Peter Jacksons' universe The Lord of The Rings 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 Lord of The Rings
Peter Jacksons' universe
Don't worry. 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, make a pot of tea (or lembas bread), and let's all travel together into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien. This isn't just a marathon; it's a quest.
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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 -
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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 -
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 -
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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 -
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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
So, why is this order important?
Well, Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a rare gem where a prequel trilogy enhances the original masterpiece without overshadowing it. We'll start with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and end with The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, you get to experience the story as it unfolds in Tolkien's world. Check out how Bilbo Baggins' journey sets the stage for Frodo's adventure and how the One Ring's discovery leads to an epic showdown against evil. This chronological order not only makes the world-building make sense but also lets you see characters like Gandalf, Gollum, and Legolas grow over six movies. Honestly, it's great 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. He's going with Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and his band of dwarves to Erebor, the Lonely Mountain, and the sleeping dragon Smaug. This movie sets the stage for what's to come: the start of an epic quest filled with danger, friendship, and hidden powers. And, of course, we meet some beloved characters like Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Elrond (Hugo Weaving), and get our first look at Gollum (Andy Serkis). Visually stunning, with a lighter tone than the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it's full of subtle nods for the keen-eyed viewer. Your journey through Middle-earth begins here, 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 is up against spiders, elves, and the politics of Thranduil (Lee Pace), and Bilbo is starting to feel the power (and temptation) of a mysterious ring. The Hobbit trilogy really picks up steam here, mixing action, character development, and lore to set the stage for what's to come. We also meet Bard the Bowman (Luke Evans) in Lake-town and get to hear Smaug brought to life by the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch. This film shows the moral conflicts and sets the stage for the big battle.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
What started as a treasure hunt ends in a battle that affects the fate of Middle-earth. Thorin's obsession with the Arkenstone, the 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 all mix together. While this movie is less lighthearted than the previous ones, it gives us the important background we need to understand the power of the One Ring and how the resistance came to be, which later leads to the formation of the Fellowship. In terms of pacing, it's the most intense of the trilogy, perfect for jumping right 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), who's got the One Ring that Bilbo found. Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin), Merry (Dominic Monaghan), and Pippin (Billy Boyd) join him on his journey to Mount Doom. But he's not the only one: Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Gimli (John Rhys-Davies), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Boromir (Sean Bean), and of course, Gandalf make up the iconic Fellowship. This film marks a shift to high fantasy with deep moral themes, heroism, and epic landscapes. Rivendell, the Misty Mountains, Moria, they're all grander and darker. If you're already a fan of Middle-earth, you'll be hooked on the first part of this trilogy.
The Two Towers
The Fellowship falls apart, and the characters go their separate ways. Frodo and Sam keep going with their guide, Gollum, who ends up being one of the most complex and tragic characters in the whole series. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli are getting ready for the legendary Battle of Helm's Deep with 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 that make 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 it's all over, folks. The climax. The moment when everything comes together. As Frodo and Sam make their way to Mordor, the Battle of Pelennor Fields is breaking out on the other side of Middle-earth. Minas Tirith is in danger, and with Andúril in hand, Aragorn leads his people into the final battle. This film is grand in every sense: visually, emotionally, and narratively. You can feel the years of anticipation leading up to this moment, and it definitely delivers. Picture tissues, goosebumps, and that kind of emotional release that only a really well-told story can give you. The Oscars are right: this is one of the most beloved and award-winning films ever made.