The Journey Begins
It’s been almost a decade since the first installment of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy hit theaters, but the world of Middle Earth still captures the imagination of fans worldwide. For those looking to take a journey through the Shire and beyond, we’ve put together a guide to the Hobbit movies in order.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
The first movie in the trilogy introduces us to the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, who is recruited by the wizard Gandalf to join a company of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, they face goblins, trolls, and the mysterious creature Gollum, who possesses a powerful ring that will soon become the focus of their adventure.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
In the second movie, the company continues their journey through the treacherous forest of Mirkwood, where they encounter giant spiders and the enigmatic elf Tauriel. They eventually reach the Lonely Mountain, where they must confront Smaug himself in a thrilling battle sequence that sets the stage for the epic conclusion.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
The final movie in the trilogy brings the conflict to a head, as the armies of dwarves, elves, men, and orcs clash in a massive battle for the fate of Middle Earth. Meanwhile, Bilbo and his companions must navigate their own personal struggles, including the corrupting influence of the ring and the betrayal of a trusted ally.
The Extended Editions
If you’re looking for even more Middle Earth goodness, each of the Hobbit movies also has an extended edition that adds extra scenes and character development. These versions can add up to an hour or more of additional footage, and are a must-see for die-hard fans of the franchise.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition (2012)
The extended edition of the first movie includes an extended prologue that delves deeper into the history of Middle Earth, as well as additional scenes with the dwarves and Gandalf that flesh out their characters and motivations.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Extended Edition (2013)
The extended edition of the second movie includes even more action and adventure, with extra scenes featuring the dragon Smaug and a thrilling sequence in which the dwarves escape from the Elvenking’s dungeons.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Extended Edition (2014)
The extended edition of the final movie adds more emotional weight to the story, with expanded scenes featuring the relationship between Bilbo and Thorin, as well as a haunting sequence in which Gandalf confronts the spirit of the Necromancer.
The Legacy Continues
With the Hobbit trilogy now complete, fans of Middle Earth can still find plenty to enjoy in the wider world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s creation. The Lord of the Rings trilogy, which takes place after the events of the Hobbit, is a classic of fantasy literature and has also been adapted into a series of acclaimed movies by Peter Jackson.
Meanwhile, Amazon is currently developing a new series set in Middle Earth, which promises to explore new corners of the richly-detailed world that Tolkien created. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of hobbits and wizards, there’s never been a better time to explore the wonders of Middle Earth.
