Netflix subscribers are flocking to The Hobbit trilogy, with many declaring it a 'flawless masterpiece' that rivals or even surpasses Game of Thrones. Currently, two entries from Peter Jackson's epic hold top 10 spots on the platform's most-watched films list.
Rising Through the Charts
At the time of writing, An Unexpected Journey sits in seventh place, while The Desolation of Smaug ranks 10th. The concluding film, The Battle of the Five Armies, is likely close behind. All three films, released between 2012 and 2014, are now streaming on Netflix.
From Page to Screen
Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's 1937 novel, Jackson expanded the story using appendices from The Lord of the Rings. The narrative follows Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) as he joins a company of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their lost kingdom, encountering Orcs, the dragon Smaug, and the creature Gollum.
The cast includes Richard Armitage as Thorin, along with Graham McTavish, Aidan Turner, Ken Stott, and James Nesbitt. Familiar faces from The Lord of the Rings 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, many fans passionately defend the trilogy. One Reddit user claimed, 'Despite their flaws, the Hobbit trilogy is better than the Lord of the Rings trilogy,' praising Martin Freeman's portrayal of Bilbo. Another viewer stated, 'The production, the directing, the fighting scenes... this is better than Game of Thrones.'
A third fan called it 'an almost flawless masterpiece,' adding, 'The acting was amazing, perfectly fitting into fantasy style. The chemistry between actors was more than just the obvious.'
The Hobbit trilogy is available to stream on Netflix now.
