Peter Jackson’s trilogy The Lord of the Rings, stills holds up as one of the best in cinema. It not only brings J.R.R. Tolkien’s creative genius to life, but it masterfully told a thrilling adventure about overcoming impossible obstacles in the most fantastical and horrific realm of Middle Earth.
For fans, deciding which is the best of the three films is a never-ending debate, though everyone seems to be in agreement that they are all masterpieces for specific reasons. Choosing which film is the best is tough, but each film improved from the former. As the journey progressed and the heroes grew, so too did the creators’ efforts.
8 The Further They Journeyed, The Stronger The Fellowship Became
When the Fellowship was first formed, the audience believed they’d be together as a motley group forever. Their dynamic still had a lot of work, however, with Gimli and Legolas at odds, and the Hobbits vulnerability in combat. It was sad to see them separated, and their faith in their friendship was challenged.
With Sam and Frodo, and Mary and Pippin separated, they’d have to depend on each other to rise to the occasion while Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas believed everything would work out in the end. Sam and Frodo’s friendship was challenged more than the rest. The rising tension between the two was so well built with each film, it felt as real as it was heartbreaking. In spite of all the mounting challenges along the way, the Fellowship reunited stronger than ever in the end.
7 Many Of The Heroes Were Given Fantastic Growth Across The Films
It’s very rare to see a film franchise with multiple characters who experience incredible character growth, not just the protagonist. Sam and Aragorn have the greatest growth. Sam started out as shy and fearful, but wound up being the bravest and most inspirational character. Aragorn was always a fantastic leader, but when he finally accepted his role as King he finally came into his own.
Other characters rose to the challenge and did their part in the War of the Ring. Mary and Pippin, went from clueless fools to fierce warriors across the second and third films. Éowyn also undergoes her own growth which leads to one of the greatest fight scenes in the trilogy.
6 Frodo’s And Sméagol’s Mental Spiral Built Up The Trilogy’s Drama Perfectly
There are many interesting character dynamics across the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but nothing is as complex and central to the plot as Frodo’s and Sméagol’s. Frodo first hears about the twisted character under the name Gollum from Gandalf in the first film. When they finally meet, Frodo pities Gollum, looking beyond his insanity and seeing the person he once was, Sméagol. Frodo does what most would never think of, he tries to help him.
The insight into Sméagol’s past adds humanity to the character and also foreshadows what will happen to Frodo. In spite of what people may think, Frodo has hope that Sméagol will find his way and by helping him he himself has a chance to be saved. Sadly, with how Sméagol is treated and how betrayed he feels, his darker side returns. When Frodo is finally corrupted and battles with Gollum over the ring it’s a sign of how maddening it is to be the Ring Bearer and also makes for a very dramatic finale.
5 The Stakes Were Raised With Each Passing Film
In the trilogy’s first scene, it’s established that Sauron’s reign could throw Middle Earth into chaos. When Frodo meets Galadriel, he’s shown a vision of the Shire set ablaze and his people enslaved, this vision would be actualized if he failed.
The second film does an even better job of showing Sauron’s impact on the world with Théoden’s manipulation, King of Rohan, and Saruman’s murder of several Ents. As more characters become involved, the stakes are raised as beloved characters could become heavy losses, such as when Elrond informs Aragorn that Arwen will die if they don’t succeed in the final film. If that wasn’t enough pressure for the heroes, there’s also the risk of the Ring’s power, which not only drives Boromir mad, but gradually corrupts Frodo as the journey progresses.
4 The Fights Become Bigger And More Creative
As thrilling as The Fellowship of the Ring is, the battles are not as astounding as they are in the sequel, and there’s a thrilling improvement with the final film. Granted, Gandalf’s fight with the Balrog is unquestionably breathtaking, but the rest of the fights in the first film are short-lived. The second film has the first high-stakes battle at Helm’s Deep, which combines dramatic fights with strategy in a drawn-out battle that defines the film.
In Return of the King, the final battles are on another level. Building up to the battle over Minas Tirith, the heroes are pushed to their breaking point, but more than that, it’s clear that the film’s creators had a lot of fun. From Aragorn charging with an army of ghosts to Legolas single-handedly taking down an Oliphant, not to mention the intense one-on-ones between Éowyn and the Nazgul, in addition to Frodo versus Gollum miles away, the battles are at their peak in the finale.
3 Increasing The Fear Keeps The Audience On Their Toes
While The Fellowship of the Ring has many chilling moments, from the intense chase scenes to the dramatic buildup of battles, it never reached the anxiety-inducing levels that the second and even more so the third films reached. Sam and Frodo’s journey to Mordor grows more treacherous, unsettling, and hopeless as they are guided by Sméagol.
The set design, location, make-up, and wardrobe, along with the actors’ incredible performances, weighed down the audience with the fictional burden these characters carry. In The Return of the King production outdoes themselves, especially when it comes to Sam and Frodo’s story. As viewers follow the heroes delving further and further into Mordor, the fear increases, which serves for the greatest pay-off in the end when the heroes are finally free of their journey’s terrors.
2 Challenging The Audience’s Faith In A Happy Ending
While the first movie definitely hints that the journey will be far from easy, there is still hope. The heroes know what they must do and they still have a strength about them, but throughout The Two Towers that strength is pushed to the limit. Thankfully, Sam brings some hope back by the end of the film and the heroes manage to overcome their battles.
Throughout The Return of the King, however, there is so much that the heroes have to endure. Pippin is targeted by Sauron, the army of men is at a huge disadvantage yet again, and Frodo is losing himself to the Ring’s influence. At the bitter end when Frodo is clawing his way up Mount Doom and time is running out for everyone, holding onto hope is so exhausting for viewers, but it’s worth it for the uplifting finale.
1 The Soundtracks Enhanced Each Story
Beneath the acting, set design, and special effects lies the soundtrack which works to carry each scene’s emotional impact. Musical composer Howard Shore added the final piece to this perfect trilogy and the music improves with each film.
Each soundtrack has the film’s essence and as the drama and emotion intensify, so does Shore’s composition. The first film bounces from upbeat to dramatic, while the second is overall intense and depressing, except during Sam’s speech when a little hope is lit for the heroes. The third film brings many musical themes back and upgrades them so to speak with new, more dramatic tones to match the final film. Though certain themes carry over throughout, there are certain sounds like Treebeard’s theme and the triumphant music when Aragorn is given Anduril that help to mark certain scenes and enhance them.