User Score
8.9 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 1521 Ratings

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  1. AaronL.
    Dec 24, 2003
    10
    Magnificent end to an incredible series. There has never been anything like it nor, in my opinion, will there be anything to equal or surpass it. Simply an amazing cinematic experience.
  2. EstherN.
    Dec 26, 2003
    10
    Oh my gosh this movie is awesome! THis is my bit of advice for you. If you haven't seen it, go see it. I'm not lying. Obviously many people think I'm not, too. From the cute Pippin to the serious Aragorn, this movie is the best movie ever made.
  3. KevinE.
    Dec 29, 2003
    10
    The best film trilogy ever. Unlike Matrix which went downhill after the first one, the LOTR trilogy started out fantastic and got better throughout the whole series. That is unheard of in a film series. I have to laugh at the people giving this 2's, 1's and 0's. Where are their standards? did they give Cat in the Hat -10? This one looks to win oscars big time.
  4. GerryD.
    Dec 20, 2003
    10
    Pure genius, the best film ever made.
  5. DanL.
    Dec 30, 2003
    10
    Incredible film. but i cant help but wonder why the christian science monitor gave it a 50. could it be because LOTRs has more fans than god?
  6. RaymondCool
    Dec 31, 2003
    10
    I didnt mind even if it is a 3 hour film. I was just lost in it. It felt like i was in the movie. I hope it was longer.
  7. MichaelW.
    Jan 11, 2004
    10
    The movie was very suspenseful and kept you asking for more...Anybody who says this movie stunk is not a true fan.....the first was ok, and the 2nd was pretty good, but The Return of the King is the greatest of the 3 and the best movie of all time!!!
  8. JimO.
    Jan 10, 2004
    10
    This was an incredible film about an incredible story. Even if you don't have the brain capacity or the attention span to enjoy it, at least recognize how incredible it is.
  9. BenA.
    Jan 1, 2004
    10
    Never have I had higher expectations for a movie; never have my expectations for a movie been so blown away. That's how good this movie is.
  10. DanP.
    Jan 1, 2004
    9
    It was a good clear visual interpretation of the book. The book is a big story to fit into 3.5 hours and some stuff was left out. The themes of fall, redemption and hope were clear. Also a theme of the need for help from the others and perhaps from beyond what men alone can do.
  11. AndrewH.
    Jan 1, 2004
    10
    this movie was probably the best for 2003. the acting and all was great. what a great climax for such a magnificant movie. the only thing was the last 15 minutes drags a bit but i still gave it a 10, besides that there was great action,plot.storyline,etc... how can anyone not like this movie and smeagal was awesome and funny.
  12. JeffC.
    Jan 1, 2004
    10
    Amazing movie. because i havent read the books yet i can see how entertaining and emotionally riveting this movie really is. the battle in pellenor fields was the best action- fighting sequence i have ever seen. the lure of emotion that this film has is unbelieveable. i wish 200 minutes in class flew by as fast as these did. i hope that r.o.t.k. takes home all of the awards because this movie sure does deserve them. Expand
  13. RubyFoxburr
    Jan 10, 2004
    10
    The best movie ever!!!!! Need I say more? Yes, of course. The acting in this movie is excellent, especially Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Billy Boyd, and Sean Astin. The battle scenes are NOT too long, they're incredibly short. Too long to wait for the extended edition so that we can fill in some of those gaps, possibly. The soundtrack is wonderful, definitely the best of the three movies. Yes, of course, Peter Jackson did have to change a few things, or delete them, but all good movies must be like that, right? You can't take a piece of literature as in-depth as Tolkiens, and expect it to be exactly like the book. For those of you who are complaining about scenes being left out, thats what the extended edition is for. Anyone who disses this movie as bad as some of you, who have rated it a zero or one, is definitely not a true Tolkien fan. And, by the way, to one of you who said that there are only seven Tolkien books, you're wrong. There are twelve histories of Middle Earth, there's the Silmarillion, the Unfinished Tales, all three Lord of the Rings books, and some other non-Middle Earth related books, like Roverandom. If you're going to post at least be educated about what you're going to say first. This movie was incredible. Not for the special effects(which I hardly payed attention to, I was too immersed in the actual story), not for anything but the content and emotional characteristics of the story. For those of you who complain about multiple endings, they couldn't have ended it with the scene at Mt. Doom where the first ending comes in, it leaves out the importance of what happens to the characters after the Quest. These endings were important to the overall story of the books, Peter Jackson would be a fool to exclude them from the film. And as for some of you that say there is no reason to cry at the end of the movie? Have you even read the books? I have saw it 8 times, and every time I find myself in tears as Frodo leaves for the Grey Havens. The music at that scene is incredible, I think that's part of what starts the tears, then there's the actual departure and Sam's return home, where I cry from his final quote. I cried at that in the book as well. So for all you people who rate this movie a zero and diss it completely, either you have no appreciation for a great movie, or you haven't seen it and just want to annoy us true fans. So, if you have anything to say to me, contact me. If it's to complain, I must warn you: Shelob, Ungoliant, and Morgoth await my command to feast on you should you start a fight with me. You will NOT win. LOL Good Night. Expand
  14. Fiffi
    Jan 12, 2004
    10
    Best movie I've ever seen.
