5 fantasy films that prove Peter Jackson's legendary status
What's the story
We all know how much of an impact the legendary Peter Jackson has had on fantasy cinema with his visionary direction. The man has redefined epic storytelling and groundbreaking visual effects with his films. Here are five timeless fantasy films directed by Jackson that have captivated audiences across the globe. The storytelling in each of them speaks volumes about his genius.
Epic journey
'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'
Released in 2001, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is the first installment in the acclaimed trilogy. The film takes the audience to Middle-earth and follows Frodo Baggins as he sets out on a quest to destroy a powerful ring. With its stunning landscapes and intricate plot, this movie set new standards for fantasy filmmaking and received numerous accolades.
Battle for Middle-earth
'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'
Continuing from where its predecessor left off, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers was released in 2002. This second installment delves deeper into the battle between good and evil forces in Middle-earth. Known for its impressive battle sequences and character development, it further solidified Jackson's reputation as a master storyteller.
Triumphant conclusion
'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'
Concluding the epic trilogy, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King hit theaters in 2003. It depicts final battles against forces threatening Middle-earth's peace, while resolving various character arcs introduced earlier on screen. Winning multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, cemented this film's place among cinema classics.
Legendary remake
'King Kong' (2005)
In 2005, Jackson took on another ambitious project with a remake of King Kong. Set in the Great Depression era of New York City, it is about a giant ape captured from Skull Island, eventually escaping captivity, wreaking havoc across the cityscape before meeting a tragic fate atop the Empire State Building itself! Combining state-of-the-art special effects with emotional depth in narrative structure made this version stand out among previous adaptations.
Prequel adventure
'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'
Released in 2012, An Unexpected Journey is the first in The Hobbit prequel series. It follows the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and a group of dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, to reclaim their homeland, Erebor, from the dragon Smaug. Despite its pacing criticisms in comparison to the original novel, fans loved returning to their beloved settings and characters under Jackson's direction.