The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Director Peter Jackson returns to Middle Earth for the first of his three-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's 1937 novel. Sixty years before "The Lord of the Rings," Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) is recruited by the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) to join a band of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) on a quest to reclaim their kingdom, leading the young hobbit to the acquisition of a "precious" magical relic. With Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, and Andy Serkis as Gollum. 169 min. C/Rtg: PG-13

The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (2013)

The journey continues in director Peter Jackson's exciting sequel based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic tale. As Gandalf (Ian McKellen) investigates an evil force growing in Middle Earth, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his dwarven companions make their way to the Lonely Mountain. Pursued by orcs, they encounter giant spiders, the elves of Mirkwood, and the dreaded dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch in a voice and motion-capture performance). Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lilly, and Orlando Bloom co-star. 161 min. C/Rtg: PG-13

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies (2014)

Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) finds his adventure nearly at its end in the wake of a fiery dragon attack on the human community of Laketown and the dwarves' return to their home deep in the Lonely Mountain. While dwarf leader Thorin (Richard Armitage) suffers from madness as he searches for an ancient gem, several races of Middle Earth prepare for a coming battle. Director Peter Jackson's final film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's story also stars Ian McKellen, Evangeline Lilly, and Orlando Bloom. 144 min. C/Rtg: PG-13

The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)

In the first installment of director Peter Jackson's ambitious and successful film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy trilogy, Elijah Wood stars as plucky hobbit Frodo Baggins, whose bequest of an arcane ring from his uncle Bilbo (Ian Holm) spurs a perilous journey to prevent an overpowering evil from enveloping Middle Earth. Ideally-cast support is provided by Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Sean Astin, Hugo Weaving, Christopher Lee. 178 min. C/Rtg: PG-13

The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

With the Fellowship of the Ring splintered, the war for Middle Earth continues in the second Tolkien tale from Peter Jackson. As warriors Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) help defend the fortress of Helm's Deep from the monstrous forces of dark lord Sauron, ring-bearing hobbit Frodo (Elijah Wood) and pal Sam (Sean Astin) are joined in their quest to Mordor by the ring's twisted, tormented former owner, Gollum (Andy Serkis in a "voice and virtual performance"). With Christopher Lee, Miranda Otto, and Ian McKellen. 179 min. C/Rtg: PG-13

The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003)

Eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, went to director Peter Jackson's triumphant finale to fantasy cinema's most acclaimed series. As Frodo, Sam and the treacherous Gollum attempt to destroy the One Ring of Power in the fires of Mt. Doom, Aragorn the ranger faces his destiny as the rightful ruler of Gondor, leading the armies of mankind into ultimate battle against Sauron's minions. Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Miranda Otto, John Rhys-Davies, Andy Serkis, and Elijah Wood star. 3 1/3 hrs. C/Rtg: PG-13

Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1.