Do you want to know your streaming options to watch Lord of the Rings? J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth has captivated the hearts and imaginations of millions of people from just about every part of the world. Peter Jackson’s incredible films have carried this legacy into the 21st century.
Whether you’re just getting into the series or have been a fan from childhood, we’ve got the information on where to stream these timeless films of good struggling to triumph over the forces of evil.
Let’s get right to it!
Best streaming platforms to watch Lord of the Rings
The good news is that you have no shortage of options if you are interested in watching LOTR online. The series is so popular that there are several streaming platforms that you can use. Many of these services cater to different viewing preferences and features. These include options such as streaming in high definition, having subtitles in various languages, and, of course, different pricing options.
We will discuss some of our top picks in this section, along with some notable details that we think would interest fans of this fantasy trilogy. This way, you can choose the best platform for your upcoming Middle Earth marathon.
HBO Max
The first option is HBO Max. We think that of all the streaming services, it is the best for fans interested in the extended versions of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. To clarify, “extended” refers to the longer versions of the films, where each movie has additional footage and scenes not included in the original release.
And of course, it also does not hurt that HBO offers a broad selection of popular movies, documentaries, and TV series. Therefore, many other epic fantasy series would be waiting for you after you are through binging LOTR.
An HBO Max subscription is available at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. This is the “Ad-Lite” subscription, which means that there’ll be a few ads to deal with. If you want to avoid ad interruptions altogether, the cost goes up to $15.99 per month or $149.99/year.
Amazon Prime Video
Next on our list is Amazon Prime Video — a popular streaming service known for its vast library of movies, TV series, and unique Amazon Originals. Prime Video includes the theatrical versions of the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, allowing you to embark on the epic journey from start to finish.
A standout feature of Prime Video is its X-Ray option, which provides fascinating trivia, behind-the-scenes details, and character information as you watch. This may enhance your viewing experience, offering a deeper understanding of the story as it unfolds.
A subscription to Amazon Prime Video starts at $8.99 per month. However, if you already have Amazon Prime membership, then you can get it as a bundled service for $14.99 monthly or $139 per year.
Hulu
Hulu rounds out our list as the most affordable premium streaming platform for streaming Lord of the Rings. Hulu’s base subscription is available at $5.99 per month with ads. If you want to eliminate interruptions, their ad-free plan is priced at $11.99 per month.
One thing to note, though, is that Hulu only offers the first movie in the Lord of the Rings trilogy — Fellowship of the Ring. So if you’re looking for a streaming platform where you can watch all three movies back-to-back, Hulu will not be the best option for you.
Where to watch LOTR for free?
Now you might be wondering — where to watch LOTR that does not require spending money on subscriptions? Unfortunately, there are no legal ways to watch the entire LOTR trilogy for free.
With that said, some platforms offer a free trial if you haven’t subscribed to their streaming service before. For example, Amazon Prime Video offers a free 30-day trial for new subscribers. That’s more than enough to immerse yourself in the world of Middle Earth and watch all three movies.
Just don’t forget to cancel your subscription before the trial ends if you want to avoid getting charged for the subscription service.
Where to watch the Hobbit trilogy?
If you’re not just interested in watching LOTR, but also the Hobbit trilogy, you’re in luck. All three movies from the prequel series are available on HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video for streaming.
Hulu also offers the third and final installment of The Hobbit Trilogy — The Battle of The Five Armies. Unfortunately, you won’t find the first two movies there, so you will have to look elsewhere if you want to watch them.
How to watch LOTR if the streaming service is not available in your region?
If you’re a fan of the Lord of the Rings series living in a region where your preferred streaming service is unavailable, don’t despair! There’s still a way for you to delve into the enchanting world of Middle Earth. The simplest solution is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A good premium VPN service like ClearVPN can help you access geo-restricted content by changing your IP address, making it appear as if you’re browsing from a different location. This can allow you to bypass regional restrictions and enjoy all of your favorite series, no matter where you are in the world.
And with ClearVPN, the process is actually easier than you think. You can get up and running in just four easy steps:
- Download and install ClearVPN on your device. The app supports Windows, macOS, Android and iOS devices (iPhone and iPad)
- Open the ClearVPN app and create an account.
- Click on the main screen on the locations button, and then choose the streaming services tab.
For example, let’s use HBO Max, which is only available in the US, Latin America, the Caribbean and a few European countries.
- That’s it! ClearVPN will automatically connect to the best server for streaming HBO Max, and you can now access the service without any restrictions.
The correct order to watch The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings
Now that we’ve covered where to stream the LOTR movies, let’s talk about watching Lord of the Rings in order. Despite being released after the LOTR trilogy, The Hobbit actually serves as a prequel to the story.
So here’s our recommended chronological order for watching both trilogies:
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
- Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
- Lord of the Rings: Two Towers
- Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
This sequence of events offers a cohesive and complete viewing experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of Middle Earth fully.
FAQs
Is The Lord of the Rings on Netflix?
No, “The Lord of the Rings” is not currently available on Netflix. Despite being the largest streaming platform, Netflix unfortunately has no rights to stream the epic fantasy series.
Where can I watch Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit?
You can watch the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies on platforms like HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video. Hulu also offers some of the movies, but not all.