The Hobbit movies in order The Hobbit Marathon
Page Last Modified:
9 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies - 2014
Total Runtime:
474 Minutes
Total Items:
3
Average User Score:
(7.3)Watching orders for The Hobbit
The Hobbit movies in order
Picture this: snacks are ready, the couch is yours, and your friends are gathered. But then the question arises: in what order should we watch The Hobbit movies? Don't worry. Whether you're embarking on the journey to Erebor for the first time or revisiting Smaug for the tenth, we've got the perfect order for your The Hobbit movie marathon. This trilogy by Peter Jackson, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved book, takes you on a high fantasy adventure filled with dwarves, dragons, elves, and epic battles. Trust us, watching in the right order makes all the difference. So grab that popcorn, dim the lights, and let your journey through Middle-earth begin.
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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Movie 169 min. 2012Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit enjoying his quiet life, is swept into an epic quest by Gandalf the Grey and thirteen dwarves who seek to reclaim their mountain home from Smaug, the dragon.USER SCORE 7 -
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The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Movie 161 min. 2013The Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains, and Bilbo has gained the One Ring. They all continue their journey to get their gold back from the Dragon, Smaug.USER SCORE 8 -
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The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Movie 144 min. 2014Following Smaug's attack on Laketown, Bilbo and the dwarves try to defend Erebor's mountain of treasure from others who claim it: the men of the ruined Laketown and the elves of Mirkwood. Meanwhile an army of Orcs led by Azog the Defiler is marching on Erebor, fueled by the rise of the dark lord Sauron. Dwarves, elves and men must unite, and the hope for Middle-Earth falls into Bilbo's hands.USER SCORE 7
Why You Should Watch The Hobbit Trilogy in Chronological Order
The Hobbit films are more than just a prequel to The Lord of the Rings. They form their own epic adventure, revealing the origins of iconic characters and events in Middle-earth. Watching the films in chronological order allows you to follow Bilbo Baggins' journey as it unfolds from his peaceful life in Hobbiton to his encounter with Smaug the dragon in the Lonely Mountain. It's the best way to witness the growth of characters like Thorin Oakenshield, Gandalf, and even Legolas, while fully immersing yourself in the world of the dwarven king under the mountain, the elves of Mirkwood, and the dark threat of Dol Guldur.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
This is where it all begins. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) introduces us to Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who prefers tea over adventures. But when Ian McKellen's Gandalf arrives with a map, a key, and a company of dwarves led by Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield, Bilbo's quiet life transforms into a journey full of danger and magic. You'll meet the members of the dwarf company, including Ken Stott's Balin, Graham McTavish as Dwalin, and the brothers Kili (Aidan Turner) and Fili (Dean O'Gorman). This film sets the tone for the entire trilogy, introducing you to The Shire, Rivendell, and Goblin Town, and features the iconic riddles-in-the-dark scene every Tolkien fan knows.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The second film, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013), picks up the pace, propelling the journey of the dwarves, Bilbo, and Gandalf into high gear. From the moment they enter Mirkwood, the atmosphere becomes darker and more mysterious. You'll meet new faces like Lee Pace's Thranduil, Orlando Bloom's returning Legolas, and Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel a unique addition to the cast. The film immerses you in the depths of Dol Guldur, where the White Council uncovers a threat familiar to fans of The Lord of the Rings. But the highlight? Bilbo's encounter with Benedict Cumberbatch's Smaug a dragon as intelligent as he is terrifying. This film ends in a way that compels you to start the next one immediately. Trust us, you won't want to pause.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
And then comes the grand finale: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014). This film throws everything into the battle literally. Tensions between the dwarves, elves, humans, and orcs reach a boiling point, culminating in one of the biggest battles in the cinematic Middle-earth universe. Thorin's obsession with the Arkenstone reaches a breaking point, while Bilbo plays a crucial role in the fate of Erebor. Orlando Bloom's Legolas gets his moment to shine, Luke Evans as Bard the Bowman impresses, and the battles are spectacular. But there's also room for emotion, character development, and wrapping up the storylines that began in the first film. It's a worthy, sometimes heart-wrenching conclusion to a journey that began with an unexpected visit to a hobbit hole in The Shire.
Tips for Your Perfect The Hobbit Movie Marathon
Planning an old-fashioned binge weekend with the full trilogy? Smart choice. The total runtime of the theatrical versions is around 8.5 hours, but if you opt for Warner Bros Pictures' extended editions (recommended!), you'll enjoy nearly 9.5 hours of pure Middle-earth magic. Start early, keep snacks within reach Bombur would be proud and consider a themed evening with dwarven ale, elven bread, and a playlist featuring Howard Shore's legendary soundtrack. Remember: watch the films in order to enhance the character arcs, locations like Lake-town, Erebor, and Dol Guldur, and the story's buildup.
Why The Hobbit is Still Binge-Worthy
While The Hobbit trilogy is sometimes overshadowed by The Lord of the Rings, it deserves its own spot on your watchlist. The trilogy adds depth to characters like Thorin, Balin, and even Radagast (played by Sylvester McCoy), and offers visual splendor thanks to the work of New Line Cinema, Warner Bros Pictures, and MGM. The sets of Hobbiton, Mirkwood, and the Lonely Mountain are a feast for the eyes, and the special effects from Smaug to the orcs and goblins still hold up. Moreover, the trilogy is filled with subtle references to the broader Tolkien universe, making it extra enjoyable for fans who also have The Lord of the Rings movie marathon on the agenda.
Ready for Middle-earth?
So, do you have your snacks, your best Middle-earth hoodie, and your marathon buddy ready? Then it's time to journey to The Shire, through Rivendell to Erebor and beyond. The beauty of a The Hobbit movie marathon is that you're not just following an epic story, but also fully immersing yourself in the rich world that J.R.R. Tolkien once imagined. These films celebrate high fantasy adventure, friendship, courage, and the unexpected heroism of a hobbit with a sharp sword and an even sharper mind. Enjoy the viewing!