10 Movies and Shows Like The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Description: This film is part of the same high-fantasy universe as The Hobbit, sharing the same director, Peter Jackson, and similar visual aesthetics. Both films feature epic quests, rich world-building, and a mix of practical and CGI effects to bring Middle-earth to life.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, which became synonymous with Middle-earth. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography. The character of Aragorn was originally offered to Nicolas Cage, who turned it down.

Description: The climax of the trilogy, this film shares the Hobbit's themes of heroism and sacrifice. The grandeur of its battles and the emotional depth of its characters mirror the intensity of Smaug's confrontation in The Hobbit.

Fact: It won all 11 Academy Awards it was nominated for, including Best Picture, tying the record for most Oscars won by a single film. The extended edition runs over four hours. The film's success led to the greenlighting of The Hobbit trilogy.

Description: Continuing the epic narrative, this film shares the same dark and grand tone as The Desolation of Smaug, with large-scale battles and intricate character development. The use of CGI for creatures like Gollum set a precedent for Smaug's creation.

Fact: The Battle of Helm's Deep took four months to film. Andy Serkis's performance as Gollum was groundbreaking for motion capture technology. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning two.

Description: This film shares The Hobbit's sense of wonder and adventure, with a group of children entering a magical world. Both films feature epic battles and mythical creatures, appealing to family audiences with their blend of fantasy and heart.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, like The Lord of the Rings. Tilda Swinton's portrayal of the White Witch was critically acclaimed. It won the Academy Award for Best Makeup.

Description: This film, like The Hobbit, centers on a young protagonist who discovers a destiny tied to a dragon. Both explore themes of friendship and bravery in a high-fantasy context, though Eragon is more focused on the bond between rider and dragon.

Fact: Based on Christopher Paolini's novel, which he wrote as a teenager. The film was criticized for its deviations from the source material. Jeremy Irons and John Malkovich starred in the film.

Description: This film shares The Hobbit's whimsical tone and adventure-driven plot, blending fantasy with humor and romance. Both feature quests for magical objects and encounters with eccentric characters in enchanted worlds.

Fact: Based on Neil Gaiman's novel. The film features a star-studded cast, including Robert De Niro as a cross-dressing pirate. It was directed by Matthew Vaughn, who later directed Kingsman: The Secret Service.

Description: Like The Hobbit, this series is rooted in high fantasy, featuring complex political intrigue, mythical creatures, and expansive world-building. Both emphasize the struggle for power and the impact of war on their worlds.

Fact: The series is based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels. It became a cultural phenomenon, known for its unexpected character deaths. The dragons in the show were created using CGI, similar to Smaug.

Description: This installment continues the Narnia series' tradition of high-seas adventure and mythical quests, similar to Bilbo's journey in The Hobbit. Both films emphasize courage and self-discovery in fantastical settings.

Fact: The film was converted to 3D in post-production. It was the last Narnia film distributed by 20th Century Fox. The dragon in the film was created using CGI, much like Smaug.

Description: This series, like The Hobbit, combines adventure with deep philosophical questions. Both feature young protagonists navigating perilous worlds filled with magical elements and moral dilemmas.

Fact: Based on Philip Pullman's trilogy. The series features an all-star cast, including James McAvoy and Ruth Wilson. The daemons in the show were created using a mix of CGI and puppetry.

Description: This series shares The Hobbit's epic fantasy scope, with a diverse cast of characters embarking on a dangerous journey. Both explore themes of destiny and the battle between good and evil, set in richly detailed worlds.

Fact: Based on Robert Jordan's bestselling novels. The series was filmed in the Czech Republic and Slovenia. Rosamund Pike, who plays Moiraine, is also a narrator for the audiobook versions of the series.