Building the world of Stranger Things in LEGO form is a stroke of genius, and the LEGO Stranger Things: The Upside Down set does it brilliantly. Released on May 15, 2019, the 2,287-piece set lets fans construct two parallel versions of Hawkins: the Byers’ home and its sinister counterpart in the Upside Down. Each side of the set captures the atmosphere of the show, from the warmth of the Byers’ living room to the foreboding chaos of the Upside Down.
Eight minifigures bring the story to life, including Eleven, Chief Hopper, Will Byers, Joyce Byers, and more, while the set’s Demogorgon figure adds that signature terror. Every corner is packed with detail: Eleven’s Eggo waffles, Hopper’s coffee cup, and the famous light-up alphabet wall from Season 1, which remains a favourite among fans. Jamie Berard, Stranger Things Design Lead at the LEGO Group, described the set as an invitation to “be playful with the bricks and allow fans to get lost in the mysterious world of the Upside Down.”
Fans can toggle between the Byers’ home and the Upside Down with two sets of building instructions, offering a creative, interactive experience. It’s more than a display piece—it’s a storytelling device. Builders can recreate scenes, enact battles with the Demogorgon, or even invent new adventures, all while immersing themselves in the eerie, nostalgic atmosphere that defines Hawkins.
The launch of the Upside Down LEGO set wasn’t a quiet affair. Events in Leicester Square, London, and the Flat Iron District in New York City offered fans a full-on Stranger Things experience. Midnight openings set the scene, with glowing brick-built Mind Flayers in the windows and a miniature Castle Byers to beckon fans inside.
Attendees enjoyed hands-on experiences, including live builds with LEGO Master Builders, photo opportunities in recreated show settings, and “make and take” activities, where fans could construct their own mini Castle Byers. The combination of nostalgia, immersive storytelling, and creative engagement made the launch a celebration of both LEGO and Stranger Things fandoms.
The set didn’t just capture attention at launch—it earned accolades too. In 2020, it won both “Toy of the Year” and “Specialty Toy of the Year” awards from the Toy Association, confirming its status as a top-tier collectible. For fans, owning the set is a chance to hold a piece of Hawkins in their hands, whether for display, play, or a mix of both.
Priced at $199.99, LEGO Stranger Things: The Upside Down is more than a toy; it’s a love letter to a cultural phenomenon. Every detail—Chief Hopper’s coffee mug, Eleven’s waffles, the flickering lights of the alphabet wall—reminds fans of the show’s heart, humour, and horror. The set encapsulates friendship, loyalty, and the eerie mysteries that define the Upside Down while offering endless opportunities for creative play.
Collectors and builders alike can immerse themselves in Hawkins, re-enact iconic moments, or invent entirely new adventures bridging the normal world and the Upside Down. With Stranger Things Season 5 on the horizon, the LEGO set allows fans to stay connected to the series’ universe, reliving its suspense, nostalgia, and supernatural thrills in a tactile, interactive form.
From display to play, this set invites both imagination and devotion. It’s a portal back to Hawkins that’s just as spooky, playful, and enthralling as the show itself. Fans can explore, rebuild, and immerse themselves in the Upside Down any time they like, making the LEGO set a perfect companion to the Netflix phenomenon that continues to capture hearts worldwide.
Whether you’re revisiting Eleven’s first encounter with the Demogorgon, recreating Hopper’s heroic moments, or simply enjoying the creative satisfaction of bringing a beloved world to life brick by brick, the Upside Down set is a tangible, playful, and thoroughly addictive way to step into Stranger Things.
