Middle Earth on Film

Animated feature length movie directed by cult director Ralph Bakshi. It covers the first two books, Fellowship and Two Towers. The studio, United Artists, refused to fund a sequel despite the film being a great financial success (it cost $3 million to produce and grossed over $30 million, approx. $100 million in today's money). They also reneged on a promise to release the movie as "LOTR: Part One" against the wishes of Bakshi. Studio execs were sleazeballs even back then.

The movie stays true to the books for the most part, even more so than Peter Jackson's movies. The movie feels rather condensed, both in scope and grandeur, from the books. It's probably not going to make much sense to people who haven't read the books (or seen Peter Jackson's movies) as the two hour running time doesn't leave time for introductions. Despite that, it's an enjoyable ride, especially for fans of the books. I would have dearly loved to see Bakshi make the sequel and complete the story.



The movie is frequently clubbed with two other made for television animated musical movies:
The Hobbit
Return of the King

They were directed by Arthur Rankin Jr and Jules Bass. All three have been released by Warner Bros as the J.R.R. Tolkien Animated Films Set, even though the two Rankin/Bass productions are vastly different in style from the Ralph Bakshi movie.

Peter Jackson brought the trilogy to the big screen with a big budget and star studded cast, and of course, you already knew that, didn't you?

The best movie of Peter Jackson's trilogy, in my opinion.

Peter Jackson's saga ends, after three years and billions of people having watched it worldwide.

Fantastic fan made movie set in Tolkien's universe. Aragorn is sent by Gandalf to search for the creature Gollum and find out what he knows of the One ring.

The production quality, action and acting are very good, and not just for a fan made movie. It's like watching an episode of Xena, but actually interesting.

Watch it here

Another great fan made movie set in Tolkien's universe. The story of Arathorn and Gilraen, the parents of Aragorn, heir of Isildur.

The production quality is even better than the previous movie on this list, which blows my mind. Unfortunately, the story is less compelling. Still a must see for any Tolkien fan.

Watch it here

Upcoming movie based on the Hobbit, to be directed by Guillermo Del Toro. I'm not sure why people have already voted for the movie ?!?

The sequel to the movie listed above. I'm not convinced that the Hobbit actually needs two full length movies to tell the story, but I'll reserve judgment, unlike the people who have already voted ?!?!