How to Watch the Lord of the Rings Movies and TV Show in Order: A Guide to Middle-earth’s Epic Saga

An Unexpected Journey is set 60 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, and marks the beginning of Bilbo Baggins’ (Martin Freeman) adventure in the timeline. The story begins with the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) recruiting Bilbo to join Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and his band of Dwarves on a quest to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. The journey is fraught with danger as they face numerous challenges, including trolls, Orcs and a voyage through the Misty Mountains, where Bilbo encounters Gollum (Andy Serkis) and obtains the One Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf seeks help from the White Council, including Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), who senses the growing darkness in Middle-earth and supports Gandalf’s concerns about a rising evil, foreshadowing the larger conflict that will unfold.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

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Set in the middle of the quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain, The Desolation of Smaug continues the journey of Thorin and his company, as they are pursued by Azog’s Orcs and face the threat of the dragon Smaug. Along the way, they seek refuge with Beorn (Mikael Persbrandt), navigate the dangers of Mirkwood and encounter Wood-elves before reaching Laketown. Meanwhile, Gandalf uncovers Sauron’s growing power in Dol Guldur.

The film builds up to the climactic encounter between Bilbo and the dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch), who awakens to wreak havoc on Laketown. The film takes place in the years leading up to the events of The Lord of the Rings, setting the stage for the eventual War of the Ring and the conclusion of The Hobbit trilogy.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

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The Battle of the Five Armies takes place immediately after the events of The Desolation of Smaug, and sees the resolution of the conflict with Smaug, where Bard (Luke Evans) emerges as a hero by slaying the dragon. The narrative builds toward an epic confrontation involving dwarves, elves, men and orcs, with alliances forged in the titular battle.

The film concludes in the timeline where The Lord of the Rings begins, 60 years later, as Bilbo returns to the Shire, where he’s paid a visit by Gandalf on his 111th birthday.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

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Set in the Third Age of Middle-earth, The Fellowship of the Ring follows the story of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), a young cousin of Bilbo, who inherits the One Ring. With Sauron’s forces pursuing the Ring to reclaim it, Frodo embarks on a journey to destroy it.

Frodo forms the Fellowship, and they face numerous challenges as they navigate the perilous Mines of Moria and the mystical forest of Lothlórien — an elve realm ruled by Galadriel. The film sets the stage for the epic battle that will determine the fate of Middle-earth.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

The Two Towers picks up where The Fellowship of the Ring left off, and the adventure intensifies as the Fellowship is divided and Frodo and Sam (Sean Astin) continue their quest to destroy the Ring, guided by the treacherous Gollum. The narrative splits into multiple threads, following the scattered members of the Fellowship as they face their respective challenges.

The film’s central conflict revolves around the growing threat of Sauron and Saruman as their forces spread across Middle-earth, culminating in the epic Battle of Helm’s Deep, ultimately setting the stage for the final confrontation.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

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The Return of the King brings the trilogy to its epic conclusion in the final days of the War of the Ring. As Frodo and Sam make their final push toward Mount Doom, the rest of the Fellowship rallies the forces for a last stand against Sauron’s army. The story concludes with the destruction of the One Ring, the downfall of Sauron and the restoration of peace. Aragorn is crowned King, and Frodo departs for the Undying Lands, marking the end of an era and leaving behind a legacy.