The Hobbit film trilogy serves as a captivating prelude to the world-famous Lord of the Rings series, plunging audiences into the earlier exploits within Tolkien’s expansive Middle-earth. Focused on Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who inadvertently becomes a pivotal figure in a quest to reclaim a lost kingdom, the trilogy unfolds a tapestry of adventure, friendship, and battle against overwhelming odds. Crafted as adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1937 novel, these movies offer a foundational understanding of key characters and elements that reappear in the Lord of the Rings saga.
How to watch Hobbit movies in order?
We’ve arranged the Hobbit movies in order to their release dates and included tips on where to find them, so you can spend more time soaking in the cinematic experience and less time searching for the movies. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on how to watch the Hobbit movies in order it was meant to be seen.
Here is a list of Hobbit Movies in order:
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – December 14, 2012
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – December 13, 2013
- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – December 17, 2014
1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – December 14, 2012
Director: Peter Jackson
Writer: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro (Screenplay based on the book by J.R.R. Tolkien)
Cast:
- Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins
- Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey
- Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield
IMDB: 7.8/10.
Rotten Tomatoes: 64%
The inaugural film in The Hobbit trilogy, “An Unexpected Journey,” was a financial triumph, raking in over $1.017 billion and outperforming the box office earnings of “The Fellowship of the Ring” and “The Two Towers.” The narrative is kickstarted by an elderly Bilbo Baggins, portrayed by Ian Holm, as he sits down to chronicle the extraordinary adventure he embarked upon six decades prior. Guided by Gandalf, played by Ian McKellen, Bilbo is enticed into accompanying a band of dwarves on a daring mission to reclaim their homeland within the Lonely Mountain. This manuscript is the very one that Frodo is seen completing in “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” neatly tying the two epic series together.
2. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – December 13, 2013
Director: Peter Jackson
Writer: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, and Guillermo del Toro (Based on the book “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien)
Cast:
- Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins
- Ian McKellen as Gandalf
- Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield
IMDb: 7.8/10.
Rotten Tomatoes: Ratings fluctuate, but as of my last data in September 2021, it had a 74%
The Hobbit’s second instalment, “The Desolation of Smaug,” introduces us to the formidable dragon Smaug, brought to life through the voice talents of Benedict Cumberbatch. This chapter delves further into Bilbo’s evolving persona, showcasing his courage and loyalty as he manages to procure the coveted Arkenstone from Smaug’s hoard of pilfered riches. Financially, the film also made a strong impression, raking in $959 million globally, which eclipsed the box office revenues of both “The Fellowship of the Ring” and “The Two Towers.”
3. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – December 17, 2014
Director:
Peter Jackson
Writer:
Screenplay by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, and Guillermo del Toro; based on the novel “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
Cast:
- Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins
- Ian McKellen as Gandalf
- Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield
IMDb: 7.8/10.
Rotten Tomatoes: 74%
The concluding film in The Hobbit trilogy, “The Battle of the Five Armies,” is particularly notable for several reasons. It marks the final live-action roles for both Ian Holm and Christopher Lee, who passed away in 2020 and 2015, respectively. Lee’s portrayal of Saruman the White shines especially brightly in this instalment. The movie thrusts Bilbo into the chaos of a grand conflict involving humans, elves, and dwarves, all while catching the menacing eye of Sauron’s legions. Serving as a narrative bridge, the film comes full circle by dovetailing neatly into the beginning of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” thus bringing Bilbo’s epic journey to a fitting close.
The Lord Of The Rings Movies in Chronological Order:
Absolutely! The film adaptations of “The Lord of the Rings,” helmed by Peter Jackson, transformed the fantasy landscape when they hit the big screen. Drawing inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien’s groundbreaking trilogy, penned in the mid-1950s, these cinematic masterpieces unfold six decades after the events chronicled in “The Hobbit” series. The saga follows Frodo Baggins, portrayed by Elijah Wood, as he inherits the formidable Ring of Power. Faced with the monumental task of saving the realm, Frodo embarks on a perilous journey that captivates audiences worldwide.
Here is the list of The Lord of the Rings movies in chronological order:
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
- The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Director: Peter Jackson
Cast:
-
- Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins
- Ian McKellen as Gandalf
- Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn
Writer: Screenplay by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson (based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien)
IMDb: 8.8/10 (as of my last update in September 2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
The film that catapulted The Lord of the Rings into global acclaim is a cinematic experience that never seems to age. Even with multiple viewings, the audience remains captivated by the fervour of Frodo and his eight fellow adventurers, collectively known as the Fellowship of the Ring, as they embark on their perilous mission to Mount Doom in Mordor, the sole location where the Ring of Power can be annihilated.
