Which Tolkien Trilogy Should You Watch First: The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings?

A Guideline for New Fans

The decision on whether to watch The Hobbit Trilogy or The Lord of the Rings Trilogy first can be daunting for any new fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's works. Here's a closer look at each series and the reasoning behind the recommendation to first tackle the latter.

Tolkien's Recommendation

According to the author, J.R.R. Tolkien, readers should watch The Hobbit Trilogy first. He believed that starting with this trilogy provides a more linear and direct experience of Middle-earth, setting the stage for the subsequent epic set of stories. However, the reality of the film adaptation is quite different.

Movie Adaptations

Movie Success and Adaptation Challenges

When Peter Jackson decided to adapt The Lord of the Rings first, the result was three phenomenal and critically acclaimed films. The story was spread across all three movies, and the third installment, The Return of the King, made a significant splash at the Oscars. This success spurred Jackson to then tackle The Hobbit.

However, the ambitious production ethos of Hollywood studios and the desire to release the trilogy faster led to The Hobbit being stretched into a trilogy of its own. This decision, while visually impressive, often resulted in greater complexity and a less cohesive narrative. The Hobbit trilogy's visual appeal sometimes overshadowed the emotional depth that The Lord of the Rings offers.

Technical Considerations

The filmmaking techniques used in The Hobbit trilogy, particularly the implementation of digital camera work and high frame rate (HFR) 48 frames per second, provided an almost too-realistic cinematic experience. While the visuals were stunning, they sometimes compromised the traditional cinematic experience, which traditionally operates at 24-25 frames per second.

Enjoyment and Continuity

Enjoyment and Orderly Watching

Given the nature of the adaptations, the recommendation is to watch The Lord of the Rings first. If you enjoy the world-building, character-depth, and emotional fulfillment provided by Jackson's The Lord of the Rings, you will likely be more appreciative of the The Hobbit trilogy. On the other hand, if you start with The Hobbit, you may find the experience too complex and less engaging.

Furthermore, the films in the Lord of the Rings trilogy are self-contained, making for a more enjoyable and straightforward viewing experience. The Hobbit trilogy, while visually captivating, often feels like it's aimed more at cinematic spectacle rather than narrative coherence.

Extended Versions

Extended Editions

To truly appreciate the full storytelling, it's highly recommended to watch all the extended versions of both trilogies. These versions provide additional scenes, dialogue, and explanations that enhance the overall experience and offer more insight into Tolkien's intricate world of Middle-earth.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, while both trilogies are impressive, the Lord of the Rings trilogy offers a more cohesive and fulfilling viewing experience. Starting with this series will prepare you adequately for the complexity and emotional depth of The Hobbit trilogy. However, if you haven't read the books, you might find both trilogies equally intriguing and rewarding to watch, regardless of the order.

Enjoy your journey through Middle-earth and may the force be with you.