Ever found yourself staring at your screen wondering where to even begin with The Hobbit movies? You're not alone. When I first tried watching them years ago, I made the classic mistake of jumping into the third film first – total disaster! That confusion is exactly why we need to nail down the Hobbit series order once and for all.
Why Getting the Order Matters
Mess up the sequence and you'll miss crucial character arcs (looking at you, Thorin's gold sickness) and spoil major plot points. More importantly, you won't feel that magical buildup from Bilbo's cozy hobbit hole to the dragon's lair. Trust me, watching these chronologically wrong is like eating dessert before the main course – satisfying but deeply unsatisfying.
Official Hobbit Trilogy Order: The Only Way That Makes Sense
Let's cut through the noise: Peter Jackson intended these to be watched in release order. After rewatching all three last month with my Tolkien-obsessed nephew, I confirmed this is still the best approach for first-timers.
| Movie Title | Release Year | Runtime | IMDb Rating | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 An Unexpected Journey | 2012 | 169 min (extended: 182 min) | 7.8/10 | Bilbo meets dwarves, trolls, Gollum (Riddles scene) |
| 2 The Desolation of Smaug | 2013 | 161 min (extended: 186 min) | 7.8/10 | Mirkwood spiders, Laketown, Smaug's awakening |
| 3 The Battle of the Five Armies | 2014 | 144 min (extended: 164 min) | 7.4/10 | Dragon's demise, massive battle, Bilbo returns home |
Funny story: My dad refuses to watch the extended editions because "nobody needs six hours of dwarves singing" – but those musical moments actually become important later!
Extended vs Theatrical: Which Should You Choose?
This debate gets heated in Tolkien circles. Personally, I think extended editions are worth it for the complete experience, but they do add significant time:
- Unexpected Journey Extended: Adds 13 minutes (Goblin Town escape expansion)
- Desolation Extended: Adds 25 minutes (Crucial Beorn scenes)
- Five Armies Extended: Adds 20 minutes (Dain's charge scene)
The Hobbit series order debate isn't just about sequence – the version matters too. If you're pressed for time though, theatrical cuts work fine for the storyline.
Where LOTR Fits in The Hobbit Series Order
This is where things get interesting chronologically. Bilbo's adventure happens 60 years before Frodo's quest. But should you watch Hobbit first? Depends on your taste:
Release Order Purists (My Preference)
LOTR trilogy first (2001-2003) → Hobbit trilogy (2012-2014)
Why? You appreciate Gandalf's references to "old business" and Bilbo's backstory reveals more impactfully.
Chronological Adventurers
The Hobbit trilogy → LOTR trilogy
Why? Experience Middle-earth history unfolding linearly despite production gaps.
Honestly? I've done both. Watching chronologically makes the Shire's peace more poignant, but release order gives you that "aha!" moment when Bilbo finds the ring. Your call!
Blending with Lord of the Rings
For hardcore fans doing a mega-marathon, follow this Hobbit and LOTR order:
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
- The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies
- The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
- The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers
- The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
Total runtime? Roughly 20 hours for theatrical cuts. Stock up on lembas bread!
Cameos and Connections You Might Miss
- Young Bilbo (Hobbit) → Old Bilbo (LOTR)
- Thranduil (Hobbit) → Legolas' father (LOTR)
- Nazgûl tombs (Desolation) → Ringwraiths (LOTR)
Spotting these is half the fun – like when I finally realized Galadriel's "darkness" speech in Hobbit directly foreshadows LOTR.
Where to Stream The Hobbit in Order
Finding all films on one platform is frustrating. Current availability (as of 2023):
| Platform | Availability | Cost | Extended Versions? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime | Rental only | $3.99-$4.99 per film | Both options |
| Max (HBO Max) | All 6 LOTR/Hobbit films | Subscription ($15.99/mo) | Theatrical only |
| Apple TV | Purchase only | $14.99 per film | Both options |
| Physical Media | Blu-ray sets | $40-$130 | All extended editions |
Pro tip: Check your local library! Mine has the entire extended Blu-ray set – saved me $100+.
Controversial Viewing Orders (For Rebels)
Some fans swear by these alternative Hobbit series orders:
The "Machete Order" for Tolkien
- Fellowship of the Ring
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
- The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug
- The Two Towers
- Return of the King
- The Hobbit: Battle of Five Armies (as epilogue)
Weird? Absolutely. But it creates interesting parallels between Bilbo and Frodo's journeys. Though honestly? This order gave me narrative whiplash.
The Chronological+ Approach
Tries to integrate Hobbit and LOTR concurrently:
- Hobbit 1-2 (Bilbo's journey begins)
- Fellowship (Frodo inherits ring)
- Hobbit 3 (Bilbo returns home)
- Two Towers & Return (Frodo's climax)
Interesting theory, but the tonal shifts from epic battles to hobbit humor are jarring. Wouldn't recommend for first viewings.
Key Questions About The Hobbit Series Order
Should kids watch Hobbit before LOTR?
Generally yes – Hobbit's PG-13 feels lighter than LOTR's intense battles. My 10-year-old handled Goblin Town fine but got nightmares from Shelob in LOTR.
Can I skip any Hobbit movies?
Technically yes, but you'll miss vital threads. Skipping Desolation of Smaug? You won't understand Bard's importance or Smaug's weakness. Bad idea!
Are the Hobbit movies as good as LOTR?
Personal opinion? Not quite. While Martin Freeman's Bilbo is perfect, the trilogy suffers from pacing issues and CGI overload. LOTR remains the masterpiece, but Hobbit deserves appreciation for expanding Middle-earth.
What about the Hobbit book order vs movies?
J.R.R. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit as a single book in 1937, decades before LOTR. The three-film structure was purely a Hollywood decision that many book fans (myself included) feel stretched the material too thin.
Essential Viewing Tips for First-Timers
- Subtitle advantage: Turn on English subtitles to catch all those dwarf names and location references
- Breaks are okay: Watch one film per weekend instead of marathoning
- Comfort food pairing: Mushroom toasties and apple cider enhance Shire scenes
- Post-credit scenes: Only Battle of Five Armies has one (sets up LOTR)
Getting the Hobbit sequence right transforms the experience from confusing to magical. Whether you're introducing someone to Middle-earth or finally understanding the Thorin-Bilbo dynamic yourself, the correct order makes all the difference.
Final Verdict on The Hobbit Series Order
For 90% of viewers: Stick to release order (Unexpected Journey → Desolation → Five Armies). Add LOTR afterwards for maximum payoff. Save experimental orders for rewatches when you'll catch new details anyway – like that blink-and-miss-it Gandalf foreshadowing in Goblin Town.
Now if you'll excuse me, this discussion has me craving a rewatch. Time to dig out my extended edition box set!
More Than Just an Order: Why Sequence Matters
Think about Thorin's character arc: In Unexpected Journey he's a proud leader, by Desolation he's showing arrogance, and in Five Armies we see his tragic downfall. Watch these out of sequence? That powerful transformation becomes disjointed.
Same goes for Bilbo's courage development or Bard's introduction. The Hobbit trilogy, despite its flaws, constructs layered character journeys that demand proper sequencing. Even Tolkien's themes of greed vs generosity gain weight when viewed consecutively.
So next time someone asks "does Hobbit order matter?" – you'll know exactly how to guide them through Middle-earth's most underrated adventure.