Have you ever wondered what The Lord of the Rings would look like if it was made by people with a really wild imagination? Well, now you can find out. Two strange animated versions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous stories from the 1970s are now streaming on Max.
These movies, The Hobbit (1977) and The Lord of the Rings (1978), were made decades before Peter Jackson’s famous trilogy. While they may not be as polished as Jackson’s movies, they have their own quirky charm. Let’s take a closer look at these unusual films and what’s next for Tolkien fans.
The Hobbit (1977): A Simple but Sweet Adventure
Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., this animated version of The Hobbit sticks closely to the original book. Even though the animation is a bit outdated, the story is told well enough to make it enjoyable.
It captures the magic of Bilbo Baggins’ journey in a way that younger viewers and longtime fans can appreciate.
The Lord of the Rings (1978): A Bit Too Ambitious
Ralph Bakshi’s The Lord of the Rings tries to cram all three books into one movie. The result? A story that feels rushed and incomplete.
The animation style is also unusual. Bakshi used a technique called rotoscoping, where live actors are traced over to create animated characters. Some people find it interesting, but others think it looks awkward.
This movie might not be the best introduction to Tolkien’s world, but it’s worth watching if you’re curious about older adaptations.
What’s Next for Tolkien Fans?
If animated classics aren’t your thing, don’t worry! There’s plenty of new Lord of the Rings content on the way.
The Hunt for Gollum: A New Live-Action Prequel
A new live-action movie called The Hunt for Gollum is in the works. It’s being directed by Andy Serkis, the actor who played Gollum in Peter Jackson’s films.
This movie will take place before The Fellowship of the Ring. While we don’t know the full cast yet, Serkis has teased that some fan-favorite characters will make an appearance.
The War of the Rohirrim: A New Animated Adventure
Another animated movie, The War of the Rohirrim, is set to hit theaters on December 13.
This story happens 183 years before The Fellowship of the Ring. It focuses on Helm Hammerhand, a king of Rohan, and his daughter Hera as they defend their home from a deadly enemy.
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Why Watch These Old Animated Films?
The 1970s versions of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings may not be perfect, but they’re a fascinating part of Tolkien history. Streaming now on Max, they’re a great way to see how filmmakers brought Middle-earth to life long before CGI and big budgets.
With exciting new movies like The Hunt for Gollum and The War of the Rohirrim on the way, now is a great time to revisit these classics and prepare for what’s next in Middle-earth.