  15. JimmyF.
    Jan 16, 2004
    10
    AWESOME!!! Best one in the trilogy. Great Music.
  16. Danny
    Jan 17, 2004
    10
    This movie ROCKED!!!!
  17. KenG.
    Jan 18, 2004
    10
    This is the movie with which to judge all others...and that's bad news for the others. Sweeping, fantastic, heartfelt, amazing...I wanted more after the 3 hours and 20 minutes concluded.
  18. CanirB.
    Jan 19, 2004
    10
    After all that PJ has put into these three films, particularly this last one, if he doesn't get an Oscar for directing, I will quit watching movies forever.
  19. DamienP.
    Jan 19, 2004
    10
    One word --- Fantastic! Truly one of the greatest films I have witnessed. It just feels so epic. The story pulls you in so deeply, that you actually find your self moving in your seat. Peter Jackson's finest hour (or 3.25 to be precise)!
  20. Peter
    Jan 19, 2004
    10
    This final installment incorporates action, love, humor, suspense and fantasy, all of which are crafted together in a moving and powerful masterpiece. This movie is not only the best ive seen, it brings back my faith in a successful trilogy.
  21. MirandaL.
    Jan 21, 2004
    10
    The movie was awsome!!!!! all the actors really fit their parts. If I could I'd rate this movie way over 10.
  22. DanM.
    Dec 21, 2004
    10
    What the hell is monkey rugby?
  23. MarkP.
    Jan 2, 2004
    10
    Loved it - the trilogy 10 hours of great movie making.
  24. CharP.
    Jan 2, 2004
    10
    New Zealand makes this movie seem so like another land. I loved all three.
  25. PeteM.
    Jan 2, 2004
    10
    Anyone who gives this film less than a '10' went to the film expecting it to be bad - shame on them for giving it 0's - they belong in the audience for Adam Sandler's films - something they can understand.
  26. G.Peters
    Jan 23, 2004
    10
    Erm...To those idiots who rated this movie below 10 should go and screw themselves. THis movie was brilliant!! There is no other trilogy that could surpass such brilliance. And for those who are grumbeling about scenes being left out - watch the DVD! There is no way Peter could have put in all the scenes, use your brains! Just accept what you've seen and if you didn't like it don't review it - we don't want to hear your crap. Expand
  27. AlessandroM.
    Jan 24, 2004
    10
    A wonderful movie. By far the best in recent memory, or even ever! All hail Peter Jackson!
  28. SamJ.
    Jan 24, 2004
    10
    Visually stunning with amazing special effects.I would highly recommend this movie to all.It was better than the previous movies in the series and much broader in outlook.
  29. AnnetteF.
    Jan 24, 2004
    10
    The best movie I have ever seen. Beautiful, thrilling, inspiring, and heartbreaking: this one has got it all! A truly flawless epic with astonishing depth and breadth. You can just feel the love with which every costume, prop, and set was made in their exquisite detail. The perfectly paced story flows seamlessly and the whole trilogy comes together magnificently. To paraphrase Aragorn, this movie does not belong to one man but to all: every character shines and to say that the ensemble acting is brilliant would be understating how great the cast is. I could list the moments which just took my breath away, but I would basically just tell the whole movie! For over three hours, the members of the audience, strangers in the dark, formed a bond as we laughed, cried, and cheered for the Fellowship and their allies. It was a mesmerizing, rapturous experience. I could go on and on. A wonderful movie that everyone will love and always remember. Expand
  30. EddieV.
    Jan 24, 2004
    10
    If this movie doesn't win Oscar for best picture I am going to kill myself.
