Where to Watch Lord of the Rings Online in 2024

Do you want to relive the journey of Frodo, Sam, Gandalf, and the rest of the Fellowship of the Ring? Or maybe you're a newcomer to Middle-earth, eager to discover the wonders and dangers that lie beyond the Shire? Either way, you're in luck because there are plenty of ways to watch “The Lord of the Rings” online from the comfort of your own home.

In this article, we will explore the many ways to watch Peter Jackson and Amazon Prime Video's adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's  “Lord of the Rings.” Due to geo-restrictions and limited availability worldwide, finding where to watch it is a quest in itself. 

So grab your popcorn and read on to learn where to stream one of the most iconic franchises ever made, as well as how to get around any geo-restrictions with the help of a good virtual private network.

Where to watch "Lord of the Rings" movies and TV show

The “Lord of the Rings” saga includes six films, Extended Editions, and one television series. Below are the ways you can stream all of the “The Lord of the Rings” content available today:

The original trilogy:

• "Fellowship of the Ring" (2001): Max, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Hulu (with a premium subscription to Max) or Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango (to rent or buy)
• "Two Towers" (2002): Max, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube (with a premium subscription to Max) or Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango (to rent or buy)
• "Return of the King" (2003): Max, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube (with a premium subscription to Max) or Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango (to rent or buy)

“The Hobbit” movies:

• "An Unexpected Journey" (2012): Max, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Hulu (with a premium subscription to Max), Sling TV (with a premium subscription to TNT), Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango (to rent or buy), or TNT and TBS (with cable TV) 
• "Desolation of Smaug" (2013): Max, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube (with a premium subscription to Max) or Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango (to rent or buy)
• "Battle of the Five Armies" (2014): Max, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Hulu (with a premium subscription to Max), Sling TV (with a premium subscription to TNT), Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango (to rent or buy), or TNT and TBS (with cable TV)
  

TV series:

• "The Rings of Power" (2022): Amazon Prime Video (with a premium subscription)

If you can't access any of these streaming platforms, fear not! You can always use a VPN, a privacy tool that provides full access regardless of where you live. Read on to learn how.

How to watch "Lord of the Rings" with a VPN

If you’re on your own travel adventure, you could run into some orc-sized blockades between you and your streaming service. Due to geo-blocking, not everyone has equal access to a streaming platform’s content based on location.

Embark on an unforgettable journey alongside Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli as they venture to Isengard, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of "The Lord of the Rings." Choose between Max (formerly HBO Max), Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube to witness their heroic quest come to life in the series' entirety. Max awaits viewers in the United States and select regions, including parts of the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America. Amazon Prime Video offers this epic tale exclusively to audiences in the United States and Canada.

Dealing with geo-restrictions? Expand your streaming horizons beyond the confines of the United States or Canada with a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection and lets you bypass these restrictions to access content from anywhere.

With the aid of a VPN, connect to a U.S. or Canadian server and unlock access to the enchanting world of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy on Amazon Prime Video. Just keep in mind that using a VPN to stream might violate the terms of service of the streaming provider.

If you don't want to purchase a premium HBO Max subscription, you can also rent or buy the series from Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango.

How to use a VPN for "Lord of the Rings"

Here's how you can use a VPN to watch “The Lord of the Rings” from anywhere in the world:

1. Choose a reliable VPN: Look for VPNs that are fast, offer strong encryption, and have a wide range of server locations. We recommend Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN as the best VPNs for streaming.
2. Install and set up the VPN: Download the VPN application compatible with your device and operating system. Follow the instructions to install and set up the VPN on your device. Once installed, launch the VPN application.
3. Connect to a server: Connect to a server location where “The Lord of the Rings” movies are available and start streaming without any hassle.

You will need an active subscription to the streaming platform you're trying to access. While a VPN allows you to access content from anywhere in the world, it doesn't give you access to the content itself.

The best VPNs for watching the "Lord of the Rings"

• Surfshark: With thousands of servers located worldwide, Surfshark helps you unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Hulu, HBO Max, and many more streaming services. It also comes with bonus features like CleanWeb, a malware and ad blocker, to help keep you safe online.
  
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• ExpressVPN: If you need a reliable way to unblock streaming services, look no further than ExpressVPN. Its Lightway protocol ensures your internet speed is fast enough to prevent that dreaded buffering icon while you watch Gimly and Legolas compete to see who can dispatch the most orcs.
  
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• NordVPN: Another favorite for streamers, NordVPN is an easy-to-use VPN with a feature called Meshnet. Meshnet is rumored to help you get around the Netflix password-sharing ban so you can continue streaming without any hiccups even while you travel outside the U.S.
  
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How to watch "Lord of the Rings" on Netflix

Unfortunately, U.S. customers can't watch “Lord of the Rings” on Netflix. But don’t worry, a handy-dandy VPN can help bypass those limitations — no long walk to Mordor is required.

Currently, Netflix has the rights to broadcast the “Lord of the Rings” films in only seven countries:

• Australia
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Sweden
• Turkey

To watch “The Lord of the Rings” on Netflix from anywhere else, you need to change your Netflix location to one of these countries.

You can do this easily in four steps:

1. Create a new VPN account using a fast, quality VPN.
2. Download and install the new VPN app on your device.
3. Select a server based in one of the countries above.
4. Open Netflix and watch “The Lord of the Rings.”

