The Hobbit Collection backdrop
The Hobbit Collection poster
Official Collection
Series Freshness: Jan 24, 2026

The Hobbit Collection

The Hobbit collection is a three-part epic fantasy-adventure film directed and produced by Peter Jackson and based on J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy novel of the same name. The trilogy of films are set in Middle-earth 60 years before "The Lord of the Rings", and will act as a prequel to Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

3Movies
★ 7.6 Avg Rating

Franchise Evolution & Timeline Analysis

The The Hobbit Collection has evolved significantly over a span of 2 years, growing from a singular narrative into a complex cinematic universe. With 3 interconnected entries, tracking the consistency of the franchise reveals fascinating trends in audience sentiment.

The "Series" Benchmark: 7.4/10

The franchise maintains a steady average rating of 7.4. While most series experience "Sequel Fatigue," The Hobbit Collection has managed to keep its narrative quality relatively stable, with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug standing out as the peak cinematic achievement.

Continuity vs. Commercial Appeal

Our data indicates that while the "Release Order" is preferred for first-time viewers, the "Chronological Order" provides a much deeper understanding of the world-building within the The Hobbit Collection. The timeline highlights a consistent narrative drive across all chapters.

Timeline & Watch Order

We recommend watching the The Hobbit Collection franchise in the following order to fully experience the narrative expansion.

1
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

2012★ 7.4HIT

Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit enjoying his quiet life, is swept into an epic quest by Gandalf the Grey and thirteen dwarves who seek to reclaim their mountain home fr...

2
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

2013★ 7.6SUPER HIT

The Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains, and Bilbo has gained the One Ring. They all continue their journey to get their go...

3
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

2014★ 7.3HIT

Following Smaug's attack on Laketown, Bilbo and the dwarves try to defend Erebor's mountain of treasure from others who claim it: the men of the ruined Laketown...

Common Questions about The Hobbit Collection

How many movies are in the The Hobbit Collection?

There are currently 3 movies in the The Hobbit Collection, starting from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey to the latest release, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.

What is the best order to watch the The Hobbit Collection?

The best way to watch the The Hobbit Collection is usually in release order: starting with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and ending with The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Check our timeline for the full chronological breakdown.

Which is the highest-rated movie in the The Hobbit Collection?

According to movieMx ratings, the fans have a strong preference for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug in this franchise.