To watch The Hobbit films in story order, start with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), followed by The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013), then The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014).. These prequel films are set decades before The Lord of the Rings and follow Bilbo Baggins’ journey with Gandalf and the dwarves. Below is a concise overview of each movie, how the series maps to Tolkien’s book, casting and timeline details, and practical notes to help you choose the right viewing path.
The Hobbit Film Series In Order
There are three main Hobbit movies. Here is the order by release date and by in-story timeline.
Release and narrative order
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) — first in story and release
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) — second in story and release
- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) — third in story and release
Brief Profile of Each Film
Each film adapts or closely follows sections of The Hobbit, while connecting to the larger arc of The Lord of the Rings.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The film introduces Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and the thirteen dwarves as they set out from the Shire toward the Lonely Mountain. It explores the early quest, the encounter with Gollum and the Ring, and the company’s refuge in Rivendell. Key events include the Misty Mountains confrontation with goblins and wargs, the rescue by eagles, and the arrival at the Elvenking’s halls. These plot points mark the start of the trilogy and anchor the origin of the One Ring’s reappearance.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The company continues into Mirkwood, is captured by Wood-elves, and eventually reaches Lake-town. Bilbo finds the Arkenstone and interacts more closely with Smaug in the mountain stronghold. The narrative expands with the arrival of Radagast, the White Council, and increased focus on Sauron’s return. The film advances toward growing political unrest in Middle-earth as old threats resurface.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
After the company’s escape, the film converges on the Lonely Mountain and the surrounding peoples. A large-scale conflict erupts among dwarves, elves, men, goblins, and wargs. Bilbo’s role shifts from burglar to a figure influencing diplomacy and courage. The resolution clarifies the fate of the treasure, the survival of key characters, and the approach of a wider war foreshadowing Lord of the Rings.
Factual Overview of the Films
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| First film title | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey | Confirmed by studio and Tolkien canon |
| Release year of first film | 2012 | Official release records |
| Third film title | The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies | Confirmed by studio and Tolkien canon |
| Release year of third film | 2014 | Official release records |
| Primary literary source | The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien | Authoritative editions and copyright records |
| Narrative period relative to LOTR | ~60 years earlier than The Fellowship of the Ring | In-universe timeline from Tolkien’s appendices |
How the Story Links to The Lord of the Rings
While The Hobbit was written as a children’s book, the films emphasize its connection to The Lord of the Rings. Gandalf’s role in both Bilbo’s quest and the downfall of Sauron ties the arcs together. The reappearance of the Ring in Bilbo’s possession and its eventual fate in The Fellowship of the Ring make the trilogy a meaningful prequel. Understanding this link helps explain why the story and characters are revisited across multiple films.
Common Viewing Approaches
You can choose how to engage with the series depending on your goals.
Read the book first
Reading The Hobbit before watching preserves surprises and deepens appreciation of Tolkien’s humor and worldbuilding. The films add visual context, but the text remains the primary source for the story.
Watch in release order
This is the simplest path: An Unexpected Journey → The Desolation of Smaug → The Battle of the Five Armies. The progression follows studio sequencing and maintains narrative momentum.
Follow strict timeline order
Since all three films occur before the events of The Lord of the Rings, watching them in release order also respects chronological events. There is no need to interleave them with LOTR unless you are undertaking a combined marathon.
What to Expect in the First Film
The opening movie focuses on Bilbo’s reluctance, the formation of the company, and early dangers. If you are asking which Hobbit movie is first, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey establishes the foundation for the series. It sets up character dynamics, the pursuit of the Lonely Mountain, and the subtle encroachment of Sauron’s influence. Viewers new to Middle-earth will encounter familiar elements that blossom across the broader saga.
Audience and Tone Considerations
The trilogy balances adventure, humor, and darker tones as the story approaches The Lord of the Rings. The first film is lighter in places, gradually intensifying toward the climactic battles of the third. Families and newcomers can follow the journey, while longtime fans will notice details linking characters, artifacts, and themes to the wider legendarium.
Summary
The first Hobbit movie is The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012). It launches a three-part prequel series that concludes with The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014). By following this order, you experience Bilbo’s transformation from hesitant homebody to courageous hero, while staying aligned with the timeline of The Lord of the Rings. Whether you watch for entertainment, study, or revisiting Tolkien’s world, starting with the first film ensures a coherent and complete journey.