Seafaring has long been a staple of the LEGO catalogue and pirates have been at the centre of it all since their introduction in 1989, plundering everything they could get their hands on. While LEGO Pirates as a theme has largely been left by the wayside aside from short reboots in 2010 and 2015, there are still plenty of incredible pirate ships finding their place in other themes like Icons and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Many classic-style pirate ships use specially moulded LEGO hull elements to ensure a solid foundation alongside the proper aesthetics, while more modern designs opt for a fully brick-built approach, utilising a wide variety of elements to accomplish the same thing, just in a way that feels even more faithful to the LEGO System. But both styles of ship have yielded some truly unbelievable models, each with their own character and charm. So join Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, on a journey across the waves in search of the top five LEGO pirate ships.
If you want to see the list of the best classic LEGO Pirates ships, click here.
10210 Imperial Flagship
While not technically a pirate ship by the strictest definition, fans of LEGO Pirates were gifted one of the theme’s best sets during the 2010 reboot — 10210 Imperial Flagship. Too often the scoundrel pirates are given the best sets of sails on the waves, so 10210 set out to ensure the law-keeping soldiers had enough firepower to fight back. At 75cm (30in) long, the Flagship serves its purpose well — and with a beautiful black, brown and blue colour scheme. The swordfish figurehead is just yet another highlight of a standout set. Fans looking to pick up a sealed copy of this set today will need to find their own stash of treasure — prices often reach up into the thousands.
4159 Queen Anne’s Revenge
The fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie might not have reached the same heights as the original trilogy, but that doesn’t mean the LEGO sets took the day off — 4159 Queen Anne’s Revenge is one of the best LEGO pirate ships to ever set sail. Under the command of Blackbeard, the ship is naturally a foreboding presence, lined with skulls and bones and flying its dark red sails. Morally questionable décor aside, the model is stunning and handily earns its place among the all-time greats.
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70810 MetalBeard’s Sea Cow
70810 Metalbeard’s Sea Cow might not be your typical LEGO pirate ship, but it is well deserving of recognition. The set’s 2,741 pieces almost feels like it’s not enough for all of the eccentric details packed into the model, which include a flying cow figurehead, an absurd amount of cannons and steampunk-style propeller on the back. The captain’s quarters and steering wheel are part of a monster construction on the back of the ship taking proper advantage of of the set’s 58cm (22in) of height (though the slightly taller mast is where that number ultimately comes from). The Sea Cow feels like the perfect encapsulation for the zany energy of The LEGO Movie, taking the beloved LEGO pirate ship and turning it up to 11.
71042 Silent Mary
It should come as no surprise that Pirates of the Caribbean has more than one place on this list — the theme was built around its flagships, though 71042 Silent Mary released long after the theme’s original run. Released in 2017 alongside the series’ fifth film, the Silent Mary is a 2,294-piece recreation of the phantom ship belonging to Captain Salazar, the film’s antagonist. The ship isn’t your usual pirate ship fare — faithful to the on-screen version, the set comes without a solid hull and functioning sails. The black, skeleton-like frame is perfectly terrifying, and the lines of cannons only add to the ship’s powerful aesthetic. The front can even rise and open up to consume unsuspecting enemies — just like in the film.
21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay
21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay might not look like much of a ship on the front of the box, given the whole thing is wrecked atop an island and turned into a raucous pirate bar and inn. But the set cleverly lets you rebuild it into the infamous Black Seas Barracuda, if you’re willing to string up the extra sails. The effort is beyond worth it, yielding the best pirate ship the Seven LEGO Seas have ever seen. The hull is sleek, the sails are clean, and the cannons are ready to handle any threat. And the three Jolly Rogers leave no mistake as to who sails this mighty vessel.
Agree with the list? Or does another of the legendary LEGO pirate ships claim your top spot? Let Blocks know on any of our social media channels.