Where to start
The Hobbit
5 versions · originally a book, 1937
Themes: Good vs. Evil, Courage, The Hero's Journey, Greed, Friendship.
The Hobbit chronicles the transformative journey of an unassuming homebody thrust into a perilous quest for dragon-guarded treasure.
✦ Most fans start here
The Hobbit (1937)
The original novel
✦ Start hereThe Hobbit
J. R. R. Tolkien · Book · 1937
The Hobbit (1937) remains the definitive original text, offering the most intimate look at Bilbo Baggins’ internal growth as he evolves from a comfort-loving hobbit into a resourceful, unexpected adventurer.
1977 film
The Hobbit
Arthur Rankin, Jr. · Film · 1977
The Hobbit (1977) provides a stylized, animated interpretation of the quest for the Lonely Mountain, best suited for those who appreciate classic, nostalgic animation over modern cinematic spectacle or detail.
2012 film
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Peter Jackson · Film · 2012
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) serves as a grand cinematic introduction, focusing on the initial recruitment of Bilbo by Gandalf and the dwarves to reclaim their stolen mountain home.
2013 film
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Peter Jackson · Film · 2013
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) shifts the focus to the escalating tension of the journey, highlighting the acquisition of the One Ring and the direct confrontation with Smaug.
2014 film
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Peter Jackson · Film · 2014
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) delivers a high-stakes climax, focusing on the massive military conflict between dwarves, men, elves, and orcs over the treasure of Erebor.
Common questions
What order should I watch The Hobbit movies in?
You should watch the Peter Jackson film trilogy in the order of release: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, followed by The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and finally The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. This sequence follows the narrative progression of the cinematic adaptation.
Is The Hobbit book different from the 1977 movie?
Yes, The Hobbit book published in 1937 serves as the original source material for the 1977 animated version. While both tell the story of Bilbo Baggins and his quest, the 1977 movie is a condensed adaptation that omits several chapters and details found in the original novel.
How long is The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey?
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, released in 2012, has a runtime of approximately 169 minutes for the theatrical version. It is the first installment of the film trilogy directed by Peter Jackson and covers the initial portion of the events described in the 1937 book.
Should I read The Hobbit before watching the 2012 movies?
Reading the 1937 book before watching The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies provides essential context. The films expand significantly upon the source material to create a three-part cinematic experience that differs from the original text.