The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Directed by Peter Jackson · 2012 ·
Is The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey worth watching?
Yes. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) earns a 66% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audiences (83%) responded more warmly than critics (64%). See the 4 inputs.
4-input transparent breakdown
Also known as दि हॉबिट: एक अनोखा सफर El Hobbit: Un viaje inesperado Le Hobbit : Un voyage inattendu Der Hobbit - Eine unerwartete Reise O Hobbit: Uma Jornada Inesperada ホビット 思いがけない冒険 호빗: 뜻밖의 여정 霍比特人1：意外之旅
Warner Bros. / New Line Cinema Where to watch
- HBO Max
Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home, Spectrum On Demand
Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home
Where to watch The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey by country
| Country | Streaming on |
|---|---|
| India | Prime Video |
| Indonesia | Prime Video, Catchplay |
| Japan | Prime Video, Hulu, U-NEXT |
| Malaysia | Prime Video |
| Nigeria | Prime Video |
| Philippines | Prime Video |
| South Africa | Prime Video |
| Thailand | Prime Video |
| Turkey | Prime Video, TV+, HBO Max |
| United Arab Emirates | Prime Video |
| United Kingdom | Prime Video |
| United States | HBO Max |
Subscription availability, refreshed from TMDB. Rental and purchase options may differ.
Why this score?
- Celluloid's editorial rating is positive (64/100).
- General viewers mostly liked it (83%).
- Celluloid Score 66% combines 4 rating inputs; audience sentiment is shown separately. Consult the source notes for verification dates where recorded.
Best for
- Epic-length viewers who want a big-screen experience
- Crowd-pleaser seekers — audiences liked it more than critics
Not ideal for
- Viewers who only watch top-tier, 90%+ rated films
Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy
Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
Is The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey worth watching?
Yes — The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey earns a 66% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits epic-length viewers who want a big-screen experience, but viewers who only watch top-tier, 90%+ rated films may want to skip it. Read our full review (3/5).
Celluloid verdict
Jackson’s return to Middle-earth opens soft — longer and lighter than Fellowship, but still a grand gateway into Bilbo’s adventure.
Kaiser Khan, Founder & Editor
Audiences (83%) responded more warmly than critics (64%).
What is The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey about?
Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit enjoying his quiet life, is swept into an epic quest by Gandalf the Grey and thirteen dwarves who seek to reclaim their mountain home from Smaug, the dragon.
Watch the Trailer
Critic Reviews
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Review: Cosy but Overlong
★★★☆☆
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey brings Peter Jackson back to Middle-earth with a charming Martin Freeman as Bilbo, but pads a small adventure into a very long film.
It depends. Middle-earth devotees will enjoy the return visit and Freeman's Bilbo; anyone wanting the drive of The Lord of the Rings will find it slow and stretched.
Guides for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey stills
Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.
Images courtesy of TMDB. TMDB does not endorse or certify Celluloid.
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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: frequently asked questions
Is The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey worth watching?
Yes. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) has a Celluloid Score of 66%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.
Where can I watch The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey?
In the United States, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey streams on HBO Max with a subscription, and you can rent it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube. Elsewhere: Prime Video in India; Prime Video, Catchplay in Indonesia; Prime Video, Hulu, U-NEXT in Japan; Prime Video in Malaysia. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.
How long is The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey?
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey runs 2 hours 49 minutes (169 minutes).
What is The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey rated?
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is rated PG-13 in the United States, 12A in the UK, M in Australia, PG in Canada and 12 in South Korea. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.
Who stars in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey?
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is directed by Peter Jackson and stars Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Lee Pace, Benedict Cumberbatch.
What is the Metascore for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey?
Metacritic's Metascore for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is 58 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.
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