Ever found yourself pondering the optimal route through Middle-earth? Deciding whether to experience the epic tales of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" in chronological order or by release date can profoundly impact your journey.
For newcomers to Tolkien's universe, the question of how to approach the films is paramount. Should you begin with Bilbo Baggins's adventure in "The Hobbit," then transition to Frodo's quest to destroy the One Ring? Or would you rather experience the movies as they were unveiled to the world, starting with "The Fellowship of the Ring?" Both paths offer unique perspectives, and understanding the differences can significantly enhance your viewing experience. This article, updated on August 20th, 2023, at 2:05 PM by El Kuiper, delves into the best ways to navigate this cinematic saga.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Franchise | The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit |
| Author | J.R.R. Tolkien |
| Director (Films) | Peter Jackson |
| Key Actors | Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen |
| Chronological Order | The Hobbit Trilogy followed by The Lord of the Rings Trilogy |
| Release Order | The Lord of the Rings Trilogy followed by The Hobbit Trilogy |
| Reference Website | The Tolkien Society |
The most straightforward approach is undoubtedly watching the films in the order of their release. This method mirrors the way audiences initially discovered Middle-earth on the big screen. "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, captivated the world first, followed a decade later by "The Hobbit" trilogy. However, due to the nature of "The Hobbit" trilogy serving as prequels, a different viewing order exists, one that prioritizes the story's internal chronology. Many argue that watching in chronological order, starting with "The Hobbit," provides a more seamless narrative, especially for first-time viewers.
The argument for chronological order stems from the fact that "The Hobbit" films take place earlier in the timeline. By starting with "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" (2012), you witness Bilbo's initial adventure and his acquisition of the One Ring. This sets the stage for the events in "The Lord of the Rings" with a deeper understanding of the Ring's history and Bilbo's connection to it. Following "An Unexpected Journey," you continue with "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" (2013) and "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" (2014). These films, based on Tolkien's novel of the same name, depict Bilbo's quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug, alongside a company of dwarves and Gandalf the Grey.
The release order, on the other hand, allows you to experience the story as it was gradually revealed by the filmmakers. It allows you to appreciate the technical and storytelling evolution between the two trilogies. In order of release, the film series are "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," followed by "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," and "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies." Watching the series in this order means the context of Bilbo having the ring is already established, which adds to the viewing experience of The Lord of the Rings.
Regardless of your chosen order, the journey through Middle-earth is undeniably captivating. Peter Jackson's adaptations are known for their loyalty to the books, their attention to detail, and their epic scope. While some criticize "The Hobbit" films for being stretched into a trilogy, the overall experience remains a visual and emotional feast for fans of Tolkien's work. The films star Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," directed by Peter Jackson, follows Bilbo, a reluctant hobbit, as he joins a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their home and treasure from Smaug. The dwarves, along with Bilbo and Gandalf, face numerous challenges on their path to the Lonely Mountain.
The choice between release order and chronological order is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Some prefer the unfolding narrative of the release order, while others appreciate the seamless timeline of the chronological order. Perhaps a viewing of the movies in release order and then the Hobbit movies in chronological order would allow a viewer to decide what is best for them. No matter which path you choose, prepare to be immersed in a world of hobbits, elves, dwarves, dragons, and epic battles.
Here are some of the details about the movies:
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
A reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, finds himself caught up in an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the Goblin Tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever...Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he gains possession of Gollum’s "precious" ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities... A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.
Director: Peter Jackson
Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Andy Serkis
Rating: PG-13
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
The dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim Erebor, the Dwarves' ancestral homeland, from the dragon Smaug. Bilbo Baggins is in possession of a mysterious and powerful ring. As they get closer to their destination, they must travel through Mirkwood Forest, and Lake-town before ultimately coming face to face with Smaug. A reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, travels along with a company of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their kingdom. They travel through the Misty Mountains, and Gandalf leaves them before they enter the forest of Mirkwood. They get captured by giant spiders, then imprisoned by wood-elves.
Director: Peter Jackson
Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lilly, Orlando Bloom
Rating: PG-13
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves have reclaimed the vast wealth of their homeland, but now must face the consequences of having unleashed the terrifying Dragon Smaug upon Lake-town. As he succumbs to dragon-sickness, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honor in his search for the legendary Arkenstone. Unable to help Thorin see reason, Bilbo is driven to make a desperate and dangerous choice, not knowing that even greater perils lie ahead. An ancient enemy has returned to Middle-earth. Sauron, the Dark Lord, has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain. As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide - unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life as five great armies go to war.
Director: Peter Jackson
Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lilly, Orlando Bloom
Rating: PG-13
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
In the village of Hobbiton, young Frodo Baggins inherits a mysterious ring from his uncle Bilbo. When Gandalf the Grey discovers that the ring is actually the One Ring of the Dark Lord Sauron, Frodo must make an epic quest to the Cracks of Doom in order to destroy it. However he does not go alone. He is joined by Gandalf, Legolas the elf, Gimli the Dwarf, Aragorn, Boromir and his three Hobbit friends Merry, Pippin and Samwise Gamgee. Through dangers untold they will face the Dark Lord, and his Ringwraiths.
Director: Peter Jackson
Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Bean
Rating: PG-13
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Frodo and Sam continue their journey to Mordor in order to destroy the One Ring. But the Ring's evil power is growing and Frodo is beginning to succumb to it's will. They are joined by Gollum, who knows the way to Mordor. But can they trust him, or will he betray them? Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli meet the Riders of Rohan and join them in their war against Saruman and the Uruk-Hai.
Director: Peter Jackson
Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom
Rating: PG-13
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The final chapter in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Aragorn leads the forces of good against Sauron's army at the Black Gate of Mordor, so that Frodo and Sam can complete their mission to destroy the One Ring, the source of Sauron's power.
Director: Peter Jackson
Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, Sean Astin
Rating: PG-13
Back when the final hobbit film was released, an article on medium.com was published that gave a number of possible viewing orders outside of the obvious options of story chronology option (hobbit followed by lord of the rings), which is the how i watched them over two days this past week, or the release order (rings followed by hobbit). There are seven total movies set in j.r.r. Three the lord of the rings movies, three the hobbit movies, and an animated feature film. (there is also older animated trilogy of the hobbit (1977), the lord of the rings, (1978), and the return of the king (1980) which are separate from the newer films.)
Regardless of how you decide to watch it, we all need an escape every once in a while.
