The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey, the first chapter in The Lord of the Rings prequel trilogy, initiates a new fantasy adventure in Middle-earth. Directed by Peter Jackson and released in 2012, the film follows Bilbo Baggins, an ordinary Hobbit drawn into a perilous quest alongside a group of Dwarves led by Thorin Oakbolt. It is one of six parts of Tolkien's saga to be released on Max from July 26, 2025.
The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey will be broadcast on Max from July 26, 2025.
Discover the first stages of Bilbo's adventure and the beginnings of the quest for the Ring in the film's trailer.
Synopsis: In An Unexpected Journey, Bilbo Baggins seeks to reclaim the lost Dwarf kingdom of Erebor, conquered by the fearsome dragon Smaug. When he stumbles across the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo joins a band of 13 Dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oaklegs. Their journey takes them to the heart of the Wild Country, where they must confront Goblins, Orcs, murderous Wargs, giant Spiders, Metamorphs and Wizards... Although they are destined to head east to the desert lands of Mount Solitaire, they must first escape the Goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature who will forever change the course of his life: Gollum. It's here, on the shores of an underground lake with Gollum, that the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only surprises himself with unexpected courage and intelligence, but also manages to get his hands on Gollum's "precious" ring, which conceals hidden powers... This simple golden ring is linked to the fate of Middle-earth, without Bilbo ever suspecting it...
The film would appeal to family audiences aged 10 and over, with their love of adventure stories and imaginary worlds. It could appeal to both new viewers and long-time fans of the Lord of the Rings saga. Lighter in tone than the following trilogy, An Unexpected Journey focuses on discovery, the landscapes of Middle-earth and the beginnings of the mythology of the Ring. It shares certain narrative and visual qualities with works such as The World of Narnia, Stardust and Crossroads.
Initially planned to be directed by Guillermo del Toro, the project was eventually taken over by Peter Jackson, already director of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The film was shot in New Zealand in high definition (HFR 48fps), a technical innovation at the time. The screenplay was written by Jackson, Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh, based on J.R.R. Tolkien 's novel The Hobbit and its appendices. This first installment introduces many recurring characters and lays the foundations for the conflict with Smaug and the growing shadow of Sauron.
The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey marks the beginning of the trilogy that traces the origins of the Ring and the first great quest in Middle-earth. Starring Martin Freeman and Ian McKellen, the film combines adventure, magic and wonder. Its release on Max with the other five parts of the saga offers an ideal opportunity to rediscover Tolkien's universe in chronological order.
What to watch on HBO Max in July 2025?
Find out what HBO Max has in store for you in July 2025: all the new series and movies you won't want to miss this month. [Read more]
Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Paramount+… Discover the films, series and on-demand releases to watch in May 2026 across streaming platforms. [Read more]
Today's new streaming releases: movies and series added today to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Paramount+, and VOD. [Read more]
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
What to watch on HBO Max in July 2025?
Streaming highlights May 2026: films and series to watch on Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video
What to watch today on streaming? Today's new releases
