Reading and watching order
The Lord of the Rings film trilogy order
Watch the theatrical trilogy in release order for a first viewing. The story runs continuously across all three films.
Best starting point
First-time order
Watch the theatrical trilogy in release order for a first viewing. The story runs continuously across all three films.
Only titles and basic continuity are shown here.release order
First-time order
Watch the theatrical trilogy in release order for a first viewing. The story runs continuously across all three films.
- 1
film / 2001
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Start with the formation and breaking of the Fellowship.
- 2
- 3
film / 2003
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Finish the War of the Ring and Frodo's journey.
Sequel
What to know: This keeps the character and story developments in the order the films reveal them.
Sources
How this order was checked
Last reviewed: 2026-08-05