  31. JanetR.
    Jan 26, 2004
    10
    Wow! Continually astonishing and moving. Excellent performances and sure-handed directing make this movie the crowning jewel in an already glittering trilogy. I've seen it three times and it just gets better with each viewing, if that's possible! Do not be discouraged because it is a long movie: it was the fastest three and a half hours of my life! I stayed through all the credits along with a few people who were singing along with "Into the West." I love the portraits of all the characters and how the credits end with an image of the ring. Expand
  32. JennaJ.
    Jan 28, 2004
    10
    Diane P. what are you talking about? The Lord of the Rings the return of the king is the most brilliantly made movie of my time. How could a movie be below standard with such fine casting, directing, acting, detailing, editing etc. come below anyone's standards. You may not be a fan of fantasy but you can still appreciate. The performance that stood out most for me was Sean Astin9;s role as Samwise Gamgee. The relationship between Frodo and Sam's was exactly how I pictured it in the book. LOTR, ROTK has absolutely no downpoints and is worthy of any oscar title. A brilliant movie. Expand
  33. CorrinaS.
    Jan 31, 2004
    10
    Speechless....just speechless... thats all i can say.
  34. GreigJ.
    Jan 3, 2004
    10
    Stunning. Truly Stunning. I actually feel quite sorry for Jawad S and Joe B - one says it's an FX show and the other a soap opera - oh dear boys, is your resemblance to Orc beauty too close for comfort? And Chewbacca, I was there AT THAT TIME and how do you think Star Wars would be received nowadays? Calm down with YOUR implied "Best Ever" comments, kid. Apples with apples mate!
  35. MarcusX.
    Jan 4, 2004
    10
    Peter Jackson has crafted one of the finest films ever to grace the big screen. This trifecta known as The Lord of the Rings will go down in history as the finest trilogy ever made, the finest fantasy ever made, and perhaps the finest movie ever made. It's that good.
  36. Mr.Wiggles
    Jan 4, 2004
    10
    I think this movie was excellent especially when the eliphants came out and legolos when all freaky by knocking most of them down.
  37. PatilTexas
    Jan 5, 2004
    10
    Deconstructing the Critics. Critic: The is too long. Reply: The Lord of the Rings movies are based on a 1000 page trilogy. To condense this material to any less would undermine the fabric of Tolkien's world. Critic: This movie is a special effect showcase. Reply: Jackson masterfully weaves special effects to re-create the fictional world of Middle Earth. Once again, many critics who complain about special effects do not seem to understand the importance of establishing a foundational basis for Middle Earth. The use of special effects alongside actual landscapes is what creates a believable Middle Earth. Too much of one or another would not do full justice to the work. Critic: The movie does not accomodate for people who have not seen the first two movies. Reply: This is a trilogy, conceived as one large work. That is as foolish as saying that Part Three of The Brothers Karamazov does not accomodate for a new reader. Critic: The ending is too long. Reply: Once again, The Return of King should be viewed as part of a larger whole. There is very nice symmetry involved when one steps back to view the beginning of the Fellowship and the end of Return of the King. Furthermore, The Lord of the Rings is fundamentally the tale of hobbits, and to end abruptly at Mt. Doom would miss the larger character development. Critic: Many story plot lines seem silly and absurd. Reply: This is a criticism of Tolkien's work, not Peter Jackson's film adaptation of it. Critic: The characters are shallow and underdeveloped. Reply: Once again, step back and view how all the characters change over the course of the three films. One feels more attached to these fictional characters than some "real-life" characters. Final Opinion: This movie is grand, elegant, and a work of art that will surely stand the test of time. Expand
  38. DanS.
    Jan 5, 2004
    10
    One of the greatest movies ever made. Period.
