Ranking the Franchise - The Lord of the Rings

When I was visiting some friends, we started talking about “The Lord of the Rings” and ever since that evening I’ve been wanting to rewatch the trilogy. So I did and also found the opportunity to rank the three films. And there is simply no bad movie in this series. Here is my ranking of the films, and it was very hard to do, since it comes down to very little details.

3. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
After the fellowship fell apart, our heroes go their own way in this dark sequel to the first film. Frodo and Sam are accompanied by the ambiguous Gollum. And the genius behind Gollum is born in the incredible performance of Andy Serkis. The themes of the trilogy become much more explicit and moving, because the countries of Middle-Earth realize that they have to stand together to defeat this great evil. The film is most memorable because of the impressive battle of Helm’s Deep.

2. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Frodo and Sam finally complete their journey to destroy the One Ring in the conclusion of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. For some, the film may take a little too long, after all it is over 3 hours long. But you can’t blame Peter Jackson for taking the time to find the right note to finish his magnum opus. Moving and emotionally driven, “Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” is a perfect finale to an amazing fantasy film trilogy.

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The film that started a phenomenon. This first “Lord of the Rings” film introduced moviegoers to iconic characters such as Gandalf, Frodo Baggins and Aragorn. A group of nine companions embark on a dangerous search for Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring before the dark Lord Sauron takes control of Middle-Earth and director Peter Jackson imbues the story with enough atmosphere, sharp images and epic stories to have created a film that can easily be considered the “Star Wars” of his generation, in terms of cultural impact. The first film is, and always will be, my favorite in the series.

Top 5 Thursday: Movie Scores

You just have to hear the song and you know which movie it’s from. Those scores you can hum along and just make that great movie even greater. Here are my five favorite instrumental movie scores and I have to tell you it was really hard to do this!

5. Concerning Hobbits by Howard Shore (“The Lord of the Rings”)

This franchise is one of my all-time favorites and I’m especially a fan of the hobbits. And they have an amazing theme song. I love this score.

 

 

 

4. Becoming One of the People by James Horner (“Avatar”)

“Avatar” is an amazing piece of cinema, but is completed with its music by James Horner. This theme is just beautiful.

 

 

 

3. The Raiders March by John Williams (“Raiders of the Lost Ark”)

This score is just recognizable to anyone, even people who haven’t seen the movies (which is weird by the way, who has never watched it). Indiana Jones is an iconic movie character with an equally iconic theme.

 

 

 

2. Journey to the Island by John Williams (“Jurassic Park”)

“Jurassic Park” is one of my all-time favorite movies and that music is so iconic. As the Indiana Jones theme, everyone knows this too.

 

 

 

1. Now We are Free by Hans Zimmer/ Lisa Gerrard (“Gladiator”)

Probably not the most popular choice, but such an amazingly beautiful and heart felt score. It gives me the chills every single time.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Comptine d'un autre été - L'après midi by Yann Tiersen (“Amélie”), Star Wars Main Theme by John Williams, The Imperial March by John Williams (“Star Wars”), Harry Potter Main Theme by John Williams/ Alexandre Desplat, Pirates of the Caribbean Main Theme by Hans Zimmer/ Klaus Badelt, Liz on Top of the World by Dario Marianelli (“Pride & Prejudice”), Back to the Future Main Theme by Alan Silvestri, Jaws Main Theme by John Williams, End Title by Thomas Newman (“The Shawshank Redemption”), Dream is Collapsing by Hans Zimmer (“Inception”), Halloween Main Theme by John Carpenter, Chevaliers De Sangreal by Hans Zimmer (“The Da Vinci Code”), I’m Forrest by Alan Silvestri (“Forrest Gump”)