An Expert's Guide to the Best Model Kits For Adults in 2025

Model making is a fantastic hobby, but knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. With nearly a century of injection-molded plastic models available—from military vehicles and sports cars to anime robots and everyday objects—the sheer variety can be daunting. Seeing the incredible creations of experienced modelers might suggest you need a fully equipped workshop, surgeon-like precision, and years of practice, but that's simply not true. This guide simplifies the process, offering a curated list of kits perfect for getting started, many based on personal experience.

To ease your entry into this rewarding pastime, I've compiled a selection of kits. We'll start with kits requiring no glue or paint, then move on to options for those ready for a more hands-on experience. Finally, we'll cover essential tools and supplies, and where to find them—the perfect LEGO alternatives!

No Paint? No Glue? No Problem!

While model kits traditionally required glue and paint, that's no longer always the case. Many companies offer beginner-friendly kits that are pre-colored and easily snap together. Note that some "beginner" kits are overly simplified, but plenty offer a satisfying challenge without messy adhesives or paints. Gundam kits are a prime example. If giant robots appeal to you, these are excellent starting points:

Under $25

Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit

1/144 Scale. Recommended age: 15+

$12.99 at Amazon

Under $100

Bandai Hobby MG Gundam RX-78-2 Version 3.0 Action Figure Model Kit

1/100 Scale. Recommended age: 15+

$51.50 at Amazon

Gundam kits are graded (HG, MG, RG, EG, PG). HG kits (High Grade) are generally $15-30 and around 6 inches tall; MG (Master Grade) kits are $30-50 and slightly taller, with more detail. There are also Real Grade, Entry Grade, and Perfect Grade kits for various skill levels.

High Grade

Bandai Hobby 1/144 Wing Gundam Zero

Includes twin buster rifle, beam sabers, shield, and cannons.

$16.00 at Amazon

Master Grade

Bandai Hobby Gundam IBO Gundam Barbatos, Bandai Spirits MG 1:100

Features a detailed internal frame and Ahab Reactor.

$54.69 at Amazon

Gunpla (Gundam plastic models) is hugely popular. For those less interested in giant robots, similar snap-together kits exist for other franchises.

Star Wars Model Kits

Bandai Hobby Bandai AT-ST 1:48 Scale Star Wars All Terrain Scout Transport Walker

See it at Amazon

Bandai Hobby Star Wars 1:72 Y-Wing Starfighter Building Kit

$29.64 at Amazon

Bandai offers many pre-colored snap-together Star Wars kits. While some work better than others without paint, a basic wash or dry-brushing enhances detail on monochromatic models.

Bandai Hobby Boba Fett, Bandai Spirits Hobby 1/12 Plastic Model Kit

$17.02 at Amazon

Boba Fett's colorful design looks great unpainted. Stormtroopers, however, benefit from customization.

Bandai Stormtrooper Model Kits

Anime Model Kits

Bandai Hobby Son Goku Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

$32.99 at Amazon

Bandai Hobby Uzumaki Naruto Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

$32.58 at Amazon

Bandai's Figure-Rise line offers various anime characters beyond Gundam.

Giant Robot Model Kits (That Aren’t Gundam)

Kotobukiya Metal Gear Solid: Metal Gear Rex (Black Ver.) Model Kit

$154.00 at Amazon

Good Smile Company Horizon Forbidden West: Thunderjaw Moderoid Plastic Model Kit

Prices vary, starting at $107

Good Smile Company Aliens: Power Loader Moderoid Plastic Model Kit

Includes Ellen Ripley!

Good Smile Company's Moderoid line offers pre-painted kits.

Bandai Hobby - Imaginary Skeleton – 1:32 Imaginary Skeleton Tyrannosaurus

$36.99 at Amazon

Bandai Store Triceratops

$46.00 at IGN Store

Bandai Store 1:1 Cup Noodle

$27.00 at Amazon

Aoshima Nissan C110 Skyline GT-R Custom White 1:32 Scale Model Kit

$14.99 at Amazon

Military Model Kits

Tamiya 1/35 US Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman Plastic Model Kit

$44.99 at Amazon

Tamiya Models M1A2 Abrams Model Kit

$34.30 at Amazon

Hasegawa 1:72 AV-8B Harrier II Plus

$21.99 at Amazon

Hasegawa 1:48 AV-8B Harrier II

$36.89 at Amazon

Car Model Kits

Hasegawa 1:24 BMW 2002 Tii Model Kit

$25.50 at Amazon

Revell of Germany 07051 McLaren 570S

$34.99 at Amazon

Aoshima Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 1:24 Scale Model Kit

$33.99 at Amazon

Aoshima Volkswagen 13AD Beetle 1303S ’73 1:24 Model Kit

$22.38 at Amazon

Aoshima Bunka Kyozai 1:24 Mobile Sales Series No. 8 Yakitori Ryuho Plastic Model

$9.58 at Amazon

How to Get Started with Model Kits

Tools:

BXQINLEN 8-Piece Model Tools Set

$7.99 at Amazon

anezus 12" x 18" Rotary Cutting Mat

$8.99 at Amazon

Tamiya Extra Thin Cement Glue

$8.99 at Amazon

Paint:

For painting, consider rattle cans and water-based acrylics. Primer is crucial for paint adhesion. Hobby spray paints offer a finer mist than hardware store options.

GSI Creos Mr. Hobby Mr. Surfacer 1000 Primer

$15.35 at Amazon

Vallejo Basic USA Acrylic Colors Paint Set

$34.04 at Amazon

Tamiya PS-34 Bright Red Spray Paint

See it

Model making is a rewarding hobby with endless possibilities. Many experts share their work and tips online (SpruesNBrews, NightShift, Jun’s Mini Garage, Laser Creation-World, Minibricks on YouTube).

Model Kit FAQs

Where is the best place to buy model kits?

Amazon, HobbyLink Japan, MegaHobby, IGN Store, and your local hobby shop are all good options. Each has its advantages and disadvantages regarding selection, pricing, and shipping.