An epic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel, starring former Sherlock actor Martin Freeman, is currently dominating Netflix's charts. Fans are debating whether the trilogy rivals hit fantasy series like Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones.
Netflix chart success
At the time of writing, two entries from The Hobbit trilogy hold places in Netflix's top 10 most-watched films. The first film, An Unexpected Journey, sits in seventh place, while the second, The Desolation of Smaug, is in tenth. The concluding film, The Battle of the Five Armies, is likely close behind.
Directed by Peter Jackson, the films were released between 2012 and 2014 and are now streaming on Netflix. They are based on Tolkien's 1937 novel, with additional material from the appendices of The Lord of the Rings.
Plot and cast
The story follows Bilbo Baggins as he joins a company of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their lost kingdom. Along the way, he encounters Orcs, the dragon Smaug, and the creature Gollum.
Martin Freeman leads the cast as Bilbo, joined by Richard Armitage as Thorin, and other dwarves played by Graham McTavish, Aidan Turner, Ken Stott, and James Nesbitt. Several Lord of the Rings actors reprise their roles, including Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Hugo Weaving, Andy Serkis, Lee Pace, Cate Blanchett, and Christopher Lee.
Fan reactions
Despite lower Rotten Tomatoes scores than the Lord of the Rings trilogy, many fans praise The Hobbit films. One Reddit user claimed: "Despite their flaws, the Hobbit trilogy is better than the Lord of the Rings trilogy," citing Freeman's portrayal of Bilbo as a highlight. Another fan said: "The production, the directing, the fighting scenes... this is better than Game of Thrones."
A third viewer called the trilogy "an underrated gem" and rated it 9/10, while another described it as "an almost flawless masterpiece."
The Hobbit trilogy is now streaming on Netflix.
