# What is the best The Lord of the Rings movie?

> Which Tolkien adaptation is the greatest film in Middle-earth's history? From Peter Jackson's Oscar-sweeping Return of the King to the beloved animated classics, rank every journey into the world of hobbits, elves, and dark lords.

*By YPB Team · Published May 12, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-the-lord-of-the-rings-movie*

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## Current results (0 votes)

1. **The Return of the King**
   Peter Jackson's 2003 Oscar-sweeping finale, winning all 11 Academy Awards it was nominated for including Best Picture.
2. **The Fellowship of the Ring**
   The 2001 epic that launched the trilogy, introducing viewers to Middle-earth through Frodo's first steps toward Mount Doom.
3. **The Two Towers**
   The 2002 middle chapter featuring the Battle of Helm's Deep, widely considered one of the greatest battle sequences ever filmed.
4. **The Desolation of Smaug**
   The 2013 Hobbit sequel featuring Benedict Cumberbatch's terrifying voice work as the dragon Smaug and the Mirkwood adventure.
5. **An Unexpected Journey**
   The 2012 Hobbit opening chapter that recaptures the spirit of Tolkien's lighter tale and sets Bilbo Baggins on his grand adventure.
6. **The Battle of the Five Armies**
   The 2014 Hobbit finale centering on the climactic war for the Lonely Mountain and the tragic resolution of Thorin's gold sickness.
7. **The Lord of the Rings (1978)**
   Ralph Bakshi's groundbreaking 1978 animated adaptation covering the first half of the saga, using innovative rotoscoping techniques.
8. **The Hobbit (1977)**
   The beloved Rankin/Bass 1977 animated TV movie that introduced a generation of children to Tolkien's world through hand-drawn animation.
9. **The Return of the King (1980)**
   The 1980 Rankin/Bass animated TV sequel completing the story with memorable musical numbers including 'Where There's a Whip, There's a Way.'

Tags: movies, adventure, franchises, action, classics