What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Hobbit
J. R. R. Tolkien · Book · 1937
If you loved The Hobbit, start with The Hobbit (Arthur Rankin, Jr., 1977) — a film from the same story. Below: 3 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Hobbit across media.
What hooked you in The Hobbit was the way a reluctant, unlikely hero finds unexpected courage while navigating a grand, dangerous quest.
Start with the source
Adaptation
The Hobbit
Arthur Rankin, Jr. · Film · 1977
Adaptation
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Peter Jackson · Film · 2012
Adaptation
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Peter Jackson · Film · 2013
Films on the same thread
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Peter Jackson · Film · 2001
Shares 2 threads with The Hobbit: Friendship, Courage.
Like Bilbo in The Hobbit, Frodo is a comfort-loving hobbit thrust into a perilous journey where his internal strength becomes the only hope against a growing, ancient evil.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Peter Jackson · Film · 2002
Explores: Good vs Evil, The Corruption of Power, Hope in Darkness.
This continuation captures the same sense of desperate, small-scale bravery against overwhelming odds that defined the central struggle for the company of dwarves in The Hobbit.
The Wizard of Oz
Victor Fleming · Film · 1939
Shares 2 threads with The Hobbit: Self-discovery, Friendship.
Much like the whimsical yet dangerous path Bilbo walks in The Hobbit, Dorothy leaves her home to find self-discovery while relying on an eccentric band of loyal companions.
Series on the same thread
Game of Thrones
David Benioff · Series · 2011
Shares a thread with The Hobbit: High Fantasy.
While darker in tone than The Hobbit, this series mirrors the high-stakes political friction and ancient threats that loom over the world outside Bilbo's cozy front door.
Dragon Ball
Series · 1986
Explores: Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, The Power of Friendship, Self-Improvement.
Goku’s adventure echoes the lighthearted, episodic spirit of discovery found in The Hobbit as he gathers friends to search for powerful artifacts across a sprawling, magical world.
Hunter x Hunter
Series · 2011
Shares 2 threads with The Hobbit: self-discovery, friendship.
This journey captures the same spirit of personal growth through trial that Bilbo experiences, as a young protagonist must overcome rigorous challenges to prove his worthiness.
Pokémon
Series · 1997
Shares a thread with The Hobbit: Friendship.
The bond between Ash and his companions reflects the deep friendship that develops during the quest in The Hobbit, centered on growth through constant travel and new encounters.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
This podcast channels the improvisational, humorous spirit of the company of dwarves in The Hobbit, focusing on the chaotic group dynamics inherent in a high fantasy quest.
Acquired
Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal · Podcast · 2026
Explores: entrepreneurial growth, market disruption, strategic decision-making.
While lacking the fantasy elements of The Hobbit, this exploration of how legendary entities are built mirrors the strategic, high-stakes planning required for a successful quest.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch The Hobbit movies in?
You should begin with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which introduces the quest of Bilbo Baggins and the company of dwarves. This is followed by the second installment, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, which continues their perilous journey toward the dragon-guarded gold.
Is The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey the same story as the 1977 movie?
Both the 1977 version of The Hobbit and the 2012 film titled The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey are adaptations of the 1937 book by J. R. R. Tolkien. They both follow the tale of Bilbo Baggins as he is recruited to help a company of dwarves reclaim their gold.
How long is the story of The Hobbit?
The story of The Hobbit spans a high adventure involving encounters with trolls, goblins, and a dragon named Smaug. The narrative follows the reluctant burglar Bilbo Baggins as he leaves his comfort-loving life to assist a company of dwarves in their search for treasure.
Should I watch The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug before the first movie?
No, you should watch The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey first. The Desolation of Smaug is the second film in the series and depicts the later stages of the adventure where the company encounters the dragon Smaug after their initial journey begins.