At The Movies

The Return of the King Runtime: 98 Age Rating: TV-G Release Date: May 11, 1980 Based on a Book: The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: Rankin/Bass Productions Franchise: The Lord of the Rings Franchise Position: 3 "A Hobbit faces the powers of darkness as he tries to destroy the Ring of Doom." Ratings: My Rating: 6.6/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 5.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 67% (Critics), 39% (Audience) Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: In this animated television film, Frodo Baggins continues his quest to destroy the One Ring. The story follows his journey to Mount Doom, facing numerous challenges and the ever-present threat of Sauron's forces. Alongside him are his loyal companions, including Samwise Gamgee, as they strive to fulfill their mission and bring peace to Middle-earth. Critics Review: The Return of the King (1980) received mixed reviews from critics. While some appreciated the film's animation and faithfulness to J.R.R. Tolkien's work, others fe...

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Runtime: 201 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 17, 2003 Based on a Book: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Lord of the Rings Franchise Position: 3 "The final confrontation between the forces of good and evil in Middle Earth determines the fate of the One Ring." Ratings: My Rating: 8.8/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 8.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 93% (Critics), 86% (Audience) Metacritic: 94 Plot Summary: Frodo and Sam near the end of their journey to Mount Doom, facing the immense weight of the One Ring and the treachery of Gollum. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli, and the people of Middle Earth prepare for the ultimate battle against Sauron’s armies. The story concludes with epic battles at Minas Tirith and the Black Gate, acts of heroism and sacrifice, and the fulfillment of prophecies, culminating in Frodo’s triumph over the corrupting influence of...

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Runtime: 235 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 18, 2002 Based on a Book: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Lord of the Rings Franchise Position: 2 "The fellowship is broken, and the members must face new perils as the forces of Sauron and Saruman advance across Middle Earth." Ratings: My Rating: 8.7/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 8.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 95% (Critics), 96% (Audience) Metacritic: 87 Plot Summary: The fellowship has fractured following Boromir’s death, and Frodo and Sam continue the perilous journey to Mordor, guided by Gollum. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli assist the kingdom of Rohan against Saruman’s forces. Epic battles, including the defense of Helm’s Deep, and the unfolding of strategic alliances reveal themes of loyalty, courage, and perseverance. Frodo struggles with the corrupting influence of the ring, while Gollum’s conflicted guidance p...

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Runtime: 178 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 19, 2001 Based on a Book: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Lord of the Rings Franchise Position: 1 "Frodo Baggins embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring and save Middle Earth from the dark power of Sauron." Ratings: My Rating: 8.4/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 8.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 91% (Critics), 95% (Audience) Metacritic: 92 Plot Summary: Frodo Baggins inherits the One Ring, a powerful artifact that could allow Sauron to enslave Middle Earth. Guided by Gandalf, Frodo joins a fellowship of nine companions—including Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, and his fellow hobbits—to take the ring to Mount Doom for destruction. Their journey is fraught with danger, including treacherous landscapes, orcs, and the treacherous influence of the ring itself. The fellowship bonds over courage, loy...

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Runtime: 144 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 17, 2014 Based on a Book: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Hobbit Franchise Position: 3 "Bilbo Baggins and the company of dwarves face the ultimate test as armies converge on the Lonely Mountain, and the fate of Middle Earth hangs in the balance." Ratings: My Rating: 7.2/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 59% (Critics), 90% (Audience) Metacritic: 66 Plot Summary: After the death of Smaug, Thorin Oakenshield becomes consumed with the treasure hoard, leading to tension and conflict within his company. As multiple armies—including men, elves, dwarves, and orcs—converge on the Lonely Mountain, alliances are tested, and Bilbo must navigate danger and deception. The film depicts epic battles, moments of heroism, and the costs of greed, power, and pride, ultimately resolving the fate of Thorin and the treasure of Erebor. Critics Rev...

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Runtime: 161 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 13, 2013 Based on a Book: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Hobbit Franchise Position: 2 "Bilbo Baggins and the company of dwarves continue their quest to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug, facing greater perils and uncovering dark secrets." Ratings: My Rating: 7.3/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 74% (Critics), 84% (Audience) Metacritic: 66 Plot Summary: Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and Thorin’s company journey through perilous lands including Mirkwood Forest, evading giant spiders and capturing a run-in with the dark elf king Thranduil. Bilbo’s bravery and cleverness are tested as he confronts the dragon Smaug inside the Lonely Mountain. Tensions rise among the dwarves as the lure of treasure tests their unity and moral compass. The adventure deepens, showing the lengths one will go to for loyalty, honor, and justice. Critics Revi...

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Runtime: 169 Age Rating: PG Release Date: December 14, 2012 Based on a Book: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Hobbit Franchise Position: 1 "Bilbo Baggins, a reluctant hobbit, sets out on an unexpected journey with a company of dwarves to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug." Ratings: My Rating: 7.6/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 64% (Critics), 84% (Audience) Metacritic: 58 Plot Summary: Bilbo Baggins, a quiet hobbit from the Shire, is unexpectedly recruited by the wizard Gandalf to join a company of thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. Their mission is to reclaim the dwarves’ lost kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Along the journey, Bilbo discovers courage, cunning, and unexpected heroism as he encounters trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and the creature Gollum, from whom he acquires a mysterious magical ring. The journey tests the limits of bravery, f...

The Lord of the Rings Runtime: 146 minutes Age Rating: PG Release Date: November 15, 1978 Based on a Book: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: Rankin/Bass Productions Franchise: Middle-earth Animated Series Franchise Position: 2nd "An animated adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale of the quest to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron." Ratings: My Rating: 7.0/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 70% (Critics), 68% (Audience) Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: The Lord of the Rings (1978) follows Frodo Baggins, a young hobbit tasked with destroying the One Ring to prevent Sauron from conquering Middle-earth. Joined by the Fellowship, including Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Gandalf, Frodo journeys through dangerous lands facing orcs, trolls, and the corrupting influence of the Ring. The story emphasizes loyalty, courage, and sacrifice as the heroes battle evil forces to achieve their quest. Critics Review: The 1978...

The Hobbit Runtime: 78 minutes Age Rating: NR Release Date: November 27, 1977 Based on a Book: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: Rankin/Bass Productions Franchise: Middle-earth Animated Series Franchise Position: 1st "An animated adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's tale of the adventures of a hobbit on a quest to regain a dwarf king's gold." Ratings: My Rating: 7.0/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 71% (Critics), 65% (Audience) Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: The Hobbit (1977) tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a quiet and unassuming hobbit who is recruited by the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves to help reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. Bilbo reluctantly joins the adventure and encounters trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and elves. Along the way, he discovers a mysterious ring that grants him invisibility, a key element in his growth and courage. The story highlights themes of bravery, cleverness, and the importance of friendship. ...