The three films, entitled An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug, and The Battle of the Five Armies, are released worldwide in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

They are based on J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy novel, The Hobbit, adapted for the screen by Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Guillermo del Toro.

A large ensemble cast was featured in the series, which included Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Aidan Turner, Dean O'Gorman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly, Orlando Bloom, Lee Pace, Christopher Lee, Stephen Fry and Ryan Gage.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was released in New Zealand on 12 December 2012.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug was released in December 12.