When it comes to the high-fantasy genre, its hats off to Tolkien. The man paved the way for everything else out there; were it not for him, there wouldn’t be a Dungeon and Dragons, Game of Thrones & Harry Potter, for that matter. The influence is so vast, and his writing is so deep that J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth keeps captivating the hearts and imaginations of millions worldwide. The best thing you can give to someone wishing to read is either this book saga or Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace”, in my opinion!
But going back to Tolkien and films, —which is probably what brought you here in the first place—we have to take a moment to talk about how Peter Jackson managed to put on the big screen —through his masterful storytelling and intricate world-building—, the world that Tolkien has gifted us in the literary world with two epic franchises: “The Hobbit” —from the early 2010’s— and “The Lord of the Rings” —from the early 2000s.
I have to tell you, these movies beautifully showcase the rich narrative, unforgettable characters, and stunning visuals they are known for. However, watching these flicks in the wrong order may leave you feeling bewildered and unsatisfied instead of captivated by the fantastic world of Middle-Earth.
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Watch Order
As such, I wrote up this guide for you, where I’ll tell you the right order in which to watch LOTR and The Hobbit, that way, you can make sure that you get the most juice and learn from these cinematic masterpieces.
The Importance of Correct Viewing Order
Tolkien was no GRR Martin; he made a universe so complex and character development so deep that he even created their language and alphabet —and Martin can’t even finish a book—. In this sense, watching these films requires a certain level of understanding to enjoy them fully. Watching LOTR and The Hobbit out of order may confuse you, cause you to miss details, and ultimately distract your overall viewing experience. That’s why following the correct watch order is crucial.
Release Order vs. Chronological Order
Before I dive into the right viewing order, you need to understand the distinction between release order and chronological order. Firstly, release order refers to the sequence in which the films were originally released, while chronological order relates to the timeline of events in the Middle-Earth universe.
Release Order
- 1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
- 2. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
- 3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
- 4. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
- 5. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
- 6. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
Also Read: 33 Shows Like The Lord Of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Chronological Order (According To Middle-Earth Timeline)
- 1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
- 2. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
- 3. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
- 4. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
- 5. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
- 6. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
For the best viewing experience, I recommend you watch the films in chronological order. So, grab the popcorn, and chocolates, stay hydrated, and your blankie as you’re in for an epic adventure.
Your Journey Begins: The Hobbit
The Hobbit trilogy is a prequel to the events that unfold in The Lord of the Rings, providing essential context and backstory. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit as a prologue to LOTR, a whole book! Talk about dedication! Therefore, it makes sense to start your journey here. The Hobbit films are as follows:
- 1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
- 2. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
- 3. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Following this order will set the stage for the epic saga that awaits you in The Lord of the Rings.
Onward to The Lord of the Rings
After completing The Hobbit, you will be ready to dive into the complex and thrilling world of The Lord of the Rings. These films follow Frodo Baggins on his dangerous journey across Middle-Earth with “The One Ring”. Here is the chronological order in which you should watch them:
- 1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
- 2. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
- 3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
You are now ready to experience the entire journey of Frodo, Sam, Aragorn, and the Fellowship as they fight for Middle-Earth against the Dark Lord Sauron.
Theatrical vs. Extended Editions
The LOTR films were released in theatrical and extended editions (the latter includes lots of bonus footage). While I recommend watching the theatrical versions of The Hobbit trilogy, we suggest watching the extended editions of the LOTR trilogy. Doing so will give you an even deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.
Where To Watch The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings Online?
Both trilogies are available on HBO Max or Amazon Prime Video. And suppose you’re interested in watching the latest on the Middle Earth adventures. In that case, Prime Video also exclusively hosts the latest production on LOTR, called “The Rings of Power”, check it out if it piques your curiosity. To wrap things up, I hope this guide helped you get the most out of your Lord of the Rings and Hobbit viewing experience.
Also Read: How To Read JRR Tolkien Books In Order?
