and personality, from Data’s gadgets to Sloth’s Superman shirt, all the way to the spectral presence of One-Eyed Willy himself.

Inside you’ll find 21 numbered bags containing 2,912 pieces. From the very first bag it’s clear this isn’t a slow burn. There’s no tedious frame-building here; you’re thrown right into the action, constructing the lower cave network and the beginnings of the pirate ship on the reverse. Having a double-sided model like this is an inspired choice, keeping the experience feeling fresh, as each stage builds upon two distinct visual worlds – subterranean Astoria and the ghostly wreck of One-Eyed Willy’s ship.

From start to finish, 21363 The Goonies is an absolute joy to assemble. The first few bags alone cram in more nostalgia than most full sets manage. You’ll build the Fratellis’ basement complete with the infamous freezer (mercifully corpse-free), Sloth’s dungeon and television, and the twisting rockwork of the caves below.

The attention to detail is exceptional. Every inch feels like it’s been designed by someone who truly loves the film – from the wishing well and piano trap to the bone-strewn entrance and waterfall reveal. The build constantly surprises you with clever techniques and hidden references. It’s that rare set where the construction mirrors the pacing of the movie: as you move through the stages, you feel like you’re following the Goonies on their adventure in real time.

Technically, this is one of the most satisfying builds the LEGO Group has delivered this year, with hinges, reverse builds, SNOT (Studs Not On Top) work, and even a few unexpected tricks like using a single bar to link large ship sub-assemblies through a 1x1 headlamp piece. It’s inventive, clever, and deeply rewarding.

Crucially, the two halves, the caves and ship, don’t feel like compromises. Both are fully realised. The Inferno ship could easily have been its own standalone set, with swooping sails, rich wooden tones, and intricate rigging. Flip it around, and the cave system is equally engaging – layered, atmospheric, and brimming with interactive features. The falling rocks mechanism deserves special mention: it’s smooth, simple, and brilliantly tactile, the kind of play feature that makes you wonder why it’s not used more often elsewhere.

And it’s here where the design genius really shines, as the build itself takes you through the film’s story. You begin at the Fratellis’ restaurant, head down into their basement, and then progress through the winding cave system exactly as the Goonies do in the movie. It’s a clever and deliberate bit of structuring that makes the whole experience feel cinematic. Put the film on while you build for an almost immersive experience – by the time Mikey’s holding up the map, you’ll be halfway through the third bag. Just don’t get too distracted quoting along.

The build is also neatly broken into modular sections, so you can dip in and out as you please – one evening tackling a cave chamber, the next adding the pirate ship’s deck or another hidden trap. It’s engaging and smartly paced, whether you’re binging it in a single sitting or stretching it out over a week.

Once completed, 21363 The Goonies looks phenomenal from every angle. On one side, you’ve got the moody subterranean adventure playground, dense with Easter eggs and minifigure storytelling opportunities. On the other, a gorgeous, display-ready recreation of One-Eyed Willy’s ship - with his secret treasure glinting in the hold.

It’s essentially two great display pieces in one box, which is a rare feat for any LEGO set, let alone one born from the fan-driven Ideas range. You can choose to showcase either the cave system or the pirate ship, depending on what side of the nostalgia you’re leaning toward that day. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly shelf-friendly: 62cm long and 36cm high, so while it’s certainly an eye-catching centrepiece, it won’t take over your entire display space.

The best part? There are barely any stickers. Almost everything is printed or cleverly brick-built, letting the model feel premium and polished from bow to stern.

A set based on The Goonies would be absolutely nothing without the titular gang. All 12 minifigures are exclusive to this set and feature distinctive facial expressions, accessories and prints that perfectly match their on-screen counterparts. Mouth comes with his trusty comb, Andy sports her cheerleading jacket, Mikey clutches One-Eyed Willy’s treasure map, Chunk is resplendent in his iconic Hawaiian shirt, and Data, of course, arrives armed with a selection of homemade gadgets that fans will instantly recognise from the film.

The only character to have appeared in LEGO form before is Sloth, but even he’s been upgraded here, complete with a brand new moulded pirate hat headpiece. The level of detail across the gang is excellent. The facial and torso prints perfectly capture the '80s costumes and personalities, and while there isn’t much in the way of leg or arm printing, it’s easily forgiven. The overall quality, charm, and authenticity of these minifigures more than make up for it.

And then there’s One-Eyed Willy himself, rendered as a ghostly skeletal pirate, complete with hat, sabre, and tattered regalia. He’s the perfect finishing touch to the line-up, and the kind of exclusive inclusion that elevates this set from great to iconic.

If there’s one potential downside, it’s the cost. At over £250 / $300, 21363 The Goonies doesn’t come cheap. LEGO’s status as a premium hobby is something fans are increasingly having to accept – and while it’s expensive, it’s also competitive compared to similar sets.

Take 21344 The Orient Express Train, for instance: fewer pieces, fewer minifigures, only £20 less. 10312 Jazz Club has roughly the same amount of parts and is much cheaper, but comes without the licence or the equivalent minifigure line-up. So yes, the price is high – but it’s absolutely in line with the LEGO Group's current market.

Whether it’s worth it ultimately comes down to how much The Goonies means to you. If you’re a fan of the film, this is pure treasure – a set overflowing with nostalgia, fan service and craftsmanship. It delivers on every level, from design to play to display. If you’re on the fence, the price might make you pause. But if you’re all in, you won’t regret it.

LEGO Ideas 21363 The Goonies is the perfect storm of nostalgia, design ingenuity, and sheer joy. It’s a set that celebrates everything that makes LEGO special; creativity, storytelling, and attention to detail, while paying genuine tribute to one of cinema’s most enduring adventure films.

From the moment you open the box to the final satisfying connection of the ship’s mast, this is a build that delivers. The play features are brilliant, the display value is enormous, the minifigures are top-tier, and the respect for the source material shines through every brick.

When you reach that final bag, you’ll feel a tiny pang of sadness (the kind that only comes from finishing something truly special). It's one of those rare LEGO sets that makes you wish there was just one more bag to open. The kind you’ll probably end up dismantling, just so you can relive the build again from the start. Because like the movie itself, it’s not just about the treasure at the end – it’s about the adventure getting there.

This set isn't just ‘good enough’. It’s a set that reminds you why you fell in love with LEGO in the first place: imagination, adventure, and a dash of '80s magic. And if you can get through the build without humming Cyndi Lauper’s catchy theme tune then you’ve done better than the rest of us.

Our honest opinion: A masterclass in how to adapt an '80s classic. Clever, heartfelt, and endlessly enjoyable: it's a set you’ll want to build again the moment you finish it.

This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.

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How long does it take to build LEGO Ideas 21363 The Goonies?

LEGO Ideas 21363 The Goonies comes together in about six to eight hours depending on your skill level. Put the film on in the background while you build for a truly immersive experience.

How many pieces are in LEGO Ideas 21363 The Goonies?

LEGO Ideas 21363 The Goonies comes with 2,912 pieces, including a selection of well-designed printed parts and 12 exclusive minifigures. 

How big is LEGO Ideas 21363 The Goonies?

LEGO Ideas 21363 The Goonies stands 36cm tall and 62cm long. The beauty of this set is that you can either display the cave system on one side, or flip it round to show off One-Eyed Willy’s pirate ship The Inferno. 

How much does LEGO Ideas 21363 The Goonies cost?

LEGO Ideas 21363 The Goonies retails for £269.99 for the UK, $329.99 in the US, and from €299.99 in Europe and debuts on November 1, 2025 for LEGO Insiders, and November 4 for everyone else.