The Ultimate Guide: Watching The Hobbit Movies in Order

Alright, guys, let's dive into Middle-earth and figure out the best way to watch the Hobbit movies! We know you're eager to embark on this epic journey with Bilbo Baggins, so let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and the hobbit movies in order to watch.

The Hobbit Movies: A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the viewing order, let's quickly recap the Hobbit movies. There are three films in total, directed by Peter Jackson, and they are based on J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Hobbit":

1. An Unexpected Journey (2012)
2. The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
3. The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

These movies serve as a prequel to Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy and are set around 60 years before the events of "The Fellowship of the Ring." They follow Bilbo Baggins as he embarks on an adventure with a company of dwarves to reclaim their lost treasure from the dragon Smaug.

The Hobbit Movies in Release Order

If you're a stickler for chronological release dates, then this is the order for you. Watching the movies in release order is simple – just follow the list below:

1. An Unexpected Journey (2012)
2. The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
3. The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

Watching the movies in release order is a straightforward way to experience the story as it was intended by the filmmakers. However, keep in mind that there are some continuity errors and plot discrepancies when watched this way.

The Hobbit Movies in Chronological Order

For a more seamless viewing experience, consider watching the Hobbit movies in chronological order. This order follows the events of the story as they occur in Middle-earth, rather than the release dates of the films. Here's how to do it:

1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
2. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Optional, but recommended for context)
3. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
4. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Optional, but recommended for context)
5. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
6. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Optional, but recommended for context)

Watching the movies in chronological order helps to smooth out some of the continuity issues present in the release order. It also provides valuable context for the events of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The Hobbit Movies: Extended Editions

If you're a true Middle-earth enthusiast, you might want to consider watching the extended editions of the Hobbit movies. The extended editions include additional footage and scenes that were cut from the theatrical releases. They provide a more complete and immersive viewing experience, but be prepared for longer runtime – each extended edition is around 30 minutes longer than the theatrical cut.

Here's how to watch the extended editions in both release and chronological order:

Release Order:

1. An Unexpected Journey: Extended Edition
2. The Desolation of Smaug: Extended Edition
3. The Battle of the Five Armies: Extended Edition

Chronological Order:

1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Extended Edition
2. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition (Optional, but recommended for context)
3. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: Extended Edition
4. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Extended Edition (Optional, but recommended for context)
5. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies: Extended Edition
6. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: Extended Edition (Optional, but recommended for context)

The Hobbit Movies: Which Order is Best?

Ultimately, the best way to watch the Hobbit movies depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer to experience the story as it was originally presented, stick with the release order. However, if you're looking for a more cohesive and contextual viewing experience, the chronological order is the way to go.

Whichever order you choose, watching the Hobbit movies is an unforgettable journey through Middle-earth. So grab your second breakfast, settle in, and prepare to be amazed by the epic adventures of Bilbo Baggins and his friends!

Happy watching, and may the road go ever on and on!