  39. JimB.
    Jan 5, 2004
    10
    One of the most breath-taking films ever produced with brilliant acting and dialogue. An adequate adaptation of the books, which some of you seem to forget. How can you say the ending is too predictable? Did you expect them to change the ending from what had been written 50 years ago? Idiots. Look beyond the glitter and big fancy setwork and you will see at the heart of this story the relationship between hopeless hobbits and the definition of the heroic in identity in Aragorn, something our culture has lost. This movie is one of the best I have ever seen and should be at least viewed by all. Expand
  40. JimB.
    Jan 5, 2004
    10
    One of the most breath-taking films ever produced with brilliant acting and dialogue. An adequate adaptation of the books, which some of you seem to forget. How can you say the ending is too predictable? Did you expect them to change the ending from what had been written 50 years ago? Idiots. Look beyond the glitter and big fancy setwork and you will see at the heart of this story the relationship between hopeless hobbits and the definition of the heroic in identity in Aragorn, something our culture has lost. This movie is one of the best I have ever seen and should be at least viewed by all. Expand
  41. JimB.
    Jan 5, 2004
    10
    One of the most breath-taking films ever produced with brilliant acting and dialogue. An adequate adaptation of the books, which some of you seem to forget. How can you say the ending is too predictable? Did you expect them to change the ending from what had been written 50 years ago? Idiots. Look beyond the glitter and big fancy setwork and you will see at the heart of this story the relationship between hopeless hobbits and the definition of the heroic in identity in Aragorn, something our culture has lost. This movie is one of the best I have ever seen and should be at least viewed by all. Expand
  42. BambamBooboo
    Jan 6, 2004
    10
    A Masterpiece !! Brilliantly subtle while totally engrossing. To all the childish posters who add duplicate reviews to bash this movie..please try to be smarter in masking your ignorance. Arleen -"Found it very childish with redundant battle scenes. Not my cup of tea. Sorry" Goliath - "Saw it this weekend and was not impressed. Thought it was boring to say the least. Not my cup of tea." How many still use the term "my cup of tea" ? Expand
  43. BobS.
    Jan 8, 2004
    10
    Great, brilliant, breathtaking!
  44. JosephM.
    Jan 8, 2004
    10
    A visual masterpiece! Equally as stunning as the first two installments of the Lord of the Rings, Return of the King picks you up and doesn't let you go until the satisfying, albiet drawn out, ending. All told, this trilogy is perhaps the biggest movie making gamble and payoff in history.
  45. SueS.
    Jan 8, 2004
    10
    A fitting end to a fantastic film trilogy. Peter Jackson is to be commended for bringing a novel of such scale & complexity to the screen. It all comes together beautifully; the characterisations, the effects, the music, all combine to make a feast for the senses. It would be so unfair to pick any one person out of such an ensemble piece but I think my highest praise goes to Mr J himself for getting together such a cast who were able to bring the printed page to life. A wonderful film (and trilogy) which will live on for many a long year. Expand
  46. ThorA.
    Jan 9, 2004
    10
    Great, great, great!!!!!!!! The 2nd part of the trilogy is still my favorite though but this is a masterpiece !
  47. Alberdi1
    Jan 9, 2004
    10
    The best movie of the trilogy. Amazing soundtrack, the best acting in an ensemble (Sean Astin and Bernard Hill are excellent), and astonishing photography makes this movie one of the best i´ve ever seen. Epic! Unique! You´ll never forget this piece of art... you´ll be stucked on your sit since the very begginning to the last scene...
  48. Sonia
    Feb 10, 2004
    10
    This is just beautiful. I've seen it twice, and I'm still stunned at this amazing achievement.
  49. Andre
    Feb 14, 2004
    10
    The greatest movie of all time.
  50. Frieda
    Feb 17, 2004
    10
    It's sad that certain studios are engaging in sleazy, underhanded campaigning against this wonderful movie. Just think about what this group people have accomplished led by a little man from New Zealand. But Return of the King doesn't need to make any excuses or apologies. It is what it is: a fantasy epic that tells the story of hobbits, wizards, dwarves, elves, and men. And it is a great movie. The best of the year. Hands down. Collapse
  51. Carolyn
    Feb 2, 2004
    10
    Perfect.
  52. AliciaF.
    Feb 22, 2004
    10
    This is the best movie ever seen. after seeing this movie i became opssesed with the film not just rotk but all three. i watch them daily or i search on the internet about it.i am failing in school because i think about it so much. I would advise anyone and everyone to see this awesome film.
  53. Dracon
    Feb 28, 2004
    10
    The best movie ever made!!! Should win every award in the oscars.
