Watching The Lord of the Rings in order may be the best method to follow Middle Earth’s events. The Lord of the Rings is a series of three epic fantasy adventure films with a combination of good guys, bad guys and rings appearing several times. In Middle-earth, Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship seek to destroy the One Ring and Sauron, its maker. As the story unfolds, the Fellowship eventually splits up and Frodo continues the quest with his loyal companion Sam and the treacherous Gollum.
The Lord of the Rings Movies in Chronological Order
The Lord of the Rings is considered one of the greatest and most impactful movies. It grossed $3.004 billion worldwide making it one of the highest-grossing film series. Here’s how to watch all of The Lord of the Rings’ films and series in chronological order.
1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a 2012 epic high fantasy adventure film whose story is set in Middle-earth sixty years before the main events of The Lord of the Rings and portions of the film are adapted from the appendices to Tolkien’s The Return of the King. An Unexpected Journey tells the tale of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who is convinced by the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) to accompany thirteen Dwarves.
2. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
The film follows the titular character Bilbo Baggins as he continues to accompany Thorin Oakenshield and his fellow dwarves on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. It is the second instalment in The Hobbit trilogy which received mostly positive reviews and grossed $959 million at the worldwide box office.
3. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
The film’s story concludes the adventure of Bilbo Baggins and Thorin Oakenshield’s company of dwarves which received numerous accolades. It stars Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey and Richard Armitage as Thorin II Oakenshield.
4. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The film is the first instalment in The Lord of the Rings trilogy whose story tells of the Dark Lord Sauron, who seeks the One Ring, which contains part of his might, to return to power. It is set in the middle earth. The American Film Institute named it one of the 100 greatest American films in history, in 2007.
5. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
It intercuts three storylines: Frodo and Sam continue their journey towards Mordor to destroy the One Ring, now aided by Gollum. Main cast of the movie includes, including Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin and Cate Blanchett. It was nominated for six awards, including Best Picture, winning for Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects.
6. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) is widely recognised as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made. Frodo, who carries the Ring, and Sam continue their journey towards Mordor, unaware that Gollum, now their guide, plans to betray them and take the Ring for himself. The trio witness the Witch-king of Angmar, lord of the nine Nazgûl, setting off towards Gondor with his army of Orcs. Gollum conspires to frame Sam for eating food supplies and desiring the Ring.
How to Watch LOTR Movies By Release Date?
- 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)
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
- Rings of Power TV Series (2022)
The Future of Lord of the Rings
As these upcoming films promise to expand the rich tapestry of Middle Earth even further. The first season of Rings of Power is over but Middle Earth adventures continue. New films and a second season of Amazon’s Rings of Power are in the works. Speculation runs high among enthusiasts with theories ranging from exploring the mythical fourth age to looking into the untold stories of beloved characters.
