In a vast, sprawling LEGO universe, the ordinary and perpetually cheerful Emmet Brickowski lives a perfectly average, rule-abiding life as a construction worker in the bustling metropolis of Bricksburg. His existence is upended when he accidentally stumbles upon a mysterious artifact known as the "Piece of Resistance." Unbeknownst to Emmet, this piece is the key to saving the LEGO world from an insidious threat. Emmet's find draws the attention of Wyldstyle, a resourceful and tough-as-nails master builder who recognizes the importance of the Piece of Resistance. She mistakenly identifies Emmet as the "Special," a prophesied hero said to have the extraordinary capability to wield the Piece and thwart the ominous plans of the tyrannical Lord Business. Lord Business harbors a dangerous secret weapon with the power to glue the LEGO universe into a permanent, unchanging form, effectively ending the creativity and diversity that form the core of the LEGO world.

In a whirlwind of adventure, Emmet is reluctantly thrust into an epic quest that he's hilariously unprepared for. Alongside Wyldstyle, the wise and mystical Vitruvius, the swaggering space pilot Benny, and a host of other colorful characters, including Batman, Emmet must learn to embrace his uniqueness and summon the creativity within. As the ragtag group journeys across wildly diverse realms, facing obstacles, mastering building skills, and evading Lord Business's forces, they strive to reach the villain's skyscraper fortress to prevent the impending cataclysm. Meanwhile, Emmet's journey of self-discovery leads him to question his role and to realize that an ordinary individual has the potential to be extraordinary, given the right circumstances and friends.