The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

PG-13

2012

2h 49m

Fantasy

Adventure

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64%

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302 Reviews

83%

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250,000+ Ratings

Bilbo Baggins lives a simple life with his fellow hobbits in the Shire, until the wizard Gandalf arrives and convinces him to join a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim the kingdom of Erebor. The journey takes Bilbo on a path through treacherous lands swarming with orcs, goblins and other dangers, not the least of which is an encounter with Gollum and a simple gold ring that is tied to the fate of Middle Earth in ways Bilbo cannot even fathom.

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Critics Consensus

Peter Jackson's return to Middle-earth is an earnest, visually resplendent trip, but the film's deliberate pace robs the material of some of its majesty.

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J. Hoberman

The New York Review of Books

Mar 28, 2017

There is a good deal to be said about Peter Jackson's long-awaited and exceedingly long adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, most of it bad.

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Christopher Orr

The Atlantic

Dec 14, 2012

It frequently seems as though Jackson was less interested in making The Hobbit than in remaking his own fabulously successful Lord of the Rings series.

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Perri Nemiroff

Shockya.com

Dec 14, 2012

3/5

Two thirds is so packed with charming characters, stellar visuals and sense of adventure, it makes that other third come across as much more of a failure than it really is.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Apr 26, 2025

It’s big, bloated even, impressively produced but overburdened with import and foreshadowing.

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

Oct 17, 2024

4/5

Patience is exactly the virtue required.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Sep 20, 2022

3.5/4

This is a cinematic world so fully realized that leaving it is a sad prospect.

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William

Jan 10, 2026

Great intro to The Hobbit world!

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Terry M

Feb 6, 2023

Good family movie. Loved it.

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Robert P

@Superbad 5 days ago

The Hobbit was a one book, but Peter Jackson stretched it out into three movies!

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Jasmine W

@jasniquejewels Aug 31, 2026

how I wish I can rewatch this for the first time again.

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Chris S

@Janomi Aug 10, 2026

An Unexpected Journey is excellent because Martin Freeman is such a perfect Bilbo Baggins. He captures Bilbo’s nervousness, manners, irritation, courage, and decency, making him feel small in the right way. His performance gives the adventure a strong emotional center. There is also real pleasure in returning to Middle-earth. The Shire, Rivendell, dwarven halls, mountain paths, and larger world still have the craft and familiarity that make Jackson’s version of this world appealing. The "Riddles in the Dark" sequence is easily one of the strongest parts of the movie. Freeman and Andy Serkis are excellent together, giving the scene tension, humor, danger, and importance without needing large-scale action. Richard Armitage gives Thorin pride and pain, making the quest feel meaningful. The movie is uneven and stretched, but it is still a strong return.

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Chris P

@RT94068327 Jul 25, 2026

I really liked it, some CG was used that took away from immersion, but still a great series.

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Peter Jackson

Director

Ian McKellen

Gandalf

Martin Freeman

Bilbo Baggins

Richard Armitage

Thorin Oakenshield

Ken Stott

Balin

Graham McTavish

Dwalin

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Synopsis

Bilbo Baggins lives a simple life with his fellow hobbits in the Shire, until the wizard Gandalf arrives and convinces him to join a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim the kingdom of Erebor. The journey takes Bilbo on a path through treacherous lands swarming with orcs, goblins and other dangers, not the least of which is an encounter with Gollum and a simple gold ring that is tied to the fate of Middle Earth in ways Bilbo cannot even fathom.

Director: Peter Jackson
Producer: Fran Walsh, Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner
Screenwriter: Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: WingNut Films
Rating: PG-13 (Intense Action Violence|Frightening Images|Intense Fantasy Violence)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 14, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 11, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $303.0M
Runtime: 2h 49m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital, SDDS, Datasat

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