Ever found yourself lost in Middle-earth, unsure where to begin your journey? The definitive viewing order of J.R.R. Tolkien's cinematic masterpieces is not as straightforward as it seems, but mastering it unlocks a richer, more immersive experience.
For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, navigating the world of Hobbits, Elves, and Orcs can be daunting. With multiple trilogies, animated features, and various viewing orders to consider, determining the "correct" way to watch these films has become a quest in itself. Whether you prefer chronological order or release date order, understanding the nuances of each approach is crucial for maximizing your enjoyment of these epic tales.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Franchise | The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit |
| Author | J.R.R. Tolkien |
| Director (Live-Action Films) | Peter Jackson |
| Main Cast (The Hobbit) | Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Ian McKellen |
| Number of Movies (Live-Action) | 6 (3 The Lord of the Rings, 3 The Hobbit) |
| Animated Films | Several, including The Hobbit (1977), The Lord of the Rings (1978), and The Return of the King (1980) |
| Box Office (The Hobbit Trilogy) | $2.91 billion (on a $765 million budget) |
| Authentic Reference | IMDb |
Let's delve into the chronological viewing order, often favored by purists who want to experience the story as it unfolds in Tolkien's universe. This means starting with "The Hobbit" trilogy: An Unexpected Journey (2012), The Desolation of Smaug (2013), and The Battle of the Five Armies (2014). This approach lays the groundwork, introducing key characters and settings that become central to "The Lord of the Rings."
The story of "The Hobbit" centers on Bilbo Baggins, a reluctant hobbit who finds himself swept up in an adventure with a company of dwarves. Led by Thorin Oakenshield, they embark on a perilous quest to reclaim their ancestral home, the Lonely Mountain, from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, they encounter trolls, goblins, and other fantastical creatures, ultimately leading to the epic battle that defines the trilogy's climax. Gandalf the Grey joins their adventure, adding wisdom and experience to their party, which proves crucial in their success and survival.
Following "The Hobbit," you transition to "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002), and The Return of the King (2003). This continuation builds upon the foundation established in "The Hobbit," expanding the scope of the world and introducing new characters, threats, and alliances.
Chronologically, the events of "The Lord of the Rings" occur decades after "The Hobbit." Frodo Baggins, Bilbo's nephew, inherits the One Ring, an artifact of immense power sought by the Dark Lord Sauron. To prevent Sauron from conquering Middle-earth, Frodo and the Fellowship embark on a quest to destroy the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. This journey takes them through treacherous landscapes, pitting them against formidable enemies and testing the bonds of friendship.
However, release date order presents an alternative viewing experience. This approach immerses you in the world as audiences originally encountered it, starting with "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. This order leverages the established lore and visual style of "The Lord of the Rings" before delving into the prequel trilogy. Fans often appreciate seeing how Peter Jackson evolved his directorial style and special effects technology between the two trilogies.
The release date order begins with The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), which introduces the world of Middle-earth, the One Ring, and the Fellowship tasked with its destruction. The film establishes the stakes and sets the tone for the epic journey to come. It is followed by The Two Towers (2002), which expands the conflict and introduces new characters, such as Gollum, while dividing the Fellowship into separate paths. Finally, The Return of the King (2003) brings the saga to a close, depicting the final battle against Sauron and the resolution of the Fellowship's quest.
After completing "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy in release date order, you then watch "The Hobbit" trilogy. This order allows you to appreciate the prequel trilogy as a continuation of an already beloved world, rather than as an introduction. It can also provide a different perspective on the characters and events of "The Lord of the Rings," shedding light on their origins and motivations.
Regardless of your chosen viewing order, there's no denying the enduring popularity of both franchises. "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" have captivated audiences worldwide with their compelling stories, memorable characters, and stunning visuals. The attention to detail, loyalty to the books (with acceptable alterations for the cinematic medium), and deeply rich world-building have contributed to their success. The films offer an escape into a realm of fantasy and adventure, appealing to viewers of all ages.
However, not all fans are enamored with "The Hobbit" trilogy. Some argue that the story was stretched unnecessarily into three films, diluting the original novel's narrative and feeling more like a commercial venture than a true adaptation. In contrast, many praise the meticulous care and artistic vision that went into "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, considering it a landmark achievement in filmmaking.
Outside of the main trilogies, there are also animated adaptations of Tolkien's works. These include The Hobbit (1977), The Lord of the Rings (1978), and The Return of the King (1980), which offer a different interpretation of the stories. While these animated films may not have the same visual grandeur as Peter Jackson's adaptations, they hold a special place in the hearts of many fans.
So, which viewing order is "correct"? Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference. Whether you choose to watch the films chronologically, by release date, or even mix and match, the most important thing is to immerse yourself in the world of Middle-earth and enjoy the journey.
For those seeking a more interactive experience, there are even ways to bring the world of "The Hobbit" to life in your own home. You can try dressing like a hobbit, building a hobbit house in Minecraft, or even exploring the streaming guides to fully immerse yourself in Middle-earth.
The release of the "Rings of Power" series has further ignited the passion of Tolkien fans, demonstrating the lasting appeal of Middle-earth. The saga continues to inspire and captivate, inviting viewers to explore its depths and discover new facets of this beloved world. No matter how you choose to embark on your journey, the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" offer an unforgettable cinematic adventure.
By El Kuiper Aug 20th, 2023, 2:05 pm.
A reluctant hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of dwarves to reclaim their mountain home and the gold within it from the dragon Smaug. The dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain, their ancestral homeland, setting the stage for the epic battles and adventures that define the entire saga.
Find out the correct order of watching the six movies based on J.R.R. Tolkien's books, from The Hobbit to The Lord of the Rings. See the titles, ratings, directors, stars, and summaries of each movie on IMDb, gaining deeper insights into the intricacies of each film and its place in the broader narrative.
The Hobbit is a trilogy of fantasy adventure films directed by Peter Jackson, released from 2012 to 2014. The films follow Hobbit Bilbo Baggins and a company of dwarves on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug, and are a prequel to The Lord of the Rings. Learn the chronological order of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy, a prequel to The Lord of the Rings. Find out the plot, cast, and release date of each film, from An Unexpected Journey to The Battle of the Five Armies.
Directed by Peter Jackson, the first film in the franchise, The Lord of the Rings, took eight years to film and began with the release of The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001, followed by The Two Towers in 2002, and The Return of the King in 2003. Fans are still obsessed with watching The Lord of the Rings movie in order; will The Hobbit do the same?
This is because although The Hobbit movies came out 10 years after The Lord of the Rings movies, The Hobbit films take place earlier. So, chronologically, you should watch The Hobbit.
The Lord of the Rings movies in order: 1.
To watch the entire franchise in the right order, have a look at our streaming guide to all of the Lord of the Rings movies. This includes the original trilogy, the prequel Hobbit trilogy, and the extended editions. How to watch the Lord of the Rings franchise in chronological order.
After the last Hobbit film, the entire trilogy made $2.91 billion on a $765 million budget. The Battle of the Five Armies.
Now I see you consider The Hobbit to be part of The Lord of the Rings... I think I’d watch The Hobbit first, but if ever you want to quit then just watch LOTR. I am not a huge fan of the Hobbit movies. I think I’d do them first though.
Will the Hobbit do the same?
