Introduction
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the most beloved and iconic film series of all time. Based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien, the films tell the story of hobbit Frodo Baggins and his journey to destroy the One Ring, an ancient artifact that grants immense power to its wielder. The trilogy consists of three films: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. In this article, we will discuss the different ways in which fans can watch the trilogy, and the pros and cons of each viewing order.
The Release Order
The release order of the Lord of the Rings trilogy is the most common and traditional way to watch the films. In this order, viewers watch the films in the order they were released: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. This viewing order is preferred by many fans because it is the way in which the films were originally intended to be viewed by audiences. The first film, The Fellowship of the Ring, sets up the story and introduces the main characters, including Frodo, Gandalf, and Aragorn. The second film, The Two Towers, sees the characters separated and facing their own challenges, and introduces new characters such as Treebeard and Faramir. The final film, The Return of the King, brings the story to a thrilling conclusion as the characters fight to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth.
The Chronological Order
Another way to watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy is in chronological order. In this order, viewers start with The Hobbit trilogy, which takes place before the events of The Lord of the Rings. After The Hobbit, viewers watch The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King in order. This viewing order is preferred by some fans because it allows for a deeper understanding of the story and the world of Middle-earth. The Hobbit trilogy introduces viewers to characters such as Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and Thorin Oakenshield, and sets up the events that lead to the quest to destroy the One Ring. Watching The Hobbit before The Lord of the Rings can also provide context for certain events and characters in the later films.
The Machete Order
The Machete Order is a viewing order that was popularized by Star Wars fans, but can also be applied to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. In this order, viewers watch the films in the following order: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, then skip over the first part of The Return of the King and watch the second part, and finally go back and watch the first part of The Return of the King. This viewing order is preferred by some fans because it allows for a more streamlined and focused viewing experience. By skipping over the first part of The Return of the King, viewers can avoid some of the slower and more exposition-heavy scenes, and focus on the final battle and resolution of the story.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways in which fans can watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy, each with its own pros and cons. The release order is the most traditional and widely accepted way to watch the films, while the chronological order can provide a deeper understanding of the story and world of Middle-earth. The Machete Order is a more streamlined and focused viewing experience, but may not be for everyone. Ultimately, the choice of viewing order is up to each individual fan, and there is no wrong way to watch these timeless films.
