How to watch

The Lord of the Rings movies and shows in the correct order

The complete Lord of the Rings watch guide đź’Ť

Last updated: July 6 2025

Written by: ChronoChris

The Lord of the Rings is one of the most beloved and influential fantasy franchises ever created. Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's novels, the saga spans epic battles, ancient evils, and heroic friendships across Middle-earth.

The journey through Middle-earth can be experienced in different ways. Should you start with Frodo’s quest to destroy the Ring, or begin earlier with Bilbo’s adventure and the forging of the Rings themselves?

This guide breaks down both chronological and release order viewing paths for the entire Tolkien cinematic universe—including Peter Jackson’s trilogies and Amazon’s newer series.

⏱️ Chronological Order

Chronological order takes you through the story from the earliest events in Middle-earth’s timeline, starting with the forging of the Rings and ending with Frodo’s final journey.

  1. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022– )IMDb
  2. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)IMDb
  3. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)IMDb
  4. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)IMDb
  5. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)IMDb
  6. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)IMDb
  7. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)IMDb

This order gives you the full scope of Middle-earth’s history and lore. It builds up to Frodo’s quest with deeper context on the Rings and Sauron’s origins.

đź“… Release Order

Release order delivers the films as they were introduced to the world, beginning with the iconic LOTR trilogy that redefined fantasy cinema, followed by the Hobbit prequels and then the series.

  1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)IMDb
  2. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)IMDb
  3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)IMDb
  4. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)IMDb
  5. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)IMDb
  6. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)IMDb
  7. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022– )IMDb

Release order is often preferred by fans for its emotional pacing and dramatic structure. It preserves the original buildup of tension, mystery, and reveals.

Which Order Should You Choose?

Chronological order is great for lore lovers and those watching the saga for the second time. Release order, on the other hand, gives you the epic trilogy first and saves the deeper history for later.

Either way, the journey through Middle-earth is one of magic, heroism, and unforgettable adventure.

đź”— Related Guides

  • Harry Potter Watch OrderGuide
  • Jurassic Park Watch OrderGuide
  • The Chronicles of Narnia Watch OrderGuide

Missing a tale from Middle-earth? Let us know and we’ll add it!