The popularity of the Animal Crossing LEGO sets has been showcased by fans in a number of unique ways, including one talented animator who used the Stargazing with Celeste LEGO playset to create a short stop-motion animation. Blending the cozy vibes of the Animal Crossing franchise with the blocky esthetics of LEGO, the stop-motion animation has quickly caught the attention of audiences online.
Following the recent confirmation that most of the Animal Crossing LEGO sets will be retired in 2025, fans of both the life-sim game and building blocks have been scrambling to secure their playsets before the series ends its consumer run. With many Animal Crossing community members now looking to find ways to preserve the legacy of the LEGO sets, it should come as no surprise that an unexpected animation has been met with overwhelming support.
Animal Crossing Fan Recreates Bikini Bottom From SpongeBob in New Horizons
One creative Animal Crossing player shows off their recreation of Bikini Bottom from the SpongeBob SquarePants show in New Horizons.
Freelance animator AntBandit shared the stunning stop-motion animation they made using the Stargazing with Celeste set from the Animal Crossing LEGO collection. Released in January 2025, the Stargazing with Celeste LEGO set features the Animal Crossing owl Villager Celeste minifigure with a telescope, large crescent moon, pine tree, small tea set, star bits, and constellation book. Keeping the stargazing theme while swapping out the telescope and tea set for a small fire and marshmallow on a stick, AntBandit spent several hours animating a simple stop-motion short capturing the adorable Celeste minifigure roasting the marshmallow over the fire while shooting stars race across the moonlit sky behind her.
Animal Crossing LEGO Stop-Motion Animation
Fellow Animal Crossing fans applauded the amazing LEGO Celeste stop-motion short, with many voicing their desire for more LEGO animations featuring the beloved Villagers of Animal Crossing. According to the OP, they have previously worked on promotional collaborations with the LEGO brand, prompting many in the replies to encourage the OP to make a full series of LEGO Animal Crossing animations. The immediate popularity of the stop-motion animation reflects the success of the Animal Crossing LEGO sets, leaving many with their fingers crossed that more playsets will be released for the collection in the future.
The Animal Crossing franchise continues to be one of the most popular Nintendo IPs, and it is understandable that fans of Animal Crossing are sad to see the LEGO crossover sets scheduled for retirement. Players still have time to secure their Animal Crossing LEGO sets before the collection is shelved, and community shares like the Celeste stop-motion animation have preserved the joy brought by the collaboration.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- March 20, 2020
- ESRB
- Everyone / Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Havok
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
- Expansions
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Happy Home Paradise
WHERE TO PLAY
Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.
Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online** or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.
- Franchise
- Animal Crossing
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- How Long To Beat
- 100 Hours
