The Hobbit Movies: Your Ultimate Guide To Watching In Order & Streaming!
Ever wondered how to navigate the cinematic landscapes of Middle-earth, specifically the enchanting realm of "The Hobbit" and its connection to the broader world of "The Lord of the Rings"? Understanding the correct viewing order chronological versus release is essential to fully appreciating the narrative complexities and visual grandeur of these epic fantasy adventures.
Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" trilogy, a visual feast derived from J.R.R. Tolkien's 1937 novel of the same name, stands as a prequel to the monumental "Lord of the Rings" saga. This means it sets the stage, providing the backstory to the events that unfold in the later films. The three films, meticulously crafted and visually stunning, offer viewers a deep dive into the origins of key characters and the formation of the world we later come to know in "The Lord of the Rings". The films are subtitled "An Unexpected Journey" (2012), "The Desolation of Smaug" (2013), and "The Battle of the Five Armies" (2014).
The cinematic adaptation of Tolkien's "The Hobbit," brought to life by director Peter Jackson, premiered across theaters from 2012 to 2014. The films are based on J.R.R. Tolkien's book, although elements from "The Lord of the Rings" books are also used. Additional material and new characters were created specifically for the films, expanding the scope of the original narrative. The core narrative, at its heart, focuses on the unlikely journey of Bilbo Baggins, a reluctant hobbit, and a company of dwarves, who venture forth to reclaim their ancestral mountain home, the Lonely Mountain, from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Their quest is filled with peril and wonder, as they encounter a myriad of creatures and challenges along the way.
Principal photography for "The Hobbit" films began on March 21, 2011, in New Zealand, and concluded on July 6, 2012, after a total of 266 days of filming. The meticulous production process, coupled with the director's vision, ensures that the films were a visual masterpiece.
The 1967 short animated film, directed by Gene Deitch in Czechoslovakia, marked the first film production of "The Hobbit," with American film producer William L. Snyder at the helm. This animated endeavor offered an early interpretation of Tolkien's narrative, providing a different perspective on the source material.
The "Hobbit" films were produced back-to-back, a strategy employed similarly in the production of "The Lord of the Rings" films, enabling the creation of a cohesive and expansive cinematic universe.
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Here's a deeper dive into the actors and characters that helped bring this beloved fantasy tale to life.
Actor | Character | Film(s) Appeared In |
---|---|---|
Martin Freeman | Bilbo Baggins | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies |
Ian McKellen | Gandalf | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies |
Richard Armitage | Thorin Oakenshield | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies |
Ken Stott | Balin | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies |
Graham McTavish | Dwalin | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies |
Cate Blanchett | Galadriel | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies |
Hugo Weaving | Elrond | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies |
Orlando Bloom | Legolas | The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies |
Lee Pace | Thranduil | The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies |
Evangeline Lilly | Tauriel | The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies |
For a deeper dive into the actors and the film visit IMDB
As viewers prepare to lose themselves in the magic of Tolkiens imagined world, the "Hobbit" movies provide an ideal place to begin. The journey begins in Middle-earth!
Here's a guide on how to watch the "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" movies, both in chronological order (following the events in the story) and by order of release (experiencing them as they were presented to audiences):
The film "The Battle of the Five Armies" (2014) is the final chapter in "The Hobbit" trilogy. It culminates in a fierce and visually stunning battle where various factions of Middle-earth clash. Bilbo Baggins and his companions are forced to engage in a war against an array of combatants, their main objective being to prevent the Lonely Mountain from falling into the hands of a rising darkness.
The plot of the film centers on Bilbo Baggins, and the company of dwarves. They set out to reclaim their mountain home and the gold within it from the dragon Smaug. The story progresses as the characters navigate through perilous environments, battling formidable enemies, and forming unlikely alliances.
In essence, the "Hobbit" trilogy serves as a bridge, transporting audiences back to the roots of the narrative. By revisiting this prequel, fans can enjoy a more complete and nuanced understanding of the saga.
The initial release of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" hit theaters in 2012. Following the release of "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" in 2013, the trilogy was rounded off with "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" in 2014.
To delve into the intricacies of Middle-earth, exploring the chronological order is the most impactful viewing pathway. By beginning with "The Hobbit" trilogy, viewers are plunged into the early adventures of Bilbo Baggins, his encounter with the dwarves, and the perils they face while reclaiming the Lonely Mountain. This journey lays the groundwork, preparing audiences for the epic events of "The Lord of the Rings."
When considering release order, this offers a different, yet equally valid, viewing perspective. The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy initially graced the silver screen, captivating audiences with its expansive world and profound narrative. Following this, "The Hobbit" trilogy emerged as a prequel, inviting audiences back into the world to uncover more about the history and characters that would go on to define the saga.
The "Hobbit" films are available on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Max, and others. In addition, its possible to buy or rent "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Microsoft Store, and Fandango at Home.



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