How To Watch Hobbit Movies In Order?
Figuring out how to watch the Hobbit movies in order can be a fun challenge for fans. These films, set in the enchanting world of Middle-earth, tell the story of Bilbo Baggins and his quest with a group of dwarves. Whether you’re new to this universe or revisiting, knowing the right order can greatly enhance your viewing experience. Today we will guide you through the chronological sequence of these adventures, ensuring you don’t miss any part of the epic journey.
Watch All Hobbit Movies In Order
To watch the “Hobbit” movies in order, you should follow the sequence in which they were released, which aligns with the chronological order of the story. The “Hobbit” series, directed by Peter Jackson, is a prequel to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and is based on the novel “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The movies take you through the adventure of Bilbo Baggins, who embarks on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its treasure from the dragon Smaug. Here’s how you can watch the “Hobbit” movies in order:
Contents
1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is the opening chapter of the epic fantasy adventure, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1937 novel, “The Hobbit.” Directed by Peter Jackson, this film marks the beginning of Bilbo Baggins’ journey with the wizard Gandalf and a group of dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its treasure from the dragon Smaug.
Released in December 2012, it was a box office success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. Critics gave mixed reviews; while the visuals, set designs, and Martin Freeman’s portrayal of Bilbo were praised, the film’s pacing and length received some criticism. However, it set a strong foundation for the series, immersing audiences in the rich world of Middle-earth with stunning landscapes and intricate details that would characterize the trilogy.
2. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
The second installment, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” continues the daring quest of Bilbo Baggins and the company as they venture through Middle-earth to reach the Lonely Mountain. Facing even greater dangers, including giant spiders in the dark forest of Mirkwood, hostile Wood-elves, and the menacing dragon Smaug, their journey becomes ever more perilous.
Released in December 2013, the film was both a critical and commercial success, grossing nearly $959 million worldwide. Critics lauded the film for its improved pacing over its predecessor, the thrilling action sequences, and Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice performance as Smaug, although some still found the film overly long. Its visual effects and the more focused narrative were highlights, capturing the essence of adventure and peril in Tolkien’s world.
3. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” serves as the grand finale to the Hobbit trilogy, culminating in the epic Battle of the Five Armies over the treasure reclaimed from the dragon Smaug. As the forces of dwarves, elves, men, and orcs converge, the stakes for Middle-earth have never been higher.
Released in December 2014, this film grossed over $956 million globally, proving to be another massive success. Reviews were mixed to positive, with praise for the film’s action-packed sequences and visual effects, though some critics found the film’s focus on battle scenes over character development and narrative a detractor.
Despite this, it provided a satisfying conclusion to the saga, linking the story back to the events leading into “The Lord of the Rings” series, and showcased Peter Jackson’s ability to bring Tolkien’s universe to life on an epic scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do The Hobbit movies differ from the book adaptation?
The Hobbit movies took liberties with the original narrative to enhance the cinematic experience and appeal to a broader audience. Characters like Tauriel were introduced for added depth, and subplots were condensed for pacing and clarity.
Is there a recommended order to watch The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies?
If you prefer chronological order, start with The Hobbit trilogy followed by The Lord of the Rings trilogy. To incorporate The Rings of Power series, watch it before anything else.
Why did The Hobbit movies receive criticism compared to The Lord of the Rings?
The Hobbit trilogy faced backlash due to heavy use of green screen technology, poorly-rendered CGI, pacing issues, and an overstuffed storyline. In contrast, The Lord of the Rings trilogy is often praised for its authenticity and performances.
Which Hobbit movie should I watch first?
Begin with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) to follow the chronological order. This movie introduces a younger Bilbo Baggins, setting the stage for the events in the subsequent films.
I’m Elena Finley, a writer and English Literature student with a heart full of wanderlust and words. Singing is my escape, and football is my thrill. I’m an explorer at heart, constantly seeking new horizons and experiences. My love for movies is as vast as my desire to travel, leading me to write blogs where I share my cinematic adventures. Every day is an adventure and I’m excited to see where it takes me!
