The beloved adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's works, The Lord of the Rings films, are making a grand return to theaters in 2024 as part of a special two-weekend event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring. Fans can experience all three Extended Editions featuring stunning DBOX presentations from January 16-18, followed by standard formats from January 23-25. Each film is famously long—the Extended Edition of The Return of the King alone runs nearly four-and-a-half hours. Expect exclusive merchandise at select theaters, including themed popcorn buckets. As excitement builds for this re-release, it's worth noting Warner Bros. is also planning a new film titled The Hunt for Gollum, scheduled for release in December 2027, which will delve into the quest for the One Ring.

What is the runtime of each Extended Edition of The Lord of the Rings films?

The Extended Edition runtimes are as follows: The Fellowship of the Ring: 3 hours and 48 minutes, The Two Towers: 3 hours and 55 minutes, and The Return of the King: 4 hours and 23 minutes.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson and based on J.R.R. Tolkien's epic novels, revolutionized the fantasy genre in cinema. Its groundbreaking special effects and compelling storytelling captivated audiences worldwide, making it a cultural phenomenon. The original films received multiple Academy Awards and continue to influence filmmakers and the fantasy genre even two decades later. With the upcoming The Hunt for Gollum film, the legacy and the universe of Middle-earth will surely expand, thrilling both new audiences and long-time fans alike.