LEGO introduced its first modern minifigure with movable arms and legs in 1978.
The figure debuted alongside major LEGO play themes including LEGO Town, LEGO Castle and LEGO Space. Its compact human shape, printed face and simple articulation gave builders a recognizable character who could sit in vehicles, hold accessories and interact with brick-built environments.
Earlier LEGO figures existed, including simple figures introduced in the 1970s, but they did not have the same articulated design. The 1978 version established the basic minifigure format that became standard: a cylindrical head, a torso, separate legs and hands capable of gripping accessories.
Modern minifigures can have highly detailed printing, specialized parts and varied skin tones, but the essential proportions remain closely related to the original design. The minifigure is consequently one of LEGO’s most recognizable products, even though it is much smaller than a typical toy figure.