The Original Animated ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movies Find New Streaming Home

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As a devoted fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, I must confess that my initial foray into the enchanting world was through these long-forgotten animated adaptations from the 1970s. My childhood was filled with the janky animation and stilted dialogue of “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings,” which I eagerly watched on our black and white television set.

Have you ever pondered how different The Lord of the Rings might be if its filmmakers were under the influence? Well, now’s your chance to see for yourself! After years of being lost to time, the eccentric and often zany animated adaptations of Lord of the Rings have made their way onto streaming platforms. While Peter Jackson’s trilogy is widely cherished as the gold standard among Tolkien fans, boasting an exceptional cast, breathtaking practical effects, and a memorable soundtrack that keeps fans returning year after year, there exists in the depths of Mordor another adaptation so strange and dreamlike, it deserves to be destroyed in the flames of Mount Doom.

Prior to Peter Jackson’s cinematic portrayal of the Hobbits, both “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” were brought to life in animated form during the 1970s. Specifically, “The Hobbit” premiered in 1977, with “Lord of the Rings” following suit in 1978. If you didn’t grow up watching these animations on TV back then, chances are you’re unaware of their existence. However, that’s about to change as both “The Hobbit (1977)” and “Lord of the Rings (1978)” can now be streamed on Max.

In a nutshell, Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr.’s adaptation of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is surprisingly strong, despite some rough animation. A well-written script and solid acting elevate this animated film above average. Conversely, Ralph Bakshi’s adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, which combines all three novels into a single movie, falls short in comparison to Peter Jackson’s work. Instead of making viewers eager to read the book due to its cinematic excellence, this animated version leaves one yearning for the books to understand why they are so superior.

More ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movies Are On the Way

For devoted Lord of the Rings fans, Peter Jackson’s original trilogy continues to be the definitive cinematic tale. Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy sparked controversy among fans, and Prime Video’s The Rings of Power series hasn’t managed to regain favor with some. But for those who yearn for high-quality Tolkien adaptations on the big screen, a new batch of films are swooping in like eagles, offering hope for a satisfying resolution.

Upcoming in live-action, “The Gollum Hunt” is the next installment of the Lord of the Rings series. Known for his long-standing partnership with Peter Jackson, director Andy Serkis helms this production, set prior to “The Fellowship of the Ring”. As of now, the complete cast for “The Gollum Hunt” remains undisclosed. However, Serkis has hinted at the return of some beloved characters, though specifics have yet to be confirmed.

Prior to this, the epic tale “Lord of the Rings” is making a comeback in animation form. The upcoming film titled “War of the Rohirrim” will hit theaters on December 13. This new animated feature, directed by Kenji Kamiyama, takes us back 183 years before the events of “The Fellowship of the Ring“. The story revolves around Helm Hammerhand and his daughter Hera as they fight to protect their land from a cruel warlord, and an impending danger that surpasses both their wildest imaginations.

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2024-12-02 17:01