As the countdown to The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 begins, fans are diving back into Middle-earth. But if you've already rewatched the first two seasons of Prime Video's epic series and crave more Tolkien, there's a delightful surprise: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey has surged in popularity on Netflix, landing in the Top 10 movies internationally, according to FlixPatrol. For U.S. viewers, the film is available on HBO Max or via home media, but no matter how you watch, it's the perfect primer for the upcoming season.
Directed by Peter Jackson, this 2012 film kicks off his prequel trilogy, set decades before The Lord of the Rings. It adapts the first half of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novel, following Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) as he's swept into an adventure with a company of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage). When Gandalf (Ian McKellen) recruits Bilbo as their burglar, the quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) begins. Along the way, they encounter trolls, goblins, and the unforgettable Gollum (Andy Serkis), setting the stage for an epic journey.
The Most Book-Accurate of the Prequel Films
Of the three Hobbit movies, An Unexpected Journey is often praised for its fidelity to Tolkien's source material. It follows the novel's structure closely, framed as a story told by an older Bilbo (Ian Holm) to his nephew Frodo (Elijah Wood). The film covers the first six chapters of the book, from the Shire to Rivendell to the goblin caves, with minimal embellishment. The main addition is Azog the Defiler (Manu Bennett), a character only mentioned in the book, but here given a larger role to deepen Thorin's backstory. Despite this, the film remains remarkably true to the book's spirit, making it a favorite among purists.
Jackson also weaves in extra Tolkien lore about the Necromancer (a guise of Sauron) to connect the prequels to The Lord of the Rings, adding depth for longtime fans. While the high frame rate might take some getting used to, this first chapter is arguably the most focused and enjoyable of the trilogy. And for those wondering, Legolas (Orlando Bloom) doesn't appear in this one—his role comes later.
A Fun, If Uneven, Fantasy Adventure
It's no secret that the Hobbit trilogy, which continues with The Desolation of Smaug and The Battle of the Five Armies, is a bit uneven compared to its predecessor. Where The Lord of the Rings had to condense Tolkien's sprawling narrative, Jackson expanded The Hobbit into three films, adding subplots that sometimes feel forced—like the elf-dwarf romance or the overemphasis on Azog. However, some expansions work brilliantly, such as Gandalf's side quest to Dol Guldur to uncover Sauron's return. These additions enrich the world, even if they occasionally stray from the source.
Despite its flaws, the trilogy offers plenty of entertainment. The tone is more whimsical than The Lord of the Rings, which makes sense given that Tolkien wrote The Hobbit as a children's book. The result is a lighter, more cartoonish adventure that still captures the magic of Middle-earth. For fans gearing up for The Rings of Power season 3, revisiting this film is a great way to immerse yourself in the lore. And if you're looking for more fantasy TV, check out our list of upcoming fantasy shows to keep the excitement going.
As The Rings of Power returns on November 11, Prime Video is also releasing 4K Blu-ray editions of seasons 1 and 2, perfect for collectors. And if you're curious about what else is coming to the streamer, check out Prime Video's November 2026 lineup. For now, whether you're a first-time viewer or a seasoned fan, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a delightful trip back to Middle-earth—and a timely one at that.