  54. ChesterG.
    Feb 3, 2004
    10
    The films in the Lord Of the Rings Trilogy have truly raised the bar for contemporary filmmaking and Peter Jackson is the messiah who has delivered to us, these beautifully crafted epic pictures. Adapted from the timeless books written by JRR Tolkien the LOTR Trilogy blows both Star Wars and Harry Potter out of the water. The third and last in this series of remarkable films is The Return of the King, which is by far the best of the three as well as the best film of 2003. New Zealand was turned into the classic setting of Middle Earth for the filming of the series finale. The beautiful landscapes and eqsuisite backdrops make for a film that is very easy on the eye. Expand
  55. AliceF.
    Feb 5, 2004
    10
    What an amazing movie! A beautiful conclusion to a gorgeous trilogy. It's been acclaimed by critics and loved by audiences, and rightfully so! Thank you to the cast and crew for achieving what was previously thought to be impossible: bringing to the screen the classic trilogy. A compete success!
  56. ArielleV.
    Feb 5, 2004
    10
    Beautiful, thrilling, and moving. Peter Jackson directs with a certain, unerring hand. Having loved the books since childhood, I thought that an adaptation was impossible, but the movies have captured both the soul of the literary trilogy as well as the individual moments that make it so memorable. This film is an amazing achievement.
  57. AntonioM.
    Feb 5, 2004
    10
    I love this movie! Best one this year.
  58. TomH.
    Feb 6, 2004
    10
    Haha, silly people saying unfounded things about this movie. Easily the greatest cinematic achievement to date. No movie ever had the ambitions, the risks, the beauty, the artistic, the cast, and precision. It excells in cinmatography, artistic direction, visual effects, costume, make up, acting, music, and screen play. The movie is nominated for best overall cast by the screen actor';s guild. Hearing people say the acting is terrible is the most dishones thing I ever heard. Best movie achievement to date. Expand
  59. NinaC.
    Feb 7, 2004
    10
    Beautifully made! I am a pretty jaded moviegoer and fantasy films are normally not my cup of tea, but this trilogy has broken through all stereotypes! It has both the innocence and ambition of old-fashioned moviemaking. It is a great movie, a historic achievement, plain and simple. To think that such wonderful movie would have been made from what had been considered an unfilmable book makes Peter Jackson's accomplishment all the more miraculous. If you haven't yet experienced this beautiful movie, go and see it now! Expand
  60. MeganW.
    Feb 7, 2004
    10
    Return of the King rules them all! It is both grand and intimate, sweeping and tender. As the conclusion of the epic trilogy, it summons all the power and emotion in its heart-stopping climax and its beautiful and wistful epilogue. On its own, it is none less impressive: beautifully written, flawlessly edited, and impressively acted by the cast. Each step in the trilogy has brought greater power and depth to both the characters and the narrative. And this final film completes this wonderful journey in a way that will not soon be forgotten. Expand
  61. JoH.
    Mar 1, 2004
    10
    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! PETER YOU SO DESERVED THIS!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WHOLE TEAM!!!!! LOVE you ALL!
  62. KKRR
    Mar 17, 2004
    10
    One of the greatest films ever! Could have been shorter but the depiction of this world so unlike our own is amazing. Superb job by Peter Jackson.
  63. Impressed
    Mar 21, 2004
    10
    The ultimate good verses evil saga is played out in brilliant fashion. You can not help but cheer when the races unite and the hour of men is seen to its conclusion: We survive united and not alone. Superb cast and effects will rank this achievement among the greatest ever put on film. Way to go guys and gals!
  64. PaulS.
    Mar 20, 2004
    10
    Stunning masterpiece and well worth the wait. Everything about it is class, it makes you think your fighting the battle with them! The ending had to be 'long' ; how else can you end a 3 year long film!!
  65. BoydL.
    Mar 2, 2004
    10
    Awesome.
  66. JamesL.
    Mar 3, 2004
    10
    Excellent.
  67. JoshC.
    Mar 3, 2004
    10
    This is a true cinematic masterpiece! I actually watched the first two on the same day that i saw this, and it was simply spectacular. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew on a job well done!!!!!!!
  68. ZeaZ.
    Apr 12, 2004
    10
    Working on a movie for 7,8 years, it could not be easy. For this, PJ deserves a 10, and every other honor he's got. Just love this adventure!
  69. Carolyn
    Apr 4, 2004
    10
    Perfect.
  70. AdrianH.
    May 27, 2004
    9
    It's interesting to see these people vote 0-3 on this movie. Makes you wonder how they'd rate truly bad movies. This is an excellent movie, and I think criticism falls into 2 areas: 1) wasn't faithful enough to the book or 2) was too long. Those people who thought it was boring, probably didn't see the first 2, they'd know what to expect. If you enjoy the first two, you will LOVE this movie. Expand
  71. RichardG.
    May 27, 2004
    10
    Moviemaking at its best!
