The Hobbit trilogy was always going to be a sure-fire hit due to the popularity of the book and how great The Lord Of The Rings trilogy was. However, Peter Jackson certainly did a great job in weaving the tale, adding new details to flesh it out further and really give fans a chance to jump into the world of Middle Earth even more.
The world of The Hobbit and the fantastic action/adventure storyline is the real reason people love the movies so much though. But with no more trips to Middle Earth planned from Peter Jackson, what movies would fans enjoy in addition to this epic trilogy?
The Chronicles Of Narnia (2005, 2008, 2010)
Starting off the list with a perfect example of films that audiences would enjoy, The Chronicles Of Narnia trilogy is a great option. Much like The Hobbit, it is full of fantasy and adventure with mythical creatures with a real focus on a close family group.
The Lord Of The Rings is a much more serious set of movies in comparison to what The Hobbit trilogy provides, and that's why this one works. The Chronicles Of Narnia are very much family-friendly movies and they are very enjoyable to watch.
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)
Realistically any of the Indiana Jones movies would work as films for fans of The Hobbit to enjoy watching, mainly because of the adventure aspect that each film provides. It might be slightly less mystical, with no trolls, dragons or goblin kings, but it does have some elements in that world and it is a very fun series of movies.
Indiana Jones is such an iconic character that he is easy to get behind and invest in, much like Bilbo Baggins. He's less of an underdog and more skilled, but he also enjoys having fun and the films have plenty of humor, which is something The Hobbit trilogy does also boast.
E.T. (1982)
E.T. is one of the all-time greats that has become a classic movie and certainly stands the test of time. Those who enjoy The Hobbit would likely appreciate this science fiction classic, mainly because the theme and overall plot are essentially the same.
The focus is all about getting the main characters home in both movies. While there are obvious and distinct differences in how that happens for each film, it is the same reason to get emotionally invested in the plot.
Jaws (1975)
While Jaws doesn't take place in a mythical world like The Hobbit, it does just so happen to play host to one 'beast' who runs riot in Amity Island. The Hobbit has Smaug as a major threat that the characters are all afraid of and have to work together to take down.
Jaws has a mighty shark that causes terror. It isn't quite as large and scary as a full-size dragon, but it certainly does provide the same sort of theme that Smaug does. Slowly appearing, being teased, the build-up to taking the shark out is something that people would likely enjoy.
Onward (2020)
Onward is the latest offering to come from Pixar, and it is one that fans of The Hobbit would certainly appreciate. The main reason for the journey in The Hobbit is actually an emotional one, as the dwarves just want their homes back, while in Onward the two brothers are pushing for just one day with their father.
The mystical world that the film is set in is absolutely perfect for fans of Middle Earth as the creatures, vocabulary, and setting are ideal for them. This film also has a big ending involving a dragon, which certainly makes a great link to this trilogy.
The Black Cauldron (1985)
Speaking of animated movies that The Hobbit fans would enjoy, The Black Cauldron is a fairly underappreciated Disney classic, but it's one set in a mystical world that people would love. Following a boy with very little experience, he ends up on a quest looking for a magical item alongside a random group of characters.
While it might not be ranked as high as many Disney movies, often being overlooked for other films, that doesn't mean it's a bad one. It's a great story that is well put together with some terrific characters, and the setting and theme make it ideal for fans of this trilogy.
Shaun Of The Dead (2004)
This film might seem very different on the outset, with this technically being a comedic horror, but there are plenty of similarities to The Hobbit. Battling against ugly creatures to survive, with this movie focusing on zombies, and The Hobbit working with orcs and goblins.
Both movies bring a group together, most of which aren't skilled fighters, and there are great elements of comedy and lighthearted moments which helps each film not be overly serious. Plus, Shaun Of The Dead also happens to feature a certain Martin Freeman.
Stardust (2007)
Stardust is another excellent example of a movie that The Hobbit fans would enjoy watching, mainly because it is so full of fantasy and adventure. The plot is of a major quest, as the lead character searches for a fallen star to try and bring back someone that he loves.
With so much focus on mythical objects and fantasy ideas, it is a great option for people to enjoy. There aren't any huge battles like there are in some of The Hobbit movies, but not every movie in Peter Jackson's trilogy is all about fighting either.
The Pirates Of The Caribbean Franchise (2003, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2017)
Take your pick on any of these movies and fans of the Hobbit should find them all enjoyable. There are so many similar themes which make these movies perfect for others to watch and find fun, mainly due to the high amount of action and humor that comes through each one.
While they're battling on the seas instead of Middle Earth, that doesn't mean that people won't enjoy it. With a lot of mythical elements such as the Kraken as well, there are tons of similar and enjoyable elements for people to enjoy.
King Kong (2005)
King Kong is the perfect movie for fans of The Hobbit to watch as it has so many similar themes that they would enjoy. The setting itself is perfect, taking place in the jungle with vibrant monsters and creatures and one huge scary character in both King Kong himself, as well as the dinosaurs.
This is similar to the threat of Smaug, and both characters end up with a respect for at least one character. With Smaug, he enjoys the brains of Bilbo, and Kong forms a bond with Ann. There's great action, well-developed characters, and some enjoyable humor spliced in that makes it enjoyable to watch throughout.