Middle-earth is a New Zealand-American fantasy film series that was released between 2001 and 2014. The franchise is based on the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien, and grossed $5,853,780,255, becoming the 6th-highest-grossing film series of all time. The following are the 6 films in the franchise, arranged in order from “best” to “worst” according to the collective opinions of Rotten Tomatoes critics. Contained is each film’s critical approval, average rating, and critical consensus (if there is one).
Visually breathtaking and emotionally powerful, The Lord of the Rings – The Return of the King is a moving and satisfying conclusion to a great trilogy.
Full of eye-popping special effects, and featuring a pitch-perfect cast, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring brings J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic to vivid life.
While still slightly hamstrung by “middle chapter” narrative problems and its formidable length, The Desolation of Smaug represents a more confident, exciting second chapter for the Hobbit series.
Peter Jackson’s return to Middle-earth is an earnest, visually resplendent trip, but the film’s deliberate pace robs the material of some of its majesty.
Though somewhat overwhelmed by its own spectacle, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies ends Peter Jackson’s second Middle-earth trilogy on a reasonably satisfying note.
[What do you think of these films? Be sure to let me know in the comments! Also send me your review of any film – in the comment section of any post (I don’t respond to emails) – and I’ll post it on this site.]
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