  72. WilliamE.
    May 28, 2004
    10
    A classic for the ages. I'd give this movie an 11 if I could - it is that much better than most films out there. There has never been a more sublime fusion of Art and populist entertainment.
  73. BeebopZippidydoo
    May 28, 2004
    10
    It's a little slow, but it has the awesomest graphics and the best battle sequences.
  74. DennisP.
    May 29, 2004
    9
    Long live the King! Great fun. I expect to feel a little empty this year when I don't get a new LOTR movie for Christmas.
  75. HadiF.
    May 31, 2004
    10
    Fantastic epic movie, which is beyond expectations.
  76. DanielleB.
    May 7, 2004
    10
    The books are so moving, magical, inspiring, and jaw dropping, so it would be pretty obvious that the movie would turn out the same. To tell you the truth I was never into the masterful triliogy until last summer. I have to admit I once thought The Lord of the Rings franchise was another book adaption for a movie, when screenplay writers ran out of ideas. When I saw Two Towers last year, I quickly got caught in the Lord of the Rings hysteria and couldn't wait for the finale. Two Towers may be the least memorable of the three, but it certainly caught this ONE fish from the sea. I took the time to read each book, and loved every piece of it!! What other movie do you see that has a director so devoted and close to these books?! Peter Jackson, unlike Christopher Columbus on the Harry Potter series, took seven complete years of his life attempting to film a movie that was considered "unfilmable." He wasn't even a renowned director, his most famous movie at the time being Heavenly Creatures. Yet he took a chance, took a book he truly adored, and created a masterpiece! Return of the King had epic battles, jaw dropping effects, and a great story!! This movie series will be talked about in a hundred years from now being in the same breath as the Godfather and Star Wars! Thank you Peter Jackson and LOTR cast for creating a movie so memorable and awe inspiring at the same time! Expand
  77. HunterB.
    Jun 19, 2004
    10
    Best movie ever.
  78. JamesB.
    Jun 3, 2004
    10
    This movie is by far the best film to be made in quite a few years. All Tolkien fans are urged to go and see this film - it's worth the Oscars and worth the money.
  79. EdwardD.
    Jun 4, 2004
    10
    Epic, masterful work. Fans of Tolkien should understand the long ending and be grateful that he didn't give in to the typical Hollywood: end fight, end movie (no need to worry about resolution.)
  80. GregT.
    Jun 7, 2004
    9
    I don't know if this series of movies were true to the books. I don't read fiction. However, I watch fiction and this movie involved so much effort on the part of the people involved in it that you would have to give them "A" for effort in any case. Great special effects, lots of action. A keeper.
  81. RachelM.
    Jul 9, 2004
    10
    When i first herd of the lord of the rings i thot it was just gonna be somme other movie but boy was i wrong! i also enjoyed the battle of midel earth!!! i think i would of preferd another ending thow! oh well.
  82. SamE.
    Aug 18, 2004
    10
    Awsome film, brilliant battle scenes has to be the best film of all time. It truly deserved 11 oscars!
  83. JaneA.
    Aug 8, 2004
    10
    I love the Lord of the Rings films (and books). See the extended editions.
  84. Anne
    Jan 23, 2005
    10
    Quite possibly the best movie ever made. its a masterpiece.
  85. SamuelU.
    Dec 5, 2005
    10
    One of the greatest films of all time.
  86. IanF.
    Apr 22, 2005
    10
    I am a dedicated convert to teh Lord of the Rings series, i was hooked the first time i saw The Fellowship of The Ring. In my opinion The Lord Of The Rings series is collectively the best films ever made. The film makes up for the slight disappointment which was The Two Towers after the mesmorislingly excellent Fellowship of The Rings . Somehow Jackson succeeded in doing the impossible, making the final chapter of the trilogy better than the first chapetr of the series, which was a cinematic masterpiece itself. From the frist second when we found out how Gollum or Speagle turned evil to when Frodo et al departed on the boat, the film kept up its unrelenting excellence. Forget what they say - that the second or thrid film in a series is never better - with Return of The King, i am happy to say, this myth is well and truly derailed and destroyed. Expand
  87. jasonD
    May 4, 2005
    10
    The great adventure masterpiece of our time.
