The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

After Smaug's assault on Laketown, Bilbo Baggins stays with Thorin Oakenshield and the dwarves in the reclaimed Lonely Mountain, where a vast treasure hoard sparks rising tensions. Representatives of the ruined town and the wood-elves arrive to press claims, and Thorin's growing pride and suspicion put fragile allegiances at risk. Meanwhile Azog the Defiler leads a massive Orc host south as Sauron's shadow returns, setting the stage for a large, decisive conflict. As armies gather around Erebor, small choices and acts of courage from unlikely figures take on far-reaching consequences, while civilians and soldiers alike brace for enormous disruption across the region. The film focuses on how loyalty, honor and the cost of leadership reshape relationships under pressure and sacrifice.

Released in 2014, the film was directed by Peter Jackson and serves as the finale of his Hobbit adaptation, drawing from J. R. R. Tolkien's novel with screenplay contributions by Philippa Boyens and Guillermo del Toro, and longtime film collaborators.

The movie was a major commercial success worldwide, closing the Hobbit trilogy with strong ticket sales and large international audiences, and helping the three films secure their place among modern fantasy blockbusters. It drew especially large audiences in international markets.

Its sprawling battle sequences and extended action set pieces became a focal point for viewers and critics, fueling debates about adaptation choices. The movie amplified interest in Tauriel and Legolas, inspired fan edits and online discussions, and closed a high-profile chapter in Middle-earth on film, and still sparks fan debate.

Reviews were mixed to positive, with many critics praising the production design, visual effects and combat choreography, while some faulted the film's length and added storylines. Central themes include greed and its costs, the burden of leadership, solidarity among diverse peoples, and how small acts can sway larger events.