Movies - TV
Lord Of The Rings & The Hobbit Movies, Ranked Worst To Best
By CAROLINE MADDEN
9. Return of the King
Rankin/Bass returned for their follow-up to 1977's "The Hobbit" with 1980's "The Return of the King." Unfortunately, the film skips over the first two stories.
This version of "The Return of the King" uses an awkward framing device where Frodo explains to an elderly Bilbo how he lost a finger in an attempt to tie it to the other film.
8. The Hobbit 3
While Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" series comes off as a watered down version of "The Lord of the Rings," its biggest problem is the awful CGI.
All "Hobbit" films were made with a high frame rate of 48fps, but the shortcomings of this technique are especially apparent in "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies."
7. Lord of the Rings
Ralph Bakshi's "The Lord of the Rings" is unique for its extensive use of rotoscoping, a technique where live-action scenes are traced onto animation cels.
This technique creates a surreal viewing experience. Unfortunately, Bakshi's grim style isn't for everyone, as its roughness can erase the magic and beauty of Middle-earth.
6. The Hobbit 1
The first in Jackson's "The Hobbit" trilogy, "An Unexpected Journey" opens with a familiar view of the Shire before the adventure begins.
"An Unexpected Journey" is the most book-accurate entry in the trilogy and offers the highest rewatch value; however, the scenes with Radagast are the film's low point.
5. 1977's The Hobbit
The first Middle-earth adaptation was the Rankin/Bass animated film "The Hobbit" from 1977. The film is only 77 minutes long and is mostly faithful to the book.
Many of these designs add creepiness to the world yet it remains fun and childish. "The Hobbit" also has a memorable soundtrack that evokes Tolkien's love of incorporating songs.