Peter Jacksons' universe
The Lord of The Rings Marathon

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Page Last Modified:

9 December 2025

Most Recent Release:

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies - 2014

Total Runtime:

1033 Minutes

Total Items:

6

Average User Score:

(7.7)

Watching orders for The Lord of The Rings

Peter Jacksons' universe

Fear not. Whether you're visiting Hobbiton for the first time or eager to see Andúril gleam in battle once more, this chronological guide to Peter Jackson's epic fantasy universe is just what you need. From meeting a young Bilbo Baggins to the final battle at the gates of Mordor, this is your perfect guide for an evening (or weekend) filled with hobbits, elves, dwarves, and a certain ring. So grab a blanket, brew some tea (or lembas bread), and let's journey together into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien. This isn't just a marathon; it's a quest.

1033 Minutes 6 Movies
  1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Backdrop 1
    The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Movie 169 min. 2012
    Bilbo 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
  2. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Backdrop 2
    The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Movie 161 min. 2013
    The 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
  3. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Backdrop 3
    The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Movie 144 min. 2014
    Following 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
  4. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Backdrop 4
    The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Movie 179 min. 2001
    Young hobbit Frodo Baggins, after inheriting a mysterious ring from his uncle Bilbo, must leave his home in order to keep it from falling into the hands of its evil creator. Along the way, a fellowship is formed to protect the ringbearer and make sure that the ring arrives at its final destination: Mt. Doom, the only place where it can be destroyed.
    USER SCORE 8
  5. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Backdrop 5
    The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Movie 179 min. 2002
    Frodo Baggins and the other members of the Fellowship continue on their sacred quest to destroy the One Ring--but on separate paths. Their destinies lie at two towers--Orthanc Tower in Isengard, where the corrupt wizard Saruman awaits, and Sauron's fortress at Barad-dur, deep within the dark lands of Mordor. Frodo and Sam are trekking to Mordor to destroy the One Ring of Power while Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn search for the orc-captured Merry and Pippin. All along, nefarious wizard Saruman awaits the Fellowship members at the Orthanc Tower in Isengard.
    USER SCORE 8
  6. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Backdrop 6
    The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Movie 201 min. 2003
    As armies mass for a final battle that will decide the fate of the world--and powerful, ancient forces of Light and Dark compete to determine the outcome--one member of the Fellowship of the Ring is revealed as the noble heir to the throne of the Kings of Men. Yet, the sole hope for triumph over evil lies with a brave hobbit, Frodo, who, accompanied by his loyal friend Sam and the hideous, wretched Gollum, ventures deep into the very dark heart of Mordor on his seemingly impossible quest to destroy the Ring of Power.​
    USER SCORE 8

Why This Order?

Peter Jackson's Middle-earth franchise is a rare gem where a prequel trilogy enriches the original masterpiece without overshadowing it. By starting with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and concluding with The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, you experience the story as it unfolds in Tolkien's world. Witness how Bilbo Baggins' journey paves the way for Frodo's quest and how the discovery of the One Ring gradually leads to an epic battle against evil.

This chronological order not only adds logic to the world-building but also allows you to see characters like Gandalf, Gollum, and Legolas evolve over six films. Let's be honest: it's delightful to absorb the lore this way, with the right mix of drama, action, and emotional payoff.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

We begin in the peaceful Shire, where a young Bilbo Baggins (played by Martin Freeman) is swept into an adventure he never anticipated. Alongside Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and his band of dwarves, he heads toward Erebor, the Lonely Mountain, and the slumbering dragon Smaug. This film sets the tone for what's to come: the start of an epic quest filled with danger, friendship, and hidden powers. And of course, we meet beloved characters like Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Elrond (Hugo Weaving), and catch a first glimpse of Gollum (Andy Serkis).

Visually stunning, with a lighter tone than the LotR trilogy, it's full of subtle nods for the keen-eyed viewer. Here begins your journey through Middle-earth, and honestly, you're hooked from the start.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The journey continues through Mirkwood, where the threat of darkness becomes palpable. The group faces challenges from spiders, elves, and the politics of Thranduil (Lee Pace), while Bilbo increasingly feels the power (and temptation) of a mysterious ring. Here, the Hobbit trilogy truly gains momentum, with a blend of action, character development, and lore that perfectly sets the stage for what's to come.

We also meet Bard the Bowman (Luke Evans) in Lake-town and see Smaug brought masterfully to life by the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch. This film exposes moral conflicts and sets the pieces for the decisive battle.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

What began as a treasure hunt ends in a battle that affects the fate of Middle-earth. Thorin's obsession with the Arkenstone, rising tensions between dwarves, elves, and men, and the threat of Sauron's rise create a dramatic, emotionally charged climax.

Here, you see how war, honor, and loss intertwine. While this film is less lighthearted than its predecessors, it provides crucial context for the power of the One Ring and the roots of the resistance that later culminates in the Fellowship. In terms of pacing, it's the most intense of the trilogy, perfect for diving straight into the next chapter.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Fast forward about sixty years, and we meet Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), heir to Bilbo's unexpected find: the One Ring. With the help of Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin), Merry (Dominic Monaghan), and Pippin (Billy Boyd), Frodo embarks on his own journey toward Mount Doom. But he's not alone: Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Gimli (John Rhys-Davies), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Boromir (Sean Bean), and of course, Gandalf form the iconic Fellowship.

This film marks a shift to high fantasy with deep moral themes, heroism, and epic landscapes. Rivendell, the Misty Mountains, Moria it's all grander and darker. And if you thought you were already attached to Middle-earth, this first part of the trilogy truly grips you.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

The Fellowship is broken, and the characters go their separate ways. Frodo and Sam continue with a very unreliable guide named Gollum, who becomes one of the franchise's most complex and tragic figures in this film. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli prepare for the legendary Battle of Helm's Deep, alongside Théoden (Bernard Hill), Éowyn (Miranda Otto), and Éomer (Karl Urban).

Visually, this is one of the most impressive fantasy films ever, with the Uruk-hai as a threat and Isengard as a dark counterpoint. But it's the characters who carry this film. The growth, the sacrifices, the doubts it all comes to life in a film that pulls you right into the action.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

And then the finale. The climax. The moment when everything comes together. As Frodo and Sam find their way to the heart of Mordor, the Battle of Pelennor Fields erupts on the other side of Middle-earth. Minas Tirith is at stake, and with Andúril in hand, Aragorn leads his people into the final battle.

This film is grand in every sense: visually, emotionally, narratively. You feel the years of buildup to this moment, and it delivers. Think tissues, goosebumps, and the kind of catharsis only a truly well-told story can provide. The Oscars don't lie this is one of the most beloved and awarded films ever made.

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