  88. AnonymousMC
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    If "Fellowship" and "Towers" were considered epic filmmaking, "The Return of the King" is super-epic. The battles are bigger, the emotions are stronger, the scenery is grander. You don't want the story to be over quite yet, and Jackson does his best to stretch it out as long as he possibly can! It's a culmination right to follow the previous two films and worthy of the awards bestowed on it. Expand
  89. MBReviewTeam
    Oct 8, 2006
    10
    I really enjoyed this film. It has great acting, great special effects, and a great musical score. I HIGHLY recommend this movie.
  90. ShaneS.
    Feb 26, 2006
    10
    It astonishes me how many believed the ending to be far too long. But I feel it was a necessary choice to lengthen it as they did. This film attempted to its best to tie all the loose ends, and to conclude an epic adventure that spanned a total of ten hours of film. In order to do the master works of fiction any justice, every character must say their good byes, every action must be taken to blow the audience away. I found, then, that I wasn't only plastered to my seat, my eyes welling to the brim with tears, but that I wanted to remain with each character long after the story had ended. And for producing that profound want alone, the film deserves the rating I gave it, as well as for it being quite simply one of the great master works of cinema. These are the essential images magic is made of. Expand
  91. Sam
    Feb 3, 2006
    10
    Peter Jackson is an absoloute marvel at filmaking, even the spectacular action scenes have their share of emotional beauty. The Return of the King is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen, surpassed by Jackson's King Kong.
  92. RajivI.
    Mar 3, 2006
    10
    Simply awesome! Words fail me to describe what I felt when I was watching this movie. Certainly, one of the finest achievements in the history of cinema & certainly the most stupendous achievement in 21st century cinema so far.
  93. MaxW.
    May 17, 2006
    10
    Tolkien unravels an amazing book. Jackson resulted an amazing movie.
  94. JoshR.
    May 18, 2006
    10
    The last thing I want to do is jump on the bandwagon, and join the millions of people out there gushing and babbling about how amazingly fantastic this movie was. Unfortunately, I have little choice in the matter. It really is an an awe-inspiring conclusion to what is arguably one of the greatest trilogies ever conceived - fantasy or otherwise. I wasn't there when the original star wars trilogy opened for the first time at the movies. I always felt that I missed out on something - the buzz and excitment that inevitably accompanies the opening nights of truely great films. I'm just glad that I was lucky enough to see the full Lord of the Rings trilogy on the big screen - knowing full well that this will go down in history as one of the greats, and may never been shown on the big screen again. Expand
  95. ChrisH.
    Jul 13, 2006
    10
    Every time I come onto this website I am blown away by the stupidity of people. If you've read the books and enjoyed them, how could you not enjoy the movies? People who haven't read the books loved the movies, people who have read the books loved the movies. There always has to be special needs people out there who have to be different from everyone else. if only natural selection were still working as effectively on human beings, because none of you would be alive right now. Expand
  96. RobertE
    Dec 3, 2007
    10
    Greatest movie of all time, and for those of you that give it 0's you are ignorant people that haven't read the books and decide that watching the movie should do it all for you. You people can go watch dawn of the dead or some shit and give it 10's and have no idea what a truly great movie entails.
  97. BoydL.
    May 29, 2008
    10
    Awesome.
  98. ROB
    Jul 8, 2008
    10
    It kept me focused the entire 3+ hours, and excited. That is a testament to a truly great epic. It had everything I could ask for in a fantasy movie.
  99. IanO.
    Jul 8, 2008
    10
    This movie ROCKS!!! Intense action, amazing action and good story line I loved the books and the movie livies up to standerd this is a must see movie.
  100. sd
    Mar 28, 2009
    9
    To everyone who rated this at 0 or 1(and used the word hoopla)I physically shudder to think of the movies you rate highly.White chicks springs to mind.
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 41 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 41
  2. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. The conclusion of Peter Jackson's masterwork is passionate and literate, detailed and expansive, and it's conceived with a risk-taking flair for old-fashioned movie magic at its most precious.
  2. Reviewed by: David Hunter
    100
    An epic success and a history-making production that finishes with a masterfully entertaining final installment.
  3. Reviewed by: David Ansen
    100
    The second installment was better than the first, and this one is best of all. It has spectacular action scenes and imaginary creatures, and it’s by far the most moving chapter. The performances have deepened.