The newest entry in the Lord of the Rings universe hits theaters this week. In honor of its release, this week’s binge looks at the previous six films from that world that appeared in theaters. Films appear in ascending order.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
About: This was the third and final Hobbit film. I maintain that one of the issues here was inflating such a small story into three very long films. This was the concluding film, and it’s fine, but it’s my least favorite of the three.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
About: This was the first of the Hobbit films. I always loved the book as a young person, and I remember my Dad reading it to me. This film captured some of that feeling. I also enjoyed Martin Freeman in the lead role. But this feels a bit like the plot structure of the first Lord of the Rings film.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
About: The middle leg of the trilogy, this one works the best for me. I enjoy Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug and the overall arc of the story here. This probably best captures the parts of the book that most appealed to me.

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003)
About: This was the concluding film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I like all these films a lot, but this is the one that ends up the lowest for me. The culminating battle is great but it’s not as interesting to me as some of what comes before it.

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
About: There was so much pressure on this film to really build a world and establish a franchise. And this film succeeds at that so well. There are some beautiful moments here as the players come together—only to be torn apart. It is a great road movie.

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
About: This is my favorite of the films. In many ways it’s the darkest of the films, but that appeals to me greatly. I also really love the Battle of Helms Deep, which is incredibly epic. I still remember seeing this in theaters and the way it moved me. It still does.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.