Amazon's upcoming Rings of Power series has reignited fans of Tolkien's Middle-Earth in more ways than one, and the premiere date is fast approaching. Although fans still have to wait till September 2nd to make their trip back into the realm of hobbits and elf lords, that doesn't mean they are short of fantasy material to watch.
The genre has seen a recent boom, especially in the age of streaming services. With more and more shows and movies taking a dive into mystical realms of dragons, wizards, and beautiful damsels, Lord of the Rings fans have a hobbit-worthy feast of shows and movies to enjoy.
The Lord Of The Rings (2001-2003)
Of course, Peter Jackson's adaptation of Tolkien's epic is the most obvious place to start. Considered to be one of the greatest fantasy films of all time, the series comes with more than a stellar reputation. This is especially since it won several awards and still holds up by modern standards.
Jackson's films were how many fans first came to know about Frodo and the saga of the One Ring. Unless they had experience with the books, this was the gateway into the series and to an extent the genre for many viewers.
The Lord Of The Rings (1973)
Jackson's adaptation might be the golden standard of fantasy movies, but his was not the first. The original animated cult film by Ralph Bakshi was the first true attempt to adapt the books to the big screen. Although it lacked the epic conclusion that was The Return of the King, it was still praiseworthy for what is accomplished in terms of presentation and visual storytelling.
The animated adaptation takes a huge deal from the book, especially in its dialogue. Everything feels like it was penned by Tolkien himself, and it truly reflects the respect for the books. Rotoscope might be a bit of an adjustment to some viewers, but the epic scale is still there.
Game Of Thrones (2011)
Dragons, kings, dwarves, and quests for power are just a selection of elements present in both The Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire. Those who think Martin didn't take heavy inspiration from Tolkien are living in a world of denial. While certainly not as heavy on the death and distraction, both the books and the TV show share that same epic fantasy theme.
Game of Thrones isn't for everyone, but dedicated fantasy fans will be treated to a gripping and gritty fantasy loaded with battles and intrigue. Plus, Tyrion Lannister has more wit and charm than any halfing in the Fellowship.
Disenchantment (2018)
Coming off of something like Game of Thrones might require a show or a movie with a bit more levity than bloodshed, so fans wouldn't be remiss for tuning into Disenchantment. From the minds behind animated comedies like The Simpsons and Futurama, the series is a brilliant farce on all things fantasy.
Taking jabs at iconic fantasy creations like Dungeons and Dragons, Game of Thrones, and even Lord of the Rings, the series is a loving parody of various titles across the genre. Princess Bean might not be the noblest of heroines, but that doesn't mean she isn't an absolute hysterical joy to watch.
The Legend Of Vox Machina (2022)
If Disenchantment is a bit too goofy for certain hardcore fantasy fans, Vox Machina is there to serve as the happy medium for those wanting a classic fantasy setting with all the bells and whistles of something like Lord of the Rings, but with an equal serving of brash comedy and bloody battle sequences.
Critical Role's gang of adventurers might not be the Fellowship of the Ring, but their bold and brassy nature mixed with their chaotic personalities in such a beautiful high fantasy environment is what makes them so fun to watch. It's an epic for fans not wanting to take things so seriously.
The Wheel Of Time (2021)
Many grand and epic high fantasies involving a party of adventurers, monsters, and artifacts/people of power can trace their roots back to Tolkein's original series, and The Wheel of Time is certainly no exception. With wizards, warriors, and dark lords, its Middle-Earth influences are clearly and keenly felt.
Whether viewers have read Robert Jordan's books or not, they are still in for an engaging adventure set in a gorgeous realm of myth and monsters. It ticks a lot of boxes for the traditional fantasy narrative, but that's all part of the package in this tale of destiny, fate, and time.
Tolkien (2019)
Although It's not strictly a fantasy movie, Tolkien might be the film to shed a large amount of light on the origins of the One Ring before Amazon even gets a chance to release it. This biopic takes a dive into the life of J.R.R. Tolkien and the events that led up to the creation of his famous fantasy epic.
From his boyhood to his service during World War I, the film explores the evolution of both the man and the writer. Diving into themes of trauma, creativity, and imagination, the film paints only a slightly romanticized pic of the man behind the hobbits.
Beowulf (2007)
Beowulf is one of the oldest stories in recorded history, and Tolkien certainly took an element or two from the Viking saga, namely a certain fire-breathing dragon. However, the 2007 adaptation of the ancient poem certainly has a few rings of Middle-Earth amongst its warriors and mead halls.
Viewers will find no elves, wizards, or Ringwraiths amongst the Vikings, dragons, and witches, but they will be treated to an epic that comes with a tone fit for a war drama. The motion-capture animation might be a bit of an adjustment, but the fantasy is still omnipresent.
The Witcher (2019)
Some quests require a fellowship, some only need a professional. Geralt of Rivia is the ultimate monster hunter, and he's taken down more than a few different monsters fans of Tolkien's work might recognize. From wraiths to dragons, there's hardly anything Geralt can't handle, and there's plenty of action to go around in this Netflix series.
Tolkien fans will definitely appreciate the swords and sorcery elements, but they'll also come to love the use of royals, battles, prophecies, and intertwining fates just as they enjoyed the saga of the ring. The White Wolf just adds a sort of action-hero-flavor to an already epic universe.
The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)
While it might sound a bit unusual to watch a prequel before a prequel, The Hobbit trilogy offers up that same level of fantasy epic-ness as Lord of the Rings but with a decidedly more whimsical approach. Although its unlikely that the Rings of Power series will take such a fanciful tone, The Hobbit feels more tonally correct with Tolkien's voice.
What some fans might forget is that while Tolkien had an impeccable gift for languages, that doesn't mean he was all prophecies and swordplay 100% of the time. Sure, Middle-Earth is home to misty mountains cold, but it also abounds with wonder and magic. The writer was prone to frequent bounds of levity and whimsy, and nothing captures that better than a trip there and back again.
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