David Farnor | On 29, Aug 2022

This week marks the return of The Lord of the Rings to our screens – and our return to Middle-earth, JRR Tolkien’s expansive world in which the events of both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings took place. More than 20 years since The Fellowship of the Ring was first brought to life by Peter Jackson on the big screen, Amazon Prime Video is debuting its own take on Tolkien’s work, with The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Based on The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and its appendices, the series is a prequel to both, set during the Second Age of Middle-earth, thousands of years before the events of either saga. At that time of relative peace, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and a powerful villain threatened to cover all the world in darkness – while familiar and new faces, including a young Elrond (Robert Aramayo) and Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), work to prevent it. Oh, and some rings of power are made that may or may not become important later.

Speaking of what happens later, one of the biggest questions fans are asking this week is not only whether The Rings of Power is any good – watch this space for our review of the first two episodes, plus interviews with the cast and crew – but also where they can revisit Peter Jackson’s original trilogy online. After all, who needs a better excuse to go back to the Third Age of Middle-earth and revisit Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of an older, calmer Galadriel and Hugo Weaving’s wisened, battle-hardened Elrond?

Here’s our quick guide to where you can stream all of the original Lord of the Rings movies, plus The Hobbit trilogy for good measure.

The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Peter Jackson flawlessly brings to life JRR Tolkien’s classic tale with this heartfelt and faithful introduction to the world of Hobbits, rings, elves and Ringwraiths.

The Two Towers (2002)

The action and stakes step up a gear in this fast-paced, thrilling sequel that balances peril with a poignant showcase for Andy Serkis’ Gollum.

The Return of the King (2003)

Peter Jackson brings everything full circle in this lengthy conclusion that makes for daunting but undeniably satisfying viewing.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

The Hobbit goes there and back and there and back and there and back again in a fun but messy trek. Read our full review

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Peter Jackson’s ambitious expansion of The Hobbit brings exciting scale to the tiny adventure. Read our full review

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

Uneven effects and an unexciting climax make for an underwhelming final chapter. Read our full review

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