The increase in the global mortality rate caused by neurodegenerative diseases has prompted the world of science to create a scientific method that is simple enough to create, yet complex enough to capture the characteristics of the central nervous system (CNS). The inadequacy of existing animal and two-dimensional (2D) models used to investigate the complexity of the pathogenesis of diseases affecting the CNS led to the development of three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures. 3D cell models of the CNS are generated from pluripotent cells, which are differentiated into neurons, astrocytes or oligodendrocytes by further targeting. Pluripotent cells include embryonic and neural stem cells, but also artificially induced pluripotent stem cells. After the cells have been collected from embryonic tissues or from healthy or diseased adults, they are cultivated in vitro under appropriate conditions to ensure development, growth and further proliferation. Depending on the cells in question, relevant factors are brought into the cell culture that stimulate the differentiation of the cells to the type required for research. 3D models are further formed with or without scaffolds of natural or synthetic origin that can serve as structural support for cultured cells. The materials used must necessarily be biocompatible so that there is no adverse interaction with cultured cells or a living organism. The laboratory method of creating 3D models of the CNS is used for the purpose of studying the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders and their development as well as progression in the body. The development of models of cancer mechanisms that affect the cells of the CNS and the examination of potential pharmacotherapies also enter the repertoire of roles played by 3D cell models. From self-forming spheroids to sophisticated organs-on-a-chip, 3D models of the CNS are characterized by varying degrees of uniformity of biological characteristics. The main goal when creating these models is to create a system as authentic as possible to cells and tissues in vivo. Despite their unique properties, 3D models are also characterized by shortcomings such as the lack of vascularization and the high cost of production compared to 2D models. 3D cell models need improvement, but despite this, since their first use, they represent a ticket to the world of research into the complexly designed human nervous system.