The Lord of the Rings is a timeless epic that has captured the imagination of generations of fans. It’s a story of good versus evil, of bravery and sacrifice, and of the power of friendship and love. With three movies and a total runtime of nearly ten hours, it can be daunting for newcomers to figure out where to start. In this article, we’ll explore the different viewing orders for The Lord of the Rings and help you decide which one is right for you.
Option 1: Release Order
The most straightforward viewing order is to watch the movies in the order they were released: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. This is the order in which director Peter Jackson intended the films to be watched, and it’s the order that most fans saw them in when they were released. Watching the films in this order will give you the full experience of the story as it unfolded in theaters and is the best choice for first-time viewers.
Option 2: Chronological Order
If you’re a stickler for chronological order, you may prefer to watch the films in the order in which events take place in the story. This means starting with The Hobbit trilogy, followed by The Lord of the Rings trilogy. However, this order can be a bit confusing for those who are not familiar with the story. The Hobbit takes place before The Lord of the Rings, but it was released after, and the tone and style of the two trilogies are quite different. Therefore, this viewing order is not recommended for first-time viewers.
Option 3: Theatrical Release + Extended Cut
If you’re a fan who wants to get the most out of the movies, you can watch both the theatrical and extended cuts of the films. The theatrical cuts are the versions that were shown in theaters, while the extended cuts contain additional footage that was not included in the theatrical release. Watching both versions of the films will give you a more complete understanding of the story and characters, but it also means a significant time commitment. The total runtime of the extended editions is over 11 hours, making this option best for die-hard fans.
Option 4: The Ultimate Order
Finally, there is the ultimate viewing order, which combines the first three options. This order involves watching The Hobbit trilogy, followed by The Lord of the Rings trilogy in release order, then watching the extended editions of The Lord of the Rings. This order provides the most comprehensive viewing experience and is best for fans who want to immerse themselves in the world of Middle-earth.
In conclusion, the best viewing order for The Lord of the Rings depends on your level of familiarity with the story and your personal preferences. For first-time viewers, the release order is the most straightforward and recommended option. If you’re a die-hard fan who wants to get the most out of the movies, you can watch the extended cuts, and if you’re a completionist who wants to see everything, the ultimate order is the way to go. No matter which order you choose, one thing is for sure: The Lord of the Rings is a cinematic masterpiece that is not to be missed.