The Lord of the Ringsis one of the most famous andpopular movie franchisesever. It didn’t begin as a film franchise, as it was originally a series of books. However, Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work has a big reputation in its own right. For some people, it’s the version they first think of when they hear the words “The Lord of the Rings.”

At the very least, they’re movies worth watching whether you’re familiar with the books or not. However, before you can watch them all, you may need to know how many of them there are. Here are all the movies in the franchise.

Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring

The Fellowship of the Ring serves as the beginning of The Lord of the Rings story. So, in this movie, you meet most of the main characters, such as Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn, and more. You’re also introduced to one of theseveral important rings in the seriesand discover its power.

That Ring ends up in the hands of Frodo, and he sets out on an adventure to bring it to Rivendell. Then, plans change, and he has to take it to Mordor and destroy it using the fire of Mount Doom. As you’d expect for the first movie in a franchise like this, the film is mostly about establishing the universe and setting up the narrative.

Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers

Frodo’s journey to Mount Doom continues in The Two Towers. However, by this point in the tale, he’s only accompanied by his buddy Samwise. Most of the other characters, namely Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, are instead trying to find and rescue the hobbits, Merry and Pippin.

At least, that is what they’re doing at the start of the movie. Later on, they find themselves in an all-out war against the evil Saruman’s army in what is known as the Battle of Helm’s Deep. Frodo and Sam might skip that battle, but they aren’t in a great situation, either, as they attempt to enter Mordor with the ‘help’ of Gollum.

Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King

The Return of the King is the finale of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Frodo, Sam, and Gollum are still on their way to Mordor and Mount Down. The rest of the heroes begin to come together and make further allies as they recognize that a war is brewing between good and evil.

The said war takes up plenty of the film’s runtime, serving as an exciting climactic battle as Aragorn leads an army against the main villain, Sauron, and his forces. Frodo’s journey is similarly dramatic as his adventure finally comes to an end, but not without a few twists and turns first.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

While they don’t have the title ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ the Hobbit movies are part of the same universe. In fact, they’re a prequel series. The first one is called An Unexpected Journey, and it revolves around the hobbit known as Bilbo Baggins.

He begins the story peacefully living in the Shire until Gandalf comes to see him with a company of dwarves. They acquire Bilbo’s assistance in entering the Lonely Mountain, which the company wants to reclaim from the dangerous andvery large dragon, Smaug. This serves as the beginning of a long adventure for Biblo.

The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug

The Desolation of Smaug is the second part of the Hobbit trilogy. As such, it continues where the last movie left off. Bilbo and the Dwarven company are still on their way to the Lonely Mountain. However, Bilbo now has a special ring in his possession, which he is keeping secret from his allies.

The crew has more immediate danger anyway, as they’re being pursued by Azog, Bolg, and their group of Orcs. Biblo and the Dwarves don’t have Gandalf’s immediate help either, as he leaves the group to check out some ruins that may be housing a powerful force of evil.

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies

By the time The Battle of the Five Armies begins, Biblo and his allies have made it to Lonely Mountain. Not long after that, Smaug is dealt with. So, the main objectives of Biblo and the Dwarf Company’s quests are completed. Yet, the story isn’t over.

After all, the Lonely Mountain contains valuable treasure, which leads to a bit of greed and plenty of conflict. Also, Smaug wasn’t the only antagonist in the trilogy, as Azog, Bolg, and their Orc party are still around. Plus, there are various other feuds and issues going on. Based on the title of the movie, you can guess what all of this leads to. The titular battle serves as the end of the Hobbit trilogy.

There Are Six Movies In The Lord Of The Rings Series

Overall, Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings series contains six movies. That said, if you’re being very specific about things, then there are only three The Lord of the Rings films, as the other three are Hobbit ones.

If you plan to watch them all, be prepared, as many of these films are really long. On the plus side, most of them are also really good.