The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Peter Jackson’s 2001 fantasy epic begins when the hobbit Frodo Baggins inherits a ring from his uncle Bilbo. The object is revealed as the One Ring, a weapon created by the dark lord Sauron to dominate Middle-earth. With Sauron’s servants searching for it, Frodo leaves the Shire alongside Sam, Merry and Pippin and seeks the guidance of the wizard Gandalf. Their journey draws in Aragorn, Boromir, Legolas and Gimli, forming a fellowship charged with carrying the Ring toward its destruction in Mordor. The film balances an expanding war with the personal burden placed on Frodo, whose possession of the Ring exposes fear, loyalty and ambition within the group. Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin and Cate Blanchett lead the ensemble. Adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, this page covers the 2001 theatrical film rather than the 1978 animation or the separately listed Extended Edition.

Where to watch (checked October 7, 2026): The U.S. Movies Anywhere page offers the theatrical edition through participating digital retailers. The Extended Edition is a separate product. Retailers, prices, languages, formats and availability differ by country, so verify the local storefront.

Key facts

• Peter Jackson directed the film; Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Jackson wrote the screenplay.
• It adapts the first part of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
• The ensemble includes Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom and Christopher Lee.
• The film received 13 Academy Award nominations and won four: cinematography, makeup, original score and visual effects.

Official sources: Warner Bros. film page; Academy Awards.