The Lord of the Rings Movies: Story Timeline
The Story Timeline watch order follows the chronological sequence of events in Middle-earth, beginning with The Hobbit trilogy (set 60 years before The Lord of the Rings) and continuing through to the conclusion of the War of the Ring. This approach allows viewers to experience Bilbo Baggins' adventure first, then witness how it sets up the larger conflict involving his nephew Frodo.
This chronological viewing creates a more linear narrative flow and helps establish character relationships and world-building elements that pay off in The Lord of the Rings, though some argue it diminishes the dramatic impact of certain reveals and the epic scope that made the original trilogy so memorable.
There is 1 other watch order available – see the link up above.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
A reluctant hobbit named Bilbo Baggins is whisked away from his comfortable home by the wizard Gandalf and a company of thirteen dwarves on a perilous quest to reclaim their homeland from a fearsome dragon.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Bilbo Baggins continues his epic journey with the dwarves as they venture closer to the Lonely Mountain to reclaim their homeland from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Meanwhile, dark forces begin to stir as the power of the One Ring grows stronger.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
In the epic conclusion to the Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo and the dwarves must defend the treasure of Erebor from multiple claimants while facing an approaching army of orcs. As different factions converge on the Lonely Mountain, unlikely alliances must be formed to protect Middle-earth from darkness.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Young hobbit Frodo Baggins inherits a powerful ring from his uncle and must embark on a perilous journey to destroy it before it falls into the hands of its evil creator. Along the way, he is joined by a fellowship of companions who pledge to protect him on his quest to Mount Doom.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
The Fellowship has broken apart as Frodo and Sam continue toward Mordor to destroy the One Ring, while Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli pursue the orcs who captured Merry and Pippin. Meanwhile, the corrupt wizard Saruman prepares for war from his tower at Isengard.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
In the epic conclusion to the trilogy, Aragorn must claim his destiny as king while Frodo and Sam make their final journey into Mordor to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron.
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