If you’re looking to dive into the world of Middle-earth, watching the Lord of the Rings movies in the correct order can enhance your experience. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a long-time fan, knowing which movie to start with is key. There are different ways to watch these epic films, from starting with The Hobbit trilogy to following the traditional release order.
The chronological order begins with “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” follows with “The Desolation of Smaug,” and ends the prequel series with “The Battle of the Five Armies.” After watching The Hobbit trilogy, you move on to the classic tales of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” followed by “The Two Towers,” and culminating with “The Return of the King.” Alternatively, some fans prefer the release order, which starts with the original Lord of the Rings trilogy. Regardless of the chosen order, the journey through Middle-earth will offer adventure, magic, and unforgettable characters.
The Lord of the Rings Movies in Order Chronologically
| S.no | Movies | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey | December 14, 2012 |
| 2 | The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug | December 2, 2013 |
| 3 | The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies | December 4, 2014 |
| 4 | The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring | December 19, 2001 |
| 5 | The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers | December 18, 2002 |
| 6 | The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King | December 17, 2003 |
The Lord of the Rings Movies in Order By Release Date
The Lord of the Rings series, followed by The Hobbit films and The Rings of Power TV series, offers an expansive journey through Middle-earth. This guide covers each installment in the order they were released, giving you a clear path to experience the story as it originally unfolded.
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
This film introduces you to Middle-earth. Frodo Baggins inherits the One Ring and must leave the Shire. Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, and the Hobbits Sam, Merry, and Pippin form the Fellowship.
You follow their journey to Mordor. The Fellowship faces treacherous paths, including the Mines of Moria and the realm of Lothlórien.
IMDb Rating 8.9/10
2. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
The Fellowship is now broken. Frodo and Sam continue toward Mordor with the help of Gollum. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli pursue Merry and Pippin, who have been captured by orcs. The movie depicts the Battle of Helm’s Deep, showcasing the strength of human alliances. It also explores the Ents’ uprising against Saruman.
IMDb Rating 8.8/10
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
This final installment concludes the trilogy. Frodo and Sam face the last stage of their journey to destroy the One Ring. The Battle of Pelennor Fields is a major highlight. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli lead their forces against Sauron’s army. The film ends with the coronation of Aragorn and the return of peace to Middle-earth.
IMDb Rating 9.0/10
4. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
You begin a new prequel journey with Bilbo Baggins. Gandalf recruits Bilbo to help Thorin Oakenshield and his company of dwarves reclaim Erebor. The film covers the start of their adventure, including trolls, Rivendell, and the encounter with Gollum. Bilbo discovers the One Ring in this movie.
IMDb Rating 7.8/10
5. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
The journey continues to Erebor. The company faces many challenges, including giant spiders and wood elves. They finally reach Lake-town. The climax involves Bilbo’s encounter with Smaug, the dragon guarding the treasure. This movie emphasizes the growing tensions and dangers.
IMDb Rating 7.8/10
6. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
The final Hobbit film concludes the quest of Thorin and his company. The movie focuses on the Battle of the Five Armies. As Thorin succumbs to dragon-sickness, alliances are tested. The battle scenes are intense, leading to the reclaiming of Erebor.
IMDb Rating 7.4/10
7. Rings of Power TV Series (2022)
This series explores events before The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. It covers the rise of Sauron and the creation of the Rings of Power. You get to learn about characters like Elrond and Galadriel. The show adds depth to the history of Middle-earth.
IMDb Rating 6.9/10
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I watch The Lord of the Rings films to understand the storyline properly?
To understand the storyline clearly, you can watch the movies in release order. Start with The Lord of the Rings trilogy, followed by The Hobbit trilogy. This approach helps you grasp the characters and plot developments better.
Which movie should I watch first, The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings?
It’s best to start with The Lord of the Rings series first. Then move on to The Hobbit movies. The Hobbit films were made later but occur earlier in the timeline, giving background to the events of The Lord of the Rings.
How does The Hobbit trilogy connect to The Lord of the Rings series?
The Hobbit trilogy sets up the backstory for The Lord of the Rings. It explains the discovery of the One Ring by Bilbo Baggins. Events in The Hobbit lead directly into the beginning of The Fellowship of the Ring, establishing key characters and plots.