What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Peter Jackson · Film · 2013
If you loved The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, 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: The Desolation of Smaug across media.
What hooked you in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug was the high-stakes journey through sprawling landscapes to reclaim lost power.
Start with the source
Adaptation
The Hobbit
Arthur Rankin, Jr. · Film · 1977
Adaptation
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Peter Jackson · Film · 2012
Books on the same thread
The two towers
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien · Book · 1981
Shares 3 threads with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: Good vs Evil, The Corruption of Power, High Fantasy.
If you loved the quest for treasure in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, you will appreciate how this continuation develops the epic scope of Middle-earth's ongoing struggle.
The Return of the King
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien · Book · 1997
Shares 2 threads with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: Good vs Evil, High Fantasy.
The sense of impending doom and large-scale conflict found in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug evolves here into a massive, decisive battle between good and evil forces.
The Lord of the Rings
J. R. R. Tolkien · Book · 1954
Shares 2 threads with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: Good vs Evil, High Fantasy.
This definitive series establishes the foundation for the world you explored in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, focusing on the corrupting influence of power and heroic adventure.
The Fellowship of the Ring
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien · Book · 2002
Shares 2 threads with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: Good vs Evil, High Fantasy.
The journey that began in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug finds its start here, emphasizing the fellowship and courage required to face an encroaching, ancient evil.
Series on the same thread
Game of Thrones
David Benioff · Series · 2011
Shares a thread with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: High Fantasy.
Like the dangerous political and physical landscape of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, this series presents a world where power struggles and ancient threats demand constant vigilance.
House of the Dragon
George R. R. Martin · Series · 2022
Shares 2 threads with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: High Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery.
Fans of the dragon-centric lore in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug will be captivated by this dynastic conflict where dragons serve as the ultimate symbol of power.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Patrick McKay · Series · 2022
Shares a thread with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: high fantasy.
If the re-emergence of darkness in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug intrigued you, this series offers a deeper look at the mythic origins of that ancient evil.
Dragon Ball Z
Series · 1989
Shares a thread with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: Good vs Evil.
The focus on protecting the world from powerful external threats in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is mirrored in this story through high-stakes battles and heroic transformations.
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 spirit of fellowship and adventure found in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, but adds a layer of humor to the group dynamics.
The Bill Simmons Podcast
The Ringer · Podcast · 2026
Explores: banter, insider access, celebrity culture.
If The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug hit, The Bill Simmons Podcast shares the thread.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch the movies in if I just finished The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug?
You should begin with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which precedes the events of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Following the conclusion of your current film, you will have completed the second chapter of the cinematic trilogy depicting the journey to recover the gold from the dragon.
Is The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug based on the 1937 book The Hobbit?
Yes, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug serves as a cinematic adaptation of the narrative found in J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1937 book, The Hobbit. The film covers the portion of the story where the company continues their journey to reclaim their gold from the dragon after escaping the Misty Mountains.
How does the 1977 version of The Hobbit compare to The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug?
The 1977 version of The Hobbit is an earlier adaptation of the original source material. While both films cover the same literary journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a distinct 2013 production directed by Peter Jackson that focuses specifically on the quest to reach the dragon Smaug.
Should I watch The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey before The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug?
Yes, you should watch The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey first. It establishes the beginning of the quest for the gold and the initial stages of the journey taken by Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Dwarves before the events depicted in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug take place.