Note that it is not illegal to use a VPN to access Netflix, but not all VPNs are capable of unblocking it. We recommend these three VPNs as the best VPNs for Netflix:

• NordVPN: Fast and convenient
  
• Proton VPN: Best free VPN
• Surfshark: Fastest speed finder

Not all VPNs are created equal. These VPNs are the best VPNs for Netflix, easily bypassing geo-blocking and unblocking Netflix.

Where to buy "Lord of the Rings" online

Love “The Lord of the Rings” so much that you want to buy it? We don’t blame you. This beloved saga is available on several streaming platforms for you to choose from. Here’s where you can buy LOTR movies and shows:

• Amazon Prime Video: Purchase or rent the entire original trilogy, “The Hobbit” movies, and exclusive "The Rings of Power" TV series on Amazon Prime for diverse device streaming.
• Apple TV: Purchase or rent the movies and TV series to enjoy on compatible devices.
• Google Play: Purchase or rent "The Lord of the Rings" movies and "The Hobbit" trilogy for flexible streaming on compatible devices.
• Fandango at Home (Vudu): Explore digital purchase or rental options for "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "The Hobbit" movies on a wide range of supported devices.

If you prefer a hard copy format, Amazon has this collection in DVD and Blu-ray formats.

How to watch "Lord of the Rings" in chronological order

If you're a die-hard “Lord of the Rings” fan, you know the movies were not released in chronological order. For a new viewer, the story can be hard to follow.

Here is each “Lord of the Rings” release in chronological order:

• “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” (2022)
• “The Hobbit: The Unexpected Journey” (2012)
• “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” (2013)
• “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” (2014)
• “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001)
• “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” (2002)
• “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003)

To kick off the saga, you should start with “The Rings of Power” TV series. Amazon Prime Video’s highly anticipated series takes viewers on a captivating journey into the rich history of Middle-earth. Set thousands of years before the events of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings," the eight-episode prequel reveals the secrets behind the creation of the One Ring and the ultimate defeat of the formidable Sauron.

While the series introduces a host of new creatures and characters, there are also familiar faces that fans will recognize. Let's take a closer look at some of the returning characters and the actors bringing them to life:

• Galadriel: Known as one of the most beautiful and powerful Elves in Middle-earth, Galadriel is portrayed by Morfydd Clark in this series. Unlike the serene and wise elf we know from "The Lord of the Rings," this younger version of Galadriel embarks on a journey driven by anger and revenge, leaving her homeland to confront Sauron.

• Elrond: Robert Aramayo takes on the role of Elrond, who later becomes a key figure in "The Lord of the Rings." In this prequel series, Elrond is depicted as a young elf sent on a special project alongside the Elven smith Celebrimbor. His involvement in the forging of the rings of power remains to be unveiled.
• Gil-galad: Gil-galad, the last High King of the Elves and ruler of Lindon, is portrayed by Benjamin Walker. Though his appearance in "The Fellowship of the Ring" was brief, this series delves into his powerful reign, showcasing the respect he commands from characters like Elrond and Galadriel.
• Isildur: Maxim Baldry brings the character of Isildur to life in "The Rings of Power." Isildur, an ancestor of Aragorn, played a pivotal role in the history of Middle-earth. Viewers will witness Isildur's journey from his fateful encounter with Sauron to his ultimate downfall.

Next in line is “The Hobbit” trilogy. This follows Bilbo Baggins and his companions as they encounter Gollum, discover the One Ring, and confront the formidable dragon Smaug. Although released after “The Lord of the Rings,” “The Hobbit” is set approximately 60 years prior.

“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, on the other hand, centers around Bilbo's cousin, Frodo Baggins, who embarks on a treacherous journey to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom in Mordor.

Experiencing “The Lord of the Rings” in chronological order provides a comprehensive view of the events that unfolded in Middle Earth. By following the story as it occurred within the fictional universe, you can better understand the intricate web of characters, conflicts, and the significance of the rings.

Whether you're a fan of the heroes, villains, or the enchanting power of the rings, watching “The Lord of the Rings” in chronological order ensures that you won't miss a beat in this epic saga.

How to watch the "Lord of the Rings" FAQ

Bottom line

There are numerous ways to immerse yourself in the beloved fantasy world of "The Lord of the Rings." Follow Frodo, Gandalf, and Arwen's epic journey on Max and Amazon Prime Video, which offer streaming of the original trilogies and the "The Rings of Power" TV series. If you prefer ownership, you can purchase or rent these titles on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and the Microsoft Store. Physical copies in DVD and Blu-ray formats can be found on Amazon and at Best Buy.

Now that you know how to use a VPN, be sure to check out the best VPNs for streaming. We highly recommend Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN if you're serious about speed or want to bypass Netflix geo-restrictions. Whichever route you choose, now you’ll be able to watch your favorite saga of all time. Happy viewing!

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Cheyenne Lightfoot

About the Author

Cheyenne Lightfoot is a freelance content writer specializing in the intersection between identity and access management and user privacy. As an account executive, she has helped small-to-medium-sized businesses prevent data breaches, safeguard sensitive information, and achieve compliance with passwordless multi-factor authentication software.