What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Hobbit
Arthur Rankin, Jr. · Film · 1977
If you loved The Hobbit, start with The Hobbit (J. R. R. Tolkien, 1937) — a book from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Hobbit across media.
If you loved The Hobbit, you will appreciate how these stories capture the transformative power of leaving home for a grand, perilous quest.
Start with the source
Adaptation
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Peter Jackson · Film · 2012
Adaptation
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Peter Jackson · Film · 2013
Books on the same thread
The two towers
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien · Book · 1981
Shares 2 threads with The Hobbit: Good vs Evil, Hero's Journey.
Much like The Hobbit, this continuation of the Middle-earth saga expands upon the high-stakes struggle between good and evil while deepening your connection to the hero's arduous journey.
The Fellowship of the Ring
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien · Book · 2002
Shares 2 threads with The Hobbit: Good vs Evil, Courage.
As the start of the trilogy, this book mirrors the initial wonder of The Hobbit, grounding its massive scope in the courage and friendship of unlikely companions.
The Lord of the Rings
J. R. R. Tolkien · Book · 1954
Shares 3 threads with The Hobbit: Good vs Evil, The Power of Friendship, Courage.
This foundational series shares the same world-building DNA as The Hobbit, offering a richer exploration of the heroic quest and the corrupting influence of absolute power.
The Return of the King
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien · Book · 1997
Shares 2 threads with The Hobbit: Good vs Evil, Courage.
If you enjoyed the grand scale of the conflict in The Hobbit, this conclusion provides a satisfying resolution to the massive battles between good and evil forces.
Series on the same thread
Dragon Ball
Series · 1986
Shares a thread with The Hobbit: The Power of Friendship.
Just as Bilbo Baggins leaves his home for the unknown, Goku embarks on a lighthearted quest, proving that even the most ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary feats.
Pokémon
Series · 1997
Explores: Friendship, Personal Growth, Overcoming Challenges.
Like the companions in The Hobbit, Ash travels across vast regions to overcome challenges, demonstrating that true growth comes from the friendships formed along the road.
Hunter x Hunter
Series · 2011
Explores: self-discovery, overcoming adversity, friendship.
This story echoes the adventurous spirit of The Hobbit, focusing on a young protagonist who must display immense courage to fulfill his dreams and find his father.
Berserk
Series · 1997
Shares a thread with The Hobbit: Sword and Sorcery.
While darker in tone than The Hobbit, this series explores the complex bonds of fellowship and the heavy price of ambition when mercenaries face dangerous, unforeseen threats.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
This podcast captures the same sense of camaraderie found in The Hobbit, bringing the excitement of a high-stakes fantasy quest to life through dynamic group storytelling.
The Truth
The Truth · Podcast · 2026
Explores: human condition, experimental storytelling, moral ambiguity.
The Hobbit invites you into a vivid, immersive world, and this audio anthology does the same by using cinematic storytelling to transport you into new, surprising realms.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch The Hobbit movies in?
You should begin with the 1977 animated version of The Hobbit directed by Arthur Rankin, Jr. Afterward, you can proceed to the live-action films starting with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, followed by the second installment, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
Is The Hobbit movie from 1977 based on the same book?
Yes, the 1977 movie titled The Hobbit is an adaptation of the 1937 novel The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. It follows the story of Bilbo Baggins as he leaves his home in Middle-Earth to recover treasure from the Lonely Mountain.
How does the story in The Hobbit book compare to the 2012 movie?
The Hobbit book serves as the original source material for the 2012 film The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Both versions follow the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a diminutive creative from Middle-Earth, as he is compelled to travel to the Lonely Mountain in search of buried treasure.
Should I read The Hobbit before watching the 2013 movie?
Reading the 1937 book The Hobbit provides the full context for the events depicted in the 2013 movie The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The book details the entire quest of Bilbo Baggins to reach the heart of the Lonely Mountain before the film adaptation continues the narrative.