Peter Jacksons' universe The Hobbit Marathon
Page Last Modified:
28 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 Hobbit
Peter Jacksons' universe
Picture this: You're all set to start a Middle-earth marathon, but then the debate starts. One friend says, "Start with Frodo!" while another says, "First The Hobbit, of course." Don't worry, we've got your back. If you really want to get into Peter Jackson's famous version of J.R.R. Tolkien's world, there's a viewing order that makes the story make more sense and makes the experience better. From Bilbo's unexpected journey to the climactic battle for the fate of the One Ring, this is the chronological path to follow. Grab your popcorn and get ready for an epic high fantasy binge. You'll be hooked from start to finish.
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1
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 -
2
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 -
3
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 -
4
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Movie 179 min. 2001Young 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 Movie 179 min. 2002Frodo 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 Movie 201 min. 2003As 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
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Your adventure begins here. In The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, we meet a younger Bilbo Baggins, played by Martin Freeman. He's suddenly whisked away from his cozy little hideaway into an adventure beyond his wildest dreams. Along with Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and a group of dwarven warriors, Bilbo sets out for the Lonely Mountain to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. You'll travel through Mirkwood, Rivendell, and the Misty Mountains, where you'll come across a ring that seems harmless but is actually much more important. This film sets the stage for the epic saga, introducing a younger Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) as he begins to confront the looming threat of Sauron.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The journey intensifies in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, plunging deeper into the shadowy realms of Middle-earth. Check out the spooky woods of Mirkwood, meet Thranduil's elves (played by Lee Pace), and catch Orlando Bloom's Legolas before he was in the Fellowship. The tension builds as the company gets close to Erebor, and it reaches a boiling point when they come face-to-face with Smaug, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. This chapter is like the heart of a grand quest. It shows character development, escalating threats, and a world growing ever darker.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Think Helm's Deep was massive? The Battle of the Five Armies is the epitome of epic. This explosive conclusion to the Hobbit trilogy sees alliances shifting, friends becoming foes, and the fate of Erebor hanging by a thread. Richard Armitage's Thorin goes through a complicated change that reminds us of what later LOTR characters go through. This film has a spectacular finale and also connects the events leading up to The Fellowship of the Ring. Keep an eye out for political tensions, Gandalf's moves, and the first signs of Sauron's return.
The Fellowship of the Ring
Frodo (Elijah Wood), Sam (Sean Astin), Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), and the whole Fellowship make an entrance. The Fellowship of the Ring shows how Bilbo's actions set off a huge battle against evil. The One Ring is more than just a prop — it's the heart of the saga. Frodo and his crew are on a mission to destroy it, and this trip is going to change everything. Gandalf returns, wiser than before, and the landscapes of Rohan, Gondor, and Rivendell are breathtaking. What about the tone? Darker. The stakes are high. Higher. The tension? You can't miss it.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Even though the Fellowship is split up, they keep going with their mission. In The Two Towers, we follow Frodo and Sam's dangerous journey to Mordor, with the help of the memorable Gollum/Smeagol (Andy Serkis). Meanwhile, epic battles rage across Middle-earth, including the iconic Helm's Deep. Let me introduce you to Éowyn (played by Miranda Otto), Éomer (played by Karl Urban), and King Théoden (played by Bernard Hill). They each have heroic moments. This film is a bit of a breather before the big final battle. Helm's Deep is a must-see. It's one of cinema's most legendary battles.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
You've reached the pinnacle. The Return of the King is the grand finale, where everything comes together. Frodo and Sam are near Mount Doom, Aragorn is embracing his destiny, and the battle for Minas Tirith is unfolding in the epic Pelennor Fields. With 11 Oscars under its belt, this film gives every character their moment of triumph, farewell, or victory. The ending is a bit long, but it's a heartfelt goodbye to a world we all love. And just when you think it's over, the Extended Editions offer even more depth, lore, and emotion. Keep those tissues close by!
Why This Order Works
Following the chronological order, starting with The Hobbit trilogy and moving on to The Lord of the Rings, you can experience Middle-earth's story as it naturally unfolds. You'll see the world change, Sauron's growing threat, and how your choices now affect the future. You'll love the places that come up again, like Rivendell and the Shire, the characters you already know, like Legolas and Elrond, and the important objects, like the Arkenstone and the One Ring. It's like reading a prequel that makes the main story even better.
Pro tip: Extended Editions or Not?
If you've got the time (and let's face it, you'll make time for this marathon), go for the Extended Editions of The Lord of the Rings. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens have added a bunch of extras that make the lore even better. You'll also get to check out more scenes in Gondor, learn more about Boromir (Sean Bean), and get a better understanding of Aragorn's family history. You're not just watching longer; you're watching better. For The Hobbit trilogy, the differences are more subtle, but if you're going all-in, why not go all the way?
Finally: Plan Your Marathon Well
This isn't just a binge; it's an epic quest. Hey, just a thought, but what if we planned one Hobbit film per night, and then a LOTR trilogy weekend? Or do you want to dive into a 48-hour marathon with snacks, blankets, and your best nerdy friends? No matter what you decide, just make sure your surroundings are as ready as you are. Think about putting up a Middle-earth map on the wall, a replica of Andúril (Aragorn's sword) on the table, and a playlist to set the mood. This isn't just a viewing, it's your gateway to the most iconic high fantasy cinematic universe ever created.