Upon its debut, the film became an extraordinary box office hit, ranking as the fifth highest-earning movie of its time, raking in $880 million globally during its first run. Additionally, director Peter Jackson later released an extended edition for the initial trilogy, amplifying the runtime of the first film, The Fellowship of the Ring, from 178 to 228 minutes — an impressive duration
2. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Director:
Peter Jackson
Cast:
- Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins
- Ian McKellen as Gandalf
- Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn
Writer:
Screenplay by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Stephen Sinclair, and Peter Jackson. Based on the book “The Two Towers” by J.R.R. Tolkien.
IMDB: 8.7/10.
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Continuing the narrative that began with The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers unfolds across four distinct plot arcs. After their company is fractured due to an orc attack and the loss of a pivotal character in the previous instalment, the separated members of the Fellowship each face their own challenges.
Frodo and his loyal companion Sam make their way to Mordor with the aid of Gollum, a character introduced during Bilbo’s adventures in The Hobbit. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli discover the beleaguered realm of Rohan and reunite with a miraculously revived Gandalf. On another front, Merry and Pippin elude their orc captors, encounter the ancient Ent known as Treebeard, and hatch a plan to assault Saruman’s stronghold, Isengard.
The film’s extended edition stretches the original 179-minute runtime to a hefty 235 minutes, enriching the cinematic experience.
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Director:
Peter Jackson
Cast:
- Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins
- Ian McKellen as Gandalf
- Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn
Writer:
Screenplay by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson (based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien)
IMDb: 8.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% Certified Fresh
The concluding film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King, left an indelible impression on cinephiles worldwide. Celebrated by critics and viewers alike, it stands as a monumental achievement in both the art of filmmaking and the realm of fantasy cinema.
This final instalment showcases the ultimate confrontation with Sauron, as key characters like Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli rally the forces of good for a near-impossible battle at Minas Tirith. The aim is to divert Sauron’s attention, granting Frodo the opportunity to annihilate the One Ring. With its awe-inspiring battles, musical scores, landscapes, and direction, it’s not surprising that the film ties the record for the most Academy Awards captured by a single movie.
The extended edition takes the already considerable 201-minute duration to an astonishing 252 minutes—surpassing four hours! If you’re daring enough to revisit all the extended editions in a single sitting, gear up for a nearly 12-hour cinematic odyssey.
Lord Of The Ring: The Ring Of Power (2022)
Director: Peter Jackson
Writer: Screenplay: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson
Cast:
- Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins
- Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey/Gandalf the White
- Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn/Strider
IMDB: 8.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% (Certified Fresh)
In the fantasy saga “Elemental Harmony,” the worlds of Terra, Ignis, Aqua, and Aether are on the verge of catastrophic conflict. A dark entity called “The Veil” aims to shatter the equilibrium and dominate all. The last hope is an ancient circle infused with the energies of the four worlds, offering unimaginable abilities to the one who wears it. The circle resurfaces, unexpectedly landing in the hands of Sara, a humble village girl.
Embarking on a perilous adventure, Sara is aided by a mysterious prophecy and an eclectic group: a reformed bandit, a half-elf bowman, and a fallen knight. With everyone hiding secrets and grudges, trust becomes a rare asset. Dodging the minions of The Veil and coping with internal strife, they traverse mystical woodlands, searing wastelands, and ancient underground labyrinths.
As they near their objective, they realize the circle has a dark side, offering each of them tantalizing visions of power, vengeance, or absolution. With rising tensions, they must conquer their own inner battles and make agonizing choices. In a final confrontation that fuses the essences of the four worlds, they face off against The Veil. Yet, they’re left wondering if they’re just pieces in a grander scheme.
Is the circlet inherently virtuous or malevolent, or does it simply magnify the nature of its bearer? Time is of the essence, and the future of the four worlds is at stake, hinging on the decisions of a fractured team. “Elemental Harmony” is a riveting story of camaraderie, deceit, and the perpetual battle between good and evil.
Wrap Up
The Hobbit trilogy is a captivating cinematic journey through the realm of high-fantasy adventure, masterfully brought to life by director Peter Jackson. The Hobbit has earned almost $303,003,568.
The Lord Of The Rings is Directed by Peter Jackson, the cinematic trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic British fantasy novel, “The Lord of the Rings,” was launched over a span of three consecutive years. Starting with “The Fellowship of the Ring” in 2001, followed by “The Two Towers” in 2002, and concluding with “The Return of the King” in 2003, the film series masterfully narrates an epic quest through its trio of instalments.
In this blog, we have mentioned the necessary details that you need to that will help you when you are watching the Hobbit movies in order and chronological order of The Lord Of the Rings. So, dive into this captivating world now!
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