After three years, the company got the good sense to redesign the figures with moveable legs, smiley faces, and the classic, C-shaped hands we all know and love. This basic design has remained unchanged in the four decades since. What has changed is the variety available in minifigures. Simple smiley faces have given way to more nuanced facial expressions. Painted-on costumes have been augmented with detachable accessories. Kick ass facial hair is a regular sight.
Lego Brick Suit Girl
Let’s get meta. You, the Lego fan, can now purchase a minifigure of a Lego fan who has dressed up as a Lego fan for a party. It’s like a Charlie Kaufman screenplay contained in a two-inch toy. Buy Now $5
Yuppie
Perhaps ’80s Yuppie would be a more accurate name for this minifigure, whose rolled-up blazer sleeves and Zach Morrisian cell phone are hallmarks of the Wall Street decade. If there’s a bigger jerk of a minifigure, we haven’t found it. Buy Now $5
Corn Cob Guy
Now here’s an accurately named toy. Corn cob guy is a guy wearing a corn cob suit. Just keep him away from a heat source unless you want him to really pop off. Buy Now $7
Strongman
Look at this glorious ‘stache! It’s this characters most notable feature, but it wouldn’t work without the thick eyebrows and single-shouldered leopard-print leotard. The included barbell means this guy can stay swole in between Vaudeville performances. Buy Now $5
Prospector Miner
Every town in the Wild West needs a wide-eyed, unshaven prospector. It’s a miracle that this guy, with his suspenders, pickaxe, and well-worn hat, wasn’t included in one of the 20 previously released western sets. He and Gus Chuggins should get together. Buy Now $9
Mexican Mariachi Maraca Man
The maracas are sadly not functional, but the green sombrero and intricately patterned poncho more than make up for it. Add a guitarist and you’ve got the beginnings of a great mariachi band. Buy Now $27
Zombie Businessman
Turn any LEGO set into the zombie apocalypse version of itself with this suitably bedraggled minifigure. True zombie fans will want to add a cheerleader and a pirate captain to complete the set. Buy Now $8
Lumberjack
With his squirrel cap, plaid shirt, and multi-day beard stubble, this is the minifigure from series 5 most likely to have an axe-throwing setup in his backyard. Buy Now $19
Irish Leprechaun
The affable smile, full pot o’ gold, and buckled top hat let you know this is the good kind of leprechaun, not the scary one from the horror movie series. Buy Now $14
French Connoisseur
In the grand tradition of making fun of the French, this minifigure includes nearly every stereotype we have of our Gallic allies: baguette, French bulldog, beret, mustache, Breton shirt, and neck scarf. The only things missing: a lit cigarette and a palpable sense of ennui. Buy Now $9
Banana Guy Suit
The sunglasses and grin let you know that this guy isn’t just a guy in a banana suit but a cool guy in a banana suit. Buy Now $8
Lawn Gnome
This guy is shorter than a typical minifigure, so you’re not getting a great deal in terms of dollars per inch. But what he lacks in stature he makes up for in whimsy and appeal to the Sherlock Gnomes fan in your life. Buy Now $9
Explorer
It’s only fair that, after capturing the stereotypical Frenchman, Lego would also take on a quintessential British character: the imperial explorer. His khaki outfit and pith helmet are nice touches, but the pièce de résistance is the painted-on monocle, a true symbol of Britishness if we’ve ever seen one. Buy Now $6
Punk Rocker
The pink mohawk. The sleeveless skull vest. The flying V guitar. The stitched jeans. This minifigure rocks. Hard. Bonus points if you can draw some intricate punk rock tattoos on this guy’s exposed biceps. Buy Now $10
Hot Dog Guy
Is the yellow streak because he wants his costume to match his skin tone? Or does this large hotdog man hate ketchup? Whatever the answer, he belongs in whatever Lego setup awaits in your basement. Buy Now $15