Every Peter Jackson Film Ranked Worst To Best

Despite suffering from many of the same issues that plague its two sequels, the first of the Hobbit trilogy makes for an excellent example in worldbuilding. Fans get a chance to see Bilbo Baggins before the events of the Lord of the Rings, and with some compelling dialogue, effective action and great performances, the results are quite striking.

In An Unexpected Journey, Bilbo finds himself joining Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and the Dwarves through Middle-earth, to retrieve ancient riches from the dragon Smaug.

Though the film is let down by a slow first act and an overindulgence in CGI, it still works well as the beginning of a grander tale. The creatures and new characters are, for the most part, great additions to the franchise, and Freeman and a returning Andy Serkis are particular standouts. If more care had been taken with the effects and narrative flow, An Unexpected Journey would have made for a far better film, but even with its faults it's a decent and ambitious ride let down by its sequels.